US President Joe Biden predicted on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a military move into Ukraine and warned President Vladimir Putin that his country would pay a dearly price for a full-blown invasion.

US President Joe Biden predicts Russia would make a move on Ukraine

The rabbi of a Texas synagogue who was taken hostage on Saturday has described how he threw a chair at the gunman in order to escape. WION's Jodie Cohn spoke with retired NYPD detective Mordecai Dzi-Kansky for more insights.

Texas is an unbeliavable example of dodging a shooter, says retired NYPD detective Kansky

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses joint presser with Ukraine Foreign Minister as he visited Kyiv to show support before crunch talks with Russia later this week.

Committed to protect Ukraine's sovereignty, says Antony Blinken

Major international airlines rushed to rejig or cancel flights to the US ahead of a 5G wireless rollout on Wednesday that has triggered safety concerns.

Major airlines scramble to rejig schedules amid US 5G rollout

Russia is thinning out its embassy in Ukraine. UK has sent arms to Ukraine; Canada has sent special forces. Russia is conducting military drills. US is sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv. Is a war inevitable? Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Blinken to travel to Ukraine, as Russia conducts military drills

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week.

Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February.

"This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement.

The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing.

On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home.

The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest.

US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week. Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February. "This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement. The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing. On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home. The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest. US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory. (With inputs from agencies)

US government to distribute 400 million Covid N95 masks for free

As omicron variant drives a surge in covid-19 infections across the United States, the country is also reporting another worrying trend. As per the center for disease control and prevention also known as the CDC, pediatric hospitalizations related to COVID-19 are at their highest level since the beginning of the pandemic.

US sees highest rate of pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations

A major winter storm has brought heavy snow and ice to parts of the United States and Canada. More than 230,000 people are left without power supply in the US and 4,200 flights have been cancelled.

Snowstorm drops a wallop of snow in US and Canada, thousands left without power

A "catastrophic" aviation crisis may unfold in less than 36 hours due to the deployment of new 5G service, warned the chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes at a time when AT&amp;T and Verizon look to begin the new service. &nbsp;

The new C-Band 5G service, which is set to begin on Wednesday, could render a large number of widebody aircraft unusable, "could potentially strand tens of thousands of Americans overseas" and lead to "chaos" for US flights, warned the airlines. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-condemn-yemeni-drone-attack-on-abu-dhabi-that-killed-3-including-indians-445573" hreflang="en">US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians</a>

In a letter, the chief executives of Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines&nbsp;and others, wrote, "Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the travelling and shipping public will essentially be grounded." &nbsp;

The potential interference could affect sensitive airplane instruments, such as altimeters and hamper low-visibility operations, warned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). &nbsp;

"This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays," the letter cautioned. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-california-city-is-overrun-by-crows-could-a-laser-be-the-answer-445531" hreflang="en">A California city is overrun by crows. Could a laser be the answer?</a>

The airlines are also looking to begin canceling some international flights, which are scheduled to arrive in the US on Wednesday. &nbsp;

In the letter, the airlines added that action is urgently needed. It has also been signed by Alaska Air, Atlas Air, JetBlue Airways, UPS Airlines and FedEx Express. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The letter has been sent to White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A "catastrophic" aviation crisis may unfold in less than 36 hours due to the deployment of new 5G service, warned the chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers on Monday.

A "catastrophic" aviation crisis may unfold in less than 36 hours due to the deployment of new 5G service, warned the chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers on Monday. This comes at a time when AT&T and Verizon look to begin the new service. The new C-Band 5G service, which is set to begin on Wednesday, could render a large number of widebody aircraft unusable, "could potentially strand tens of thousands of Americans overseas" and lead to "chaos" for US flights, warned the airlines. Also Read: US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians In a letter, the chief executives of Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and others, wrote, "Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the travelling and shipping public will essentially be grounded." The potential interference could affect sensitive airplane instruments, such as altimeters and hamper low-visibility operations, warned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays," the letter cautioned. Also Read: A California city is overrun by crows. Could a laser be the answer? The airlines are also looking to begin canceling some international flights, which are scheduled to arrive in the US on Wednesday. In the letter, the airlines added that action is urgently needed. It has also been signed by Alaska Air, Atlas Air, JetBlue Airways, UPS Airlines and FedEx Express. The letter has been sent to White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. (With inputs from agencies)

New 5G service may trigger 'catastrophic’ aviation crisis, warn major US airline CEOs

Major US airline leaders have warned of a “catastrophic” disruption from the rollout of a brand new 5G service near airports.

