Some 135 years after the arrival of&nbsp;its&nbsp;big sister in New York, a relatively diminutive replica&nbsp;Statue&nbsp;of&nbsp;Liberty&nbsp;was unveiled Wednesday in the US capital as a token of American-French friendship.

The replica, standing at around 10 feet (three meters) tall -- compared to the famed 300-foot-tall New York version -- was inaugurated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his US counterpart, Antony Blinken.&nbsp;

The bronze&nbsp;statue&nbsp;was erected in the garden of the residence of France's ambassador in&nbsp;Washington.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-report-surge-in-virus-cases-as-vaccinations-lag-398106">Also read |&nbsp;US states report surge in virus cases as vaccinations lag</a>

On&nbsp;its&nbsp;journey from Paris, it travelled via&nbsp;Liberty&nbsp;Island, south of Manhattan, home of the iconic "Liberty&nbsp;Enlightening the World"&nbsp;statue&nbsp;presented by France to the United States in the late 19th century.

"The little sister has arrived," said Philippe Etienne, France's envoy in&nbsp;Washington.

"She spent a week in New York for the American national holiday -- Independence Day -- she was on Ellis Island, she looked at her big sister. And now she is in place for July 14," he added, referring to the French Bastille Day holiday.

On loan from France's National Conservatory of Arts and Trades (Cnam) and cast from the same mold used by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the&nbsp;statue&nbsp;travelled in a specially designed Plexiglas case in a container transported by French shipping company CMA-CGM.

Some 135 years after the arrival of its big sister in New York, a relatively diminutive replica Statue of Liberty was unveiled Wednesday in the US capital as a token of American-French friendship.

Some 135 years after the arrival of its big sister in New York, a relatively diminutive replica Statue of Liberty was unveiled Wednesday in the US capital as a token of American-French friendship. The replica, standing at around 10 feet (three meters) tall -- compared to the famed 300-foot-tall New York version -- was inaugurated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his US counterpart, Antony Blinken. The bronze statue was erected in the garden of the residence of France's ambassador in Washington. Also read | US states report surge in virus cases as vaccinations lag On its journey from Paris, it travelled via Liberty Island, south of Manhattan, home of the iconic "Liberty Enlightening the World" statue presented by France to the United States in the late 19th century. "The little sister has arrived," said Philippe Etienne, France's envoy in Washington. "She spent a week in New York for the American national holiday -- Independence Day -- she was on Ellis Island, she looked at her big sister. And now she is in place for July 14," he added, referring to the French Bastille Day holiday. On loan from France's National Conservatory of Arts and Trades (Cnam) and cast from the same mold used by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the statue travelled in a specially designed Plexiglas case in a container transported by French shipping company CMA-CGM.

US capital gets its own, petite Statue of Liberty

The US Senate&nbsp;passed legislation on Wednesday to&nbsp;ban&nbsp;the import of&nbsp;products&nbsp;from&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what US&nbsp;officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs&nbsp;and other muslim groups.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would create a "rebuttable presumption" assuming goods manufactured in&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;are made with forced labor and therefore&nbsp;banned under the 1930 Tariff Act, unless otherwise certified by US authorities.

Passed by unanimous&nbsp;consent, the bipartisan measure would shift the burden of proof to importers. The current rule&nbsp;bans goods if there is reasonable evidence of forced labor.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;must also pass the house of representatives before it can be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. It was not immediately clear when that might take place.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the legislation with Democrat Jeff Merkley, called on the House to act quickly.

"We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP's ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not&nbsp;allow corporations a free pass to profit&nbsp;from&nbsp;those horrific abuses," Rubio said in a statement.

"No American corporation should profit&nbsp;from&nbsp;these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing&nbsp;products&nbsp;from&nbsp;slave labor," Merkley said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senate-confirms-geneticist-lander-as-biden-science-adviser-388190">Also read |&nbsp;Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser</a>

Democratic and Republican aides said they expected the measure would get strong support in the House, noting the House approved a similar measure nearly unanimously last year.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;would go beyond steps already taken to secure U.S. supply chains in the face of&nbsp;allegations of rights abuses in China, including existing&nbsp;bans on&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;tomatoes, cotton and some solar&nbsp;products.

The Biden administration has increased sanctions, and on Tuesday issued an advisory warning businesses they could be in violation of US&nbsp;law if operations are linked even indirectly to surveillance networks in&nbsp;Xinjiang.

Rights groups, researchers, former residents and some Western lawmakers and officials say&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;authorities have facilitated forced labor by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities since 2016.

The US Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to ban the import of products from China's Xinjiang region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what US officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other muslim groups.

The US Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to ban the import of products from China's Xinjiang region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what US officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other muslim groups. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would create a "rebuttable presumption" assuming goods manufactured in Xinjiang are made with forced labor and therefore banned under the 1930 Tariff Act, unless otherwise certified by US authorities. Passed by unanimous consent, the bipartisan measure would shift the burden of proof to importers. The current rule bans goods if there is reasonable evidence of forced labor. The bill must also pass the house of representatives before it can be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. It was not immediately clear when that might take place. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the legislation with Democrat Jeff Merkley, called on the House to act quickly. "We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP's ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not allow corporations a free pass to profit from those horrific abuses," Rubio said in a statement. "No American corporation should profit from these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing products from slave labor," Merkley said. Also read | Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser Democratic and Republican aides said they expected the measure would get strong support in the House, noting the House approved a similar measure nearly unanimously last year. The bill would go beyond steps already taken to secure U.S. supply chains in the face of allegations of rights abuses in China, including existing bans on Xinjiang tomatoes, cotton and some solar products. The Biden administration has increased sanctions, and on Tuesday issued an advisory warning businesses they could be in violation of US law if operations are linked even indirectly to surveillance networks in Xinjiang. Rights groups, researchers, former residents and some Western lawmakers and officials say Xinjiang authorities have facilitated forced labor by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities since 2016.

US Senate passes bill to ban all products from China's Xinjiang

Reports suggest that nobody from the entire US administration has asked for the military bases in Pakistan and western diplomats in the country are now claiming that it was indeed a request that was never made.

Reports suggest US never asked for military bases in Pakistan

Taliban has warned Turkey of severe "consequences" after Ankara offered to provide troops to guard the Kabul international airport. Taliban has said that the move will be a violation of its deal with the United States.

Taliban warn Of 'consequences' over Turkey's offer to run Kabul airport

US President Joe Biden delivered a passionate speech on preserving voting rights and condemning the "big lie" of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Criticizing Donald Trump and his allies for failing to accept the results of a fair election, Biden said that, “The big lie is just that: a big lie.”

Biden targets Trump for false accusations of election fraud, decries 'big lie'

The US&nbsp;general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort.

President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US&nbsp;military mission for August&nbsp;31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September&nbsp;11, 2001.

About 2,400 US&nbsp;service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded.

Addressing a small group of US&nbsp;and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. 
"What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said.

US&nbsp;Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US&nbsp;forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas.

"You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address.

Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government.

"We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said.

"We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan.

"If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said.

Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most."

