TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports.

Justice Department prosecutors are conducting the investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia and in Washington along with the FBI, said the officials.

While speaking to NBC about the news report, a spokesperson of ByteDance said, "We have strongly condemned the actions of the individuals found to have been involved, and they are no longer employed at ByteDance. Our internal investigation is still ongoing, and we will co-operate with any official investigations when brought to us."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-are-countries-banning-tiktok-573111">Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok?</a>

Forbes first reported about the investigation on Thursday, stating that the company fired the employees who were implicated in the surveillance after it was confirmed that efforts were being made by them to discover the sources of leaks and business documents to journalists.

An investigation by ByteDance found that employees of the company gained access to the IP addresses as well as other data of the reporters as well of some of their contacts which were connected through their accounts on TikTok, reported Forbes.

Investigation into TikTok is going on at a time when concern over the security threats to the citizens of the United States due to TikTok has increased.

A potential ban has been threatened by the Biden administration on the video-sharing application in the United States if its Chinese owners do not agree to sell their stakes in the company.

WATCH | Gravitas: EU purges TikTok from official devices

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The step has been taken after concerns were expressed by US intelligence officials that TikTok can be used by China to spy on Americans or influence public opinion in the United States.

Speaking about the message sent by the White House to TikTok users in the US, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday said, "We’ve expressed concerns over China’s potential use of software platforms that could endanger or threaten America’s safety and their national security. So that is the president’s concern. That is why we have called on Congress to take action."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports.

TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports. Justice Department prosecutors are conducting the investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia and in Washington along with the FBI, said the officials. While speaking to NBC about the news report, a spokesperson of ByteDance said, "We have strongly condemned the actions of the individuals found to have been involved, and they are no longer employed at ByteDance. Our internal investigation is still ongoing, and we will co-operate with any official investigations when brought to us." ALSO READ | Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok? Forbes first reported about the investigation on Thursday, stating that the company fired the employees who were implicated in the surveillance after it was confirmed that efforts were being made by them to discover the sources of leaks and business documents to journalists. An investigation by ByteDance found that employees of the company gained access to the IP addresses as well as other data of the reporters as well of some of their contacts which were connected through their accounts on TikTok, reported Forbes. Investigation into TikTok is going on at a time when concern over the security threats to the citizens of the United States due to TikTok has increased. A potential ban has been threatened by the Biden administration on the video-sharing application in the United States if its Chinese owners do not agree to sell their stakes in the company. WATCH | Gravitas: EU purges TikTok from official devices The step has been taken after concerns were expressed by US intelligence officials that TikTok can be used by China to spy on Americans or influence public opinion in the United States. Speaking about the message sent by the White House to TikTok users in the US, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday said, "We’ve expressed concerns over China’s potential use of software platforms that could endanger or threaten America’s safety and their national security. So that is the president’s concern. That is why we have called on Congress to take action." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Justice Department, FBI investigate TikTok over allegations of spying

The largest banks in the United States on Thursday moved to rescue the First Republic, easing growing fears that the regional lender may be next to fall after some recent collapses which include Silicon Valley Bank.

A group of 11 private banks in the United States, which include Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, announced that $30 billion will be deposited by them into the First Republic.

The step marks a dramatic initiative by the lenders to support the system after the failures of three lenders in the last week.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-first-republic-bank-drops-70-amid-silicon-valley-bank-collapse-regional-banks-raise-concern-571937">US: First Republic Bank drops 70% amid Silicon Valley Bank collapse, regional banks raise concern</a>

"This action by America's largest banks reflects their confidence in the First Republic and in banks of all sizes," stated the group, in a joint statement.

"Together, we are deploying our financial strength and liquidity into the larger system, where it is needed the most," the banks added.

"This show of support by a group of large banks is most welcome, and demonstrates the resilience of the banking system," stated leaders of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, US Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in a joint statement.

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citigroup each are making an uninsured deposit of $5 billion in the First Republic, while Morgan Stanley and Goldman will pump in $2.5 billion each.

Another group of five lenders, which include US Bank and PNC Bank, will each allot $1 billion.

First Republic founder Jim Herbert and CEO Mike Roffler, in a statement, said the "collective support strengthens our liquidity position... and is a vote of confidence for First Republic and the entire US banking system."

WATCH | SVB Collapse: Moody's to re-evaluate ratings of six banks

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Meanwhile, US banks were lent nearly $12 billion by the Federal Reserve under a new one-year lending programme announced on Sunday, as steps were taken by the authorities to relax stress on the financial system after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Under the Bank Term Funding Programme, the total outstanding amount of all advances reached $11.9 billion by Wednesday, said the US central bank in a statement on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The largest banks in the United States on Thursday moved to rescue the First Republic, easing growing fears that the regional lender may be next to fall after some recent collapses which include Silicon Valley Bank.

The largest banks in the United States on Thursday moved to rescue the First Republic, easing growing fears that the regional lender may be next to fall after some recent collapses which include Silicon Valley Bank. A group of 11 private banks in the United States, which include Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, announced that $30 billion will be deposited by them into the First Republic. The step marks a dramatic initiative by the lenders to support the system after the failures of three lenders in the last week. ALSO READ | US: First Republic Bank drops 70% amid Silicon Valley Bank collapse, regional banks raise concern "This action by America's largest banks reflects their confidence in the First Republic and in banks of all sizes," stated the group, in a joint statement. "Together, we are deploying our financial strength and liquidity into the larger system, where it is needed the most," the banks added. "This show of support by a group of large banks is most welcome, and demonstrates the resilience of the banking system," stated leaders of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, US Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in a joint statement. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citigroup each are making an uninsured deposit of $5 billion in the First Republic, while Morgan Stanley and Goldman will pump in $2.5 billion each. Another group of five lenders, which include US Bank and PNC Bank, will each allot $1 billion. First Republic founder Jim Herbert and CEO Mike Roffler, in a statement, said the "collective support strengthens our liquidity position... and is a vote of confidence for First Republic and the entire US banking system." WATCH | SVB Collapse: Moody's to re-evaluate ratings of six banks Meanwhile, US banks were lent nearly $12 billion by the Federal Reserve under a new one-year lending programme announced on Sunday, as steps were taken by the authorities to relax stress on the financial system after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Under the Bank Term Funding Programme, the total outstanding amount of all advances reached $11.9 billion by Wednesday, said the US central bank in a statement on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Largest banks move to shore up First Republic Bank in United States

Australia is set to purchase up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States after the US State Department approved the sale in a deal worth up to $900 million, reported Al Jazeera.

The deal, which the Pentagon said could involve up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles and technical support, was announced just days after Australia said it would purchase three nuclear-powered attack submarines from the US, with an option to buy two more, out of concern for China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

The new nuclear-powered submarines will be able to launch Tomahawk missiles, according to Australian officials who spoke to Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the&nbsp;US Department of Defence said in a statement on Friday. Australia’s strategic location “contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region,” the department told Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-aukus-deal-sparks-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons-debate-heres-why-572021">Explained | AUKUS submarine deal sparks nuclear proliferation concerns. Here's why</a>

“By deploying the Tomahawk Weapon System, Australia will contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability of US Forces operating alongside them globally,” it added.&nbsp;

The Pentagon said the sale would "improve Australia's capability to interoperate with US maritime forces and other allied forces as well as its ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest," reported the BBC.&nbsp;

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the missiles would provide "a really important capability".

The Aukus deal, which was announced on Monday in San Diego, brings Australia, the UK, and the US together in a comprehensive defence alliance to thwart Chinese military expansion in the region.

China has condemned the pact as "risking a new arms race and nuclear proliferation".

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Australia is set to purchase up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States after the US State Department approved the sale in a deal worth up to $900 million, reported Al Jazeera.

Australia is set to purchase up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States after the US State Department approved the sale in a deal worth up to $900 million, reported Al Jazeera. The deal, which the Pentagon said could involve up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles and technical support, was announced just days after Australia said it would purchase three nuclear-powered attack submarines from the US, with an option to buy two more, out of concern for China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific. The new nuclear-powered submarines will be able to launch Tomahawk missiles, according to Australian officials who spoke to Al Jazeera. “Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the US Department of Defence said in a statement on Friday. Australia’s strategic location “contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region,” the department told Al Jazeera. ALSO READ | Explained | AUKUS submarine deal sparks nuclear proliferation concerns. Here's why “By deploying the Tomahawk Weapon System, Australia will contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability of US Forces operating alongside them globally,” it added. The Pentagon said the sale would "improve Australia's capability to interoperate with US maritime forces and other allied forces as well as its ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest," reported the BBC. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the missiles would provide "a really important capability". The Aukus deal, which was announced on Monday in San Diego, brings Australia, the UK, and the US together in a comprehensive defence alliance to thwart Chinese military expansion in the region. China has condemned the pact as "risking a new arms race and nuclear proliferation". WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australia authorised to purchase 220 American Tomahawk cruise missiles

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday vowed that United States will fly its aircraft "wherever international law allows" and warned Russia it must operate with caution, after an American drone was allegedly crashed by one of the Russian fighter jets.

The statement was made by Austin shortly after he spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu over the phone about the incident that took place over the Black Sea on Tuesday when two Russian fighters allegedly hit an unmanned US surveillance drone and its propeller was damaged.

The incident was labelled by the United States as "reckless" and "unprofessional" while Moscow refuted the allegations and Washington was instead accused of conducting "hostile" flights in the region.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-refutes-allegations-of-crashing-us-drone-over-black-sea-572081">Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea</a>

"The United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows," said Austin while speaking to reporters after the call with Shoigu. "And it is incumbent upon Russia to operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner," he added.

US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said that the video and the data retrieved from the drone are still being analysed by the Pentagon to see what exactly happened.

"Was it intentional or not? - don't know yet. We know that the intercept was intentional. We know that the aggressive behaviour was intentional, we also know it was very unprofessional and very unsafe," said Milley.

"The actual contact of the fixed-wing Russian fighter with our UAV, the physical contact with those two, not sure yet,” he added.

Appreciating the call, Austin said, “We take any potential for escalation very seriously and that's why I believe it's important to keep the lines of communication open.”

"I think it's really key that we're able to pick up the phone and engage each other. And I think that will help to prevent miscalculation going forward,” he added.

