Ethiopian pro-government demonstrators denounced the United States on Sunday for imposing restrictions on aid over the Tigray conflict, at a massive rally organised by the authorities to show support for their positions. 
 
More than 10,000 people attended the rally, some carrying banners written in English, Arabic and Amharic. Slogans included: 'USA show us your neutrality', 'Ethiopia doesn't need a caretaker', and 'Fill the dam', a reference to a huge Nile dam opposed by Egypt and Sudan. 
 
The demonstration was larger than typical pro-government rallies, and the public criticism of the United States was rare. 
 
Ethiopia is facing increasing international pressure over the conflict in Tigray, where it and neighbouring Eritrea sent troops last year to oust the regional authorities. 
 
A week ago, the United States imposed restrictions on economic and security assistance to Ethiopia over the conflict. Washington also said it would bar current or former Ethiopian or Eritrean officials it deems responsible for the crisis. 
 
The filling of the $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has also sparked international disputes. Ethiopia says the dam's electricity is needed to develop its economy; Sudan and Egypt say it violates their rights to Nile waters down river. 
 
"We will never kneel down. The preconditions and travel restrictions by the US&nbsp;and its allies are completely unacceptable. It needs to be corrected," Adanech Abebe, mayor of Addis Ababa, told the rally organised by the Ministry of Youth. 
 
Nejash Sheba, a 23-year-old Addis Ababa trader and member of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party, told Reuters, he had been told by local officials to organise people in his area, and had brought 100 others with him to the rally. 
 
"I came here to show my support to Prosperity Party and to denounce the restrictions put on Ethiopia by America."

Ethiopian pro-government demonstrators denounced the United States on Sunday for imposing restrictions on aid over the Tigray conflict, at a massive rally organised by the authorities to show support for their positions.

Ethiopian pro-government demonstrators denounced the United States on Sunday for imposing restrictions on aid over the Tigray conflict, at a massive rally organised by the authorities to show support for their positions. More than 10,000 people attended the rally, some carrying banners written in English, Arabic and Amharic. Slogans included: 'USA show us your neutrality', 'Ethiopia doesn't need a caretaker', and 'Fill the dam', a reference to a huge Nile dam opposed by Egypt and Sudan. The demonstration was larger than typical pro-government rallies, and the public criticism of the United States was rare. Ethiopia is facing increasing international pressure over the conflict in Tigray, where it and neighbouring Eritrea sent troops last year to oust the regional authorities. A week ago, the United States imposed restrictions on economic and security assistance to Ethiopia over the conflict. Washington also said it would bar current or former Ethiopian or Eritrean officials it deems responsible for the crisis. The filling of the $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has also sparked international disputes. Ethiopia says the dam's electricity is needed to develop its economy; Sudan and Egypt say it violates their rights to Nile waters down river. "We will never kneel down. The preconditions and travel restrictions by the US and its allies are completely unacceptable. It needs to be corrected," Adanech Abebe, mayor of Addis Ababa, told the rally organised by the Ministry of Youth. Nejash Sheba, a 23-year-old Addis Ababa trader and member of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party, told Reuters, he had been told by local officials to organise people in his area, and had brought 100 others with him to the rally. "I came here to show my support to Prosperity Party and to denounce the restrictions put on Ethiopia by America."

Ethiopians criticise United States at pro-government rally

Demonstrators have returned to Thailands streets to call for the removal of the government after a disputed election last year. Over thousands of pro-government protesters rallied in Bangkok. Whereas Thailand royalists rallied in support of government.

Pro-Govt. protesters gather in Bangkok, calls removal of government intensifies

A pro-government rally planned in Tehran on Monday will show the world who the "real" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-never-won-a-war-but-never-lost-a-negotiation-trump-239331">Iranians</a> are, Iran's Foreign Ministry said, voicing surprise over foreign statements of support for protesters angered by a decision to hike gasoline prices.

The protests grew into a wave of anti-government unrest that saw at least 100 banks and dozens of buildings torched in the worst violence at least since Iran put down a "Green Revolution" in 2009 when dozens were killed over several months.

Iran has blamed "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes - the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia - for stirring up the street unrest.

After days of state-sponsored marches in dozens of cities to condemn the unrest, Iran is holding a pro-government rally in the capital to be addressed by the commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, which helped quell the unrest.

"I recommend they (foreign countries) look at the marches today, to see who the real people in Iran are and what they are saying," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in remarks carried by state television.

"We are surprised that the foreign minister of a certain country has stooped so low as to ask for videos of bank-burnings ... be sent to them," Mousavi said.

