The Covid-19 pandemic slowly seems to be waning as several countries have reported a massive slump in new infections but covid cases in china's financial capital shanghai have made the world wary of letting their guards down. In the latest, the US has now ordered all non-essential employees in Shanghai's consulate to evacuate the cities.

US embassy issues warnings about China's covid-19 curbs, asks non-essential employees to evacuate

The State Department has ordered the families of all American personnel at the US Embassy in Ukraine to leave the country amid heightened fears of a Russian invasion.

US draws down Ukraine embassy presence as war fears mount

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling.

The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained.

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The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. <a href="https://t.co/a8BkAU7eCR">pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR</a>
— U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSTokyo/status/1467629914857816065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally.

Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-scare-japan-imposes-strict-quarantine-rules-for-travellers-from-india-434255">&nbsp;Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India</a>

A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports&nbsp;Reuters.

The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/for-nearly-30-years-this-japan-hospital-used-toilet-water-for-drinking-427965">For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking</a>

The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police. It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR — U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) December 5, 2021 × The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally. Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality. Also read | Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports Reuters. The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19. Also read | For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy claims ‘racial profiling’ of foreigners by Japanese police

Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors are travelling to study in the US this year and it is "an all-time record", the US embassy said on Monday.

It said more visa applications were approved in the current year than ever before notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.

"The US mission in India is pleased to announce that its embassy and consulates approved more student visa applicants in 2021 than ever before, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic," the embassy said.

"Through these efforts, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors are boarding planes to study in the US, and more students are being approved every day," it said in a statement.

In a tweet, the embassy described it as an all-time record.

"Huge congratulations to our hardworking consular teams across the U.S. Mission in India. This year, more than 55K students are boarding planes to study in the United States, an all-time record in India. Wishing all students a successful academic year!" it said.

Ambassador Atul Keshap, the Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy, lauded the staff involved in the issuance of visas and said Indian students enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

"Studying in the US is a unique and often life-changing experience for Indian students, granting fresh, global perspectives and frequently leading to invaluable career opportunities," he said.

"Indian students also enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between our countries. The many hard-working women and men of the US Mission to India are proud to facilitate their travel and study," Keshap added.

The embassy said the US missions typically begin interviewing fall semester students for a given year in May, but the second wave of COVID-19 forced a delay in the commencement of the student visa season by two months.

"In July, as soon as conditions allowed for the resumption of visa services without endangering applicants' health and safety, consular teams worked not only to match but surpass, their pre-Covid workload," it said.

It said the US embassy and consulates opened additional hours for visa appointments and made every possible effort to ensure timely arrival for academic programmes for as many students as possible.

"Ultimately, these efforts paid off, as more students than ever before received visas to study in the US," the embassy said.

It said interested students can also participate in upcoming Education USA University Virtual Fairs to be held on August 27, for prospective graduate students and on September 3, for prospective undergraduate students.

Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors are travelling to study in the US this year and it is "an all-time record", the US embassy said on Monday. It said more visa applications were approved in the current year than ever before notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors are travelling to study in the US this year and it is "an all-time record", the US embassy said on Monday. It said more visa applications were approved in the current year than ever before notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic. "The US mission in India is pleased to announce that its embassy and consulates approved more student visa applicants in 2021 than ever before, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic," the embassy said. "Through these efforts, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors are boarding planes to study in the US, and more students are being approved every day," it said in a statement. In a tweet, the embassy described it as an all-time record. "Huge congratulations to our hardworking consular teams across the U.S. Mission in India. This year, more than 55K students are boarding planes to study in the United States, an all-time record in India. Wishing all students a successful academic year!" it said. Ambassador Atul Keshap, the Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy, lauded the staff involved in the issuance of visas and said Indian students enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two countries. "Studying in the US is a unique and often life-changing experience for Indian students, granting fresh, global perspectives and frequently leading to invaluable career opportunities," he said. "Indian students also enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between our countries. The many hard-working women and men of the US Mission to India are proud to facilitate their travel and study," Keshap added. The embassy said the US missions typically begin interviewing fall semester students for a given year in May, but the second wave of COVID-19 forced a delay in the commencement of the student visa season by two months. "In July, as soon as conditions allowed for the resumption of visa services without endangering applicants' health and safety, consular teams worked not only to match but surpass, their pre-Covid workload," it said. It said the US embassy and consulates opened additional hours for visa appointments and made every possible effort to ensure timely arrival for academic programmes for as many students as possible. "Ultimately, these efforts paid off, as more students than ever before received visas to study in the US," the embassy said. It said interested students can also participate in upcoming Education USA University Virtual Fairs to be held on August 27, for prospective graduate students and on September 3, for prospective undergraduate students.

All-time record: Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors travelling to US this year

In the face of increasing Taliban victories in Afghanistan, the US Embassy in Kabul has once again encouraged American citizens to leave the country "immediately."

It's the second such security notice in less than a week, asking US citizens to leave immediately.&nbsp;

“The US Embassy urges US citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options,” it said in a statement.

As the Taliban continued their onslaught, capturing key cities and capitals and inflicting blow after blow to the Afghan government, army, and the US and its partners who trained Afghan forces, the embassy issued its alarm.&nbsp;

The embassy is offering repatriation loans to citizens who cannot afford to purchase an airline ticket.

The White House had set September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that sparked America's longest conflict, as the deadline for pulling all troops out of the region, but it was moved forward last month.

On Thursday, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's third-largest city and a crucial provincial capital near Kabul

Herat is the Taliban's largest victory yet, having captured 11 of Afghanistan's 34 provincial capitals in a week-long assault.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the face of increasing Taliban victories in Afghanistan, the US Embassy in Kabul has once again encouraged American citizens to leave the country "immediately.