WATCH | Gravitas: Russian Su-27 downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea

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Meanwhile, Shoigu, in talks with Austin, said that "increased intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation" as well as the "non-compliance with the restricted flight zone" declared by Moscow because of its military campaign in Ukraine led to the incident with the drone, said the defence ministry in a statement.

The Russian ministry further warned that it would react "proportionately" to any "provocations" by the US in future.

"Flights of American strategic unmanned aerial vehicles off the coast of Crimea are provocative in nature, which creates pre-conditions for an escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone," the ministry stated.

"Russia is not interested in such a development of events, but it will continue to respond proportionately to all provocations,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Moscow said that the wreckage of a US military drone will be retrieved by the officials.

In televised remarks, Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that Moscow would retrieve the wreckage of the downed craft but remained unsure if they would achieve success. "But it has to be done. And we will certainly work on it," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday vowed that United States will fly its aircraft "wherever international law allows" and warned Russia it must operate with caution, after an American drone was allegedly crashed by one of the Russian fighter jets.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday vowed that United States will fly its aircraft "wherever international law allows" and warned Russia it must operate with caution, after an American drone was allegedly crashed by one of the Russian fighter jets. The statement was made by Austin shortly after he spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu over the phone about the incident that took place over the Black Sea on Tuesday when two Russian fighters allegedly hit an unmanned US surveillance drone and its propeller was damaged. The incident was labelled by the United States as "reckless" and "unprofessional" while Moscow refuted the allegations and Washington was instead accused of conducting "hostile" flights in the region. ALSO READ | Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea "The United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows," said Austin while speaking to reporters after the call with Shoigu. "And it is incumbent upon Russia to operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner," he added. US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said that the video and the data retrieved from the drone are still being analysed by the Pentagon to see what exactly happened. "Was it intentional or not? - don't know yet. We know that the intercept was intentional. We know that the aggressive behaviour was intentional, we also know it was very unprofessional and very unsafe," said Milley. "The actual contact of the fixed-wing Russian fighter with our UAV, the physical contact with those two, not sure yet,” he added. Appreciating the call, Austin said, “We take any potential for escalation very seriously and that's why I believe it's important to keep the lines of communication open.” "I think it's really key that we're able to pick up the phone and engage each other. And I think that will help to prevent miscalculation going forward,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Russian Su-27 downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea Meanwhile, Shoigu, in talks with Austin, said that "increased intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation" as well as the "non-compliance with the restricted flight zone" declared by Moscow because of its military campaign in Ukraine led to the incident with the drone, said the defence ministry in a statement. The Russian ministry further warned that it would react "proportionately" to any "provocations" by the US in future. "Flights of American strategic unmanned aerial vehicles off the coast of Crimea are provocative in nature, which creates pre-conditions for an escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone," the ministry stated. "Russia is not interested in such a development of events, but it will continue to respond proportionately to all provocations,” it added. Earlier in the day, Moscow said that the wreckage of a US military drone will be retrieved by the officials. In televised remarks, Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that Moscow would retrieve the wreckage of the downed craft but remained unsure if they would achieve success. "But it has to be done. And we will certainly work on it," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US says will fly 'wherever international law allows' after talks with Russia over drone downing

The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea.

"As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with the loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," stated the ministry. It further said its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-says-russian-fighter-jet-collides-with-us-drone-over-black-sea-572052">Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless'</a>

US summons Russian envoy

The Russian ambassador was summoned by the United States to protest the crash of the American drone on Tuesday over the Black Sea after it collided with a Russian warplane, the State Department said.

"We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft," spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

The officials summoned the Russian ambassador at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon and a "strong objection" has been registered by the American ambassador in Moscow.&nbsp;

WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun?

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The incident was a clear violation of international law, Price said. The crash of an American drone took place at a time when tensions are high between the two countries due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The US military stated that fuel was dumped by a Russian&nbsp;Su-27 fighter jet on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, which led to the crashing of the drone.

The White House said that the crash was because of Russia's "reckless" behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US forced to crash drone: Pentagon

The Pentagon confirmed that the US military was forced to crash its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone as it was brutally damaged after being struck by a Russian jet.

"Because of the damage, we were in a position to have to essentially crash into the Black Sea," said Brigadier General Pat Ryder, adding the drone, after the damage, was basically unflyable.&nbsp;

Ryder said that the crashed drone has not been recovered by Russia. The Pentagon said that the drone's propeller was struck by one of the Russian Su-27 jets, making it inoperable.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea.

The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea. "As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with the loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," stated the ministry. It further said its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV." ALSO READ | Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless' US summons Russian envoy The Russian ambassador was summoned by the United States to protest the crash of the American drone on Tuesday over the Black Sea after it collided with a Russian warplane, the State Department said. "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft," spokesman Ned Price told reporters. The officials summoned the Russian ambassador at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon and a "strong objection" has been registered by the American ambassador in Moscow. WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun? The incident was a clear violation of international law, Price said. The crash of an American drone took place at a time when tensions are high between the two countries due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US military stated that fuel was dumped by a Russian Su-27 fighter jet on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, which led to the crashing of the drone. The White House said that the crash was because of Russia's "reckless" behaviour. US forced to crash drone: Pentagon The Pentagon confirmed that the US military was forced to crash its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone as it was brutally damaged after being struck by a Russian jet. "Because of the damage, we were in a position to have to essentially crash into the Black Sea," said Brigadier General Pat Ryder, adding the drone, after the damage, was basically unflyable. Ryder said that the crashed drone has not been recovered by Russia. The Pentagon said that the drone's propeller was struck by one of the Russian Su-27 jets, making it inoperable. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea

A Russian fighter jet on Tuesday dumped fuel on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, causing the drone to crash, the US military said, slamming the manoeuvre as "reckless".

Russian Jet Dumps Fuel On U.S. Drone, then Collides with it over Black Sea

HCL Co-founder Ajai Chowdhry, who is also a Member of the Advisory Board on India's Semiconductor Mission, tells Vikram Chandra why he feels the time is right for India to move towards gaining dominance in the most important of tech sectors.

The India Story | HCL Co-founder Ajai Chowdhry explains India's semiconductor strategy

India and the United States have signed an agreement to collaborate on boosting semiconductor manufacturing. Vikram Chandra speaks to Ajai Chowdhry, Founder HCL, and other experts to ascertain how India is planning to dominate the most important tech sector.

The India Story | India's big push to become a semiconductor hub

An MQ-9 Reaper drone belonging to the United States Air Force crashed into the Black Sea when it was intercepted by two Russian Su-27 fighter jets near the Crimean peninsula, leading to tensions between the two countries.

What is a Reaper Drone?

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years.

The defence co-operation has been ramped up by Washington and Seoul in the face of growing nuclear and military threats from the North, which has conducted multiple provocative banned weapons tests in a few months.

"North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as he referred to the body of water also called the Sea of Japan.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-begin-major-drills-as-north-test-fires-missiles-from-submarine-571421">South Korea-US begin major drills as North test-fires missiles from submarine</a>

The missile was fired just days after two "strategic cruise missiles" were launched by Pyongyang from a submarine in what looked like a protest over the US-South Korea drills.

The drills, which are known as Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days as part of the drive of the allies to counter the growing threats of North Korea.

In a rare step, the military of Seoul this month announced the special forces units of the allies were staging military exercises called "Teak Knife" - which include simulating precision strikes on North Korea's key facilities - ahead of Freedom Shield.

WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield

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The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies stated.

They will "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilisation campaign in the North", said the South Korean military.

It further stressed that the exercise was a "defensive one based on a combined operational plan".

(With inputs from agencies)

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A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years.

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years. The defence co-operation has been ramped up by Washington and Seoul in the face of growing nuclear and military threats from the North, which has conducted multiple provocative banned weapons tests in a few months. "North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as he referred to the body of water also called the Sea of Japan. ALSO READ | South Korea-US begin major drills as North test-fires missiles from submarine The missile was fired just days after two "strategic cruise missiles" were launched by Pyongyang from a submarine in what looked like a protest over the US-South Korea drills. The drills, which are known as Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days as part of the drive of the allies to counter the growing threats of North Korea. In a rare step, the military of Seoul this month announced the special forces units of the allies were staging military exercises called "Teak Knife" - which include simulating precision strikes on North Korea's key facilities - ahead of Freedom Shield. WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies stated. They will "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilisation campaign in the North", said the South Korean military. It further stressed that the exercise was a "defensive one based on a combined operational plan". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

N Korea launched 'unidentified ballistic missile', claims Seoul

The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday announced the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, a major step towards countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific.

In a joint statement, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plan for the AUKUS project at the US naval base in San Diego, California.

At the ceremony, PM Albanese said that the purchase of US nuclear-powered submarines and the target of constructing its own vessels marks the "biggest" investment ever made in the defence sector in the history of the country.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-losing-interest-in-acquiring-british-nuclear-submarines-says-ex-defence-minister-568126">Australia losing interest in acquiring British nuclear submarines, says ex-defence minister</a>

The deal with the United States and Britain is "the biggest single investment in Australia's defence capability in all of our history," he said in San Diego, California, alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden.

The Prime Minister made the statement as Australia entered the deal with the US and Britain, according to which it will be purchasing five US nuclear-powered submarines and will later work on building a new model with British and US technology as part of an ambitious plan.

US President Biden was hosting his British and Australian counterparts, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Sunak, on a US naval base in San Diego, California for announcing the plan.

Biden emphasised that the submarines would not be nuclear armed and only nuclear-powered. "These boats will not have nuclear weapons of any kind on them," he stated.

In the late 2030s, Britain will receive delivery of its first SSN-AUKUS submarine, and Australia would take its first delivery in the early 2040s, stated Albanese and the British statement.

The vessels will be built by Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, said the British statement.

WATCH | WION Speed News: North Korea fires two cruise missiles from submarine

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Meanwhile, National security advisor of Biden, Jake Sullivan, said that the submarine plan illustrated the long-term commitment of Washington to guard "peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific region.

US' partnership with Australia, which includes exchanging secret nuclear technology which was previously shared only with&nbsp;Britain, is "a decades-long, maybe a century-long commitment," said Sullivan.

Three nuclear-powered, conventionally armed Virginia class vessels will be sold "over the course of the 2030s," with the "possibility of going up to five if that is needed," Sullivan added.