"We recognize the right to peaceful assembly. But the situation is different for rioters&nbsp;and groups which take direction (from abroad) and are armed."

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-lawmakers-press-pompeo-for-answers-on-iran-arms-control-report-219258">Mike Pompeo</a> asked Iranian protesters on Twitter last week to send the United States any photos or videos of the crackdown of protests. "The United States will publicize and condemn the persecution of protesters," he said.

The French government said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned by reports of many deaths during protests in Iran and called on Tehran to respect its international human rights duties.

Rights group Amnesty International said last week that security forces shot into crowds of protesters from rooftops and, in one case, from a helicopter.

Amnesty said at least 115 people were killed in the unrest. Iran has rejected death toll figures as “speculative”.

Iranian authorities have said about 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested. The Center for Human Rights in Iran, a New York-based advocacy group, said the numbers was likely closer to 4,000.

Protests began on November&nbsp;15 in several towns after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50 per cent. They spread to 100 cities and towns and quickly turned political with protesters demanding top officials step down.

A pro-government rally planned in Tehran on Monday will show the world who the "real" Iranians are, Iran's Foreign Ministry said, voicing surprise over foreign statements of support for protesters angered by a decision to hike gasoline prices.

A pro-government rally planned in Tehran on Monday will show the world who the "real" Iranians are, Iran's Foreign Ministry said, voicing surprise over foreign statements of support for protesters angered by a decision to hike gasoline prices. The protests grew into a wave of anti-government unrest that saw at least 100 banks and dozens of buildings torched in the worst violence at least since Iran put down a "Green Revolution" in 2009 when dozens were killed over several months. Iran has blamed "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes - the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia - for stirring up the street unrest. After days of state-sponsored marches in dozens of cities to condemn the unrest, Iran is holding a pro-government rally in the capital to be addressed by the commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, which helped quell the unrest. "I recommend they (foreign countries) look at the marches today, to see who the real people in Iran are and what they are saying," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in remarks carried by state television. "We are surprised that the foreign minister of a certain country has stooped so low as to ask for videos of bank-burnings ... be sent to them," Mousavi said. "We recognize the right to peaceful assembly. But the situation is different for rioters and groups which take direction (from abroad) and are armed." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked Iranian protesters on Twitter last week to send the United States any photos or videos of the crackdown of protests. "The United States will publicize and condemn the persecution of protesters," he said. The French government said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned by reports of many deaths during protests in Iran and called on Tehran to respect its international human rights duties. Rights group Amnesty International said last week that security forces shot into crowds of protesters from rooftops and, in one case, from a helicopter. Amnesty said at least 115 people were killed in the unrest. Iran has rejected death toll figures as “speculative”. Iranian authorities have said about 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested. The Center for Human Rights in Iran, a New York-based advocacy group, said the numbers was likely closer to 4,000. Protests began on November 15 in several towns after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50 per cent. They spread to 100 cities and towns and quickly turned political with protesters demanding top officials step down.

Iran says pro-government rally to show who 'real' Iranians are

A member of the pro-government local peace committee was today killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the restive tribal reason of northwest Pakistan, officials said.

Abdur Rehman, a member of the pro-government local peace committee, was travelling in the Bajaur Agency, bordering Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by an IED planted on the roadside in Mamond Gat area, they said.

Rehman died on the spot after his vehicle was destroyed in the blast, they said, adding that security forces have sealed the area and launched a search operation.

Last week, a pro-government tribal leader was killed in an IED blast in Nawagai subdivision of the Bajaur agency.

No one has claimed the responsibility for the blast.

Rehman died on the spot after his vehicle was destroyed in the blast, they said, adding that security forces have sealed the area and launched a search operation

A member of the pro-government local peace committee was today killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the restive tribal reason of northwest Pakistan, officials said. Abdur Rehman, a member of the pro-government local peace committee, was travelling in the Bajaur Agency, bordering Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by an IED planted on the roadside in Mamond Gat area, they said. Rehman died on the spot after his vehicle was destroyed in the blast, they said, adding that security forces have sealed the area and launched a search operation. Last week, a pro-government tribal leader was killed in an IED blast in Nawagai subdivision of the Bajaur agency. No one has claimed the responsibility for the blast.

Pakistan tribal leader killed in IED blast in Bajaur Agency

At least 34 Libyan pro-government forces were killed and 100 wounded in clashes with Islamic State (IS) group jihadists as they prepared for a final assault on the jihadist stronghold of Sirte. 
 