In the face of increasing Taliban victories in Afghanistan, the US Embassy in Kabul has once again encouraged American citizens to leave the country "immediately." It's the second such security notice in less than a week, asking US citizens to leave immediately. “The US Embassy urges US citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options,” it said in a statement. As the Taliban continued their onslaught, capturing key cities and capitals and inflicting blow after blow to the Afghan government, army, and the US and its partners who trained Afghan forces, the embassy issued its alarm. The embassy is offering repatriation loans to citizens who cannot afford to purchase an airline ticket. The White House had set September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that sparked America's longest conflict, as the deadline for pulling all troops out of the region, but it was moved forward last month. On Thursday, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's third-largest city and a crucial provincial capital near Kabul Herat is the Taliban's largest victory yet, having captured 11 of Afghanistan's 34 provincial capitals in a week-long assault. (With inputs from agencies)

US Embassy urges Americans to leave Afghanistan immediately

The US Embassy in Kabul was placed on lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge in Afghanistan. At least 114 employees have been tested positive for the coronavirus and are currently in isolation.

COVID-19 outbreak hits US Embassy in Afghanistan, 114 staffers tested positive

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&amp;T) welcomed the arrival of a batch of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by China's Sinopharm on Monday, the US Embassy faced a barrage of criticism and mockery after announcing the donation of 80 vials of vaccine to the nation of 1.4 million people.

The US embassy in Port of Spain, the country's capital, announced the contribution in a tweet sent late Sunday local time, stating that "every vaccine matters."

"The government of the United States of America has made a donation of COVID-19 vaccines to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The donation includes 80 vials of Pfizer vaccines. The United States is committed to assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with its vaccination efforts. We believe that every vaccine counts," the tweet read.

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USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago <a href="https://t.co/5S0OTQfJU5">pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5</a>
— U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USinTT/status/1404227576789454849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A single vial of the Pfizer vaccine generates five doses, which are given in two injections 21 days apart. As a result, America's vaccine gift is anticipated to yield 400 shots, enough to inoculate 200 people. 
 
Social media users mocked the gift by sharing memes about the donation. 
&nbsp;

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Imagine bragging about sending 80 vaccines to a country with a population of 1,267,145 <a href="https://t.co/HmtRxGcZxJ">https://t.co/HmtRxGcZxJ</a>
— Left Flank Veterans (@LeftFlankVets) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeftFlankVets/status/1404468226944167939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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I really really hope they just forgot some zeroes <a href="https://t.co/CzhERkfjyH">https://t.co/CzhERkfjyH</a>
— shahenshah🌞pilsudski (सामाजिक फासीवाद युग) (@misandrogynist) <a href="https://twitter.com/misandrogynist/status/1404343151897112578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago <a href="https://t.co/5S0OTQfJU5">pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5</a>
— U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USinTT/status/1404227576789454849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) welcomed the arrival of a batch of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by China's Sinopharm on Monday, the US Embassy faced a barrage of criticism and mockery after announcing the donation of 80 vials of vaccine to the nation of 1.

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) welcomed the arrival of a batch of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by China's Sinopharm on Monday, the US Embassy faced a barrage of criticism and mockery after announcing the donation of 80 vials of vaccine to the nation of 1.4 million people. The US embassy in Port of Spain, the country's capital, announced the contribution in a tweet sent late Sunday local time, stating that "every vaccine matters." "The government of the United States of America has made a donation of COVID-19 vaccines to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The donation includes 80 vials of Pfizer vaccines. The United States is committed to assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with its vaccination efforts. We believe that every vaccine counts," the tweet read. USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5 — U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) June 14, 2021 × A single vial of the Pfizer vaccine generates five doses, which are given in two injections 21 days apart. As a result, America's vaccine gift is anticipated to yield 400 shots, enough to inoculate 200 people. Social media users mocked the gift by sharing memes about the donation. Imagine bragging about sending 80 vaccines to a country with a population of 1,267,145 https://t.co/HmtRxGcZxJ — Left Flank Veterans (@LeftFlankVets) June 14, 2021 × I really really hope they just forgot some zeroes https://t.co/CzhERkfjyH — shahenshah🌞pilsudski (सामाजिक फासीवाद युग) (@misandrogynist) June 14, 2021 × USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5 — U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) June 14, 2021 ×

US donates 80 vials of COVID-19 vaccine to a nation of 1.4 million, trolled for online post

The US embassy in Beijing had good news to share: Student visa applications for Chinese nationals were resuming after a yearlong hiatus.

“Spring has come and the flowers are in bloom,” the embassy wrote in a Chinese-language social media post on Wednesday that included a video of a dog trying to jump over a fence. “Are you like this doggy who can’t wait to go out and play?”

It backfired, big time.

The post on Weibo, a Twitter-like platform in China, could be read as a ham-handed attempt to be cute. But at a moment of heightened nationalism on the Chinese internet, it set off criticism — and accusations of racism — that were amplified by the ruling Communist Party’s formidable propaganda machine.

The embassy quickly removed the post and apologized, but the damage was done. The spat is the latest thorn in a diplomatic relationship that is prickly at the best of times and has lately been at its most delicate point in decades.

Some Weibo users wrote that the US&nbsp;State Department had deliberately tried to insult Chinese students by likening them to dogs. The Global Times, an English-language Chinese tabloid, piled on, aggregating criticism of the post and criticizing former President Donald Trump’s visa policies.

Fang Kecheng, a professor of journalism and communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the response was a typical example of how nationalistic news outlets and social media users in China wage “public opinion warfare.”

“They pay close attention to what the US&nbsp;government and media say, and amplify any inappropriate expressions to discredit them,” he said.