The new model, which is nuclear-powered and carries conventional weapons, is a long-term project and will be dubbed the SSN-AUKUS, he stated.

It will be constructed using US technology and with the base of a British design, and "significant investments in all three industrial bases," said Sullivan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday announced the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, a major step towards countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific.

The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday announced the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, a major step towards countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific. In a joint statement, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plan for the AUKUS project at the US naval base in San Diego, California. At the ceremony, PM Albanese said that the purchase of US nuclear-powered submarines and the target of constructing its own vessels marks the "biggest" investment ever made in the defence sector in the history of the country. ALSO READ | Australia losing interest in acquiring British nuclear submarines, says ex-defence minister The deal with the United States and Britain is "the biggest single investment in Australia's defence capability in all of our history," he said in San Diego, California, alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister made the statement as Australia entered the deal with the US and Britain, according to which it will be purchasing five US nuclear-powered submarines and will later work on building a new model with British and US technology as part of an ambitious plan. US President Biden was hosting his British and Australian counterparts, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Sunak, on a US naval base in San Diego, California for announcing the plan. Biden emphasised that the submarines would not be nuclear armed and only nuclear-powered. "These boats will not have nuclear weapons of any kind on them," he stated. In the late 2030s, Britain will receive delivery of its first SSN-AUKUS submarine, and Australia would take its first delivery in the early 2040s, stated Albanese and the British statement. The vessels will be built by Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, said the British statement. WATCH | WION Speed News: North Korea fires two cruise missiles from submarine Meanwhile, National security advisor of Biden, Jake Sullivan, said that the submarine plan illustrated the long-term commitment of Washington to guard "peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific region. US' partnership with Australia, which includes exchanging secret nuclear technology which was previously shared only with Britain, is "a decades-long, maybe a century-long commitment," said Sullivan. Three nuclear-powered, conventionally armed Virginia class vessels will be sold "over the course of the 2030s," with the "possibility of going up to five if that is needed," Sullivan added. The new model, which is nuclear-powered and carries conventional weapons, is a long-term project and will be dubbed the SSN-AUKUS, he stated. It will be constructed using US technology and with the base of a British design, and "significant investments in all three industrial bases," said Sullivan. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia

US President Joe Biden guaranteed to release an executive order to reinforce the background check for gun buyers. The White House promoted the upcoming decision as the 'most comprehensive policy' announced by the US President without needing the approval of Congress.

US President Joe Biden guaranteed to release an executive order to reinforce the background check for gun buyers. The White House promoted the upcoming decision as the 'most comprehensive policy' announced by the US President without needing the approval of Congress. It will support federal laws for gun sales to people, passed in 19 states and Columbia. Furthermore, it will follow the previous executive actions taken by the Biden government to reduce gun violence in the United States. According to the White House, Biden will discuss the order during his meeting with gun violence victims in Monterey Park, California. The place witnessed an open fire by a shooter who killed 11 people and injured nine others on January 21, 2023. The United States witnesses 40,000 gun death every year. In this case, US President Joe Biden believes that citizens of this country will embrace more proactive gun control. The Biden administration referred to the public opinion that showed the American majority supporting background checks. The President will direct the Attorney General to publicly release the ATF or Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives records from firearms dealers inspection cited for violating federal firearm laws. Biden, who has previously called gun violence in America "an epidemic" and "international embarrassment," will further order efforts to dispute a sharp elevation in the loss or theft of guns during shipping. Joe Biden's executive order on background checks to reduce gun violence in the United States Here are some highlights of the executive order on background checkers by Joe Biden to reduce gun violence in the United States. It appeals to increase the background check numbers and ensure that the authorities run all background checks required by law before firearm purchases. It suggests improving public awareness and increasing the appropriate use of extreme risk protection red flag orders and safe firearm storage. Provide the public and policymakers with more information regarding federally licensed firearms dealers violating the law. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Joe Biden to issue executive order on background checks to clamp down on law-breaking gun dealers

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called his country safer than the United States, days after a group of Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed.

"Why this paranoia?" said Lopez Obrador said when quizzed by reporters about the recommendation of the US government to avoid travelling to Mexico or exercise increased precaution while visiting the country.

"Mexico is safer than the United States and there's no problem to travel through Mexico safely," he stated. The comments came days after four US citizens were abducted on March 3, out of which two were killed, after they crossed the border and entered northeastern Mexico, apparently so that one person could undergo cosmetic surgery.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-arrested-for-kidnapping-and-killing-of-us-citizens-in-mexico-570762">Five arrested for kidnapping and killing of US citizens in Mexico</a>

The officials on Friday confirmed that they have arrested five suspected drug cartel members for committing crimes of kidnapping and homicide after the incident which took place in Tamaulipas state.

As per the Mexican authorities, the Americans were mistaken by the drug traffickers as their rivals because of which they shot at them when the visitors tried to escape.

Plagued by cartel-related bloodshed, the Latin American country, has witnessed around 350,000 people being killed since the military was deployed by the government in the war on drugs in 2006.

WATCH | Two dead, two alive after Americans kidnapped in Mexico

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Tamaulipas is among six states of Mexico that the US government has warned the people to avoid visiting due to the risk of killing, kidnapping and other crimes.

The US State Department website advises that US citizens must reconsider travelling to seven other states, and increased caution must be exercised when visiting 17 states.

The US considers only Campeche and Yucatan, as safe places to visit with normal precautions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called his country safer than the United States, days after a group of Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called his country safer than the United States, days after a group of Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed. "Why this paranoia?" said Lopez Obrador said when quizzed by reporters about the recommendation of the US government to avoid travelling to Mexico or exercise increased precaution while visiting the country. "Mexico is safer than the United States and there's no problem to travel through Mexico safely," he stated. The comments came days after four US citizens were abducted on March 3, out of which two were killed, after they crossed the border and entered northeastern Mexico, apparently so that one person could undergo cosmetic surgery. ALSO READ | Five arrested for kidnapping and killing of US citizens in Mexico The officials on Friday confirmed that they have arrested five suspected drug cartel members for committing crimes of kidnapping and homicide after the incident which took place in Tamaulipas state. As per the Mexican authorities, the Americans were mistaken by the drug traffickers as their rivals because of which they shot at them when the visitors tried to escape. Plagued by cartel-related bloodshed, the Latin American country, has witnessed around 350,000 people being killed since the military was deployed by the government in the war on drugs in 2006. WATCH | Two dead, two alive after Americans kidnapped in Mexico Tamaulipas is among six states of Mexico that the US government has warned the people to avoid visiting due to the risk of killing, kidnapping and other crimes. The US State Department website advises that US citizens must reconsider travelling to seven other states, and increased caution must be exercised when visiting 17 states. The US considers only Campeche and Yucatan, as safe places to visit with normal precautions. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Obrador calls Mexico safer than US despite recent kidnappings

The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday.

The step taken is similar to the recent ban imposed on the video sharing app by the government authorities in the United States and Europe.

According to a post shared on Alexander de Croo’s website, TikTok will be prohibited temporarily for at least six months from the devices which the federal government of Belgium owns or is paying for.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tiktok-adds-paywall-feature-with-longer-videos-for-creators-570548">TikTok adds paywall feature with longer videos for creators</a>

No immediate response was given by TikTok. The company, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has for a long time maintained that no data of the application is shared with the Chinese government and that the data is not held in China.

This week, new measures were unveiled by TikTok to ease concerns being raised about user data protection in Europe.

But the three main institutions of the European Union and the defence ministry of Denmark have already given orders to their employees to delete the application from mobile devices which are being used for official business.

The governments have imposed similar bans in Canada and the US. De Croo said that the ban imposed by Belgium was based on the warning issued by its cybersecurity centre and the state security service, which stated that the user data can be harvested by the application and algorithms can be tweaked to manipulate its content and news feed.

The officials further warned that TikTok can be forced to spy for Beijing, he stated.

WATCH | White House backs Senate bill to boost U.S. ability to ban TikTok

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“We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” said de Croo, in an online statement.

“We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company which today is obliged to cooperate with the intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday.

The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday. The step taken is similar to the recent ban imposed on the video sharing app by the government authorities in the United States and Europe. According to a post shared on Alexander de Croo’s website, TikTok will be prohibited temporarily for at least six months from the devices which the federal government of Belgium owns or is paying for. ALSO READ | TikTok adds paywall feature with longer videos for creators No immediate response was given by TikTok. The company, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has for a long time maintained that no data of the application is shared with the Chinese government and that the data is not held in China. This week, new measures were unveiled by TikTok to ease concerns being raised about user data protection in Europe. But the three main institutions of the European Union and the defence ministry of Denmark have already given orders to their employees to delete the application from mobile devices which are being used for official business. The governments have imposed similar bans in Canada and the US. De Croo said that the ban imposed by Belgium was based on the warning issued by its cybersecurity centre and the state security service, which stated that the user data can be harvested by the application and algorithms can be tweaked to manipulate its content and news feed. The officials further warned that TikTok can be forced to spy for Beijing, he stated. WATCH | White House backs Senate bill to boost U.S. ability to ban TikTok “We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” said de Croo, in an online statement. “We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company which today is obliged to cooperate with the intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Belgium follows footsteps of US and EU, bans TikTok from government phones

US President Joe Biden is poised to decide whether to pull the plug on a massive oil drilling project on Alaska's North Slope or allow it to go ahead.

With the decision imminent, environmentalists have ramped up pressure on the White House, urging Biden to live up to the climate change pledges he made during his campaign.

During the 2020 presidential race, the Democratic candidate vowed not to approve any new leases for oil and gas projects on federal lands.

But Biden has found himself stuck in the middle of a years-long battle over the so-called Willow Project, a plan by US energy giant ConocoPhillips to drill for oil in the federally owned National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska's pristine western Arctic.

The Trump administration approved the Willow Project at the tail end of the former president's term but it was blocked by a judge for further review.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in an environmental impact analysis in February, approved three drilling sites while striking down one and deferring consideration of another.

ConocoPhillips welcomed the BLM's assessment, saying it can "provide a viable path forward for development of our leasehold."

The Interior Department, which oversees the BLM, said, however, it has "substantial concerns," about the project "including direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to wildlife and Alaska Native subsistence."

Biden has described global warming as an existential threat and promoted the development of renewable energy sources.

Temperatures in Alaska have been rising faster than in other regions of the planet and environmental groups have warned that the oil extraction project would make things worse.