McKenzie will be able to authorise US&nbsp;air strikes against the Taliban through August&nbsp;31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government.&nbsp;But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US&nbsp;strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum. Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort. President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US military mission for August 31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. About 2,400 US service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded. Addressing a small group of US and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. "What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said. US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas. "You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address. Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government. "We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said. "We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan. "If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said. Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most." McKenzie will be able to authorise US air strikes against the Taliban through August 31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government. But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

In symbolic end to war, US general departs Afghanistan

Democratic legislators in Texas are fleeing the state in a bid to block Republicans from passing an elections bill that would impose new restrictions on voting.

Texas Democrats flee to Washington to oppose Republican voting bill

In a bid to facilitate a broader global tax deal, the European Union has agreed to delay a corporate tax plan for the bloc following pressure from the US administration, but EU member Ireland reiterated its criticisms of the wider reform.

World Business Watch: After US push, EU pauses tax plan but Ireland sticks to its guns

US climate envoy John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow to discuss climate change. The two leaders said they will cooperate on the issues of common concern despite strangulations.

Lavrov-Kerry Meet: Leaders say they will cooperate on climate crisis

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship.

Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China.

Popularly known as a "barefoot lawyer", Chen gained international recognition when he exposed China’s forced abortions and harassment of parents against China’s controversial 'one-child policy'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-43-people-killed-by-heatwave-found-along-us-mexico-border-in-arizona-report-397790">Remains of 43 people found along US-Mexico border in Arizona: Report</a>

After he organised a class-action lawsuit against the officials in Linyi, Shandong province, he was prosecuted for several weeks and was then placed under house arrest from September 2005 to March 2006.

His house arrest was followed by a prison sentence of four years. However, after serving his full time, he was once again put on ‘soft detention’, which was yet another house arrest.

This time, however, reports started emerging of him and his wife being beaten up by authorities, a little after some human rights activists released a video online of his house being managed under police surveillance.

As the torture, reportedly, increased, Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and took shelter in the Embassy of the United States in Beijing. He was allowed to leave the embassy for medical treatment in May 2012, and a few days later his wife and children were also allowed to leave for the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-claims-to-have-70-of-global-5g-stations-amid-international-security-concerns-397786" hreflang="en">China claims to have 70% of world's 5G stations amid global security concerns</a>

The 49-year-old has been vocal in raising concerns about the poor human rights in the country. He has also supported former US President Donald Trump in his fight to "stop China's aggression".

"The human rights situation is getting worse and worse," he said. "As people in China are more aware of their rights as they get more information online, and have more demand for their rights, the Communist Party is becoming more and more worried about losing their control and power, and that results in them using more and more force to suppress the people to protect the control of the power."

Now, after almost 15 years of citizenship battle, Chen has managed to become a permanent resident and citizen of the United States. Chen said he is "very grateful that America, this free country, has welcomed us".

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship. Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China.

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship. Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China. Popularly known as a "barefoot lawyer", Chen gained international recognition when he exposed China’s forced abortions and harassment of parents against China’s controversial 'one-child policy'. Also read | Remains of 43 people found along US-Mexico border in Arizona: Report After he organised a class-action lawsuit against the officials in Linyi, Shandong province, he was prosecuted for several weeks and was then placed under house arrest from September 2005 to March 2006. His house arrest was followed by a prison sentence of four years. However, after serving his full time, he was once again put on ‘soft detention’, which was yet another house arrest. This time, however, reports started emerging of him and his wife being beaten up by authorities, a little after some human rights activists released a video online of his house being managed under police surveillance. As the torture, reportedly, increased, Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and took shelter in the Embassy of the United States in Beijing. He was allowed to leave the embassy for medical treatment in May 2012, and a few days later his wife and children were also allowed to leave for the US. Also read | China claims to have 70% of world's 5G stations amid global security concerns The 49-year-old has been vocal in raising concerns about the poor human rights in the country. He has also supported former US President Donald Trump in his fight to "stop China's aggression". "The human rights situation is getting worse and worse," he said. "As people in China are more aware of their rights as they get more information online, and have more demand for their rights, the Communist Party is becoming more and more worried about losing their control and power, and that results in them using more and more force to suppress the people to protect the control of the power." Now, after almost 15 years of citizenship battle, Chen has managed to become a permanent resident and citizen of the United States. Chen said he is "very grateful that America, this free country, has welcomed us".

Blind human rights activist who escaped China in 2012 gets American citizenship

Texas Democrats fled the state Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the passage of a restrictive new voting law by the Republican-controlled Legislature, heading to Washington to draw national attention to their cause.

The group left Austin, Texas, in midafternoon on a pair of chartered flights that arrived at Dulles International Airport just before sunset. Fifty-one of the 67 state House Democrats flew on the planes, leaders of the delegation said, and several others arrived separately in Washington; that’s enough to prevent Texas Republicans from attaining a quorum, which is required to conduct state business.

The hastily arranged departure added a cinematic element to the partisan wrangling in a state with a colorful political history. Democrats have fled to neighboring states in the past to try to block legislation, including in 2003, when they traveled to New Mexico and Oklahoma in an effort to avoid Republican attempts to redraw congressional districts.

The move could paralyze the Legislature for weeks if Democrats remain out of state until this special session ends in August. Still, it lays bare their limited options long term in a Legislature where the Republicans hold the majority in both chambers. Parliamentary procedures and efforts to add amendments can delay the process but not derail it. Republicans said Monday the Democrats’ gambit would ultimately fail.

State Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee, said Democrats’ departure “slows things down” but would not prevent Republicans from prevailing.

“It’s just delaying the inevitable,” said State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee. He described the move as “political theater.”

“We will eventually get it done, this special or another,” he added.

Nevertheless, by traveling en masse to Washington, the Texas Democrats were hoping to apply pressure to Democrats in the U.S. Senate who so far have been unable to pass federal legislation to address the issue.

On Monday night, members of the Texas delegation reiterated their resolve in a 15-minute news conference from an airport parking lot, which concluded with members singing the chorus of “We Shall Overcome.”

The group has scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Capitol, but has no concrete plans in Washington beyond that.

Texas Democrats fled the state Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the passage of a restrictive new voting law by the Republican-controlled Legislature, heading to Washington to draw national attention to their cause.

Texas Democrats fled the state Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the passage of a restrictive new voting law by the Republican-controlled Legislature, heading to Washington to draw national attention to their cause. The group left Austin, Texas, in midafternoon on a pair of chartered flights that arrived at Dulles International Airport just before sunset. Fifty-one of the 67 state House Democrats flew on the planes, leaders of the delegation said, and several others arrived separately in Washington; that’s enough to prevent Texas Republicans from attaining a quorum, which is required to conduct state business. The hastily arranged departure added a cinematic element to the partisan wrangling in a state with a colorful political history. Democrats have fled to neighboring states in the past to try to block legislation, including in 2003, when they traveled to New Mexico and Oklahoma in an effort to avoid Republican attempts to redraw congressional districts. The move could paralyze the Legislature for weeks if Democrats remain out of state until this special session ends in August. Still, it lays bare their limited options long term in a Legislature where the Republicans hold the majority in both chambers. Parliamentary procedures and efforts to add amendments can delay the process but not derail it. Republicans said Monday the Democrats’ gambit would ultimately fail. State Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee, said Democrats’ departure “slows things down” but would not prevent Republicans from prevailing. “It’s just delaying the inevitable,” said State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee. He described the move as “political theater.” “We will eventually get it done, this special or another,” he added. Nevertheless, by traveling en masse to Washington, the Texas Democrats were hoping to apply pressure to Democrats in the U.S. Senate who so far have been unable to pass federal legislation to address the issue. On Monday night, members of the Texas delegation reiterated their resolve in a 15-minute news conference from an airport parking lot, which concluded with members singing the chorus of “We Shall Overcome.” The group has scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Capitol, but has no concrete plans in Washington beyond that.