Fang said that such campaigns sometimes drew attention to statements that he said deserved to be criticized, such as Trump’s use of the term “China virus” to describe the coronavirus. That phrase has been widely criticized in the United States and beyond as racist and anti-Chinese.

“In this case, it’s amplifying a misstep,” he added, referring to the embassy’s social media post.

Early last year, Trump imposed restrictions on travelers from China, including students, prompting criticism from Beijing. The Weibo post on Wednesday by the US&nbsp;Embassy’s consular section announced that student applications had resumed under President Joe Biden’s administration.

Not everyone who criticized the embassy’s post in China expressed full-throated outrage. Some Weibo users said that they were more disappointed than angry, adding that the post was tone deaf rather than deliberately malicious.

“There was no need for the Weibo post to include that line about the dog,” said Susan Chen, a student from the southern Chinese province of Guangdong who returned to China last year after starting a master’s program in Connecticut. “It could have simply said ‘Spring has come and the flowers are in bloom, come get the visa.’”

A spokesperson for the embassy said on Thursday that the United States had the utmost respect for all Chinese people and that the social media post was meant to be “lighthearted and humorous.” The spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under embassy rules, said staff members took down the post as soon as it became clear that many Chinese people saw the message differently.

The episode further illustrates how frayed US-China relations have become over tariffs, human rights violations in the Xinjiang region of China and a technology Cold War, among other issues. Travel between the two countries has largely been frozen by strict visa controls, a result of both COVID-19 protocols and souring relations. Even attempts to restore diplomatic normalcy have been fraught.

There are potential financial implications for the US&nbsp;education sector, too.

About 1 million international students enroll in American universities every year. More than a third were from China in the 2019-2020 academic year, according to data compiled by the Institute of International Education.

But experts say that universities in the United States and other English-speaking countries could lose billions of dollars in the coming years because of travel restrictions and anger among Chinese students and parents about what they see as a permissive attitude toward public health during the pandemic.

Last year, the Trump administration abandoned a plan to strip international college students of their visas if they did not attend at least some classes in person. Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attorneys general of 20 states had sued over the proposed policy, saying it was reckless, cruel and senseless.

The US embassy in Beijing had good news to share: Student visa applications for Chinese nationals were resuming after a yearlong hiatus. “Spring has come and the flowers are in bloom,” the embassy wrote in a Chinese-language social media post on Wednesday that included a video of a dog trying to jump over a fence.

The US embassy in Beijing had good news to share: Student visa applications for Chinese nationals were resuming after a yearlong hiatus. “Spring has come and the flowers are in bloom,” the embassy wrote in a Chinese-language social media post on Wednesday that included a video of a dog trying to jump over a fence. “Are you like this doggy who can’t wait to go out and play?” It backfired, big time. The post on Weibo, a Twitter-like platform in China, could be read as a ham-handed attempt to be cute. But at a moment of heightened nationalism on the Chinese internet, it set off criticism — and accusations of racism — that were amplified by the ruling Communist Party’s formidable propaganda machine. The embassy quickly removed the post and apologized, but the damage was done. The spat is the latest thorn in a diplomatic relationship that is prickly at the best of times and has lately been at its most delicate point in decades. Some Weibo users wrote that the US State Department had deliberately tried to insult Chinese students by likening them to dogs. The Global Times, an English-language Chinese tabloid, piled on, aggregating criticism of the post and criticizing former President Donald Trump’s visa policies. Fang Kecheng, a professor of journalism and communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the response was a typical example of how nationalistic news outlets and social media users in China wage “public opinion warfare.” “They pay close attention to what the US government and media say, and amplify any inappropriate expressions to discredit them,” he said. Fang said that such campaigns sometimes drew attention to statements that he said deserved to be criticized, such as Trump’s use of the term “China virus” to describe the coronavirus. That phrase has been widely criticized in the United States and beyond as racist and anti-Chinese. “In this case, it’s amplifying a misstep,” he added, referring to the embassy’s social media post. Early last year, Trump imposed restrictions on travelers from China, including students, prompting criticism from Beijing. The Weibo post on Wednesday by the US Embassy’s consular section announced that student applications had resumed under President Joe Biden’s administration. Not everyone who criticized the embassy’s post in China expressed full-throated outrage. Some Weibo users said that they were more disappointed than angry, adding that the post was tone deaf rather than deliberately malicious. “There was no need for the Weibo post to include that line about the dog,” said Susan Chen, a student from the southern Chinese province of Guangdong who returned to China last year after starting a master’s program in Connecticut. “It could have simply said ‘Spring has come and the flowers are in bloom, come get the visa.’” A spokesperson for the embassy said on Thursday that the United States had the utmost respect for all Chinese people and that the social media post was meant to be “lighthearted and humorous.” The spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under embassy rules, said staff members took down the post as soon as it became clear that many Chinese people saw the message differently. The episode further illustrates how frayed US-China relations have become over tariffs, human rights violations in the Xinjiang region of China and a technology Cold War, among other issues. Travel between the two countries has largely been frozen by strict visa controls, a result of both COVID-19 protocols and souring relations. Even attempts to restore diplomatic normalcy have been fraught. There are potential financial implications for the US education sector, too. About 1 million international students enroll in American universities every year. More than a third were from China in the 2019-2020 academic year, according to data compiled by the Institute of International Education. But experts say that universities in the United States and other English-speaking countries could lose billions of dollars in the coming years because of travel restrictions and anger among Chinese students and parents about what they see as a permissive attitude toward public health during the pandemic. Last year, the Trump administration abandoned a plan to strip international college students of their visas if they did not attend at least some classes in person. Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attorneys general of 20 states had sued over the proposed policy, saying it was reckless, cruel and senseless.

‘Are you like this doggy?’ US embassy asked Chinese students. It backfired.