The Willow Project will add more than 250 million metric tons of carbon emissions to the atmosphere over the next 30 years, the Sierra Club said, equivalent to the annual emissions of 66 coal plants.

Greenpeace described it as a "carbon bomb."

A petition on Change.org seeking to halt the project has garnered more than three million signatures and a #StopWillow campaign on TikTok has drawn 150 million views.

180,000 barrels of oil per day&nbsp;

Backers of the Willow Project defend it as a source of several thousand jobs and a contributor to US energy independence with the production of 180,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak or some 576 million barrels over 30 years.

Alaska's two Republican senators and the state's sole member of the House, Mary Peltola, a native Alaskan and a Democrat, met with Biden last week to urge him to approve the project.

"We hope the President will listen to the voices of indigenous Alaskans who live on the North Slope, the voices of labour leaders and union workers who are ready to help build Alaska's economy (and) listen to the voices of national security officials underscoring the importance of Willow for American energy security," they said.

Peltola, in an opinion piece published in The Hill, said Alaskans "aren't blind to the impacts of climate change" but the Willow Project can serve as a bridge as the country transitions away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources.

"At the same time, we can reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil — which makes us all safer in a world that has grown more unpredictable after Russia invaded Ukraine," Peltola said.

Biden has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 compared with 2005 with the goal of achieving a net zero emissions economy by no later than 2050. 
 
&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden is poised to decide whether to pull the plug on a massive oil drilling project on Alaska's North Slope or allow it to go ahead. With the decision imminent, environmentalists have ramped up pressure on the White House, urging Biden to live up to the climate change pledges he made during his campaign.

US President Joe Biden is poised to decide whether to pull the plug on a massive oil drilling project on Alaska's North Slope or allow it to go ahead. With the decision imminent, environmentalists have ramped up pressure on the White House, urging Biden to live up to the climate change pledges he made during his campaign. During the 2020 presidential race, the Democratic candidate vowed not to approve any new leases for oil and gas projects on federal lands. But Biden has found himself stuck in the middle of a years-long battle over the so-called Willow Project, a plan by US energy giant ConocoPhillips to drill for oil in the federally owned National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska's pristine western Arctic. The Trump administration approved the Willow Project at the tail end of the former president's term but it was blocked by a judge for further review. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in an environmental impact analysis in February, approved three drilling sites while striking down one and deferring consideration of another. ConocoPhillips welcomed the BLM's assessment, saying it can "provide a viable path forward for development of our leasehold." The Interior Department, which oversees the BLM, said, however, it has "substantial concerns," about the project "including direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to wildlife and Alaska Native subsistence." Biden has described global warming as an existential threat and promoted the development of renewable energy sources. Temperatures in Alaska have been rising faster than in other regions of the planet and environmental groups have warned that the oil extraction project would make things worse. The Willow Project will add more than 250 million metric tons of carbon emissions to the atmosphere over the next 30 years, the Sierra Club said, equivalent to the annual emissions of 66 coal plants. Greenpeace described it as a "carbon bomb." A petition on Change.org seeking to halt the project has garnered more than three million signatures and a #StopWillow campaign on TikTok has drawn 150 million views. 180,000 barrels of oil per day Backers of the Willow Project defend it as a source of several thousand jobs and a contributor to US energy independence with the production of 180,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak or some 576 million barrels over 30 years. Alaska's two Republican senators and the state's sole member of the House, Mary Peltola, a native Alaskan and a Democrat, met with Biden last week to urge him to approve the project. "We hope the President will listen to the voices of indigenous Alaskans who live on the North Slope, the voices of labour leaders and union workers who are ready to help build Alaska's economy (and) listen to the voices of national security officials underscoring the importance of Willow for American energy security," they said. Peltola, in an opinion piece published in The Hill, said Alaskans "aren't blind to the impacts of climate change" but the Willow Project can serve as a bridge as the country transitions away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources. "At the same time, we can reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil — which makes us all safer in a world that has grown more unpredictable after Russia invaded Ukraine," Peltola said. Biden has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 compared with 2005 with the goal of achieving a net zero emissions economy by no later than 2050. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

To drill or not to drill: President Joe Biden to make decision on Alaska oil project

Saudi Arabia is demanding security guarantees and help in the development of its civilian nuclear programme from the United States, as the latter is trying to broker its peace deal with Israel, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.

Reaching a normalisation deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel has become a priority for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Joe Biden as chances of confrontation with Iran, over its military aid to Russia amid the Ukraine war and the nuclear programme, remain high.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-unveils-budget-plans-in-pennsylvania-raises-taxes-on-wealthy-citizens-570402">Biden unveils $6.8 trillion budget plan, raises taxes for wealthy citizens</a>

The reports stated the deep involvement of the Biden administration in the complex negotiations, adding that any deal would reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.

The demands made by Saudi Arabia for nuclear aid and security guarantees stand as daunting obstacles amid the deal, as the measures are likely to be opposed by some Washington lawmakers.

Riyadh is cautious about striking a deal that is likely to come under fire in the Arab world and aggravate tensions with Iran.

Former U.S. ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, who is a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and now works towards strengthening Israel-Arab world ties, said that the potential deal is “a very tough Gordian knot to cut.”

WATCH | Joe Biden lays out budget plan, challenges Republicans to do same

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“Normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by the United States, is in all three parties’ interests,” he stated. “But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to arrange,” Shapiro added.

However, US, Saudi and Israeli officials said that there is the possibility for the deal to happen. Netanyahu is aiming to build Israeli ties to the Arab world which expanded in 2020 with the Abraham Accords.

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Saudi Arabia is demanding security guarantees and help in the development of its civilian nuclear programme from the United States, as the latter is trying to broker its peace deal with Israel, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.

Saudi Arabia is demanding security guarantees and help in the development of its civilian nuclear programme from the United States, as the latter is trying to broker its peace deal with Israel, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal. Reaching a normalisation deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel has become a priority for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Joe Biden as chances of confrontation with Iran, over its military aid to Russia amid the Ukraine war and the nuclear programme, remain high. ALSO READ | Biden unveils $6.8 trillion budget plan, raises taxes for wealthy citizens The reports stated the deep involvement of the Biden administration in the complex negotiations, adding that any deal would reshape the political landscape of the Middle East. The demands made by Saudi Arabia for nuclear aid and security guarantees stand as daunting obstacles amid the deal, as the measures are likely to be opposed by some Washington lawmakers. Riyadh is cautious about striking a deal that is likely to come under fire in the Arab world and aggravate tensions with Iran. Former U.S. ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, who is a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and now works towards strengthening Israel-Arab world ties, said that the potential deal is “a very tough Gordian knot to cut.” WATCH | Joe Biden lays out budget plan, challenges Republicans to do same “Normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by the United States, is in all three parties’ interests,” he stated. “But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to arrange,” Shapiro added. However, US, Saudi and Israeli officials said that there is the possibility for the deal to happen. Netanyahu is aiming to build Israeli ties to the Arab world which expanded in 2020 with the Abraham Accords. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia demands US security pledges, nuclear help for peace deal with Israel: report

The government authorities in Mexico arrested the five people who were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed, said officials on Friday.

The Tamaulipas state's prosecutor, where the crime took place, said on Twitter that they had executed a warrant for five people, charging them with kidnapping and homicide.

The five arrested are the same people who were left on a street with their hands tied by some alleged members of the Gulf Cartel, said a source in the prosecutor's office.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-citizens-killed-two-return-alive-in-mexico-kidnapping-case-569776">Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case</a>

A statement was published by the local media, purportedly from the Gulf Cartel, on Thursday which stated that the group "apologises" for the incident.

It added that the group decided to hand over the perpetrators to authorities because the five people acted without getting any authorisation from their cartel bosses.

The four abductees had been&nbsp;taken away at gunpoint when&nbsp;they crossed the border and entered the crime-plagued Tamaulipas state on Friday. It was reported that one of the abductees had arrived 1to get cosmetic surgery.

The two survivors returned to the United States on Tuesday through the land border crossing, hours after the authorities rescued them.

The bodies of the two Americans killed were repatriated on Thursday, said authorities.

WATCH | Thousands in Mexico protest against electoral overhaul

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According to the Mexican authorities, the abductees were mistaken as rivals by the drug traffickers who shot at them when the Americans tried to escape. In the gunfire, a Mexican bystander was also killed.

It was previously reported by the prosecutor's office that another suspect was arrested who was caught guarding the captives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government authorities in Mexico arrested the five people who were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed, said officials on Friday.

The government authorities in Mexico arrested the five people who were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed, said officials on Friday. The Tamaulipas state's prosecutor, where the crime took place, said on Twitter that they had executed a warrant for five people, charging them with kidnapping and homicide. The five arrested are the same people who were left on a street with their hands tied by some alleged members of the Gulf Cartel, said a source in the prosecutor's office. ALSO READ | Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case A statement was published by the local media, purportedly from the Gulf Cartel, on Thursday which stated that the group "apologises" for the incident. It added that the group decided to hand over the perpetrators to authorities because the five people acted without getting any authorisation from their cartel bosses. The four abductees had been taken away at gunpoint when they crossed the border and entered the crime-plagued Tamaulipas state on Friday. It was reported that one of the abductees had arrived 1to get cosmetic surgery. The two survivors returned to the United States on Tuesday through the land border crossing, hours after the authorities rescued them. The bodies of the two Americans killed were repatriated on Thursday, said authorities. WATCH | Thousands in Mexico protest against electoral overhaul According to the Mexican authorities, the abductees were mistaken as rivals by the drug traffickers who shot at them when the Americans tried to escape. In the gunfire, a Mexican bystander was also killed. It was previously reported by the prosecutor's office that another suspect was arrested who was caught guarding the captives. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Five arrested for kidnapping and killing of US citizens in Mexico

Job cuts by American companies over January and February this year hit the highest since 2009, with the technology sector accounting for more than a third of the over 180,000 job cuts announced.