Major US airlines warn of a 'calamity' against 5G rollout near airports

The Omicron surge continues to pummel health care systems across the United States. However, many rural American countries have recorded a sharp spike in infections in the past week.

Rural countries report higher rates of COVID-19 infections in America

The last few days have witnessed high-stakes diplomatic meeting to resolve escalating tensions over Ukraine but it has put Russia US and its European allies in uncharted postcode-war territory.

US, Russia harden stance over Ukraine crisis

Britain government has promised full support to US investigators after it emerged that the man behind a hostage taking at a Texas synagogue was a British citizen.

Britain vows US full support over Texas synagogue attack

A British Pakistani took hostages in America's Texas this weekend. The terrorist was the brother of "Lady Al-Qaeda" - a woman who is serving an 86-year-long jail term in the US. Is Britain the new laboratory for radical Islam? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: United Kingdom: A new launchpad for terror attacks?

Many fish oils in the United States have been found to be ‘rancid’ by independent tests. &nbsp;

Out of the 60 large retail brands tested, over one in 10 fish oil supplements were stale. Nearly half were just under the recommended maximum limit. Some recorded levels even 11 times higher than recommended. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/look-up-to-witness-magnificent-wolf-moon-in-us-check-out-the-timing-445636" hreflang="en">‘Look up’ to witness magnificent ‘Wolf Moon’ in US. Check out the timing</a>

The tests have been conducted over several years by Labdoor.

In fish oils, rancidity means a strong fishy taste and rotten smell. “It was fairly frequent. For us, they would start to smell and feel off,” said Dan Mark, Labdoor’s research director. &nbsp;

An average of 20% fish oil products has excess oxidation, showed a combination of several studies carried out globally since 2015. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-5g-service-may-trigger-catastrophic-aviation-crisis-warn-major-us-airline-ceos-445586" hreflang="en">New 5G service may trigger 'catastrophic’ aviation crisis, warn major US airline CEOs</a>&nbsp;

“That means if you go out and buy fish oil, there is at least a one in five chance of you getting an oil more oxidised than the recommended level,” said Dr Ben Albert, fellow, University of Auckland, whose research focuses on the effects of fish oil. &nbsp;

Flavourings are added by most fish oils to mask rancidity. “Flavouring is added to fish oils to help mask fishy smell and taste, and … might make more oxidised oils more palatable for people to take, so it could also be used to hide oxidation of the oil,” added Albert. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Many fish oils in the United States have been found to be ‘rancid’ by independent tests. Out of the 60 large retail brands tested, over one in 10 fish oil supplements were stale.

Many fish oils in the United States have been found to be ‘rancid’ by independent tests. Out of the 60 large retail brands tested, over one in 10 fish oil supplements were stale. Nearly half were just under the recommended maximum limit. Some recorded levels even 11 times higher than recommended. Also Read: ‘Look up’ to witness magnificent ‘Wolf Moon’ in US. Check out the timing The tests have been conducted over several years by Labdoor. In fish oils, rancidity means a strong fishy taste and rotten smell. “It was fairly frequent. For us, they would start to smell and feel off,” said Dan Mark, Labdoor’s research director. An average of 20% fish oil products has excess oxidation, showed a combination of several studies carried out globally since 2015. Also Read: New 5G service may trigger 'catastrophic’ aviation crisis, warn major US airline CEOs “That means if you go out and buy fish oil, there is at least a one in five chance of you getting an oil more oxidised than the recommended level,” said Dr Ben Albert, fellow, University of Auckland, whose research focuses on the effects of fish oil. Flavourings are added by most fish oils to mask rancidity. “Flavouring is added to fish oils to help mask fishy smell and taste, and … might make more oxidised oils more palatable for people to take, so it could also be used to hide oxidation of the oil,” added Albert. (With inputs from agencies)

Several fish oils ‘rancid’ in US. Is yours fresh?

As the Biden administration tries to rescue the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal, Tehran on Monday said that it's high time for the United States to take political decisions in resolving the remaining key issues which includes number one lifting sanctions and talks aimed at reviving Iran's nuclear deal, listen in.

Iran nuclear talks: 'US must announce decisions on removing sanctions,' states Iran

A US senate panel is set on Thursday to debate a bill that aims to rein in app stores of companies that some lawmakers say exert too much market control, including Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google.

US Senate panel to debate app store reform bill

Several legends are linked with Moon. One of the special ones is the tale of ‘Wolf Moon’. Well, you can speculate but the first full moon of the year is called ‘Wolf Moon’. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is expected to rise on Monday at 5:39 pm ET, as per Timeanddate.com. If the weather allows, southeast United States will be able to witness it clearly. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The cloud cover may be minimal enough to help you get a nice view of the moon. The peak illumination will happen at 6:48 pm, as per NASA.