The heavily fortified green zone in Iraq has been attacked with a volley of rockets as security officials stated that the United States or US Embassy was the main target.

Rockets strike Iraq's green zone; Volley of rockets target US Embassy in Iraq

A volley of rockets on Monday targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said.

The attack is the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm.&nbsp;

At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services.

A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission.

Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness told AFP.&nbsp;

The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014.

Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds on Monday.

On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years.

Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded.

A volley of rockets on Monday targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said. The attack is the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm.

A volley of rockets on Monday targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said. The attack is the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm. At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services. A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission. Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness told AFP. The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014. Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds on Monday. On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years. Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded.

Rockets target US embassy in Iraqi capital: Military

The US embassy in Myanmar has urged its citizens to “shelter-in-place”, citing reports of military movements in the commercial capital Yangon.

The embassy also said there was a “possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m”.

"There are indications of military movements in Yangon and the possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 am" on Monday morning local time, the US embassy tweeted on its official American Citizen Services account on Sunday night.&nbsp;

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There are indications of military movements in Yangon and the possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. U.S. citizens in Burma are advised to shelter-in-place during the 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew hours.
— American Citizen Services - Burma (Myanmar) (@ACSRangoon) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSRangoon/status/1360948903705600000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to Reuters, armoured vehicles were sighted in Yangon there for the first time since the February 1 military coup.

The possible interruptions would occur between 1830 - 0230 GMT.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, new army rulers grappled to contain a strike by government workers on Sunday, crippling their ability to run the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-faces-crippling-mass-strike-on-ninth-day-of-protests-363596">Also read | Myanmar army faces crippling mass strike on ninth day of protests</a>

Security forces&nbsp;opened fire to disperse protesters at a power plant&nbsp;and armoured vehicles rolled into major cities.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets for a ninth day of anti-coup demonstrations. People protested across the nation after a fearful night as residents formed patrols and the army rolled back laws protecting freedoms.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in a November election that the army said was tainted with fraud - an accusation dismissed by the electoral commission.

Suu Kyi's detention is due to expire on Monday.

More than 384 people have been detained since the coup, the monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said, in a wave of mostly nightly arrests.

(with inputs)

The US embassy in Myanmar has urged its citizens to “shelter-in-place”, citing reports of military movements in the commercial capital Yangon. The embassy also said there was a “possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.

The US embassy in Myanmar has urged its citizens to “shelter-in-place”, citing reports of military movements in the commercial capital Yangon. The embassy also said there was a “possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m”. "There are indications of military movements in Yangon and the possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 am" on Monday morning local time, the US embassy tweeted on its official American Citizen Services account on Sunday night. There are indications of military movements in Yangon and the possibility of telecommunications interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. U.S. citizens in Burma are advised to shelter-in-place during the 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew hours. — American Citizen Services - Burma (Myanmar) (@ACSRangoon) February 14, 2021 × According to Reuters, armoured vehicles were sighted in Yangon there for the first time since the February 1 military coup. The possible interruptions would occur between 1830 - 0230 GMT. Meanwhile, new army rulers grappled to contain a strike by government workers on Sunday, crippling their ability to run the country. Also read | Myanmar army faces crippling mass strike on ninth day of protests Security forces opened fire to disperse protesters at a power plant and armoured vehicles rolled into major cities. Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets for a ninth day of anti-coup demonstrations. People protested across the nation after a fearful night as residents formed patrols and the army rolled back laws protecting freedoms. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in a November election that the army said was tainted with fraud - an accusation dismissed by the electoral commission. Suu Kyi's detention is due to expire on Monday. More than 384 people have been detained since the coup, the monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said, in a wave of mostly nightly arrests. (with inputs)

US embassy in Myanmar warns of troop movements, cautions its citizens

U.S. Embassy in Iraq condemned a rocket attack on its compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone on Sunday, saying it resulted in minor damage but no casualties or injuries.

U.S. Embassy in Baghdad condemns rocket attack on its compound

The Trump administration is planning to close the two remaining US consulates in Russia even as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office amid high tensions with Moscow.

The closures would leave the embassy in Moscow as the United States' last diplomatic mission in Russia.

According to CNN, the US will close its consulate in the far eastern city of Vladivostok and suspend operations at its post in Yekaterinburg -- citing a December 10 letter sent to Congress from the State Department.

The move comes in "response to ongoing staffing challenges for the US Mission in Russia in the wake of the 2017 Russian-imposed personnel cap on the US Mission and the resultant impasse with Russia over diplomatic visas," the report said, citing the letter.

Ten diplomats assigned to the consulates will reportedly be relocated to the US embassy in Moscow, while 33 local staff will lose their jobs.

"No action related to the Russian consulates in the United States is planned," CNN added.

It, however, remains unclear if the closures would happen before January 20, when President-elect Biden takes office.

On Friday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Russia was "pretty clearly" behind a devastating cyberattack on several US government agencies that security experts say could allow attackers unfettered access to critical IT systems and electric power grids.

Russia has denied any involvement in the cyberattacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pretty-clearly-behind-cyber-attack-says-us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-350948">Also read | Russia 'pretty clearly' behind cyber attack, says US Secretary of State Pompeo</a>

The Trump administration is planning to close the two remaining US consulates in Russia even as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office amid high tensions with Moscow.