Texas Democrats flee state to block voting restriction legislation

The top US general in Afghanistan stepped down as the United States military withdrawal from the country nears completion. General Austin Scott Miller transferred his command authorities to General Kenneth McKenzie, the leader of US Central Command, in a ceremony in Kabul.

Top US general in Afghanistan steps down as troops withdrawal nears completion

A wildfire in Northern California that continues to grow overnight on Sunday has now partly being contained by the firefighters. The US National weather service has issued heat warnings that will remain in place through Tuesday evening.

California wildfire partly contained by firefighters, mandatory evacuations ordered

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs.

Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil.&nbsp;

Moise was killed by a unit of assassins that, according to Haitian authorities, was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. These attackers&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;gunned down the deceased President in his Port-au-Prince home early on Wednesday, grievously injuring his wife, Martine Moise, in the process.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-riddled-him-with-bullets-didnt-let-him-say-a-word-haiti-presidents-widow-speaks-up-on-his-assassination-397263">They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination</a>

Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the country had requested US&nbsp;assistance in investigating the attack that killed President Jovenel Moise, but the request was rebuffed.&nbsp;

Now the US has extended help. The proposed team will investigate and report back.

According to a senior Biden administration official, the team upon their return will brief US president, Joe Biden, who will "then make decisions about the way forward."

No word was immediately available on which US departments would send representatives to Haiti or how long they would be there. Washington would also be consulting its partners in the region and with the UN.

As the US readies a team, the group of Colombians and Haitian Americans suspected of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise have, according to a Miami Herald report, told investigators that they were there to arrest Moise and not kill him.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-assassination-aftermath-haitian-first-lady-martine-moise-recounts-the-attack-397307/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The murder and uncertainty over the perpetrator&nbsp;have shocked the already struggling country.&nbsp;

A source said James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian Americans, told investigators they worked as translators for a Colombian commando unit that had an arrest warrant. However, when they arrived, he was already dead.

Haitian police are yet to make a comment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gang-boss-wades-into-haiti-turmoil-sees-conspiracy-behind-presidents-killing-397310">Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing</a>

Jimmy Cherizier, a former cop known as Barbecue and one of Haiti's top gang leaders, said his men would protest the killing on Saturday.&nbsp;He calls the assassination, a police and opposition politicians conspiracy with the "stinking bourgeoisie" to sacrifice Moise.&nbsp;

Overnight, gunfire rang out in the capital, which is suffering from gang violence, displacing thousands and limiting economic activity.

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs. Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil.

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs. Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil. Moise was killed by a unit of assassins that, according to Haitian authorities, was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. These attackers reportedly gunned down the deceased President in his Port-au-Prince home early on Wednesday, grievously injuring his wife, Martine Moise, in the process. Also read | They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the country had requested US assistance in investigating the attack that killed President Jovenel Moise, but the request was rebuffed. Now the US has extended help. The proposed team will investigate and report back. According to a senior Biden administration official, the team upon their return will brief US president, Joe Biden, who will "then make decisions about the way forward." No word was immediately available on which US departments would send representatives to Haiti or how long they would be there. Washington would also be consulting its partners in the region and with the UN. As the US readies a team, the group of Colombians and Haitian Americans suspected of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise have, according to a Miami Herald report, told investigators that they were there to arrest Moise and not kill him. The murder and uncertainty over the perpetrator have shocked the already struggling country. A source said James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian Americans, told investigators they worked as translators for a Colombian commando unit that had an arrest warrant. However, when they arrived, he was already dead. Haitian police are yet to make a comment. Also read | Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing Jimmy Cherizier, a former cop known as Barbecue and one of Haiti's top gang leaders, said his men would protest the killing on Saturday. He calls the assassination, a police and opposition politicians conspiracy with the "stinking bourgeoisie" to sacrifice Moise. Overnight, gunfire rang out in the capital, which is suffering from gang violence, displacing thousands and limiting economic activity.

As Moise’s suspected assassins plead innocence, US agrees to tentatively aid Haiti

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said.

The Taliban assault was the latest in a string of offensives that have seen insurgents capture territory across Afghanistan as US-led foreign forces are in the final stages of withdrawing troops after almost 20 years of fighting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-85-of-afghan-territory-taliban-official-says-396921">Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says</a>

"The enemy's offensive attacks were repelled, and they suffered heavy and unprecedented casualties, as a result of which 55 enemy soldiers were killed and 90 were wounded," the governor of Takhar province Abdullah Qarluq said.

Reuters could not independently confirm his account.

More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed in airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force on hideouts on the outskirts of Takhar's provincial centre, Taluqan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Twitter.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-not-send-another-generation-of-americans-to-war-joe-biden-397047/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Taliban attacked Taluqan from four directions last night (Saturday), but were faced with strong resistance from security forces and (local) people," Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar Police Command, told Reuters.

Taluqan is just the latest provincial capital to come under Taliban pressure. Earlier this week Taliban fighters entered the capital of the western province of Badghis, seizing police and security facilities and attempting to take over the governor's office before special forces pushed them back.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-afghan-women-whats-next-397164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Insurgents have made a fresh push to gain territory in recent weeks, emboldened by the departure of foreign forces. The Pentagon believes that after taking dozens of district centres, the Taliban will make a push for provincial centres.

In southern Afghanistan, too, clashes continued.

India said on Sunday it had temporarily repatriated officials from its consulate in Kandahar, a major city in southern Afghanistan.

"Due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being," Arindam Bagchi, chief spokesperson at India's foreign ministry, said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-and-the-us-retreat-396932">In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat</a>

"India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan," Bagchi said, adding that India's consulate in Kandahar was being run by local staff temporarily.

Taliban officials said on Friday that the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of Afghanistan's territory. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion as propaganda.

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said.

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said. The Taliban assault was the latest in a string of offensives that have seen insurgents capture territory across Afghanistan as US-led foreign forces are in the final stages of withdrawing troops after almost 20 years of fighting. Also read | Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says "The enemy's offensive attacks were repelled, and they suffered heavy and unprecedented casualties, as a result of which 55 enemy soldiers were killed and 90 were wounded," the governor of Takhar province Abdullah Qarluq said. Reuters could not independently confirm his account. More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed in airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force on hideouts on the outskirts of Takhar's provincial centre, Taluqan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Twitter. "The Taliban attacked Taluqan from four directions last night (Saturday), but were faced with strong resistance from security forces and (local) people," Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar Police Command, told Reuters. Taluqan is just the latest provincial capital to come under Taliban pressure. Earlier this week Taliban fighters entered the capital of the western province of Badghis, seizing police and security facilities and attempting to take over the governor's office before special forces pushed them back. Insurgents have made a fresh push to gain territory in recent weeks, emboldened by the departure of foreign forces. The Pentagon believes that after taking dozens of district centres, the Taliban will make a push for provincial centres. In southern Afghanistan, too, clashes continued. India said on Sunday it had temporarily repatriated officials from its consulate in Kandahar, a major city in southern Afghanistan. "Due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being," Arindam Bagchi, chief spokesperson at India's foreign ministry, said in a statement. In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat "India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan," Bagchi said, adding that India's consulate in Kandahar was being run by local staff temporarily. Taliban officials said on Friday that the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of Afghanistan's territory. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion as propaganda.