As there may be partly cloudy sky in some central parts of the country, they may also be able to enjoy the view of the bright Moon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-potato-in-space-in-unique-discovery-oblong-shaped-planet-found-444593" hreflang="en">A potato in space? In unique discovery, oblong-shaped planet found</a>

As full moons generally don’t look the same, each has a specific name according to different countries and cultures.&nbsp;

The tale of the origin of the name of ‘Wolf Moon’ also varies. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plan-to-dim-sun-rays-gets-thumbs-down-from-experts-here-is-why-445348" hreflang="en">Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why</a>

"Wolf Moon is also an old European name for the second full Moon of winter (the midwinter Moon)," said NASA's Gordon Johnston. &nbsp;

The name ‘Wolf Moon’ has come from the thought that wolves howl at the Moon out of hunger in the winters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

So, don’t miss the opportunity and ‘look up’ in the sky. It should surely not be missed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Several legends are linked with Moon. One of the special ones is the tale of ‘Wolf Moon’. Well, you can speculate but the first full moon of the year is called ‘Wolf Moon’.

Several legends are linked with Moon. One of the special ones is the tale of ‘Wolf Moon’. Well, you can speculate but the first full moon of the year is called ‘Wolf Moon’. It is expected to rise on Monday at 5:39 pm ET, as per Timeanddate.com. If the weather allows, southeast United States will be able to witness it clearly. The cloud cover may be minimal enough to help you get a nice view of the moon. The peak illumination will happen at 6:48 pm, as per NASA. As there may be partly cloudy sky in some central parts of the country, they may also be able to enjoy the view of the bright Moon. Also Read: A potato in space? In unique discovery, oblong-shaped planet found As full moons generally don’t look the same, each has a specific name according to different countries and cultures. The tale of the origin of the name of ‘Wolf Moon’ also varies. Also Read: Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why "Wolf Moon is also an old European name for the second full Moon of winter (the midwinter Moon)," said NASA's Gordon Johnston. The name ‘Wolf Moon’ has come from the thought that wolves howl at the Moon out of hunger in the winters. So, don’t miss the opportunity and ‘look up’ in the sky. It should surely not be missed. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Look up’ to witness magnificent ‘Wolf Moon’ in US. Check out the timing

Robbery is on the rise in US. However, instead of jewellery and cash, the thieves have been on the hunt for French bulldogs.

From New York to Los Angeles, and from Miami to Chicago, thefts of the sought-after canines have been on the rise, with many in the local media calling it “the rise of dognapping”.

The latest victim of the robbery was a Los Angeles resident. On January 3, Robert Marinelli was walking his dog Luca in the morning in West Hollywood when a man in a black sedan got out of his car, took the dog and ran.

Marinelli chased after the suspect, but the thief fought him and drove off, according to surveillance camera footage from the crime scene, reports ABC news.

During the chase, Marinelli's shirt was caught in their car door and he was dragged briefly on the ground. The two thieves beat him brutally, leaving him with extensive injuries.

But the most famous case was of singer Lady Gaga. Last year, armed men stole her pet bulldogs Koji and Gustav when an employee of hers was walking them. The thieves opened fire at him, leaving him severely wounded.

The superstar singer had to offer $500,000 reward for their return and eventually got the dogs back. Police made five arrests in the case.

But why are thieves targeting the French bulldogs?

Among other reasons, experts opine that there are two key motives for the thieves to go after the prized breed. Their high resale value — $3,500 to $5,000 or more — and their relative rarity, reported AFP.

“This is not a breed that has large litters... and it can take a while to get one," Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of the American Kennel Club, told AFP.

“Their rise in popularity has led to an increase in thefts,” she said, adding, “The use of violence, however, is new and alarming.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Robbery is on the rise in US. However, instead of jewellery and cash, the thieves have been on the hunt for French bulldogs. From New York to Los Angeles, and from Miami to Chicago, thefts of the sought-after canines have been on the rise, with many in the local media calling it “the rise of dognapping”.