The Trump administration is planning to close the two remaining US consulates in Russia even as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office amid high tensions with Moscow. The closures would leave the embassy in Moscow as the United States' last diplomatic mission in Russia. According to CNN, the US will close its consulate in the far eastern city of Vladivostok and suspend operations at its post in Yekaterinburg -- citing a December 10 letter sent to Congress from the State Department. The move comes in "response to ongoing staffing challenges for the US Mission in Russia in the wake of the 2017 Russian-imposed personnel cap on the US Mission and the resultant impasse with Russia over diplomatic visas," the report said, citing the letter. Ten diplomats assigned to the consulates will reportedly be relocated to the US embassy in Moscow, while 33 local staff will lose their jobs. "No action related to the Russian consulates in the United States is planned," CNN added. It, however, remains unclear if the closures would happen before January 20, when President-elect Biden takes office. On Friday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Russia was "pretty clearly" behind a devastating cyberattack on several US government agencies that security experts say could allow attackers unfettered access to critical IT systems and electric power grids. Russia has denied any involvement in the cyberattacks. Also read | Russia 'pretty clearly' behind cyber attack, says US Secretary of State Pompeo

US planning to close last consulates in Russia

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong. Beijing has already imposed restrictions on US diplomats.

However, no details have been given as to the nature of these curbs

The diplomatic tussle between the US and China has been going on for months. Even US President Donald Trump has upped the ante on China as US presidential elections 2020 approach.

In July, US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston for what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "stealing" intellectual property.

Soon China ordered closure of US consulate in the city of Chengdu.

Fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff have come as US declared last week that Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

About these restrictions, Pompeo maintained that the US was "simply demanding reciprocity".

The restrictions had drawn a strong reaction from the Chinese side. Chinese Embassy in Washington had termed this as "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side."

US State Department had previously written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong.

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong. Beijing has already imposed restrictions on US diplomats. However, no details have been given as to the nature of these curbs The diplomatic tussle between the US and China has been going on for months. Even US President Donald Trump has upped the ante on China as US presidential elections 2020 approach. In July, US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston for what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "stealing" intellectual property. Soon China ordered closure of US consulate in the city of Chengdu. Fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff have come as US declared last week that Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds. About these restrictions, Pompeo maintained that the US was "simply demanding reciprocity". The restrictions had drawn a strong reaction from the Chinese side. Chinese Embassy in Washington had termed this as "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side." US State Department had previously written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

China imposes fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.&nbsp;

"The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive &amp; just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white.

The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength."

Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community.

A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world. "The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive & just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white. The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength." Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community. A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests

One rocket hit near the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday morning, security sources told AFP,&nbsp;the first to land in the high-security zone in weeks.

The blast could be heard across the Iraqi capital and triggered security sirens at the US embassy compound but did not cause casualties, the sources confirmed. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.&nbsp;

It follows more than two dozen similar attacks against American interests in Iraq since October that the US has blamed on Iran-backed factions among Iraq's security forces.

The volleys of rockets, which have killed US, British and Iraqi armed personnel, have severely strained ties between Baghdad and Washington.

Tensions reached boiling point in January when the US killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad.

But the US and Iraq have hoped to reset the relationship since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi took the helm earlier this month, with bilateral talks planned for June.&nbsp;

The negotiations are expected to set a framework for the presence of US troops, which deployed to Iraq in 2014 to lead a coalition fighting back the Islamic State group.

But the forces are a thorn in the side of Iran and its allies in Iraq, which have insisted they leave the country.

On Sunday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the US "will not be staying either in Iraq or Syria and must withdraw and will certainly be expelled".&nbsp;

The US-led coalition has already drawn down its 7,500-strong force in Iraq this year, citing a decreased threat from IS and difficulties training Iraqi forces due to the spread of the coronavirus.

One rocket hit near the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday morning, security sources told AFP, the first to land in the high-security zone in weeks. The blast could be heard across the Iraqi capital and triggered security sirens at the US embassy compound but did not cause casualties, the sources confirmed.

One rocket hit near the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday morning, security sources told AFP, the first to land in the high-security zone in weeks. The blast could be heard across the Iraqi capital and triggered security sirens at the US embassy compound but did not cause casualties, the sources confirmed. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. It follows more than two dozen similar attacks against American interests in Iraq since October that the US has blamed on Iran-backed factions among Iraq's security forces. The volleys of rockets, which have killed US, British and Iraqi armed personnel, have severely strained ties between Baghdad and Washington. Tensions reached boiling point in January when the US killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad. But the US and Iraq have hoped to reset the relationship since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi took the helm earlier this month, with bilateral talks planned for June. The negotiations are expected to set a framework for the presence of US troops, which deployed to Iraq in 2014 to lead a coalition fighting back the Islamic State group. But the forces are a thorn in the side of Iran and its allies in Iraq, which have insisted they leave the country. On Sunday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the US "will not be staying either in Iraq or Syria and must withdraw and will certainly be expelled". The US-led coalition has already drawn down its 7,500-strong force in Iraq this year, citing a decreased threat from IS and difficulties training Iraqi forces due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Rocket hits near US embassy in Baghdad: Security sources

One rocket hit near the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday morning, news agency AFP reported quoting security sources. The blast did not cause any casualties but could be heard across the Iraqi capital and triggered security sirens at the US embassy compound, the report said quoting the same sources.

One rocket hit near the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday morning, news agency AFP reported quoting security sources. The blast did not cause any casualties but could be heard across the Iraqi capital and triggered security sirens at the US embassy compound, the report said quoting the same sources. No group claimed responsibility for the attack immediatly. This is the first rocket to land in the high-security zone in weeks. It follows more than two dozen similar attacks against American interests in Iraq since October that the US has blamed on Iran-backed factions among Iraq's security forces. The volleys of rockets, which have killed US, British and Iraqi armed personnel, have severely strained ties between Baghdad and Washington. Tensions reached boiling point in January when the US killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the US "will not be staying either in Iraq or Syria and must withdraw and will certainly be expelled". The US-led coalition has already drawn down its 7,500-strong force in Iraq this year, citing a decreased threat from IS and difficulties training Iraqi forces due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Rocket hits near US embassy in Baghdad, say security sources

India and the US signed a $3 billion defence deal on Tuesday. On the other hand Trump had a roundtable with India's Business Leaders.

