Hospitals in the southern United States are running dangerously low on space in intensive care units, as the delta variant has led to spikes in coronavirus cases not seen since last year’s deadly winter wave.

One in four hospitals now reports more than 95% of ICU beds occupied — up from 1 in 5 last month. Experts say it can become difficult to maintain standards of care for the sickest patients in hospitals where all or nearly all ICU beds are occupied.

In June, when COVID-19 cases were at their lowest level, less than 1 in 10 hospitals had dangerously high occupancy rates.

In Alabama, all ICU beds are currently occupied. In recent days, dozens of patients in the state have needed beds that were not available, according to data published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

“It means they’re in the waiting room, some are in the back of ambulances, things of that nature,” said Jeannie Gaines, a spokesperson for the Alabama Hospital Association.

In Texas, 169 hospitals have ICUs that are more than 95% full, up from 69 in June. There are only about 700 intensive care beds remaining across the entire state, according to recent data.

Hospitals in Houston constructed overflow tents last month to handle the influx of patients, and the rate of hospitalizations in the state is now 40% higher than when the tents were built.

Twenty-four hospitals in Florida reported having more ICU patients last week than available beds.

During past surges, hospitals have been forced to improvise by having staff care for more patients than usual or by setting up temporary intensive care beds in other wings of the hospital.

Patients with critical conditions besides COVID, like heart attacks or strokes, can also have worse health outcomes when most beds are full.

Unvaccinated Americans are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID than the vaccinated, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several of the states with the highest rates of ICU occupancy, including Alabama and Mississippi, are also among those with the lowest vaccination rates.

“Our biggest concerns are our low vaccination rates,” said Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s state health officer. “That’s the reason we’re in the situation that we’re in. Virtually all of our deaths are people who are unvaccinated.”

Hospitalizations among children under 18 are also higher than ever during this wave of the virus, driven largely by surges among children in the least vaccinated states.

Hospitals in the southern United States are running dangerously low on space in intensive care units, as the delta variant has led to spikes in coronavirus cases not seen since last year’s deadly winter wave.

Hospitals in the southern United States are running dangerously low on space in intensive care units, as the delta variant has led to spikes in coronavirus cases not seen since last year’s deadly winter wave. One in four hospitals now reports more than 95% of ICU beds occupied — up from 1 in 5 last month. Experts say it can become difficult to maintain standards of care for the sickest patients in hospitals where all or nearly all ICU beds are occupied. In June, when COVID-19 cases were at their lowest level, less than 1 in 10 hospitals had dangerously high occupancy rates. In Alabama, all ICU beds are currently occupied. In recent days, dozens of patients in the state have needed beds that were not available, according to data published by the Department of Health and Human Services. “It means they’re in the waiting room, some are in the back of ambulances, things of that nature,” said Jeannie Gaines, a spokesperson for the Alabama Hospital Association. In Texas, 169 hospitals have ICUs that are more than 95% full, up from 69 in June. There are only about 700 intensive care beds remaining across the entire state, according to recent data. Hospitals in Houston constructed overflow tents last month to handle the influx of patients, and the rate of hospitalizations in the state is now 40% higher than when the tents were built. Twenty-four hospitals in Florida reported having more ICU patients last week than available beds. During past surges, hospitals have been forced to improvise by having staff care for more patients than usual or by setting up temporary intensive care beds in other wings of the hospital. Patients with critical conditions besides COVID, like heart attacks or strokes, can also have worse health outcomes when most beds are full. Unvaccinated Americans are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID than the vaccinated, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several of the states with the highest rates of ICU occupancy, including Alabama and Mississippi, are also among those with the lowest vaccination rates. “Our biggest concerns are our low vaccination rates,” said Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s state health officer. “That’s the reason we’re in the situation that we’re in. Virtually all of our deaths are people who are unvaccinated.” Hospitalizations among children under 18 are also higher than ever during this wave of the virus, driven largely by surges among children in the least vaccinated states.

Covid hospitalisation crisis reaches fever pitch in southern ICUs

US Secy of State Antony Blinken testified in senate and said that the US stands by troop withdrawal in Afghanistan.

US Secy of State Antony Blinken testifies in senate

- The US to reassess ties with Pak amid Afghan crisis - Canada: polls say liberals back in the lead - Delta variant cases surge in southeast China

WION Live Broadcast: Antony Blinken defends US troop pullout

Last month, the US conducted a drone strike in Kabul. Washington claimed that it had neutralised ISIS targets who wanted to bomb the Kabul airport again. But, the American press has revealed that the drone strike killed 10 innocent civilians. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: America's Kabul drone strike was a "mistake"

Senate Democrats on Tuesday will propose a pared-down voting rights bill that has the backing of both progressives and centrists in an effort to present a united front against deep Republican resistance to new legislation setting nationwide election standards.