Robbery is on the rise in US. However, instead of jewellery and cash, the thieves have been on the hunt for French bulldogs. From New York to Los Angeles, and from Miami to Chicago, thefts of the sought-after canines have been on the rise, with many in the local media calling it “the rise of dognapping”. The latest victim of the robbery was a Los Angeles resident. On January 3, Robert Marinelli was walking his dog Luca in the morning in West Hollywood when a man in a black sedan got out of his car, took the dog and ran. Marinelli chased after the suspect, but the thief fought him and drove off, according to surveillance camera footage from the crime scene, reports ABC news. During the chase, Marinelli's shirt was caught in their car door and he was dragged briefly on the ground. The two thieves beat him brutally, leaving him with extensive injuries. But the most famous case was of singer Lady Gaga. Last year, armed men stole her pet bulldogs Koji and Gustav when an employee of hers was walking them. The thieves opened fire at him, leaving him severely wounded. The superstar singer had to offer $500,000 reward for their return and eventually got the dogs back. Police made five arrests in the case. But why are thieves targeting the French bulldogs? Among other reasons, experts opine that there are two key motives for the thieves to go after the prized breed. Their high resale value — $3,500 to $5,000 or more — and their relative rarity, reported AFP. “This is not a breed that has large litters... and it can take a while to get one," Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of the American Kennel Club, told AFP. “Their rise in popularity has led to an increase in thefts,” she said, adding, “The use of violence, however, is new and alarming.” (With inputs from agencies)

The curious case of ‘dognapping’: French bulldog thefts on the rise in US

The man who died after holding four people hostage at a Texas synagogue was identified by the FBI as a 44-year-old British citizen named Malik Faisal Akram. US President Joe Biden has called this incident an “act of terror”.

FBI identifies Texas hostage-taker as British citizen named Malik Faisal Akram

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is on a visit to China, and during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has blamed the United States for the difficulties in renegotiating the Iranian nuclear deal.

Iran FM visits China: Beijing slams US sanctions on Iran amid Nuclear deal talks

Man who took four people hostage at a Texas synagogue has died. The captives who were held inside a Synagogue were rescued unharmed.

Texas synagogue standoff ends with all of the hostages rescued unharmed

A strong winter storm brought heavy snow to parts of the Southeast and was expected to leave about 1 foot of snow in parts of the Northeast on Sunday, with damaging ice possible in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, making travel hazardous and power outages likely.

In the South, where some governors declared states of emergency Friday, areas such as central Mississippi had already received up to 6 inches of snow, while portions of Tennessee and Alabama received a mixture of snow and freezing rain, the National Weather Service said.

“This storm is going to be pretty significant in terms of generating travel impacts, outages and things of that nature,” said Rich Otto, a meteorologist with the weather service.

In Georgia, nearly 90,000 customers were without power Sunday, according to PowerOutage.us, which aggregates data from utilities across the United States. South Carolina had nearly 95,000 customers without power, and North Carolina had about 35,000.

More than a quarter-inch of ice was expected to accumulate in the Piedmont regions of North and South Carolina on Sunday.

Forecasters said the storm system could bring more than 1 foot of snow to some areas, including parts of the Appalachians and upstate New York. Parts of the upper Midwest and northwest Pennsylvania could get up to 2 feet of snow, Otto said.

As the storm moves toward the Northeast on Sunday afternoon, it will remain inland, meaning cities closer to the coast, from Washington to Boston, will primarily receive heavy rain, Otto said.

Significant flooding was possible in parts of eastern Long Island, New York, and coastal New England on Sunday night and into Monday morning, he said.

Otto said that potential ice accumulations would be more severe in the Carolinas. The North Carolina Department of Transportation warned people Sunday to stay off the roads, posting pictures of streets blanketed in snow and ice.

On Friday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam of Virginia, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina all declared states of emergency.

Southwest Airlines warned travellers passing through airports across the South that flights could be delayed, diverted or cancelled. American Airlines and Delta made similar announcements related to the weather.

A strong winter storm brought heavy snow to parts of the Southeast and was expected to leave about 1 foot of snow in parts of the Northeast on Sunday, with damaging ice possible in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, making travel hazardous and power outages likely.

A strong winter storm brought heavy snow to parts of the Southeast and was expected to leave about 1 foot of snow in parts of the Northeast on Sunday, with damaging ice possible in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, making travel hazardous and power outages likely. In the South, where some governors declared states of emergency Friday, areas such as central Mississippi had already received up to 6 inches of snow, while portions of Tennessee and Alabama received a mixture of snow and freezing rain, the National Weather Service said. “This storm is going to be pretty significant in terms of generating travel impacts, outages and things of that nature,” said Rich Otto, a meteorologist with the weather service. In Georgia, nearly 90,000 customers were without power Sunday, according to PowerOutage.us, which aggregates data from utilities across the United States. South Carolina had nearly 95,000 customers without power, and North Carolina had about 35,000. More than a quarter-inch of ice was expected to accumulate in the Piedmont regions of North and South Carolina on Sunday. Forecasters said the storm system could bring more than 1 foot of snow to some areas, including parts of the Appalachians and upstate New York. Parts of the upper Midwest and northwest Pennsylvania could get up to 2 feet of snow, Otto said. As the storm moves toward the Northeast on Sunday afternoon, it will remain inland, meaning cities closer to the coast, from Washington to Boston, will primarily receive heavy rain, Otto said. Significant flooding was possible in parts of eastern Long Island, New York, and coastal New England on Sunday night and into Monday morning, he said. Otto said that potential ice accumulations would be more severe in the Carolinas. The North Carolina Department of Transportation warned people Sunday to stay off the roads, posting pictures of streets blanketed in snow and ice. On Friday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam of Virginia, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina all declared states of emergency. Southwest Airlines warned travellers passing through airports across the South that flights could be delayed, diverted or cancelled. American Airlines and Delta made similar announcements related to the weather.