Afghan forces repel Taliban assault on provincial capital, governor says

Asia's largest economy China has said that it resolutely opposes the addition of 23 Chinese entities to a US economic blacklist over issues including alleged human rights abuses and military ties.

China condemns 'unreasonable suppression' as US expands economic blacklist

Two lawsuits pitting Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler against a former intelligence czar threaten to expose highly sensitive US government secrets, prompting Washington to consider a rare judicial intervention. That marks the latest twist in a long-running feud between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Aljabri.

Saudi lawsuits threatens to expose US state secrets

Millions of people across the western United States and Canada were hit Sunday by a new round of scorching hot temperatures, with some roads closed, train traffic limited and new evacuations ordered.

In Canada, with wildfires continuing to spread -- including 50 more blazes erupting in the past two days -- the government announced new emergency measures aimed at preventing further fires.

Sweltering conditions hit much of the Pacific seaboard and as far inland as the western edge of the Rocky Mountains over the weekend. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pacific-north-west-heatwave-killed-almost-200-people-396895">Also read | US Pacific north-west heatwave killed almost 200 people</a> 
 
"A dangerous heatwave will affect much of the western US, with record-breaking temperatures likely," the National Weather Service said on its website Sunday, while Canadian meteorologists predicted highs approaching 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in parts of western Canada -- well above seasonal norms. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-place-is-safe-reveal-scientists-amid-unprecedented-heatwave-in-parts-of-us-and-canada-395939">Also read | No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada</a> 
 
Las Vegas on Saturday matched its record of 117 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) -- a temperature recorded in the desert entertainment city once in 1942 and three other times since 2005.

Sunday was expected to be only a few degrees cooler there, while Death Valley, California -- often the nation's hottest spot -- was headed for a high of 126 degrees Fahrenheit.

Forecasters issued an excessive heat warning for several other urban centres including the southern city of Phoenix and San Jose, the centre of the Silicon Valley tech industry south of San Francisco. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-canada-experience-heatwave-un-confirms-record-heat-in-antarctica-395224">Also read |&nbsp;As US &amp; Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica</a>

The weekend's hot weather follows an earlier heat wave that struck the western United States and Canada at the end of June.

The scorching conditions saw the record daily temperature broken three days in a row in the Canadian province of British Columbia.

Warming temperatures

Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra on Sunday announced new emergency measures aimed at preventing further wildfires in the tinder-dry region, including steps to slow or limit train traffic.

Trains are a common cause of wildfires, often when their spark-arresting devices are poorly maintained.

Several roads and highways in the area have been closed as the government rated the wildfire risk in much of the province as "extreme." A dozen towns or locales remained under evacuation orders.

The Canadian government has sent investigators to the town of Lytton, 150 miles (250 kilometres) northeast of Vancouver, to see whether a passing cargo train might have caused a late June fire that destroyed 90 per cent of the town.

The overall deaths in British Columbia were not yet known but are thought to run into the hundreds.

As of Sunday morning, the number of wildfires across British Columbia was continuing to rise, hitting 298, authorities said.

In the US state of Oregon, the Bootleg Fire more than tripled in size between Friday and Sunday, gaining more than 100,000 acres, according to the US Forest Service.

Last month was the hottest June on record in North America, according to data released by the European Union's climate monitoring service.

Human activity has driven global temperatures up, stoking increasingly fierce storms, extreme heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

The World Meteorological Organisation and Britain's Met Office said in May there was a 40 per cent chance of the annual average global temperature temporarily surpassing 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial temperatures within the next five years.

The past six years, including 2020, have been the six warmest on record.

Millions of people across the western United States and Canada were hit Sunday by a new round of scorching hot temperatures, with some roads closed, train traffic limited and new evacuations ordered.

Millions of people across the western United States and Canada were hit Sunday by a new round of scorching hot temperatures, with some roads closed, train traffic limited and new evacuations ordered. In Canada, with wildfires continuing to spread -- including 50 more blazes erupting in the past two days -- the government announced new emergency measures aimed at preventing further fires. Sweltering conditions hit much of the Pacific seaboard and as far inland as the western edge of the Rocky Mountains over the weekend. Also read | US Pacific north-west heatwave killed almost 200 people "A dangerous heatwave will affect much of the western US, with record-breaking temperatures likely," the National Weather Service said on its website Sunday, while Canadian meteorologists predicted highs approaching 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in parts of western Canada -- well above seasonal norms. Also read | No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada Las Vegas on Saturday matched its record of 117 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) -- a temperature recorded in the desert entertainment city once in 1942 and three other times since 2005. Sunday was expected to be only a few degrees cooler there, while Death Valley, California -- often the nation's hottest spot -- was headed for a high of 126 degrees Fahrenheit. Forecasters issued an excessive heat warning for several other urban centres including the southern city of Phoenix and San Jose, the centre of the Silicon Valley tech industry south of San Francisco. Also read | As US & Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica The weekend's hot weather follows an earlier heat wave that struck the western United States and Canada at the end of June. The scorching conditions saw the record daily temperature broken three days in a row in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Warming temperatures Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra on Sunday announced new emergency measures aimed at preventing further wildfires in the tinder-dry region, including steps to slow or limit train traffic. Trains are a common cause of wildfires, often when their spark-arresting devices are poorly maintained. Several roads and highways in the area have been closed as the government rated the wildfire risk in much of the province as "extreme." A dozen towns or locales remained under evacuation orders. The Canadian government has sent investigators to the town of Lytton, 150 miles (250 kilometres) northeast of Vancouver, to see whether a passing cargo train might have caused a late June fire that destroyed 90 per cent of the town. The overall deaths in British Columbia were not yet known but are thought to run into the hundreds. As of Sunday morning, the number of wildfires across British Columbia was continuing to rise, hitting 298, authorities said. In the US state of Oregon, the Bootleg Fire more than tripled in size between Friday and Sunday, gaining more than 100,000 acres, according to the US Forest Service. Last month was the hottest June on record in North America, according to data released by the European Union's climate monitoring service. Human activity has driven global temperatures up, stoking increasingly fierce storms, extreme heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. The World Meteorological Organisation and Britain's Met Office said in May there was a 40 per cent chance of the annual average global temperature temporarily surpassing 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial temperatures within the next five years. The past six years, including 2020, have been the six warmest on record.

Millions in the US, Canada hit by new rounds of scorching hot temperatures

At a local festival in Michigan, United States,&nbsp;an amusement ride started to malfunction midway in a&nbsp;horrific incident. The video showing the whole incident has been buzzing on the social media.

In the video,&nbsp;some onlookers&nbsp;can be seen gasping for breath while others rushed to the rescue of people on board the ride.&nbsp;

At the National Cherry Festival, the magic carpet amusement ride&nbsp;can be seen swinging violently. In the process, it rocked its metallic foundations.