<article>
The measure is the result of weeks of intraparty negotiations overseen by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, the majority leader, and was built on principles put forward by Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the lone Democratic holdout against an earlier, much more sweeping piece of legislation called the For the People Act. Still, like that measure, it faces steep odds in the Senate, where it is unlikely to persuade Republicans to drop their opposition to legislation they have argued is an egregious overreach and an existential threat to their party.

The new bill, called the Freedom to Vote Act, drops some contentious elements of that initial bill such as restructuring the Federal Election Commission. It focuses heavily on guaranteeing access to the ballot following new voting restrictions being enacted around the country by Republican legislatures since the 2020 election. And it would set a national voter identification standard — something that many Democrats have vehemently opposed — but one that would be far less onerous than some states have attempted to impose, allowing voters to meet the requirement with a variety of identification cards and documents in paper and digital form.

The revised measure would also require that states allow at minimum 15 consecutive days of early voting, including two weekends; ensure that all voters can request to vote by mail; establish new automatic voter registration programs, and make Election Day a national holiday. The legislation would mandate that states follow specific criteria when drawing new congressional districting lines and would force disclosure of donors to so-called dark money groups.

“Following the 2020 elections in which more Americans voted than ever before, we have seen unprecedented attacks on our democracy in states across the country,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who leads the Rules Committee, which is responsible for election oversight. “These attacks demand an immediate federal response.”

Manchin had balked at the original legislation and offered elements of a voting bill he would back, prompting the negotiations between him, Klobuchar and fellow Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana, Alex Padilla of California and Raphael Warnock of Georgia. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, also participated.

While Democrats cheered the agreement, they also recognized that they were unlikely to attract sufficient Republican support to break a filibuster against any voting bill, meaning that they would have to unite to force a change to Senate rules governing the filibuster if the legislation was to have any chance of passage. Republicans have already blocked debate on a voting rights measure twice before.

“We must be honest about the facts,” Schumer said Monday as he said he would try to break the impasse again next week. “The Republican-led war on democracy has only worsened in the last few weeks.”

Despite his support for the legislation, Manchin has reiterated multiple times his refusal to abolish the filibuster, although he has also indicated a willingness to entertain some changes. Schumer noted Monday that Manchin had been reaching out to Republicans to persuade them to back the new version of the voting rights bill.

Democrats hope continuing Republican opposition to a measure Manchin is now invested in as one of the chief authors will soften his opposition to weakening the filibuster, allowing his party to advance a measure they see as crucial to countering new voting restrictions in Republican-led states.

Manchin did not mention the filibuster in a statement strongly endorsing the new proposal.

“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and the Freedom to Vote Act is a step in the right direction towards protecting that right for every American,” Manchin said. “As elected officials, we also have an obligation to restore peoples’ faith in our democracy, and I believe that the common sense provisions in this bill — like flexible voter ID requirements — will do just that.”
</article>

Senate Democrats on Tuesday will propose a pared-down voting rights bill that has the backing of both progressives and centrists in an effort to present a united front against deep Republican resistance to new legislation setting nationwide election standards.