Job cuts by American companies over January and February this year hit the highest since 2009, with the technology sector accounting for more than a third of the over 180,000 job cuts announced. According to a report by employment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc on Thursday (March 9), US-based employers announced 77,770 job cuts in February, down 24% from the 102,943 cuts announced in January. "February’s total is the highest for the month since 2009 when 186,350 cuts were recorded. So far this year, employers announced plans to cut 180,713 jobs, up 427% from the 34,309 cuts announced in the first two months of 2022. It is the highest January-February total since 2009 when a total of 428,099 job cuts were announced in January and February," the report said. Andrew Challenger, Senior Vice President at Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc, said that employers are paying attention to rate increase plans from the Fed. "Many have been planning for a downturn for months, cutting costs elsewhere. If things continue to cool, layoffs are typically the last piece in company cost-cutting strategies," Challenger said in the report. He said that at present, the overwhelming bulk of cuts are occurring in technology, adding that retail and finance are also cutting jobs as consumer spending matches economic conditions. The sectors which are cutting jobs According to the Challenger report on Thursday, technology, healthcare, retail, financial and fintech, and media and news announced job cuts. Technology: The report said that the technology sector cut the most number of jobs in February with 21,387, 28% of all cuts announced last month. "The industry has cut a total of 63,216, up 33,705% from the 187 cuts announced in the same period last year. This sector has announced 35% of all job cuts in 2023," the report said. Healthcare: The healthcare sector- which includes hospitals and healthcare products manufacturers- announced the second most number of job cuts in February at 9,749 compared to 8,928 cuts during the same month last year. Andrew Challenger said on Thursday that while many hospitals are still struggling to retain and attract staff, others are cutting costs as economic conditions continue to soften. When it comes to healthcare product manufacturers, Challenger said that such establishments are dealing with increasing costs of doing business and cutting back staff. Retail, financial and fintech: Thursday's report said that retailers announced 17,456 job cuts so far this year, up 2,194% from the 761 job cuts announced in the sector during the same period last year. "Financial firms have cut 17,235, 1,401% higher than the 1,148 cuts announced in January and February last year," the report said. It added that in January and February this year, the fintech sector announced 4,675 job cuts, 45% of the 10,476 the industry cut in all of 2022. Media and news: Till now, the media industry announced to cut 9,738 jobs, compared to 3,774 cuts announced last year. "Of those, 906 occurred in digital, print, and broadcast News, which Challenger tracks as a subset of Media, 546 of which occurred in February. This is up 353% from the 200 News cuts which occurred through February 2022," Thursday's statement said. A downfall in hiring plans Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc said on Thursday that there has been a downfall in hiring plans. Companies announced plans to hire 28,830 workers last month, down 12% from 32,764 hires announced in January. In February last year, 215,127 hiring plans were announced. "So far this year, companies announced plans to hire 61,594 workers, the lowest January-February total since 2016, when employers planned to hire just 15,901 workers in the first two months of the year," the report said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Layoffs by US companies over Jan-Feb hit highest since 2009, says report

The United States is purportedly refraining from sharing the American intelligence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine, New York Times reported.

The report cited current and former officials that the U.S. Department of Defense has held back from sharing evidence on acts, which it said were "war crimes", for the reason that it may act as a precedent that could impact US soldiers involved in wars on foreign lands in the future.

<h2>Joe Biden to take final call: Report</h2>

The report said that the US National Security Council, in its February 3 meeting, sought to find solution to the conflict. But the defence secretary Lloyd Austin was reportedly adamant to not inform the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the Russian actions in Ukraine based on the US intelligence reports from the region. The situation remains at a deadlock with the US President Joe Biden yet to make&nbsp;a decision on it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-ukraine-war-belarus-fully-supports-beijings-peace-plan-567256">Russia-Ukraine war: Belarus 'fully' supports Beijing's peace plan</a>

GOP senator Lindsey Graham, who was a part of the congressional resolution that called for US support to International Criminal Court&nbsp;over war in Ukraine, held the Pentagon responsible for blocking vital intel. “DoD [Department of Defence] opposed the legislative change – it passed overwhelmingly – and they are now trying to undermine the letter and spirit of the law. It seems to me that DoD is the problem child here, and the sooner we can get the information into the hands of the ICC, the better off the world will be," Graham said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia rejects International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over probe into war crimes in Ukraine

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The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, was partly formulated by the United States. This, finally became a 1998 treaty&nbsp;that established the International Criminal Court.

The US officials, at present&nbsp;remain divided, on utilising the statute amid ongoing war in Ukraine. They argue that in the future, the US adversaries can prosecute American troops utilising the same. One of the safeguards mentioned&nbsp;in the statute point out that the ICC will only exercise its power if a suspect's home country fail to carry out prosecution. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States is purportedly refraining from sharing the American intelligence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine, New York Times reported.

The United States is purportedly refraining from sharing the American intelligence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine, New York Times reported. The report cited current and former officials that the U.S. Department of Defense has held back from sharing evidence on acts, which it said were "war crimes", for the reason that it may act as a precedent that could impact US soldiers involved in wars on foreign lands in the future. Joe Biden to take final call: Report The report said that the US National Security Council, in its February 3 meeting, sought to find solution to the conflict. But the defence secretary Lloyd Austin was reportedly adamant to not inform the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the Russian actions in Ukraine based on the US intelligence reports from the region. The situation remains at a deadlock with the US President Joe Biden yet to make a decision on it. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Belarus 'fully' supports Beijing's peace plan GOP senator Lindsey Graham, who was a part of the congressional resolution that called for US support to International Criminal Court over war in Ukraine, held the Pentagon responsible for blocking vital intel. “DoD [Department of Defence] opposed the legislative change – it passed overwhelmingly – and they are now trying to undermine the letter and spirit of the law. It seems to me that DoD is the problem child here, and the sooner we can get the information into the hands of the ICC, the better off the world will be," Graham said. ALSO WATCH | Russia rejects International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over probe into war crimes in Ukraine × The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, was partly formulated by the United States. This, finally became a 1998 treaty that established the International Criminal Court. The US officials, at present remain divided, on utilising the statute amid ongoing war in Ukraine. They argue that in the future, the US adversaries can prosecute American troops utilising the same. One of the safeguards mentioned in the statute point out that the ICC will only exercise its power if a suspect's home country fail to carry out prosecution. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon refrains from sharing evidence of alleged Russian war crimes with international court. Here's why

US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price will soon vacate his position. According to the announcement made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indian-American Vedant Patel, who is currently working as the deputy spokesperson, will take over the position of interim spokesperson.

Price, who has been applauded by Blinken for starting the daily press briefings of the department which were irregular during the Trump administration, has till now held over 200 press briefings while he was in the office, and has been appreciated for his respectful demeanour towards colleagues and journalists.

While the Biden administration has not yet announced a replacement for Price, Patel has been given the responsibility to take charge in the interim.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ned-price-to-step-down-as-us-state-departments-spokesperson-vedant-patel-to-be-interim-spokesperson-569989">Ned Price to step down as US State Department's spokesperson; Vedant Patel to be interim spokesperson</a>

Who is Vedant Patel?

Indian-American Vedant Patel, aged 33, was born in Gujarat, India. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside, and has worked on different political campaigns and been assigned various roles in the White House.

Patel worked as US President Joe Biden's Assistant Press Secretary and spokesperson, where he sharpened his skills in managing media relations and communications strategy.

Before that, Patel was the Presidential Inaugural Committee's spokesperson, where he worked in crafting the incoming administration's messaging and image.

Patel also has experience of working on various political campaigns, including those of Congressman Mike Honda and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, where he served as Communications Director.

WATCH | Ajay Banga will start a visit to EU, Asia, Africa

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The experience he holds in shaping the public image of officials and political candidates has made him the Democratic Party's valuable asset.

Taking to Twitter after the announcement, Patel said, "Always have been in awe of Ned Price. In awe of his unflappability, his big heart, his deep understanding of foreign policy, his fierce loyalty to the State Department and his team. Thankful to have spent time in the foxhole with him, and so glad he’s not going far!"&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price will soon vacate his position. According to the announcement made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indian-American Vedant Patel, who is currently working as the deputy spokesperson, will take over the position of interim spokesperson.

US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price will soon vacate his position. According to the announcement made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indian-American Vedant Patel, who is currently working as the deputy spokesperson, will take over the position of interim spokesperson. Price, who has been applauded by Blinken for starting the daily press briefings of the department which were irregular during the Trump administration, has till now held over 200 press briefings while he was in the office, and has been appreciated for his respectful demeanour towards colleagues and journalists. While the Biden administration has not yet announced a replacement for Price, Patel has been given the responsibility to take charge in the interim. ALSO READ | Ned Price to step down as US State Department's spokesperson; Vedant Patel to be interim spokesperson Who is Vedant Patel? Indian-American Vedant Patel, aged 33, was born in Gujarat, India. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside, and has worked on different political campaigns and been assigned various roles in the White House. Patel worked as US President Joe Biden's Assistant Press Secretary and spokesperson, where he sharpened his skills in managing media relations and communications strategy. Before that, Patel was the Presidential Inaugural Committee's spokesperson, where he worked in crafting the incoming administration's messaging and image. Patel also has experience of working on various political campaigns, including those of Congressman Mike Honda and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, where he served as Communications Director. WATCH | Ajay Banga will start a visit to EU, Asia, Africa The experience he holds in shaping the public image of officials and political candidates has made him the Democratic Party's valuable asset. Taking to Twitter after the announcement, Patel said, "Always have been in awe of Ned Price. In awe of his unflappability, his big heart, his deep understanding of foreign policy, his fierce loyalty to the State Department and his team. Thankful to have spent time in the foxhole with him, and so glad he’s not going far!" (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Vedant Patel? Indian-American to take over as US State Dept spokesperson

The United States will relax Covid testing rules for travellers from China as soon as Friday (March 10), the news agency AP reported on Wednesday (March 8) citing sources. The sources said the administration decided to roll back the testing requirements as infections, hospitalisations and deaths are declining in China and Washington gathered better information about the virus surge.&nbsp;

The restrictions were put in place on December 28 last year and took effect on January 5 this year due to the spike in Covid infections in China after it suddenly eased pandemic curbs. Earlier, US health officials had expressed concerns that Beijing was not truthful to the world about the true number of infections and deaths.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-calls-on-countries-to-share-information-on-covid-origins-after-us-blames-chinese-lab-leak-568397">WHO calls on countries to share information on Covid origins after US blames Chinese lab leak</a>

The restrictions imposed in January require travellers to the US from China, Macau and Hong Kong to take a Covid test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight. The testing applies to anyone aged two and older, including American citizens. The testing also applies&nbsp;to people travelling from China via a third country and to people connecting through the US as they go on to other destinations.