The presence of mind of some onlookers averted a major untoward accident&nbsp;as the ride was just about to topple over. A passersby could be seen hopping on the ride's foundation to balance it. Following suit,&nbsp;several others joined in to&nbsp;stabilise&nbsp;the structure of the ride.

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Bystanders at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan rushed over to stop a carnival ride from tipping over <a href="https://t.co/OeE4sASyF6">https://t.co/OeE4sASyF6</a> <a href="https://t.co/ulLbxgQNRB">pic.twitter.com/ulLbxgQNRB</a>
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A&nbsp;netizen&nbsp;posted the incident's video on social media, saying, “Bystanders at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan rushed over to stop a carnival ride from tipping over.”

A report on the incident said that no injuries were reported.&nbsp;The ride was also disassembled, adding that the harnesses remained locked for several minutes even after the ride came to a still.

The onlookers cheered and clapped after everyone got down from the ride.&nbsp;

At a local festival in Michigan, United States, an amusement ride started to malfunction midway in a horrific incident. The video showing the whole incident has been buzzing on the social media.

At a local festival in Michigan, United States, an amusement ride started to malfunction midway in a horrific incident. The video showing the whole incident has been buzzing on the social media. In the video, some onlookers can be seen gasping for breath while others rushed to the rescue of people on board the ride. At the National Cherry Festival, the magic carpet amusement ride can be seen swinging violently. In the process, it rocked its metallic foundations. The presence of mind of some onlookers averted a major untoward accident as the ride was just about to topple over. A passersby could be seen hopping on the ride's foundation to balance it. Following suit, several others joined in to stabilise the structure of the ride. Bystanders at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan rushed over to stop a carnival ride from tipping over https://t.co/OeE4sASyF6 pic.twitter.com/ulLbxgQNRB — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 10, 2021 × A netizen posted the incident's video on social media, saying, “Bystanders at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan rushed over to stop a carnival ride from tipping over.” A report on the incident said that no injuries were reported. The ride was also disassembled, adding that the harnesses remained locked for several minutes even after the ride came to a still. The onlookers cheered and clapped after everyone got down from the ride.

Watch: Amusement ride goes out of control at a US carnival

Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital.

Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his realtor's office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman, who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the real estate agent in the mouth.

Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says.

Zamaray “only went there because he personally knew the realtor and thought it was safe," Samiullah Darman, his brother-in-law, told Reuters. "We didn’t know that he would never come back."

At least seven Afghan pilots, including Zamaray, have been assassinated off base in recent months, according to two senior Afghan government officials. This series of targeted killings, which haven't been previously reported, illustrate what US&nbsp;and Afghan officials believe is a deliberate Taliban effort to destroy one of Afghanistan's most valuable military assets: its corps of US- and NATO-trained military pilots.

In so doing, the Taliban, who have no air force, are looking to level the playing field as they press major ground offensives. The militants are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the US-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to topple Kabul.

Reuters confirmed the identities of two of the slain pilots through family members. It could not independently verify the names of the other five who were allegedly targeted.

In response to questions from Reuters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group had killed Zamaray, and that it had started a programme that will see Afghan Air Force pilots 'targeted and eliminated because all of them do bombardment against their people'.

Afghanistan's government has not publicly disclosed the number of pilots assassinated in targeted killings. The nation's Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was aware of the deaths of several Afghan pilots in killings claimed by the Taliban, but declined comment on US&nbsp;intelligence and investigations.

Afghan military pilots are particularly attractive assassination targets, current and former US&nbsp;and Afghan officials say. They can strike Taliban forces massing for major attacks, shuttle commandos to missions and provide life-saving air cover for Afghan ground troops. Pilots take years to train and are hard to replace, representing an outsized blow to the country's defences with every loss.

Shoot-downs and accidents are ever-present risks. Yet these pilots often are most vulnerable in the streets of their own neighborhoods, where attackers can come from anywhere, said retired US&nbsp;Brigadier General David Hicks, who commanded the training effort for the Afghan Air Force from 2016 to 2017.

"Their lives were at much greater risk during that time (off base) than they were while they were flying combat missions," Hicks said.

Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital.

Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital. Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his realtor's office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman, who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the real estate agent in the mouth. Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says. Zamaray “only went there because he personally knew the realtor and thought it was safe," Samiullah Darman, his brother-in-law, told Reuters. "We didn’t know that he would never come back." At least seven Afghan pilots, including Zamaray, have been assassinated off base in recent months, according to two senior Afghan government officials. This series of targeted killings, which haven't been previously reported, illustrate what US and Afghan officials believe is a deliberate Taliban effort to destroy one of Afghanistan's most valuable military assets: its corps of US- and NATO-trained military pilots. In so doing, the Taliban, who have no air force, are looking to level the playing field as they press major ground offensives. The militants are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the US-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to topple Kabul. Reuters confirmed the identities of two of the slain pilots through family members. It could not independently verify the names of the other five who were allegedly targeted. In response to questions from Reuters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group had killed Zamaray, and that it had started a programme that will see Afghan Air Force pilots 'targeted and eliminated because all of them do bombardment against their people'. Afghanistan's government has not publicly disclosed the number of pilots assassinated in targeted killings. The nation's Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was aware of the deaths of several Afghan pilots in killings claimed by the Taliban, but declined comment on US intelligence and investigations. Afghan military pilots are particularly attractive assassination targets, current and former US and Afghan officials say. They can strike Taliban forces massing for major attacks, shuttle commandos to missions and provide life-saving air cover for Afghan ground troops. Pilots take years to train and are hard to replace, representing an outsized blow to the country's defences with every loss. Shoot-downs and accidents are ever-present risks. Yet these pilots often are most vulnerable in the streets of their own neighborhoods, where attackers can come from anywhere, said retired US Brigadier General David Hicks, who commanded the training effort for the Afghan Air Force from 2016 to 2017. "Their lives were at much greater risk during that time (off base) than they were while they were flying combat missions," Hicks said.

Afghan pilots assassinated by Taliban as US withdraws

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin,&nbsp;on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region.

"In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations."

He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban</a>

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31.&nbsp;

Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks.

Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots.

In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation.

Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said.

"This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial."

Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver."

Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China.

In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin, on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region. "In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations." He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31. Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks. Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with Biden saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots. In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation. Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said. "This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial." Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver." Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China. In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

US, France expand special forces cooperation

Although&nbsp;initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage,&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US&nbsp;defence official said.

It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US&nbsp;personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days.&nbsp;On the condition of anonymity, the official&nbsp;told Reuters, the attack occurred in Conoco, Syria. 
 
US&nbsp;diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US&nbsp;forces, wounding two American service members.

As there haven't been immediate claims of responsibility for these attacks, analysts believe&nbsp;they were carried out by Iranian-backed militias. 
 
Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran had vowed to retaliate after US&nbsp;strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. 
 
Iran has denied supporting attacks on US&nbsp;forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US&nbsp;air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Although initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage, US forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US defence official said. It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days.

Although initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage, US forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US defence official said. It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days. On the condition of anonymity, the official told Reuters, the attack occurred in Conoco, Syria. US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members. As there haven't been immediate claims of responsibility for these attacks, analysts believe they were carried out by Iranian-backed militias. Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran had vowed to retaliate after US strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. Iran has denied supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. (With inputs from agencies)

No casualties, damage in attack against US forces in Syria: Official

China on Sunday said it will take 'necessary measures' to respond to the US blacklisting of Chinese companies over their alleged role in abuses of Uyghur people and other Muslim ethnic minorities.