Senate Democrats on Tuesday will propose a pared-down voting rights bill that has the backing of both progressives and centrists in an effort to present a united front against deep Republican resistance to new legislation setting nationwide election standards. The measure is the result of weeks of intraparty negotiations overseen by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, the majority leader, and was built on principles put forward by Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the lone Democratic holdout against an earlier, much more sweeping piece of legislation called the For the People Act. Still, like that measure, it faces steep odds in the Senate, where it is unlikely to persuade Republicans to drop their opposition to legislation they have argued is an egregious overreach and an existential threat to their party. The new bill, called the Freedom to Vote Act, drops some contentious elements of that initial bill such as restructuring the Federal Election Commission. It focuses heavily on guaranteeing access to the ballot following new voting restrictions being enacted around the country by Republican legislatures since the 2020 election. And it would set a national voter identification standard — something that many Democrats have vehemently opposed — but one that would be far less onerous than some states have attempted to impose, allowing voters to meet the requirement with a variety of identification cards and documents in paper and digital form. The revised measure would also require that states allow at minimum 15 consecutive days of early voting, including two weekends; ensure that all voters can request to vote by mail; establish new automatic voter registration programs, and make Election Day a national holiday. The legislation would mandate that states follow specific criteria when drawing new congressional districting lines and would force disclosure of donors to so-called dark money groups. “Following the 2020 elections in which more Americans voted than ever before, we have seen unprecedented attacks on our democracy in states across the country,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who leads the Rules Committee, which is responsible for election oversight. “These attacks demand an immediate federal response.” Manchin had balked at the original legislation and offered elements of a voting bill he would back, prompting the negotiations between him, Klobuchar and fellow Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana, Alex Padilla of California and Raphael Warnock of Georgia. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, also participated. While Democrats cheered the agreement, they also recognized that they were unlikely to attract sufficient Republican support to break a filibuster against any voting bill, meaning that they would have to unite to force a change to Senate rules governing the filibuster if the legislation was to have any chance of passage. Republicans have already blocked debate on a voting rights measure twice before. “We must be honest about the facts,” Schumer said Monday as he said he would try to break the impasse again next week. “The Republican-led war on democracy has only worsened in the last few weeks.” Despite his support for the legislation, Manchin has reiterated multiple times his refusal to abolish the filibuster, although he has also indicated a willingness to entertain some changes. Schumer noted Monday that Manchin had been reaching out to Republicans to persuade them to back the new version of the voting rights bill. Democrats hope continuing Republican opposition to a measure Manchin is now invested in as one of the chief authors will soften his opposition to weakening the filibuster, allowing his party to advance a measure they see as crucial to countering new voting restrictions in Republican-led states. Manchin did not mention the filibuster in a statement strongly endorsing the new proposal. “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and the Freedom to Vote Act is a step in the right direction towards protecting that right for every American,” Manchin said. “As elected officials, we also have an obligation to restore peoples’ faith in our democracy, and I believe that the common sense provisions in this bill — like flexible voter ID requirements — will do just that.”

Democrats to propose compromise voting rights bill

Taliban foreign minister held his first press conference after the takeover of Afghanistan.

Taliban FM holds press conference

Taliban foreign minister held his first press conference. In his presser, he accused the US of handling the Afghan property badly.

Taliban Foreign Minister holds first press briefing, accuses the US of mishandling Afghan property

The US Secy of State, Antony Blinken has said that the US will reassess its ties with Pakistan. Blinken noted that Pakistan has harboured members of the Taliban before.

US Secy of State, Antony Blinken to reassess its ties with Pakistan

Quad meeting will take place on 21st September 2021 under the chairmanship of US President Joe Biden. The last Quad meeting was held in the month of March this year. Watch this report to know more details.

US President Joe Biden to host Quad summit

A trade group representing some 2,000 consumer brands sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for clarification about his announcement last week that all companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccination or weekly testing.

Biden said last week that the Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration would draft the rules, which would affect some 80 million workers.

But the mandate has raised vexing issues for employers as they deal with the practicalities of vaccination policies, said Geoff Freeman, president of the trade group, the Consumer Brands Association.

On Monday, Freeman called on Biden to “create immediate clarity” about how private businesses should carry out aspects of the White House’s plan to achieve “our shared goal of increased vaccination rates.”

He shared 19 questions that represented a “small sampling” of those raised by the trade group’s members. Among them:

— What proof-of-vaccination documentation will the companies need to collect and will booster shots also be required?

— Must employees be fully vaccinated?

— Will workers who have had the coronavirus still have to be vaccinated or get tested?

— Will the requirements apply only to vaccines that are fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration? (The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only shot with full approval.)

— Who is responsible for vaccination tracking — the government or the individual businesses?

— What are the consequences of falsifying a vaccination status?

Other questions, on testing and other policy details, covered similar ground, touching on how federal guidelines interact with state-level initiatives, who will be responsible for paying for testing and whether waivers would be allowed if employee absences or attrition resulted in supply chain disruptions.

Also of concern, Freeman said in an interview, is the slow pace at which government tends to move, compared with the quick decisions that private businesses are used to making. This has been a problem during the pandemic, he said.

“For 19 months, we’ve been working with either the Trump administration or the Biden administration and all of the agencies involved in this,” he said. “And the simple truth is that they have been slow to keep up with the pace of change.”

He added, “All of us want to get to the other side of this thing as quickly as possible. It’s not going to work in this scenario unless an entity like OSHA can move at the pace of the business environment.”

Major business trade groups have generally been supportive of the mandate, which gives otherwise wary businesses the cover to require inoculation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business lobbying group, has said that it “will work to ensure that employers have the resources, guidance and flexibility necessary to ensure the safety of their employees and customers and comply with public health requirements.” Another major business advocacy group, the Business Roundtable, has said it “welcomes” the Biden administration's actions.