Any person testing positive for the virus more than 10 days before the flight can provide documentation showing they have recovered instead of a negative test result. The AP report also said that it had been left to the airlines to confirm negative tests and documentation of recovery before passengers board.&nbsp;

In early December last year, China eased back from the zero Covid policy which led to a spike in infections and deaths. For weeks, several regions of the country saw their hospitals overburdened by infected patients, a shortage of antiviral medicines and crematoriums being full.&nbsp;

The worsening health crisis in China led to many countries including Japan, Italy, Canada etc to impose restrictions on Chinese travellers.&nbsp;

Last month, Japan announced that it would ease its Covid restrictions on travellers from China from March 1.

Addressing a press conference, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said that instead of blanket testing of travellers from mainland China, the government will only test selected samples, although travellers will still need to show a negative test before boarding their flights to Japan, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The United States will relax Covid testing rules for travellers from China as soon as Friday (March 10), the news agency AP reported on Wednesday (March 8) citing sources.

The United States will relax Covid testing rules for travellers from China as soon as Friday (March 10), the news agency AP reported on Wednesday (March 8) citing sources. The sources said the administration decided to roll back the testing requirements as infections, hospitalisations and deaths are declining in China and Washington gathered better information about the virus surge. The restrictions were put in place on December 28 last year and took effect on January 5 this year due to the spike in Covid infections in China after it suddenly eased pandemic curbs. Earlier, US health officials had expressed concerns that Beijing was not truthful to the world about the true number of infections and deaths. ALSO READ | WHO calls on countries to share information on Covid origins after US blames Chinese lab leak The restrictions imposed in January require travellers to the US from China, Macau and Hong Kong to take a Covid test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight. The testing applies to anyone aged two and older, including American citizens. The testing also applies to people travelling from China via a third country and to people connecting through the US as they go on to other destinations. Any person testing positive for the virus more than 10 days before the flight can provide documentation showing they have recovered instead of a negative test result. The AP report also said that it had been left to the airlines to confirm negative tests and documentation of recovery before passengers board. In early December last year, China eased back from the zero Covid policy which led to a spike in infections and deaths. For weeks, several regions of the country saw their hospitals overburdened by infected patients, a shortage of antiviral medicines and crematoriums being full. The worsening health crisis in China led to many countries including Japan, Italy, Canada etc to impose restrictions on Chinese travellers. Last month, Japan announced that it would ease its Covid restrictions on travellers from China from March 1. Addressing a press conference, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said that instead of blanket testing of travellers from mainland China, the government will only test selected samples, although travellers will still need to show a negative test before boarding their flights to Japan, the news agency Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US to relax Covid testing rules for travellers from China as soon as March 10

Two of the four US citizens kidnapped in Mexico were found dead on Tuesday, while the remaining two returned alive days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint as they crossed the border for medical reasons, stated Mexican authorities.

Denouncing the kidnapping and killing of Americans in Mexico, the White House on Tuesday said that it was "unacceptable," and that Washington would seek justice for the victims.

"We're going to work closely with the Mexican government to ensure that justice is done in this case," said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kidnap-four-us-citizens-in-mexico-fbi-goes-on-a-manhunt-569350">Gunmen kidnap four US citizens in Mexico, FBI goes on a manhunt</a>

Among the four abductees, two were dead and one of them had suffered injuries, confirmed the governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal Anaya, in a press briefing.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the four Americans had crossed into Matamoros in northern Mexico, which is opposite the US city of Brownsville, Texas, on Friday.

"Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the (minivan). All four Americans were placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene by armed men," the FBI stated.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who were killed in these attacks," Kirby said, adding that any kind of attack on US citizens was "unacceptable, no matter where or under what circumstances they occur".

WATCH | Over 300 migrants found in truck in Mexico

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The two abductees, who were alive, reached the US on Tuesday in co-operation with Matamoros' US consulate, said Tamaulipas State Attorney General Irving Barrios Mojica in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, said, "We are very sorry that this happened in our country and we send our condolences to the families of the victims, friends, and the United States government, and we will continue doing our work to guarantee peace and tranquillity.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two of the four US citizens kidnapped in Mexico were found dead on Tuesday, while the remaining two returned alive days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint as they crossed the border for medical reasons, stated Mexican authorities.

Two of the four US citizens kidnapped in Mexico were found dead on Tuesday, while the remaining two returned alive days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint as they crossed the border for medical reasons, stated Mexican authorities. Denouncing the kidnapping and killing of Americans in Mexico, the White House on Tuesday said that it was "unacceptable," and that Washington would seek justice for the victims. "We're going to work closely with the Mexican government to ensure that justice is done in this case," said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. ALSO READ | Gunmen kidnap four US citizens in Mexico, FBI goes on a manhunt Among the four abductees, two were dead and one of them had suffered injuries, confirmed the governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal Anaya, in a press briefing. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the four Americans had crossed into Matamoros in northern Mexico, which is opposite the US city of Brownsville, Texas, on Friday. "Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the (minivan). All four Americans were placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene by armed men," the FBI stated. "We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who were killed in these attacks," Kirby said, adding that any kind of attack on US citizens was "unacceptable, no matter where or under what circumstances they occur". WATCH | Over 300 migrants found in truck in Mexico The two abductees, who were alive, reached the US on Tuesday in co-operation with Matamoros' US consulate, said Tamaulipas State Attorney General Irving Barrios Mojica in a tweet. Meanwhile, Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, said, "We are very sorry that this happened in our country and we send our condolences to the families of the victims, friends, and the United States government, and we will continue doing our work to guarantee peace and tranquillity.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case

The disturbing milestone of 100 mass shootings was surpassed by the US in 2023, raising questions over the inaction in the country's state legislatures and Washington.

In the first week of March, the US reached the grim number of 100 as per the data released by the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are killed, excluding the gunman.

The US last year reached the number 100 on March 19, according to the GVA.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-has-witnessed-36-mass-shootings-in-just-23-days-this-year-555074">The US has witnessed 36 mass shootings in just 23 days this year</a>

In 2021, the country reached the number 100 in late March and from 2018 to 2020, 100 mass shootings did not take place till May.

“Americans are tired of fearing if they or their families will be the next victims of a mass shooting. Our children are tired of being told to ‘run, hide, and fight',” stated Kris Brown, president at Brady: United Against Gun Violence.

“These regular, uniquely American tragedies must be a call to action for our political leaders. We need decisive change to US gun laws and regulations. The cost of political inaction on preventing gun violence is increasingly, tragically clear,” said Brown.

Following the passage of bipartisan gun safety law, there has not been much development on more gun safety legislation in the divided Congress, even as the rate of mass shootings has increased.

WATCH | Gravitas: Who is to blame for the repeated cases of mass shooting in the U.S.?

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“Although fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries are growing, no real legislative response has followed acts of gun violence in support of individuals or the communities in which they live. And there is scant proof that prevention measures, such as active shooter drills, have reduced actual harm,” said Mark S Kaplan, a professor of social welfare at UCLA.

“There are real solutions and tools – including bans on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines – available now that can make a difference, but only if our elected officials act to implement them,” he stated.

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The disturbing milestone of 100 mass shootings was surpassed by the US in 2023, raising questions over the inaction in the country's state legislatures and Washington.

The disturbing milestone of 100 mass shootings was surpassed by the US in 2023, raising questions over the inaction in the country's state legislatures and Washington. In the first week of March, the US reached the grim number of 100 as per the data released by the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are killed, excluding the gunman. The US last year reached the number 100 on March 19, according to the GVA. ALSO READ | The US has witnessed 36 mass shootings in just 23 days this year In 2021, the country reached the number 100 in late March and from 2018 to 2020, 100 mass shootings did not take place till May. “Americans are tired of fearing if they or their families will be the next victims of a mass shooting. Our children are tired of being told to ‘run, hide, and fight',” stated Kris Brown, president at Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “These regular, uniquely American tragedies must be a call to action for our political leaders. We need decisive change to US gun laws and regulations. The cost of political inaction on preventing gun violence is increasingly, tragically clear,” said Brown. Following the passage of bipartisan gun safety law, there has not been much development on more gun safety legislation in the divided Congress, even as the rate of mass shootings has increased. WATCH | Gravitas: Who is to blame for the repeated cases of mass shooting in the U.S.? “Although fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries are growing, no real legislative response has followed acts of gun violence in support of individuals or the communities in which they live. And there is scant proof that prevention measures, such as active shooter drills, have reduced actual harm,” said Mark S Kaplan, a professor of social welfare at UCLA. “There are real solutions and tools – including bans on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines – available now that can make a difference, but only if our elected officials act to implement them,” he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A shameful milestone: US surpasses 100 mass shootings in 2023 in just over two months

On Monday,&nbsp;South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;

This move tries to resolve the forced labour following years of disputes over World War II sex slaves, which soured Japan-South Korean ties, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-sweats-over-food-shortage-holds-rare-meeting-on-agricultural-practices-566697">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices</a>

Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Seoul's plan is to take money from major South Korean companies that benefited from the 1965 reparations deal with Tokyo and will use it to compensate victims.&nbsp;

Park added, "I believe that the vicious circle should be broken for the sake of the people at the national interest level."

The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also praised the plan and said that this initiative would help&nbsp;restore "healthy" ties between the two countries after years of tensions.&nbsp;

According to the statement issued by the White House, Washington hailed the decision and called it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between two of the United States' closest allies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-holds-rare-meeting-on-agriculture-sounds-alarm-over-food-shortage-566908">Also read |&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country</a>

While the announcement was welcomed by both Japan and the United States, the victims have criticised the proposal as it falls far short of their demand which is a full apology from Tokyo and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved.

According to data from Seoul, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Tokyo during the 35-year occupation. This does not include women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops.

The move comes as Seoul and Tokyo already ramped up their security cooperation amid growing threats from North Korea, but the bilateral ties remained strained over Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

Tokyo has insisted on the 1965 treaty- which saw the two countries restore their diplomatic ties with a reparations package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans and settled all loans between the two relating to the colonial period.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Monday, South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North Korea.