The Commerce Ministry said the US move constituted an 'unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises and a serious breach of international economic and trade rules'.

"China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard Chinese companies' legitimate rights and interests,"&nbsp;the ministry's statement said.

No details were given, but China has denied allegations of arbitrary detention and forced labour in the far western region of Xinjiang and increasingly responded to sanctions against companies and officials with its own bans on visas and financial links.

The US&nbsp;Commerce Department said in a statement on Friday that the electronics and technology firms and other businesses helped enable 'Beijing's campaign of repression, mass detention and high-technology surveillance' against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

The penalties prohibit Americans from selling equipment or other goods to the firms. The United States has stepped up financial and trade penalties over China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, along with its crackdown on democracy in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong.

The Chinese government since 2017 has detained a million or more people in Xinjiang. Critics accuse China of operating forced labor camps and carrying out torture and coerced sterilisation as it allegedly seeks to assimilate Muslim ethnic minority groups.

The US Commerce Department said 14 companies were added to its Entity List over their dealings in Xinjiang, and another five for aiding China's armed forces.

"The Department of Commerce remains firmly committed to taking strong, decisive action to target entities that are enabling human rights abuses in Xinjiang or that use US&nbsp;Technology to fuel China's destabilising military modernisation efforts," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement posted on the department's website.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Sunday said it will take 'necessary measures' to respond to the US blacklisting of Chinese companies over their alleged role in abuses of Uyghur people and other Muslim ethnic minorities.

China on Sunday said it will take 'necessary measures' to respond to the US blacklisting of Chinese companies over their alleged role in abuses of Uyghur people and other Muslim ethnic minorities. The Commerce Ministry said the US move constituted an 'unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises and a serious breach of international economic and trade rules'. "China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard Chinese companies' legitimate rights and interests," the ministry's statement said. No details were given, but China has denied allegations of arbitrary detention and forced labour in the far western region of Xinjiang and increasingly responded to sanctions against companies and officials with its own bans on visas and financial links. The US Commerce Department said in a statement on Friday that the electronics and technology firms and other businesses helped enable 'Beijing's campaign of repression, mass detention and high-technology surveillance' against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. The penalties prohibit Americans from selling equipment or other goods to the firms. The United States has stepped up financial and trade penalties over China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, along with its crackdown on democracy in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong. The Chinese government since 2017 has detained a million or more people in Xinjiang. Critics accuse China of operating forced labor camps and carrying out torture and coerced sterilisation as it allegedly seeks to assimilate Muslim ethnic minority groups. The US Commerce Department said 14 companies were added to its Entity List over their dealings in Xinjiang, and another five for aiding China's armed forces. "The Department of Commerce remains firmly committed to taking strong, decisive action to target entities that are enabling human rights abuses in Xinjiang or that use US Technology to fuel China's destabilising military modernisation efforts," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement posted on the department's website. (With inputs from agencies)

China vows retaliation after US blacklists companies

The Taliban has said it sees China as a 'friend' of Afghanistan. According to a media report, the Taliban also assured Beijing that it would guarantee security for Chinese investments in the country.

Taliban calls China a 'friend' of Afghanistan

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday she was "very concerned" about the risk that new variants of coronavirus could pose to the global economic recovery from the pandemic.

"We are very concerned about the Delta variant and other variants that could emerge and threaten recovery," she told reporters following a G20 meeting in Venice, Italy.&nbsp;

"We are a connected global economy, what happens in any part of the world affects all other countries."

In their final statement issued late Saturday, G20 finance ministers warned that the spread of new variants was a "downside risk" to the economic recovery, while also warning of the dangers of differing paces of vaccination campaigns.

"We recognise the importance of working together to speed the process of vaccination and have the goal of wanting to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population next year," Yellen said.

She said "a lot has been done" to finance the purchase of vaccines by developing countries, but said the world needed to "do something more and to be more effective" with respect to responding to outbreaks around the world, such as sending therapeutics and protective equipment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

The G20 on Friday heard from a specially commissioned panel of experts who warned the world must invest much more -- at least $75 billion over the next five years -- to prepare for and try to avert the next pandemic.

"While we're focused on the medium- and long-term... we certainly realise we also need to do more in the near term," Yellen said.

The World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Health Organization "have formed a taskforce to work on this and we've asked that we have regular monthly reports on how that work is going and that we address this issue more fully in October" at the G20 ministers' next meeting.

"But certainly variants represent a threat to the entire globe," Yellen said.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday she was "very concerned" about the risk that new variants of coronavirus could pose to the global economic recovery from the pandemic.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday she was "very concerned" about the risk that new variants of coronavirus could pose to the global economic recovery from the pandemic. "We are very concerned about the Delta variant and other variants that could emerge and threaten recovery," she told reporters following a G20 meeting in Venice, Italy. "We are a connected global economy, what happens in any part of the world affects all other countries." In their final statement issued late Saturday, G20 finance ministers warned that the spread of new variants was a "downside risk" to the economic recovery, while also warning of the dangers of differing paces of vaccination campaigns. "We recognise the importance of working together to speed the process of vaccination and have the goal of wanting to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population next year," Yellen said. She said "a lot has been done" to finance the purchase of vaccines by developing countries, but said the world needed to "do something more and to be more effective" with respect to responding to outbreaks around the world, such as sending therapeutics and protective equipment. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space The G20 on Friday heard from a specially commissioned panel of experts who warned the world must invest much more -- at least $75 billion over the next five years -- to prepare for and try to avert the next pandemic. "While we're focused on the medium- and long-term... we certainly realise we also need to do more in the near term," Yellen said. The World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Health Organization "have formed a taskforce to work on this and we've asked that we have regular monthly reports on how that work is going and that we address this issue more fully in October" at the G20 ministers' next meeting. "But certainly variants represent a threat to the entire globe," Yellen said.

US 'very concerned' COVID-19 variants could risk recovery, says Yellen

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday urged the European Union to reconsider its plans for a "discriminatory" digital tax, saying the new global reform deal should make it redundant.

Meeting in Venice, G20 ministers, including Yellen, &nbsp;on Saturday endorsed a plan agreed by 132 countries to overhaul the way multinational companies, including US digital giants, are taxed.

"The agreement that we've reached in the OECD framework discussion calls on countries to agree to dismantle existing digital taxes that the United States has regarded as discriminatory and to refrain from erecting similar measures in the future," Yellen told reporters.

"So it's really up to the European Commission and the members of the European Union to decide how to proceed. But those countries have agreed to avoid putting in place in the future and to dismantle taxes that are discriminatory against US firms."

Yellen is due in Brussels on Monday for talks with Eurozone finance ministers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

Negotiations at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) secured a historic agreement on July 1 for a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15 per cent, and to allow nations to tax a share of the profits of the world's biggest companies regardless of where they are headquartered.

In a diplomatic document seen by AFP late last month, Washington warned the EU that its plans for a bloc-wide digital levy, which it sees a discriminating against US technology firms, risked "entirely derailing" the negotiations at the OECD.