But they have also been racing to understand the details and implications, which can vary depending on a company’s size. Does a company’s worker count include part-time employees? What is the deadline for compliance? Will potential lawsuits slow the process down?

The White House has said it will provide more guidance by Sept. 24.

At this point, “there are more questions than answers,” said Ian Schaefer, a partner at the law firm Loeb &amp;amp; Loeb who specializes in labor issues.

Even as companies are calling their lobbyists and lawyers for more insight, many are discussing at a senior level the realities of putting a mandate in place, despite not yet knowing exactly what that might entail, he said.

“In the absence of actionable intelligence that gives a little bit more guidance and direction, I think they’re sort of controlling for what they can control, which is a lot of internal politics at this point,” Schaefer said.

A trade group representing some 2,000 consumer brands sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for clarification about his announcement last week that all companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccination or weekly testing.

A trade group representing some 2,000 consumer brands sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for clarification about his announcement last week that all companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccination or weekly testing. Biden said last week that the Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration would draft the rules, which would affect some 80 million workers. But the mandate has raised vexing issues for employers as they deal with the practicalities of vaccination policies, said Geoff Freeman, president of the trade group, the Consumer Brands Association. On Monday, Freeman called on Biden to “create immediate clarity” about how private businesses should carry out aspects of the White House’s plan to achieve “our shared goal of increased vaccination rates.” He shared 19 questions that represented a “small sampling” of those raised by the trade group’s members. Among them: — What proof-of-vaccination documentation will the companies need to collect and will booster shots also be required? — Must employees be fully vaccinated? — Will workers who have had the coronavirus still have to be vaccinated or get tested? — Will the requirements apply only to vaccines that are fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration? (The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only shot with full approval.) — Who is responsible for vaccination tracking — the government or the individual businesses? — What are the consequences of falsifying a vaccination status? Other questions, on testing and other policy details, covered similar ground, touching on how federal guidelines interact with state-level initiatives, who will be responsible for paying for testing and whether waivers would be allowed if employee absences or attrition resulted in supply chain disruptions. Also of concern, Freeman said in an interview, is the slow pace at which government tends to move, compared with the quick decisions that private businesses are used to making. This has been a problem during the pandemic, he said. “For 19 months, we’ve been working with either the Trump administration or the Biden administration and all of the agencies involved in this,” he said. “And the simple truth is that they have been slow to keep up with the pace of change.” He added, “All of us want to get to the other side of this thing as quickly as possible. It’s not going to work in this scenario unless an entity like OSHA can move at the pace of the business environment.” Major business trade groups have generally been supportive of the mandate, which gives otherwise wary businesses the cover to require inoculation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business lobbying group, has said that it “will work to ensure that employers have the resources, guidance and flexibility necessary to ensure the safety of their employees and customers and comply with public health requirements.” Another major business advocacy group, the Business Roundtable, has said it “welcomes” the Biden administration's actions. But they have also been racing to understand the details and implications, which can vary depending on a company’s size. Does a company’s worker count include part-time employees? What is the deadline for compliance? Will potential lawsuits slow the process down? The White House has said it will provide more guidance by Sept. 24. At this point, “there are more questions than answers,” said Ian Schaefer, a partner at the law firm Loeb &amp; Loeb who specializes in labor issues. Even as companies are calling their lobbyists and lawyers for more insight, many are discussing at a senior level the realities of putting a mandate in place, despite not yet knowing exactly what that might entail, he said. “In the absence of actionable intelligence that gives a little bit more guidance and direction, I think they’re sort of controlling for what they can control, which is a lot of internal politics at this point,” Schaefer said.

Companies have questions for Biden about vaccine mandates

Oil prices climbed on Monday to a one-week high in a second straight session of gains as concerns over US supplies following damage from Hurricane Ida supported the market, along with expectations for higher demand.

World Business Watch: Global oil price climbs to one-week high on US supply concerns

Terror group Al-Qaeda, released a video of its elusive leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who was rumoured to be dead on the 20th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks on US soil.

Al-Qaeda releases a new video of Zawahiri on 20th anniversary of 9/11 amid rumours he is dead

Japan: PM hopeful voices concern over china's assertiveness John Kerry hails India's clean energy initiative U.S: Indians could jump the green card queue

WION Live Broadcast: N Korea Missile Test 'threat To Neighbours'

Amid surging Delta variant cases in the US, COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 12 years could be available by the end of next month, says a media report.