States in US brace for dangerous conditions from winter storm

The hostage crisis at US synagogue has finally ended. After being held for hours inside the synagogue in the state of Texas, all the hostages were rescued on Saturday night, according to Governor Greg Abbott. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes nearly 12 hours after the standoff had begun. “Prayers answered. All hostages are out alive and safe," Abbott tweeted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Just a while back, a loud bang of what sounded like gunfire was heard coming from the synagogue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The details of the rescue were not released immediately. It is also unclear whether the suspect was dead or alive.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-continue-to-battle-large-blaze-at-passaic-chemical-plant-445101" hreflang="en">Firefighters continue to battle large blaze at Passaic chemical plant</a>

The man had taken hostages during services on Saturday, said authorities. In a livestream, the suspect could be heard demanding the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Initially, at least four hostages were believed to be inside the synagogue, as per law enforcement officials on condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

Shortly after 5 pm, one hostage was released uninjured, said the Colleyville Police Department. As the man did not require medical attention, he was expected to be reunited with his family. &nbsp;

The neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui, the suspect wants to get released, has been convicted of trying to kill US Army officers in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

The rabbi of the synagogue was also believed to be among the hostages, an official said. The suspect also claimed to be armed but the authorities have been able to confirm it. &nbsp;

Authorities were also trying to ascertain the motive for the attack. The hostage-taker seems to have also wanted to be able to speak with Siddiqui, who is in federal prison in Texas. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-ohio-moves-to-put-body-cameras-on-guards-in-every-prison-445009" hreflang="en">In a first, Ohio moves to put body cameras on guards in every prison</a>

The suspect has not yet been identified. &nbsp;

In New York City, a rabbi received a call from the rabbi, who is believed to be held hostage in the synagogue, to demand release of Siddiqui, an official said. To report the call, the New York City’s rabbi dialed 911. &nbsp;

On reaching scene, people were evacuated from the surrounding neighbourhood, FBI Dallas spokesperson Katie Chaumont said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

The hostage crisis at US synagogue has finally ended. After being held for hours inside the synagogue in the state of Texas, all the hostages were rescued on Saturday night, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

The hostage crisis at US synagogue has finally ended. After being held for hours inside the synagogue in the state of Texas, all the hostages were rescued on Saturday night, according to Governor Greg Abbott. This comes nearly 12 hours after the standoff had begun. “Prayers answered. All hostages are out alive and safe," Abbott tweeted. Just a while back, a loud bang of what sounded like gunfire was heard coming from the synagogue. The details of the rescue were not released immediately. It is also unclear whether the suspect was dead or alive. Also Read: Firefighters continue to battle large blaze at Passaic chemical plant The man had taken hostages during services on Saturday, said authorities. In a livestream, the suspect could be heard demanding the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist. Initially, at least four hostages were believed to be inside the synagogue, as per law enforcement officials on condition of anonymity. Shortly after 5 pm, one hostage was released uninjured, said the Colleyville Police Department. As the man did not require medical attention, he was expected to be reunited with his family. The neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui, the suspect wants to get released, has been convicted of trying to kill US Army officers in Afghanistan. The rabbi of the synagogue was also believed to be among the hostages, an official said. The suspect also claimed to be armed but the authorities have been able to confirm it. Authorities were also trying to ascertain the motive for the attack. The hostage-taker seems to have also wanted to be able to speak with Siddiqui, who is in federal prison in Texas. Also Read: In a first, Ohio moves to put body cameras on guards in every prison The suspect has not yet been identified. In New York City, a rabbi received a call from the rabbi, who is believed to be held hostage in the synagogue, to demand release of Siddiqui, an official said. To report the call, the New York City’s rabbi dialed 911. On reaching scene, people were evacuated from the surrounding neighbourhood, FBI Dallas spokesperson Katie Chaumont said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hostage crisis at US synagogue ends: Everyone out alive, safe

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