Three EU countries -- including Ireland, which has become a European base for a raft of US companies thanks to low tax rates -- have yet to sign up for the OECD agreement.

Yellen said she would seek to persuade them.

"I will use the opportunity to try to explain why we think that the few remaining EU countries that have not endorsed the inclusive framework, why we think it's in the world's interest, in their interests to be part of the agreement," she said.

"In some cases, there are very specific technical issues that it may indeed be possible to address and where that's possible I know all of us will be working in the common months to do that and to bring those countries on board."

The European Commission has insisted its new levy plan, due to be unveiled later this month, would conform with whatever is agreed at the OECD and would hit thousands of companies, including European ones.

Money raised from the digital tax is intended to help pay for the bloc's 750-billion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday urged the European Union to reconsider its plans for a "discriminatory" digital tax, saying the new global reform deal should make it redundant.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday urged the European Union to reconsider its plans for a "discriminatory" digital tax, saying the new global reform deal should make it redundant. Meeting in Venice, G20 ministers, including Yellen, on Saturday endorsed a plan agreed by 132 countries to overhaul the way multinational companies, including US digital giants, are taxed. "The agreement that we've reached in the OECD framework discussion calls on countries to agree to dismantle existing digital taxes that the United States has regarded as discriminatory and to refrain from erecting similar measures in the future," Yellen told reporters. "So it's really up to the European Commission and the members of the European Union to decide how to proceed. But those countries have agreed to avoid putting in place in the future and to dismantle taxes that are discriminatory against US firms." Yellen is due in Brussels on Monday for talks with Eurozone finance ministers. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space Negotiations at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) secured a historic agreement on July 1 for a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15 per cent, and to allow nations to tax a share of the profits of the world's biggest companies regardless of where they are headquartered. In a diplomatic document seen by AFP late last month, Washington warned the EU that its plans for a bloc-wide digital levy, which it sees a discriminating against US technology firms, risked "entirely derailing" the negotiations at the OECD. Three EU countries -- including Ireland, which has become a European base for a raft of US companies thanks to low tax rates -- have yet to sign up for the OECD agreement. Yellen said she would seek to persuade them. "I will use the opportunity to try to explain why we think that the few remaining EU countries that have not endorsed the inclusive framework, why we think it's in the world's interest, in their interests to be part of the agreement," she said. "In some cases, there are very specific technical issues that it may indeed be possible to address and where that's possible I know all of us will be working in the common months to do that and to bring those countries on board." The European Commission has insisted its new levy plan, due to be unveiled later this month, would conform with whatever is agreed at the OECD and would hit thousands of companies, including European ones. Money raised from the digital tax is intended to help pay for the bloc's 750-billion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan.

Yellen urges EU to reconsider its digital tax plan

US President Joe Biden has warned Russia of consequences for the ransomware attacks emanating from the country, underscoring the need for Moscow to take action against groups engaged in the crime.

Biden spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday about the ongoing ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia that have impacted the US and other countries around the world, the White House said in a readout of the call.

“Yes,” Biden told reporters at the White House hours after his call with Putin on this issue when asked if there would be consequences to the ransomware attack. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/hackers-linked-to-russia-reportedly-demand-70-million-from-companies-hit-by-cyberattack-395947">Also read | Hackers linked to Russia reportedly demand $70 million from companies hit by cyberattack</a>

“I made it very clear to him that the United States expects, when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil, even though it’s not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is,” he said.

“And, secondly, that we have set up a means of communications now, on a regular basis, to be able to communicate to one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country,” Biden said.

During the call, the White House said, Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasised that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware.

During the call, Biden reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge.

“The President has also called on governments and agencies to modernise their defences to meet this threat, building on the President’s executive order on cybersecurity that was released in May,” a senior administration official told reporters.

“I want to say a few other things about this: The President really meant what he said just after concluding the summit meeting in Geneva, when he said that our assessment of this process and our evaluation of Russia’s actions would take time and play out over time. The President said six months or more,” the official said.

“This is more than just a conversation that’s taking place between the two leaders, President Biden and President Putin. This is really about our own resilience, as a nation, in the face of these attacks, and strengthening that. That’s what the cybersecurity executive order was largely about,” said the senior administration official.

US President Joe Biden has warned Russia of consequences for the ransomware attacks emanating from the country, underscoring the need for Moscow to take action against groups engaged in the crime.

US President Joe Biden has warned Russia of consequences for the ransomware attacks emanating from the country, underscoring the need for Moscow to take action against groups engaged in the crime. Biden spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday about the ongoing ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia that have impacted the US and other countries around the world, the White House said in a readout of the call. “Yes,” Biden told reporters at the White House hours after his call with Putin on this issue when asked if there would be consequences to the ransomware attack. Also read | Hackers linked to Russia reportedly demand $70 million from companies hit by cyberattack “I made it very clear to him that the United States expects, when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil, even though it’s not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is,” he said. “And, secondly, that we have set up a means of communications now, on a regular basis, to be able to communicate to one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country,” Biden said. During the call, the White House said, Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasised that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware. During the call, Biden reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge. “The President has also called on governments and agencies to modernise their defences to meet this threat, building on the President’s executive order on cybersecurity that was released in May,” a senior administration official told reporters. “I want to say a few other things about this: The President really meant what he said just after concluding the summit meeting in Geneva, when he said that our assessment of this process and our evaluation of Russia’s actions would take time and play out over time. The President said six months or more,” the official said. “This is more than just a conversation that’s taking place between the two leaders, President Biden and President Putin. This is really about our own resilience, as a nation, in the face of these attacks, and strengthening that. That’s what the cybersecurity executive order was largely about,” said the senior administration official.

Joe Biden warns Vladimir Putin on ransomware attack from Russia

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, July 9,&nbsp;updated its guidance to help reopen&nbsp;schools&nbsp;in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms.

The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12&nbsp;schools&nbsp;in the United States should continue to mandate wearing masks indoors by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

The agency said that if localities decide to remove prevention strategies in&nbsp;schools&nbsp;based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time.&nbsp;Schools&nbsp;should monitor closely for increases in COVID-19 cases before removing the next prevention strategy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-out-for-good-lebanese-teachers-flee-as-financial-crisis-builds-396821">Also read |&nbsp;School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds</a>

"Because of the importance of in-person learning,&nbsp;schools, where not everyone is fully vaccinated, should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures, but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement," the new guidance said.

A study by the CDC also released on Friday showed that half of unvaccinated adolescents and parents of unvaccinated adolescents reported being uncertain about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, or did not intend to get one at all.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, July 9, updated its guidance to help reopen schools in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, July 9, updated its guidance to help reopen schools in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms. The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools in the United States should continue to mandate wearing masks indoors by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated. The agency said that if localities decide to remove prevention strategies in schools based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time. Schools should monitor closely for increases in COVID-19 cases before removing the next prevention strategy. Also read | School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds "Because of the importance of in-person learning, schools, where not everyone is fully vaccinated, should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures, but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement," the new guidance said. A study by the CDC also released on Friday showed that half of unvaccinated adolescents and parents of unvaccinated adolescents reported being uncertain about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, or did not intend to get one at all.