A report in The New York Times quoted two health experts saying that COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 could be available as soon as the end of October.

This brought relief to parents of younger children since vaccines are only available for children aged 12 and above.

The NYT report quoted Dr Scott Gottlieb, who is a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration who also sits on the board of Pfizer, as saying that getting the green light for younger children will require careful and expeditious review of the clinical data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-extends-lockdown-in-virus-hit-auckland-412749">Also read |&nbsp;New Zealand extends lockdown in virus-hit Auckland</a>

Gottlieb said on the CBS show “Face the Nation” that “in a best-case scenario,” the Pfizer vaccine could be ready by October 31 for younger children.

“I have confidence in Pfizer in terms of the data that they’ve collected,” Gottlieb said.

Dr James Versalovic, who is an interim paediatrician in chief at Texas Children’s Hospital, said he agreed with Gottlieb on the possibility of the vaccine for younger children getting approval by October.

“We’re doing everything we can now to move these trials ahead,” he was quoted as saying in the NYT report.

“We continue to be on a high plateau” and may yet hit “another peak,” he said.

The report added that both Pfizer and Moderna "are gathering data on the safety, correct dose and effectiveness of the Covid vaccines in children.”

"Compared with adults, children diagnosed with COVID are more likely to have mild symptoms or none at all. Children are also far less likely to develop severe illness, be hospitalised or die from the disease,” the NYT report said.

Amid surging Delta variant cases in the US, COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 12 years could be available by the end of next month, says a media report.

Amid surging Delta variant cases in the US, COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 12 years could be available by the end of next month, says a media report. A report in The New York Times quoted two health experts saying that COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 could be available as soon as the end of October. This brought relief to parents of younger children since vaccines are only available for children aged 12 and above. The NYT report quoted Dr Scott Gottlieb, who is a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration who also sits on the board of Pfizer, as saying that getting the green light for younger children will require careful and expeditious review of the clinical data. Also read | New Zealand extends lockdown in virus-hit Auckland Gottlieb said on the CBS show “Face the Nation” that “in a best-case scenario,” the Pfizer vaccine could be ready by October 31 for younger children. “I have confidence in Pfizer in terms of the data that they’ve collected,” Gottlieb said. Dr James Versalovic, who is an interim paediatrician in chief at Texas Children’s Hospital, said he agreed with Gottlieb on the possibility of the vaccine for younger children getting approval by October. “We’re doing everything we can now to move these trials ahead,” he was quoted as saying in the NYT report. “We continue to be on a high plateau” and may yet hit “another peak,” he said. The report added that both Pfizer and Moderna "are gathering data on the safety, correct dose and effectiveness of the Covid vaccines in children.” "Compared with adults, children diagnosed with COVID are more likely to have mild symptoms or none at all. Children are also far less likely to develop severe illness, be hospitalised or die from the disease,” the NYT report said.

COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 12 years in US to be made available soon

The US has removed its missile systems out of Saudi Arabia. Saudis are under the threat of Houthi drone attacks.

US removes its missile systems out of Saudi Arabia

US might make it easier for Indians in their country to obtain a green card. Soon Indians could jump green card queues.

US to make it easier for Indians to obtain green cards

- 4 hijacked commercial planes - 3 high profile Targets - Thousands of deaths - Countless lives affected - After 4 crashes, blaze, smoke, ashes & wreckage - The iconic twin towers were gone. - 9/11 changed the world forever All in a span of 180 minutes

The 9/11 terror attacks: 3 hours that changed the world

After the September 11 attacks, the United States involvement in Afghanistan did not bring peace and stability to the region and the Americans did not "achieve their goals", said the Taliban on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While speaking during a walk around the grounds of the now-deserted US Embassy in Kabul on the 20th anniversary of the attacks in the US, a Taliban general said the Americans' goal was to "topple" China, Russia, Iran and all the countries of Central Asia, instead of the former Taliban government in 2001, but they were unsuccessful. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;20 years since the 9/11 horror, the deadliest attack on US Soil

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"We will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against our neighbours, Pakistan or Iran," the general said, saying they had no fear of further conflict with any group. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Taliban raised its flag on the Afghan presidential palace in Kabul on Saturday.&nbsp;The development comes as the groups strengthens its grip on the country after it took over its control last month. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been also put on high alert as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. The city has been facing the danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-display-of-unity-biden-obama-clinton-mark-911-anniversary-in-nyc-412414" hreflang="en">With display of unity, Biden, Obama, Clinton mark 9/11 anniversary in NYC</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

This threat has come a little after sources had warned authorities against a possible truck suicide attack in a protest that took place on Thursday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After the September 11 attacks, the United States involvement in Afghanistan did not bring peace and stability to the region and the Americans did not "achieve their goals", said the Taliban on Saturday.