On Monday, South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North Korea. This move tries to resolve the forced labour following years of disputes over World War II sex slaves, which soured Japan-South Korean ties, AFP reported. Also read | North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Seoul's plan is to take money from major South Korean companies that benefited from the 1965 reparations deal with Tokyo and will use it to compensate victims. Park added, "I believe that the vicious circle should be broken for the sake of the people at the national interest level." The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also praised the plan and said that this initiative would help restore "healthy" ties between the two countries after years of tensions. According to the statement issued by the White House, Washington hailed the decision and called it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between two of the United States' closest allies." Also read | North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country While the announcement was welcomed by both Japan and the United States, the victims have criticised the proposal as it falls far short of their demand which is a full apology from Tokyo and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved. According to data from Seoul, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Tokyo during the 35-year occupation. This does not include women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops. The move comes as Seoul and Tokyo already ramped up their security cooperation amid growing threats from North Korea, but the bilateral ties remained strained over Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. Tokyo has insisted on the 1965 treaty- which saw the two countries restore their diplomatic ties with a reparations package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans and settled all loans between the two relating to the colonial period. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Korea offers compensation for victims of Japan's wartime forced labour; US hails 'groundbreaking' plan

The United States and South Korea are all set to conduct more than ten days of large-scale military drills, including amphibious landings. The exercises, dubbed freedom shield, will be held from March 13 to March 23.

Eye on Kim Jong-un, U.S. & South Korea bolster military drills | Pyongyang's 'first-strike' doctrine

Authorities on Friday (March 3) arrested two Kansas men for illegally exporting technology to Russia. According to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice, the men were arrested on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent American export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia.&nbsp;

The men have been identified as Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 59, of Lawrence, and Douglas Robertson, 55, of Olathe. The Department of Justice said that the two men operated the KanRus Trading Company, which supplied Western avionics equipment to Russian companies and provided repair services for equipment used in Russian-manufactured aircraft.&nbsp;

"Since 2020, the defendants conspired to evade US export laws by concealing and misstating the true end users, value and end destinations of their exports and by transshipping items through third-party countries," the statement said.&nbsp;

It added that on February 28 last year (four days after the Ukraine war), "the defendants attempted to export avionics to Russia. US authorities detained the shipment, and the US Department of Commerce informed the defendants that a licence was required to export the equipment to Russia."

The Justice Department also said that in April 2022, Douglas Robertson expressed to a Russia-based customer that things were complicated in the US and this was not the right time for more paperwork. From May-July, Robertson and Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky illegally transshipped avionics through Armenia and Cyprus to Russia without obtaining the required licenses.

The Kansas men have been charged with conspiracy, exporting controlled goods without a licence, falsifying and failing to file electronic export information, and smuggling goods contrary to American law.

If convicted, they would be "20 years in prison for each count of exporting controlled goods without a licence; up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling; and up to five years in prison for each count of conspiracy and falsifying export information," Friday's statement added.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Authorities on Friday (March 3) arrested two Kansas men for illegally exporting technology to Russia. According to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice, the men were arrested on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent American export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia.

Authorities on Friday (March 3) arrested two Kansas men for illegally exporting technology to Russia. According to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice, the men were arrested on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent American export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia. The men have been identified as Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 59, of Lawrence, and Douglas Robertson, 55, of Olathe. The Department of Justice said that the two men operated the KanRus Trading Company, which supplied Western avionics equipment to Russian companies and provided repair services for equipment used in Russian-manufactured aircraft. "Since 2020, the defendants conspired to evade US export laws by concealing and misstating the true end users, value and end destinations of their exports and by transshipping items through third-party countries," the statement said. It added that on February 28 last year (four days after the Ukraine war), "the defendants attempted to export avionics to Russia. US authorities detained the shipment, and the US Department of Commerce informed the defendants that a licence was required to export the equipment to Russia." The Justice Department also said that in April 2022, Douglas Robertson expressed to a Russia-based customer that things were complicated in the US and this was not the right time for more paperwork. From May-July, Robertson and Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky illegally transshipped avionics through Armenia and Cyprus to Russia without obtaining the required licenses. The Kansas men have been charged with conspiracy, exporting controlled goods without a licence, falsifying and failing to file electronic export information, and smuggling goods contrary to American law. If convicted, they would be "20 years in prison for each count of exporting controlled goods without a licence; up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling; and up to five years in prison for each count of conspiracy and falsifying export information," Friday's statement added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Two Kansas men arrested for illegally exporting technology to Russia amid Ukraine war

Australia's former defence minister Peter Dutton said that the nation is losing interest in purchasing British nuclear submarines and is thinking about buying the ones made in America instead.&nbsp;

Dutton, who was the country's defence minister until 10 months ago and led the government's decision of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, reportedly said that he has been informed about various hurdles in purchasing a British submarine.&nbsp;

The problems include the UK's weak production capacity and compatibility issues of a British-designed submarine with those operated by the United States, which is Australia’s closest defence ally.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/olaf-scholzs-visit-to-india-germany-to-pursue-52-billion-submarine-deal-says-sources-565576">Olaf Scholz's visit to India: Germany to pursue $5.2 billion submarine deal, say sources</a>

As per the news report, the latest operational nuclear-powered submarine of the United States, Virginia-class is the rival of the UK.

The comments of Dutton came as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gears up to travel to Washington this month. He, along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden, is likely to talk about the “optimal pathway” for Australia to replace its ageing fleet of diesel-electric submarines, which have been built locally.&nbsp;

As per the Aukus defence pact which was signed by Australia with the UK and the US in late 2021, eight nuclear-powered submarines, of either British or US design or a combination of the two, will be acquired by Australia.

The vessels will cost around $AUD100 billion (£56 billion).

However, the comment made by Dutton did not go down well with Australia’s Defence Minister Pat Conroy who accused the former defence minister of undermining the new submarine programme's confidence and said that the classified information he had received as a defence minister was misused by him.

WATCH | China objects to Aukus nuclear submarine deal talks

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“He (Dutton) is either being mischievous or he’s not privy to the latest information. I have just come back from Barrow in the United Kingdom where I have got a full briefing on what the UK is doing. I think those comments from Peter Dutton are incredibly irresponsible. This was a man who received classified briefings up until May 21 on this programme," Conroy said.&nbsp;

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Australia's former defence minister Peter Dutton said that the nation is losing interest in purchasing British nuclear submarines and is thinking about buying the ones made in America instead.

Australia's former defence minister Peter Dutton said that the nation is losing interest in purchasing British nuclear submarines and is thinking about buying the ones made in America instead. Dutton, who was the country's defence minister until 10 months ago and led the government's decision of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, reportedly said that he has been informed about various hurdles in purchasing a British submarine. The problems include the UK's weak production capacity and compatibility issues of a British-designed submarine with those operated by the United States, which is Australia’s closest defence ally. ALSO READ | Olaf Scholz's visit to India: Germany to pursue $5.2 billion submarine deal, say sources As per the news report, the latest operational nuclear-powered submarine of the United States, Virginia-class is the rival of the UK. The comments of Dutton came as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gears up to travel to Washington this month. He, along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden, is likely to talk about the “optimal pathway” for Australia to replace its ageing fleet of diesel-electric submarines, which have been built locally. As per the Aukus defence pact which was signed by Australia with the UK and the US in late 2021, eight nuclear-powered submarines, of either British or US design or a combination of the two, will be acquired by Australia. The vessels will cost around $AUD100 billion (£56 billion). However, the comment made by Dutton did not go down well with Australia’s Defence Minister Pat Conroy who accused the former defence minister of undermining the new submarine programme's confidence and said that the classified information he had received as a defence minister was misused by him. WATCH | China objects to Aukus nuclear submarine deal talks “He (Dutton) is either being mischievous or he’s not privy to the latest information. I have just come back from Barrow in the United Kingdom where I have got a full briefing on what the UK is doing. I think those comments from Peter Dutton are incredibly irresponsible. This was a man who received classified briefings up until May 21 on this programme," Conroy said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia losing interest in acquiring British nuclear submarines, says ex-defence minister

The United States on Wednesday (March 1) approved a potential sale of $619 million in new weapons to Taiwan as the island reported large-scale Chinese air force incursions nearby.

The United States on Wednesday (March 1) approved a potential sale of $619 million in new weapons to Taiwan as the island reported large-scale Chinese air force incursions nearby. According to the Pentagon, the US State Department approved the potential sale which includes 200 anti-aircraft Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 100 AGM-88B HARM missiles that can take out land-based radar stations. "The proposed sale will contribute to the recipient's capability to provide for the defence of its airspace, regional security, and interoperability with the United States," the Pentagon said in a statement. Taiwan's defence ministry, meanwhile, said the missiles would "effectively defend the airspace to deal with threats and provocations from the Communist military" and would bolster defence stockpiles, the news agency Reuters reported. The ministry added that American defence companies Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are the principal contractors. These companies have been sanctioned by China for selling weapons to Taiwan. This major military boost to Taiwan comes as it reported on Thursday a second-day large-scale Chinese air force incursions into its air defence identification zone. The defence ministry said that during the last 24 hours, it spotted 21 aircraft. Beijing opposes the arms sales The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that it firmly opposed the new US arms sale package for Taiwan and that Washington should stop sales to, and military contact with, Taipei. "China urges the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, stop arms sales to Taiwan and stop US-Taiwan military ties, and stop creating factors of tension in the Taiwan Strait," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. "China will continue to take resolute and strong measures to firmly defend its sovereignty and security interests," she added. The foreign ministry spokesperson also emphasised that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. "The root cause of the tension in the Taiwan Strait is the DPP authorities' pursuit of Taiwan independence and secession, as well as some countries' attempts to use Taiwan to control China," she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan's military to get major boost, inks $619 million arms deal with US; China objects

California faced mass power outages, closure of both beaches and motorways as well as flooding as a rare winter storm swept the US state.

After days of fierce and chilly winds and frigid temperatures, more than 120,000 citizens are living without electricity in areas of Los Angeles. The central north-south motorway located on the West Coast, Interstate 5, remains closed due to heavy snow in the mountainous section, also called the Grapevine.

The winter storm, which is expected to weaken, is among the strongest which have&nbsp;hit the state. Trees have been toppled by relentless winds and power lines downed.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-flag-freezes-in-michigans-powerful-ice-storm-leaves-internet-stunned-565728">WATCH | US flag freezes in Michigan's powerful ice storm, leaves internet stunned</a>

The authorities stated that all the beaches remained closed on Saturday for several hours because of lightning strikes in LA County. Reports also surfaced of flights being grounded in the region.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the latest bulletin around 20:00 GMT on Saturday (12:00 local time) in which it issued a warning of thunderstorms and heavy rains over Southern California.