It was one of bloodiest days since forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) launched an offensive in May to retake Sirte from IS. 
 
The fighting came as 29 people were killed and dozens wounded further west in the town of Garabulli when a blast ripped through an arms depot after militiamen and armed residents clashed yesterday. 
 
The fall of Sirte would be a major blow to IS, which has faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq where local forces and a US-led coalition are pressing an offensive against their positions. 
 
A statement by the GNA said yesterday&#39;s fighting took place in several parts of Sirte, where jihadists are pinned down in pockets of the coastal city. 
 
Speaking from the western city of Misrata, the source said the death toll had risen from 18 to 34, with the number of wounded increasing from 70 to 100. 
 
It was one of the heaviest tolls since the pro-GNA forces launched an offensive in May to dislodge IS from Sirte -- hometown of ousted and slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi which IS seized in June last year. 
 
The GNA forces earlier said &quot;dozens&quot; of IS fighters had been killed within 24 hours. 
 
They also announced their &quot;intelligence network is in full swing in preparation for the decisive battle&quot; against IS fighters in the city, after repelling multiple counter-attacks. 
 
The statement said fighters were targeting IS-held areas of Sirte with heavy artillery while loyalist aircraft were carrying out sorties every day to strike IS or carry out reconnaissance missions. 
 
IS fighters &quot;are besieged in a small area of Sirte and although they have sought to break out our forces have repelled all attempts&quot;, the statement said. 
 
It said that the jihadists had barricaded themselves in residential buildings and deployed snipers and explosive devices to fend off pro-GNA forces. 
 
IS has hit back with a string of suicide car bombings in a bid to defend their stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. 
 
Around 200 loyalist troops have been killed and hundreds wounded since the start of the offensive to capture Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli. 
 
An unknown number of jihadists have been killed. 
 
Libya has been awash with weapons since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed Kadhafi, with rival militias fighting for control of its cities and oil wealth. 
 
In Garabulli near the Libyan capital, armed residents stormed an arms depot after clashing with a militia from the western city of Misrata, which owned the weapons store.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

One of the bloodiest days in months as IS tries to maintain hold on key Libyan city, Sirte

At least 34 Libyan pro-government forces were killed and 100 wounded in clashes with Islamic State (IS) group jihadists as they prepared for a final assault on the jihadist stronghold of Sirte. It was one of bloodiest days since forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) launched an offensive in May to retake Sirte from IS. The fighting came as 29 people were killed and dozens wounded further west in the town of Garabulli when a blast ripped through an arms depot after militiamen and armed residents clashed yesterday. The fall of Sirte would be a major blow to IS, which has faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq where local forces and a US-led coalition are pressing an offensive against their positions. A statement by the GNA said yesterday's fighting took place in several parts of Sirte, where jihadists are pinned down in pockets of the coastal city. Speaking from the western city of Misrata, the source said the death toll had risen from 18 to 34, with the number of wounded increasing from 70 to 100. It was one of the heaviest tolls since the pro-GNA forces launched an offensive in May to dislodge IS from Sirte -- hometown of ousted and slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi which IS seized in June last year. The GNA forces earlier said "dozens" of IS fighters had been killed within 24 hours. They also announced their "intelligence network is in full swing in preparation for the decisive battle" against IS fighters in the city, after repelling multiple counter-attacks. The statement said fighters were targeting IS-held areas of Sirte with heavy artillery while loyalist aircraft were carrying out sorties every day to strike IS or carry out reconnaissance missions. IS fighters "are besieged in a small area of Sirte and although they have sought to break out our forces have repelled all attempts", the statement said. It said that the jihadists had barricaded themselves in residential buildings and deployed snipers and explosive devices to fend off pro-GNA forces. IS has hit back with a string of suicide car bombings in a bid to defend their stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. Around 200 loyalist troops have been killed and hundreds wounded since the start of the offensive to capture Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli. An unknown number of jihadists have been killed. Libya has been awash with weapons since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed Kadhafi, with rival militias fighting for control of its cities and oil wealth. In Garabulli near the Libyan capital, armed residents stormed an arms depot after clashing with a militia from the western city of Misrata, which owned the weapons store. (AFP)

At least 34 Tripoli troops dead, 100 injured in fight against Islamic State

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Ethiopians criticise United States at pro-government rally

Pro-Govt. protesters gather in Bangkok, calls removal of government intensifies

Iran says pro-government rally to show who 'real' Iranians are

Pakistan tribal leader killed in IED blast in Bajaur Agency

At least 34 Tripoli troops dead, 100 injured in fight against Islamic State