After the September 11 attacks, the United States involvement in Afghanistan did not bring peace and stability to the region and the Americans did not "achieve their goals", said the Taliban on Saturday. While speaking during a walk around the grounds of the now-deserted US Embassy in Kabul on the 20th anniversary of the attacks in the US, a Taliban general said the Americans' goal was to "topple" China, Russia, Iran and all the countries of Central Asia, instead of the former Taliban government in 2001, but they were unsuccessful. Watch: 20 years since the 9/11 horror, the deadliest attack on US Soil × "We will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against our neighbours, Pakistan or Iran," the general said, saying they had no fear of further conflict with any group. Meanwhile, the Taliban raised its flag on the Afghan presidential palace in Kabul on Saturday. The development comes as the groups strengthens its grip on the country after it took over its control last month. Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been also put on high alert as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. The city has been facing the danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants. Also Read: With display of unity, Biden, Obama, Clinton mark 9/11 anniversary in NYC This threat has come a little after sources had warned authorities against a possible truck suicide attack in a protest that took place on Thursday. An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack. (With inputs from agencies)

After 9/11, US failed 'to achieve goals' in Afghanistan: Taliban General

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, who remained underground for over a decade and only showed his face when the militia group seized control of Kabul on August 15, said he lived in the Afghan capital right under the nose of his adversaries who considered him a “ghost-like” figure during the conflict.

Speaking to Pakistani media outlet The Express Tribune, Mujahid boasted how he “successfully” evaded from the radars of the western forces.

The Taliban spokesman worked under the shadows for many years that there was once speculation as to whether the faceless spokesman might be more than one person.

“They (US and Afghan National Forces) used to think I did not exist,” said Mujahid, who also admitted that he studied at the Haqqania seminary in Nowshera in northwest Pakistan, which has also been dubbed the Taliban University or the “University of Jihad” internationally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-the-taliban-a-warm-welcome-while-urging-peace-talks-401278">China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks</a>

“I escaped so many times from their raids and attempts to capture me that they seriously considered that ‘Zabiullah'’ was a made-up figure, not a real man who exists,” the 43-year-old spokesman said.

“And yet, I managed to move about Afghanistan freely. I think this perception helped with that," he explained.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The spokesman said he lived in Kabul for a long time, right under everyone’s noses, and freely roamed across the country.

“But due to the nature of this job, there have been times where I could not sleep enough or eat enough. Coordinating with our commanders is a round-the-clock job, as is answering phones and providing information to media outlets,” he said.

Mujahid said he became the spokesman of the Taliban following the arrest of his predecessor. He also said that he had never seen the Taliban founder Mullah Umar.

&nbsp;"But I have worked with Sheikh Mullah Mansoor, and Sheikh Hebatullah," he said, referring to Mullah Omar's successors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, who remained underground for over a decade and only showed his face when the militia group seized control of Kabul on August 15, said he lived in the Afghan capital right under the nose of his adversaries who considered him a “ghost-like” figure during the conflict.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, who remained underground for over a decade and only showed his face when the militia group seized control of Kabul on August 15, said he lived in the Afghan capital right under the nose of his adversaries who considered him a “ghost-like” figure during the conflict. Speaking to Pakistani media outlet The Express Tribune, Mujahid boasted how he “successfully” evaded from the radars of the western forces. The Taliban spokesman worked under the shadows for many years that there was once speculation as to whether the faceless spokesman might be more than one person. “They (US and Afghan National Forces) used to think I did not exist,” said Mujahid, who also admitted that he studied at the Haqqania seminary in Nowshera in northwest Pakistan, which has also been dubbed the Taliban University or the “University of Jihad” internationally. Also read | China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks “I escaped so many times from their raids and attempts to capture me that they seriously considered that ‘Zabiullah'’ was a made-up figure, not a real man who exists,” the 43-year-old spokesman said. “And yet, I managed to move about Afghanistan freely. I think this perception helped with that," he explained. Watch | The spokesman said he lived in Kabul for a long time, right under everyone’s noses, and freely roamed across the country. “But due to the nature of this job, there have been times where I could not sleep enough or eat enough. Coordinating with our commanders is a round-the-clock job, as is answering phones and providing information to media outlets,” he said. Mujahid said he became the spokesman of the Taliban following the arrest of his predecessor. He also said that he had never seen the Taliban founder Mullah Umar. "But I have worked with Sheikh Mullah Mansoor, and Sheikh Hebatullah," he said, referring to Mullah Omar's successors. (With inputs from agencies)

US thought I was a ghost, roamed freely across Afghanistan, boasts Taliban spokesman Mujahid

Greece&nbsp;and the US are in talks to extend their&nbsp;defence&nbsp;deals by five years, instead of one-year renewals now in force, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Sunday.