"As the front moves inland, snow will move over the Northern Intermountain Region and into Northern California on Sunday morning," stated the NWS.

Till now, no casualties or injuries have been reported due to the storm. Earlier, Los Angeles, a city which is known for its sun-kissed boulevards and palm trees, received snowfall.

WATCH | Blizzard warnings in Sierra Nevada and Southern California

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In Michigan, around 350,000 people remained in blackout on Saturday afternoon, as per reports of the state's two main utilities — Consumers Energy and DTE. The utilities said that the people are likely to get electricity by Sunday night.

Meanwhile, the locals were left amazed by the unusual sight of snow flurry around the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. On February 24, a 132-year record low temperature was broken by San Francisco, as it dipped to 39F (4C).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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California faced mass power outages, closure of both beaches and motorways as well as flooding as a rare winter storm swept the US state. After days of fierce and chilly winds and frigid temperatures, more than 120,000 citizens are living without electricity in areas of Los Angeles.

California faced mass power outages, closure of both beaches and motorways as well as flooding as a rare winter storm swept the US state. After days of fierce and chilly winds and frigid temperatures, more than 120,000 citizens are living without electricity in areas of Los Angeles. The central north-south motorway located on the West Coast, Interstate 5, remains closed due to heavy snow in the mountainous section, also called the Grapevine. The winter storm, which is expected to weaken, is among the strongest which have hit the state. Trees have been toppled by relentless winds and power lines downed. ALSO READ | WATCH | US flag freezes in Michigan's powerful ice storm, leaves internet stunned The authorities stated that all the beaches remained closed on Saturday for several hours because of lightning strikes in LA County. Reports also surfaced of flights being grounded in the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the latest bulletin around 20:00 GMT on Saturday (12:00 local time) in which it issued a warning of thunderstorms and heavy rains over Southern California. "As the front moves inland, snow will move over the Northern Intermountain Region and into Northern California on Sunday morning," stated the NWS. Till now, no casualties or injuries have been reported due to the storm. Earlier, Los Angeles, a city which is known for its sun-kissed boulevards and palm trees, received snowfall. WATCH | Blizzard warnings in Sierra Nevada and Southern California In Michigan, around 350,000 people remained in blackout on Saturday afternoon, as per reports of the state's two main utilities — Consumers Energy and DTE. The utilities said that the people are likely to get electricity by Sunday night. Meanwhile, the locals were left amazed by the unusual sight of snow flurry around the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. On February 24, a 132-year record low temperature was broken by San Francisco, as it dipped to 39F (4C). (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rare winter storm wreaks havoc in California, as LA remains blanketed in snow

A couple gave birth to a set of 'MoMo' twins, also called Mono Mono or monoamniotic-monochorionic twins, in the United States in an extremely rare case.

The couple, Britney and Frankie Alba had their first twins just a year before in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In just two years, from a family of two, they became a family of six members.

Six months after Britney gave birth to her identical twin boys, Levi and Luka, she discovered that she was pregnant again with extremely rare MoMo twins, Lydia and Lynlee, who were delivered by C-section.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-abortion-rights-florida-couple-awaits-babys-death-after-delivery-563564">No abortion rights! Hapless Florida couple to await baby's death after delivery</a>

'MoMo' twins share the same fluid, placenta and amniotic sac in the womb. There is a high risk of complications like stillbirth, miscarriage and fetal anomalies in such pregnancies.

This kind of twinning is one of the rarest cases in pregnancy and is found in less than 1 per cent of all the births that take place in the US.

"After all that time in the hospital, it didn’t seem real like it was actually going to happen. And then when it actually happened and we were all home, it was surreal,” Britney said.

The babies' dad Frankie, expressing his happiness, said, "It was definitely a very challenging time in our lives and in our marriage, but it was definitely worth it. We love it, we love the time with our family, and we cherish every moment."

As per the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the doctors admitted Britney to the High-Risk Obstetrics (HRO) unit of the hospital and she remained there for 50 days.

"The team conducted ongoing prenatal care, including fetal monitoring several times a day to ensure the twins remained well. Given the rarity of her pregnancy, Alba was also visited by medical students, residents and fellows," the hospital stated.

WATCH | India's first Trans biological parents

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Assistant professor in the UAB's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rachel Sinkey, said, "MoMo twins share everything except umbilical cords, which can easily become entangled in a single sac. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of stillbirths associated with MoMo twins."

After the birth of the twins in the 32nd week, they were admitted to the hospital's newborn unit before their discharge. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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A couple gave birth to a set of 'MoMo' twins, also called Mono Mono or monoamniotic-monochorionic twins, in the United States in an extremely rare case. The couple, Britney and Frankie Alba had their first twins just a year before in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

A couple gave birth to a set of 'MoMo' twins, also called Mono Mono or monoamniotic-monochorionic twins, in the United States in an extremely rare case. The couple, Britney and Frankie Alba had their first twins just a year before in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In just two years, from a family of two, they became a family of six members. Six months after Britney gave birth to her identical twin boys, Levi and Luka, she discovered that she was pregnant again with extremely rare MoMo twins, Lydia and Lynlee, who were delivered by C-section. ALSO READ | No abortion rights! Hapless Florida couple to await baby's death after delivery 'MoMo' twins share the same fluid, placenta and amniotic sac in the womb. There is a high risk of complications like stillbirth, miscarriage and fetal anomalies in such pregnancies. This kind of twinning is one of the rarest cases in pregnancy and is found in less than 1 per cent of all the births that take place in the US. "After all that time in the hospital, it didn’t seem real like it was actually going to happen. And then when it actually happened and we were all home, it was surreal,” Britney said. The babies' dad Frankie, expressing his happiness, said, "It was definitely a very challenging time in our lives and in our marriage, but it was definitely worth it. We love it, we love the time with our family, and we cherish every moment." As per the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the doctors admitted Britney to the High-Risk Obstetrics (HRO) unit of the hospital and she remained there for 50 days. "The team conducted ongoing prenatal care, including fetal monitoring several times a day to ensure the twins remained well. Given the rarity of her pregnancy, Alba was also visited by medical students, residents and fellows," the hospital stated. WATCH | India's first Trans biological parents Assistant professor in the UAB's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rachel Sinkey, said, "MoMo twins share everything except umbilical cords, which can easily become entangled in a single sac. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of stillbirths associated with MoMo twins." After the birth of the twins in the 32nd week, they were admitted to the hospital's newborn unit before their discharge. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Couple welcomes set of rare 'MoMo' twins in US

A pregnant woman, who has been imprisoned in Florida on the charge of murder, has been seeking her&nbsp;release on grounds that the unborn child in her womb is “innocent” and has been "held unlawfully”, said a lawyer.

"The child didn't have a seat at the table when the decision to incarcerate the mother was made," said lawyer William Norris. Natalia Harrell, who is 24 years old and about to become a mother, has been charged with murder after she shot another woman while trying to hire an Uber in Miami last July. At the time of arrest, Harrell was almost six weeks pregnant.

Harrell was carrying a gun in her purse and "feared for her life and that of her unborn child," as per the petition which was filed last week.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-abortion-rights-florida-couple-awaits-babys-death-after-delivery-563564">No abortion rights! Hapless Florida couple to await baby's death after delivery</a>

The foetus "has not committed any crime" and still remains incarcerated in "deplorable conditions" and unless given relief will be "likely brought into this world on the concrete floor of the prison cell," states the petition. In the petition, it has also been argued that the mother was not given proper medical care by the authorities during her incarceration.

Lawyer Norris said the father-to-be hired him and the petition was filed on the behalf of the foetus. In the petition, it has been asserted that the "unborn child is a person".

In June 2022, a pregnant woman was held in Texas for driving in a high-occupancy carpool lane. The woman had argued that the court should count her unborn child as a second passenger.

WATCH | Iran to prosecute woman for 'insulting' hijab, video of act goes viral

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Her case was reported by international media outlets as it came just five days after the landmark decision by the US Supreme Court overturning the right to abortion which was enshrined in Roe v Wade, giving each state its independence to regulate.

Norris said that the petition he has filed for Harrell is "not a direct result" of Supreme Court ruling but is "a consequence of that”.

"It's interesting how society moves forward. People are starting to recognise that an unborn child is a person,” said Norris.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A pregnant woman, who has been imprisoned in Florida on the charge of murder, has been seeking her release on grounds that the unborn child in her womb is “innocent” and has been "held unlawfully”, said a lawyer.

A pregnant woman, who has been imprisoned in Florida on the charge of murder, has been seeking her release on grounds that the unborn child in her womb is “innocent” and has been "held unlawfully”, said a lawyer. "The child didn't have a seat at the table when the decision to incarcerate the mother was made," said lawyer William Norris. Natalia Harrell, who is 24 years old and about to become a mother, has been charged with murder after she shot another woman while trying to hire an Uber in Miami last July. At the time of arrest, Harrell was almost six weeks pregnant. Harrell was carrying a gun in her purse and "feared for her life and that of her unborn child," as per the petition which was filed last week. ALSO READ | No abortion rights! Hapless Florida couple to await baby's death after delivery The foetus "has not committed any crime" and still remains incarcerated in "deplorable conditions" and unless given relief will be "likely brought into this world on the concrete floor of the prison cell," states the petition. In the petition, it has also been argued that the mother was not given proper medical care by the authorities during her incarceration. Lawyer Norris said the father-to-be hired him and the petition was filed on the behalf of the foetus. In the petition, it has been asserted that the "unborn child is a person". In June 2022, a pregnant woman was held in Texas for driving in a high-occupancy carpool lane. The woman had argued that the court should count her unborn child as a second passenger. WATCH | Iran to prosecute woman for 'insulting' hijab, video of act goes viral Her case was reported by international media outlets as it came just five days after the landmark decision by the US Supreme Court overturning the right to abortion which was enshrined in Roe v Wade, giving each state its independence to regulate. Norris said that the petition he has filed for Harrell is "not a direct result" of Supreme Court ruling but is "a consequence of that”. "It's interesting how society moves forward. People are starting to recognise that an unborn child is a person,” said Norris. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pregnant US inmate in Florida prison claims her unborn child is ‘innocent’, seeks release

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