CDC recommends masking indoors for unvaccinated students, teachers in US schools

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday that its forces have captured a key border crossing with Turkmenistan. "The important Torghundi border port has been fully captured," Zabihullah said even as the Afghan government added that its forces are trying to recapture the area.

The American Exit: Taliban Claims five key border posts

Senegal, the&nbsp;EU, the United States, several European governments, and other partners, signed an accord in the capital Dakar on Friday to finance&nbsp;vaccine production&nbsp;in the West African state. &nbsp;

The move comes amid a shortage of jabs and the third wave of coronavirus infections sweeping Africa, which has highlighted the lack of vaccination-production facilities on the continent.&nbsp;

Ninety-nine per cent of vaccines used in Africa are imported, according to a joint statement from the Senegalese government and the European Union.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;financing&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is intended to kickstart&nbsp;vaccine production&nbsp;at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, the statement explained, lowering the dependence on imports. &nbsp;

Senegal's Economy Minister Amadou Hott was quoted in the statement as saying that the&nbsp;new&nbsp;production site will lay the foundation for "pharmaceutical and medical sovereignty".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371">Also read |&nbsp;Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics</a>

It will also "increase access to affordable vaccines in Africa, and enable&nbsp;vaccine production&nbsp;to rapidly respond to&nbsp;new&nbsp;pandemics," he added.&nbsp;

Construction of the&nbsp;plant&nbsp;is expected to start later this year, according to the statement, which added that 25 million vaccine doses are due to be produced each month by the end of 2022.

The European Commission, European Investment Bank, the World Bank, as well as the United States, France, Germany and Belgium will fund the project, alongside the Senegalese government and other donors.

Germany will contribute 20 million euros ($23.7 million) towards the&nbsp;new&nbsp;plant.

It is not yet clear how much other donors will contribute. However, several donors had already contributed millions towards a feasibility study.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At a press conference in Dakar on Friday, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said the project should cost around 200 million euros ($237 million) in total.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;plant&nbsp;will be situated in the&nbsp;new&nbsp;city of Diamniadio, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Dakar, and employ about 300 people, he added.

"This is a historic day," Breton said, referring to the signing.

With some 5.8 million reported Covid-19 cases and around 149,000 deaths among its nearly 1.3 billion people, Africa is the world's least-affected continent after Oceania, according to an AFP tally.

The third wave of virus infections is currently sweeping the continent, raising fears about the consequences of a lack of vaccines.

Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only about two per cent of the African population fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, warned on Thursday that cases are doubling every 18 days.&nbsp;

"Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever," she said.

Senegal, the EU, the United States, several European governments, and other partners, signed an accord in the capital Dakar on Friday to finance vaccine production in the West African state.

Senegal, the EU, the United States, several European governments, and other partners, signed an accord in the capital Dakar on Friday to finance vaccine production in the West African state. The move comes amid a shortage of jabs and the third wave of coronavirus infections sweeping Africa, which has highlighted the lack of vaccination-production facilities on the continent. Ninety-nine per cent of vaccines used in Africa are imported, according to a joint statement from the Senegalese government and the European Union. The new financing deal is intended to kickstart vaccine production at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, the statement explained, lowering the dependence on imports. Senegal's Economy Minister Amadou Hott was quoted in the statement as saying that the new production site will lay the foundation for "pharmaceutical and medical sovereignty". Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics It will also "increase access to affordable vaccines in Africa, and enable vaccine production to rapidly respond to new pandemics," he added. Construction of the plant is expected to start later this year, according to the statement, which added that 25 million vaccine doses are due to be produced each month by the end of 2022. The European Commission, European Investment Bank, the World Bank, as well as the United States, France, Germany and Belgium will fund the project, alongside the Senegalese government and other donors. Germany will contribute 20 million euros ($23.7 million) towards the new plant. It is not yet clear how much other donors will contribute. However, several donors had already contributed millions towards a feasibility study. At a press conference in Dakar on Friday, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said the project should cost around 200 million euros ($237 million) in total. The plant will be situated in the new city of Diamniadio, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Dakar, and employ about 300 people, he added. "This is a historic day," Breton said, referring to the signing. With some 5.8 million reported Covid-19 cases and around 149,000 deaths among its nearly 1.3 billion people, Africa is the world's least-affected continent after Oceania, according to an AFP tally. The third wave of virus infections is currently sweeping the continent, raising fears about the consequences of a lack of vaccines. Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only about two per cent of the African population fully vaccinated. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, warned on Thursday that cases are doubling every 18 days. "Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever," she said.

Senegal, EU and US sign deal for new vaccine-production plant

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2.&nbsp;

It was later confirmed that despite "top-notch" epidemic prevention measures among them were 22 people infected with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/staring-at-civil-war-how-bad-is-the-situation-in-afghanistan-397134">Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan?</a>

Chinese officials confirmed recent returnees had been infected with coronavirus but did not reveal particulars of the evacuation flight.&nbsp;

Calling for all Chinese nationals to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible, the Chinese consular affairs department offered them assistance in a social media post.

Chinese state media tabloid Global Times reported that the flight had been organised by the government.

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> vow to complete troop withdrawal by August 31, fears have been growing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-85-of-afghan-territory-taliban-official-says-396921">Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says</a>

After two decades of bloody conflict in Afghanistan, since the start of troop withdrawal Taliban has taken control of around 85 per cent of the territories, which has given rise to the Afghan government's declining control over provincial capitals.&nbsp;

Washington's quick and chaotic withdrawal has been harshly criticized by Beijing in recent weeks.

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing that the US while disregarding its responsibilities and duties is withdrawing troops quickly from Afghanistan, dumping the resulting chaos on locals and neighbouring counties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-neighbours-in-the-region-have-real-stake-in-its-future-us-state-department-397106">Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department</a>

He added that as the original culprit of the Afghan issue, the United States has an unavoidable responsibility.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation next week.

Next week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, China's foreign minister Wang Yi will meet with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation.

Throughout China, social media users celebrated the rescue mission as a national victory, with related hashtags receiving more than 300 million views on Weibo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns. On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2.

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns. On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2. It was later confirmed that despite "top-notch" epidemic prevention measures among them were 22 people infected with the coronavirus. Also read | Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan? Chinese officials confirmed recent returnees had been infected with coronavirus but did not reveal particulars of the evacuation flight. Calling for all Chinese nationals to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible, the Chinese consular affairs department offered them assistance in a social media post. Chinese state media tabloid Global Times reported that the flight had been organised by the government. With US President Joe Biden's vow to complete troop withdrawal by August 31, fears have been growing. Also read | Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says After two decades of bloody conflict in Afghanistan, since the start of troop withdrawal Taliban has taken control of around 85 per cent of the territories, which has given rise to the Afghan government's declining control over provincial capitals. Washington's quick and chaotic withdrawal has been harshly criticized by Beijing in recent weeks. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing that the US while disregarding its responsibilities and duties is withdrawing troops quickly from Afghanistan, dumping the resulting chaos on locals and neighbouring counties. Also read | Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department He added that as the original culprit of the Afghan issue, the United States has an unavoidable responsibility. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation next week. Next week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, China's foreign minister Wang Yi will meet with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation. Throughout China, social media users celebrated the rescue mission as a national victory, with related hashtags receiving more than 300 million views on Weibo. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese citizens evacuated from Afghanistan as US troops withdraw

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