"We are discussing a five-year extension to the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;cooperation agreement, so that we don't have to renew it on an annual basis," Mitsotakis told a news conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair.&nbsp;

There would be a "more important US presence in our country, possibly in areas where they currently do not have a presence," he said, without elaborating.

Mitsotakis added that Greek-US strategic cooperation "is at its best level ever".

In 2019, Athens and Washington signed a&nbsp;defence&nbsp;agreement allowing US forces a broader use of Greek military facilities during a visit by then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

This however "does not shut the door to other strategic agreements", the premier said on Sunday, citing an ongoing "very close" relationship with France.

Greece&nbsp;and France in January signed a 2.5-billion-euro ($3 billion)&nbsp;deal&nbsp;for 18 Rafale jets,&nbsp;12 used and six new as part of a burgeoning arms programme to counter Turkish challenges in the eastern Mediterranean.

On Saturday, Mitsotakis said&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;would "soon" purchase an additional six Rafales.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-madrid-protest-against-rise-in-homophobic-attacks-412579">Also read |&nbsp;People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks</a>

"The first among them will be flying in Greek skies before the end of the year," the&nbsp;PM&nbsp;said, without giving further detail.

The announcement was welcomed Sunday by French&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Florence Parly, who tweeted: "Together, we are making progress in constructing true European autonomy."

Athens also supports efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron to improve the EU's independent operational capabilities, Mitsotakis said on Sunday.

Macron will visit Athens on Friday for a meeting of the Med7&nbsp;summit of southern EU countries.

Greece&nbsp;spends more than two percent of its national output on&nbsp;defence, the&nbsp;PM&nbsp;said.

Mitsotakis last year announced&nbsp;Greece's most ambitious arms spending programme in two decades, including 15,000 additional troops, frigates, missiles and warplanes.

Greece and the US are in talks to extend their defence deals by five years, instead of one-year renewals now in force, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Sunday.

Greece and the US are in talks to extend their defence deals by five years, instead of one-year renewals now in force, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Sunday. "We are discussing a five-year extension to the defence cooperation agreement, so that we don't have to renew it on an annual basis," Mitsotakis told a news conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair. There would be a "more important US presence in our country, possibly in areas where they currently do not have a presence," he said, without elaborating. Mitsotakis added that Greek-US strategic cooperation "is at its best level ever". In 2019, Athens and Washington signed a defence agreement allowing US forces a broader use of Greek military facilities during a visit by then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This however "does not shut the door to other strategic agreements", the premier said on Sunday, citing an ongoing "very close" relationship with France. Greece and France in January signed a 2.5-billion-euro ($3 billion) deal for 18 Rafale jets, 12 used and six new as part of a burgeoning arms programme to counter Turkish challenges in the eastern Mediterranean. On Saturday, Mitsotakis said Greece would "soon" purchase an additional six Rafales. Also read | People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks "The first among them will be flying in Greek skies before the end of the year," the PM said, without giving further detail. The announcement was welcomed Sunday by French Defence Minister Florence Parly, who tweeted: "Together, we are making progress in constructing true European autonomy." Athens also supports efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron to improve the EU's independent operational capabilities, Mitsotakis said on Sunday. Macron will visit Athens on Friday for a meeting of the Med7 summit of southern EU countries. Greece spends more than two percent of its national output on defence, the PM said. Mitsotakis last year announced Greece's most ambitious arms spending programme in two decades, including 15,000 additional troops, frigates, missiles and warplanes.

Greece to discuss 5-year US defence deal: PM

Watch Gravitas Plus with Palki Sharma. 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. 929,000 were killed in America’s wars that followed. 20 years, 2 countries ruined, many more attacked. Now Taliban rules Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda affiliates have spread to 17 countries & there is no peace.