Trump Talks with India's Business Leaders

India and the US held talks in five major categories - security, defence, energy, technology and people to people contact, with President Donald Trump. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday.

Foreign Secy briefs Media: India-US held talks in Five Major Categories

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone.

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone... No casualties" said coalition spokesman Myles Caggins. That base, known as Union III, is the headquarters for the US-led coalition, deployed in Iraq since 2014 to help local troops fight the Islamic State jihadist group. Also Read: Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad, ambassador and staff evacuated Iraq's military said three Katyusha rockets hit inside the Green Zone, the high-security enclave where the US mission and Union III are located, as well as Iraqi government buildings, United Nations offices and other embassies. A fourth rocket hit a logistics base in a different neighbourhood operated by the Hashed al-Shaabi, a military network officially incorporated into the Iraqi state, the Iraqi military said. There was no immediate statement from the Hashed. Strikes on assets of both the US and Hashed at the same time are unusual, as Washington has blamed hardline elements within the military network for repeated rocket attacks on American installations across Iraq. Sunday's was the 19th attack since October to target either the embassy or the roughly 5,200 US troops stationed alongside local forces across Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for any of the incidents. In late December, a rocket attack on the northern Iraqi base of K1 left one US contractor dead and unleashed a dramatic series of events. Watch: US Embassy in Baghdad attacked Washington responded with retaliatory strikes against Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline Hashed faction in western Iraq. Days later, an American drone strike in Baghdad killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his right-hand man, Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Hashed factions have vowed revenge for the pair's death but said they would prioritise a political objective first: the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. But the network includes a broad range of groups and some have appeared more willing to harass US troops militarily. Sunday's attack came just hours after one of the Hashed's Iran-backed factions, Harakat al-Nujaba, announced a "countdown" to ousting American forces from the country. A top leader within Nujaba, Nasr al-Shammary, tweeted a photograph of what he claimed was an American military vehicle, adding: "We are closer than you think." Sunday's assault reportedly sent warning sirens blaring across the diplomatic compound. Multiple strong explosions followed by aircraft circling near the Green Zone were reported.

Multiple rockets hit Iraqi base hosting American troops near US embassy; no casualties

Amid tensions in the region over the killing of Iran's elite Quds Force, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">General Qasem Soleimani</a>, US Embassy in Pakistan issued advisory restricting travel of US government employees.

World reacts to killing of Iran's Soleimani by U.S., Mideast countries condemn US strikes in Iraq

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"Given possible reactions to recent events in Iraq, the US Embassy has restricted travel by US government employees. US government personnel in Pakistan are required to postpone non-essential official movements and most personal movements," informed US Embassy in Pakistan on Friday. 
The US consulate in Pakistan to monitor their surroundings for possible demonstrations and suspicious activity. 
 
Washington on Thursday carried out a strike near Baghdad's international airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">killing</a> Soleimani, a US-designated terrorist, along with six others on the direction of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-military-strikes-in-iraq-stir-regional-hornets-nest-271866">Donald Trump</a>. 
 
The US had accused Soleimani of orchestrating several attacks on coalition bases in Iraq including the December 27 attack in which American and Iraqi personnel were killed.

Amid tensions in the region over the killing of Iran's elite Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani, US Embassy in Pakistan issued advisory restricting travel of US government employees.

Amid tensions in the region over the killing of Iran's elite Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani, US Embassy in Pakistan issued advisory restricting travel of US government employees. World reacts to killing of Iran's Soleimani by U.S., Mideast countries condemn US strikes in Iraq × "Given possible reactions to recent events in Iraq, the US Embassy has restricted travel by US government employees. US government personnel in Pakistan are required to postpone non-essential official movements and most personal movements," informed US Embassy in Pakistan on Friday. The US consulate in Pakistan to monitor their surroundings for possible demonstrations and suspicious activity. Washington on Thursday carried out a strike near Baghdad's international airport killing Soleimani, a US-designated terrorist, along with six others on the direction of President Donald Trump. The US had accused Soleimani of orchestrating several attacks on coalition bases in Iraq including the December 27 attack in which American and Iraqi personnel were killed.

US Embassy in Pakistan restricts travel of government personnel

In Iraq, angry demonstrators entered the US compound against the US jets hit Kataib Hezbollah bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a US contractor in northern Iraq last week. The US deployed 750 additional troops in Baghdad as a result of the crisis, it already has over five thousand troops deployed in the country. #WION #Fineprint #Iraq #Iraq-US #USA

Fineprint: US Embassy closed in Iraq until further notice

Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against <a href="Protesters burn security post at US Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> in Iraq began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US&nbsp;Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, although some supporters remained.

By Wednesday afternoon many had left the embassy and started setting up a protest camp in front of a nearby hotel. A small group of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expect-iraq-to-use-its-forces-to-protect-us-embassy-in-baghdad-trump-271292">protesters</a> remained and said they would not leave till US&nbsp;forces were expelled from Iraq.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-iraq-protesters-storming-us-baghdad-embassy-271237">US embassy in Baghdad</a>&nbsp;after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound.

"We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US&nbsp;targets Iran-based Kataib Hezbollah Group In Iraq

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Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters.

It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone.

Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable.

"Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.

Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against US airstrikes in Iraq began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, although some supporters remained.

Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against US airstrikes in Iraq began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, although some supporters remained. By Wednesday afternoon many had left the embassy and started setting up a protest camp in front of a nearby hotel. A small group of protesters remained and said they would not leave till US forces were expelled from Iraq. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the US embassy in Baghdad after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound. "We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted. Watch: US targets Iran-based Kataib Hezbollah Group In Iraq Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters. It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone. Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.

Iraqi militias start withdrawing from US Embassy in Baghdad

Protesters&nbsp;angry about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;hurled stones and torched a&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">US&nbsp;Embassy</a>&nbsp;in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to the Middle East.

The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for&nbsp;US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran.

The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them.

Embassy&nbsp;guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel&nbsp;protesters, who stormed and&nbsp;burned the&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the entrance but did not breach the main compound.

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&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said that in addition to Marines sent to protect&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;were prepared to deploy over the next several days.

"This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against&nbsp;US&nbsp;personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement.

US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750&nbsp;troops&nbsp;would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;could be sent to the&nbsp;region&nbsp;in the coming days if needed.

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More than 5,000&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;are stationed in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;supporting local forces.

The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged&nbsp;US&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;to their worst level in years.

The United States and its allies invaded&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive.

Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> of&nbsp;Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in&nbsp;Iraq," the White House said.

Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence.

"Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet.

Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility.

"America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the&nbsp;Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25&nbsp;Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

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The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations.

The protests followed&nbsp;US&nbsp;airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside&nbsp;Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a&nbsp;US&nbsp;civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an&nbsp;Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iraq. They will be held fully responsible."

Democrats&nbsp;upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy.

"The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said&nbsp;US&nbsp;Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The&nbsp;protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!"

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66f91c45-4f5c-40f4-9543-f97112bb0baf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2840%29_0.jpg" />

Iraqi special forces prevented&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;entering, later reinforced by&nbsp;US-trained&nbsp;Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces.

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the&nbsp;US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Mike Pompeo</a> told CBS News that&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials never contemplated evacuating the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;and had kept the heat on&nbsp;Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe.

"We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into&nbsp;Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd.

A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues&nbsp;carried them away.

Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-pm-kataib-hezbollah-condemns-us-airstrikes-271203">Kataib Hezbollah</a> and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the&nbsp;embassy.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East. The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for US President Donald Trump, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran. The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them. Embassy guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel protesters, who stormed and burned the security post at the entrance but did not breach the main compound. The Pentagon said that in addition to Marines sent to protect embassy personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that additional troops were prepared to deploy over the next several days. "This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750 troops would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000 troops could be sent to the region in the coming days if needed. More than 5,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq supporting local forces. The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in Iraq marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged US relations with Iraq to their worst level in years. The United States and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive. Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi of Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in Iraq," the White House said. Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet. Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing US sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility. "America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25 Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The embassy incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the US ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations. The protests followed US airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible." Democrats upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy. "The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said US Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the embassy gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces prevented protesters entering, later reinforced by US-trained Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces. The embassy has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CBS News that US officials never contemplated evacuating the embassy and had kept the heat on Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe. "We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd. A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues carried them away. Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy.

Protesters burn security post at US Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region

Dozens of protesters broke into the US embassy compound in Baghdad on Tuesday, smashing a main door and setting fire to a reception area, prompting tear gas and sounds of gunfire.

Protesters storm US embassy compound in Baghdad

A page from Iran's history: 40th anniversary of US embassy takeover. Watch video to know more.

A page from Iran's history: 40th anniversary of US embassy takeover

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-new-iran-sanctions-but-waives-others-259135">Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department said on Monday.

The United States also sanctioned Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, the department said in the statement, which came 40 years after Iran seized the US&nbsp;embassy in Tehran, taking more than 50 Americans hostage.

"Today the Treasury Department is targeting the unelected officials who surround Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and implement his destabilizing policies," US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"These individuals are linked to a wide range of malign behaviours by the regime, including bombings of the US&nbsp;Marine Barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in 1994, as well as torture, extrajudicial killings, and repression of civilians," Mnuchin added.

Those targeted by the US&nbsp;sanctions include Khamenei's chief of staff Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani as well as Vahid Haghanian, who the department said "has been referred to as the Supreme Leader’s right hand."

Ebrahim Raisi, who Khamenei appointed in March 2019 to lead Iran’s judiciary, and Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei's second son, were also sanctioned, Treasury said.

US&nbsp;sanctions block any US-controlled property or interests held by those targeted and prohibit anyone or any entities in the United States from dealing with those sanctioned.

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US Treasury Department said on Monday.

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US Treasury Department said on Monday. The United States also sanctioned Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, the department said in the statement, which came 40 years after Iran seized the US embassy in Tehran, taking more than 50 Americans hostage. "Today the Treasury Department is targeting the unelected officials who surround Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and implement his destabilizing policies," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "These individuals are linked to a wide range of malign behaviours by the regime, including bombings of the US Marine Barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in 1994, as well as torture, extrajudicial killings, and repression of civilians," Mnuchin added. Those targeted by the US sanctions include Khamenei's chief of staff Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani as well as Vahid Haghanian, who the department said "has been referred to as the Supreme Leader’s right hand." Ebrahim Raisi, who Khamenei appointed in March 2019 to lead Iran’s judiciary, and Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei's second son, were also sanctioned, Treasury said. US sanctions block any US-controlled property or interests held by those targeted and prohibit anyone or any entities in the United States from dealing with those sanctioned.

US imposes sanctions on nine Iranians with ties to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Thousands of Iranians chanted "Death to America" near the old US&nbsp;embassy on Monday, the 40th anniversary on the seizure of the mission, with the country's army chief comparing the United States with a poisonous scorpion intent on harming Iran.

State television showed crowds packing the streets around the former mission, dubbed the "den of spies" after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. Marches and rallies were being held in some 1,000 communities across the country, state media said.

Hardline Islamist students stormed the embassy soon after the fall of the US-backed shah, and 52 Americans were held hostage there for 444 days. The two countries have been enemies ever since.

"Our fight with America is over our independence, over not submitting to bullying, over values, beliefs and our religion," army chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said in a speech at the rally outside the former embassy.