Gravitas Plus: How America used 9/11 as a smokescreen

At least 13 western lowland gorillas seem to have tested positive for COVID-19, said Atlanta's zoo in the US. It includes 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity. &nbsp;

The staff noticed the gorillas had been coughing, had runny noses and showed changes in appetite, said Zoo Atlanta on Friday. &nbsp;

The University of Georgia’s veterinary lab returned positive tests for the respiratory illness. It's waiting on confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa, said Zoo Atlanta.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Australia-China tensions escalate after former pushes for COVID-19 probe

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The zoo is making concerted efforts to test all 20 of its gorillas, who live in four troops. It is treating the gorillas at risk of developing complications from SARS-CoV-2 with monoclonal antibodies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The officials of the zoo say they believe an asymptomatic employee, who cares for the gorillas, may have passed on the virus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The staff member had been fully vaccinated and used to wearing protective equipment, such as a mask and gloves.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-police-tear-gas-anti-vaxxers-412418" hreflang="en">Greek police tear gas anti-vaxxers</a>

According to the zoo, there is no evidence that the gorillas can pass the virus back to humans and says visitors are too far away to be infected by gorillas. &nbsp;

In a statement, Dr Sam Rivera, the zoo's senior director of animal health, said "We are very concerned that these infections occurred, especially given that our safety protocols when working with great apes and other susceptible animal species are, and throughout the pandemic have been, extremely rigorous." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least 13 western lowland gorillas seem to have tested positive for COVID-19, said Atlanta's zoo in the US. It includes 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity.

At least 13 western lowland gorillas seem to have tested positive for COVID-19, said Atlanta's zoo in the US. It includes 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity. The staff noticed the gorillas had been coughing, had runny noses and showed changes in appetite, said Zoo Atlanta on Friday. The University of Georgia’s veterinary lab returned positive tests for the respiratory illness. It's waiting on confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa, said Zoo Atlanta. Watch | Australia-China tensions escalate after former pushes for COVID-19 probe × The zoo is making concerted efforts to test all 20 of its gorillas, who live in four troops. It is treating the gorillas at risk of developing complications from SARS-CoV-2 with monoclonal antibodies. The officials of the zoo say they believe an asymptomatic employee, who cares for the gorillas, may have passed on the virus. The staff member had been fully vaccinated and used to wearing protective equipment, such as a mask and gloves. Also Read: Greek police tear gas anti-vaxxers According to the zoo, there is no evidence that the gorillas can pass the virus back to humans and says visitors are too far away to be infected by gorillas. In a statement, Dr Sam Rivera, the zoo's senior director of animal health, said "We are very concerned that these infections occurred, especially given that our safety protocols when working with great apes and other susceptible animal species are, and throughout the pandemic have been, extremely rigorous." (With inputs from agencies)

Now, COVID-19 spreads to gorillas at US zoo as 13 apes test positive

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has installed its first openly transgender bishop.&nbsp;

This has been done in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday.

The Rev Megan Rohrer will lead one of the church’s 65 synods, overseeing nearly 200 congregations in northern California and northern Nevada.

According to the reports by the Associated Press, Rohrer told worshippers, “My call is ... to be up to the same messy, loving things I was up to before."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-to-explain-to-anybody-biden-defends-us-pullout-from-afghanistan-on-911-anniversary-412447">Also read |&nbsp;'Hard to explain to anybody': Biden defends US pullout from Afghanistan on 9/11 anniversary</a>

“But mostly, if you’ll let me, and I think you will, my hope is to love you and beyond that, to love what you love.”

Rohrer was elected in May to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod after its current bishop announced his retirement.

Rohrer said in a statement, "I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing."

“My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has installed its first openly transgender bishop. This has been done in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has installed its first openly transgender bishop. This has been done in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday. The Rev Megan Rohrer will lead one of the church’s 65 synods, overseeing nearly 200 congregations in northern California and northern Nevada. According to the reports by the Associated Press, Rohrer told worshippers, “My call is ... to be up to the same messy, loving things I was up to before." Also read | 'Hard to explain to anybody': Biden defends US pullout from Afghanistan on 9/11 anniversary “But mostly, if you’ll let me, and I think you will, my hope is to love you and beyond that, to love what you love.” Rohrer was elected in May to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod after its current bishop announced his retirement. Rohrer said in a statement, "I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing." “My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.”

US Evangelical Lutheran Church installs first openly transgender bishop

America is paying tribute to those who were killed on 11 September 2001. 20 years ago the United States witnessed the worst terrorist attack on its soil. Three planes crashed into landmark American buildings. The fourth hijacked plane was bravely diverted by the people on board crashing into an abandoned stripmine in Pennsylvania. That day, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.

America remembers 9/11 on 20th anniversary

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