"They (Americans) will continue their hostilities, like the proverbial poisonous scorpion whose nature it is to sting and cannot be stopped unless it is crushed," Mousavi said in remarks carried by state TV.

On Sunday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed a ban on talks with the United States, describing the two countries as implacable foes.

"Those who believe that negotiations with the enemy will solve our problems are 100 percent&nbsp;wrong," he said.

Meanwhile, Iran's parliament gave initial approval to a measure requiring schoolbooks to inform students about "America's crimes". Lawmakers also chanted "Death to America".

Relations between the two countries have reached a crisis over the past year since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which it accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.

The United States has reimposed sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force it to negotiate to reach a wider deal.

Khamenei has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions.

Thousands of Iranians chanted "Death to America" near the old US embassy on Monday, the 40th anniversary on the seizure of the mission, with the country's army chief comparing the United States with a poisonous scorpion intent on harming Iran.

Thousands of Iranians chanted "Death to America" near the old US embassy on Monday, the 40th anniversary on the seizure of the mission, with the country's army chief comparing the United States with a poisonous scorpion intent on harming Iran. State television showed crowds packing the streets around the former mission, dubbed the "den of spies" after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. Marches and rallies were being held in some 1,000 communities across the country, state media said. Hardline Islamist students stormed the embassy soon after the fall of the US-backed shah, and 52 Americans were held hostage there for 444 days. The two countries have been enemies ever since. "Our fight with America is over our independence, over not submitting to bullying, over values, beliefs and our religion," army chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said in a speech at the rally outside the former embassy. "They (Americans) will continue their hostilities, like the proverbial poisonous scorpion whose nature it is to sting and cannot be stopped unless it is crushed," Mousavi said in remarks carried by state TV. On Sunday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed a ban on talks with the United States, describing the two countries as implacable foes. "Those who believe that negotiations with the enemy will solve our problems are 100 percent wrong," he said. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament gave initial approval to a measure requiring schoolbooks to inform students about "America's crimes". Lawmakers also chanted "Death to America". Relations between the two countries have reached a crisis over the past year since US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which it accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. The United States has reimposed sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force it to negotiate to reach a wider deal. Khamenei has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions.

Iranians chant 'Death to America' to mark United States embassy seizure

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions.

The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added.

During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement.

"This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said.

The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington.

Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet.

The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, has sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime.

In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of parliament.

At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally Israel.

The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said. US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added. During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement. "This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said. The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington. Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet. The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, has sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime. In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of parliament. At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally Israel. The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

US warship docks in Lebanon amid regional tensions

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday.

Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located.

The explosion took place on 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attack.

The blast was a rocket blast, Xinhua reported citing local journalist Jawad Jalali.

No casualties have been reported.

No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. But it has come just a day after the Taliban pledged to retaliate after US President Donald Trump ended the peace talks abruptly.

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday. Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located.

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday. Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located. The explosion took place on 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. The blast was a rocket blast, Xinhua reported citing local journalist Jawad Jalali. No casualties have been reported. No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. But it has come just a day after the Taliban pledged to retaliate after US President Donald Trump ended the peace talks abruptly.

Explosion occurs in Kabul near US embassy; no casualties

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervened after Indian pacer Mohammad Shami's visa application was rejected by the US Embassy, a source said.&nbsp;

Shami's visa application was initially rejected by the Embassy as his police verification record was incomplete, however, the BCCI source confirmed that&nbsp;the board stepped in and took care of it.&nbsp;

"Shami's visa application was initially rejected by the US Embassy as his police verification record was incomplete. But now it's all sorted and all the required documents have been given," ANI reported quoting a BCCI source.

"BCCI CEO Rahul Johri wrote a letter to the US Embassy, saying Shami is India's top cricketer and also mentioned his contribution in cricket for the country," the source said.&nbsp;

In the recently concluded Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, Shami was in the top as he scalped 14 wickets in just four matches.&nbsp;

But before the World Cup, Shami remained in the headlines after his ex-wife Hasin Jahan accused him of domestic violence and filed an FIR against him.&nbsp;

Shami is part of India's ODIs and Tests squad for the upcoming West Indies tour, which is comprised of three T20 Internationals, three ODIs followed by two Test matches.&nbsp;

The T20Is will open the tour from August 3, the ODIs are lined up from August 8 and the Tests will take place from August 22 to September 3. &nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervened after Indian pacer Mohammad Shami's visa application was rejected by the US Embassy, a source said. Shami's visa application was initially rejected by the Embassy as his police verification record was incomplete, however, the BCCI source confirmed that the board stepped in and took care of it.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervened after Indian pacer Mohammad Shami's visa application was rejected by the US Embassy, a source said. Shami's visa application was initially rejected by the Embassy as his police verification record was incomplete, however, the BCCI source confirmed that the board stepped in and took care of it. "Shami's visa application was initially rejected by the US Embassy as his police verification record was incomplete. But now it's all sorted and all the required documents have been given," ANI reported quoting a BCCI source. "BCCI CEO Rahul Johri wrote a letter to the US Embassy, saying Shami is India's top cricketer and also mentioned his contribution in cricket for the country," the source said. In the recently concluded Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, Shami was in the top as he scalped 14 wickets in just four matches. But before the World Cup, Shami remained in the headlines after his ex-wife Hasin Jahan accused him of domestic violence and filed an FIR against him. Shami is part of India's ODIs and Tests squad for the upcoming West Indies tour, which is comprised of three T20 Internationals, three ODIs followed by two Test matches. The T20Is will open the tour from August 3, the ODIs are lined up from August 8 and the Tests will take place from August 22 to September 3.

BCCI intervenes after US embassy rejects Mohammad Shami's visa application

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