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<p>A Franco-Swiss airport was evacuated on Friday (July 26) due to a security threat. This comes after Paris witnessed&nbsp;rail disruptions caused by arson attacks.</p>

<p>Following a security-related evacuation, EuroAirport Basel, an international airport&nbsp;situated on the French side of the border, announced a phased resumption of flight operations on its website.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Basel-Mulhouse airport said that it had been evacuated and closed "for safety reasons".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-french-high-speed-rail-network-sabotaged-ahead-of-paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-744333">French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony</a></p>

<p>The evacuation came as France grappled&nbsp;with widespread rail disruptions caused by arson attacks.</p>

<p>The disruptions come ahead of the&nbsp;Olympics opening ceremony in Paris which&nbsp;is scheduled to take place&nbsp;on Friday evening.</p>

<h2><strong>Rail network sabotaged</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, the high-speed rail network in France was disrupted by "malicious acts" including arson, just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, according to media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several high-speed TGV lines had been hit to the west, north, and east of Paris, and queues formed at Gare Montparnasse station in the city.</p>

<p>In a statement, the&nbsp;French state railway company SNCF said, "Last night, the SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations."</p>

<p>Around 800,000 passengers have reportedly&nbsp;been affected by the disruption.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/45000-police-10000-soldiers-and-2000-private-security-cover-highlight-paris-olympics-2024-opening-ceremony-744335" target="_blank">45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security cover highlight Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned "these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people."</p>

<p>Taking to his social media handle, the minister wrote, "Co-ordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend."</p>

<h2><strong>Train sabotage won't disrupt Olympics opening: Mayor</strong></h2>

<p>Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has assured the public that the sabotage of the TGV rail network will not impact the&nbsp;opening ceremony.</p>

<p>"The unacceptable act of sabotage has not disrupted transportation within the French capital", Hidalgo said, speaking to reporters in Spanish after meeting Spain's King Felipe VI, as reported by news agency AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Massive security arrangement</strong></h2>

<p>An unprecedented security operation will be in place for the parade, with 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security personnel safeguarding the route along the River Seine, its banks, and nearby landmarks.</p>

<p><strong>Video |&nbsp;Paris 2024: Exclusive: Balaji eyes doubles glory in Paris</strong></p>

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<p>More than 10,500 athletes will compete in the Paris&nbsp;Olympics, 100 years since the French capital city last hosted&nbsp;the Games. The initial matches&nbsp;started on Wednesday and the first of the 329 gold medals will be awarded on Saturday.</p>

<p>The closing ceremony will take place on August&nbsp;11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Franco-Swiss airport was evacuated on Friday (July 26) due to a security threat. This comes after Paris witnessed rail disruptions caused by arson attacks. Following a security-related evacuation, EuroAirport Basel, an international airport situated on the French side of the border, announced a phased resumption of flight operations on its website.

A Franco-Swiss airport was evacuated on Friday (July 26) due to a security threat. This comes after Paris witnessed rail disruptions caused by arson attacks. Following a security-related evacuation, EuroAirport Basel, an international airport situated on the French side of the border, announced a phased resumption of flight operations on its website. Earlier, the Basel-Mulhouse airport said that it had been evacuated and closed "for safety reasons". Also read: French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony The evacuation came as France grappled with widespread rail disruptions caused by arson attacks. The disruptions come ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris which is scheduled to take place on Friday evening. Rail network sabotaged Earlier in the day, the high-speed rail network in France was disrupted by "malicious acts" including arson, just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, according to media reports. Several high-speed TGV lines had been hit to the west, north, and east of Paris, and queues formed at Gare Montparnasse station in the city. In a statement, the French state railway company SNCF said, "Last night, the SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations." Around 800,000 passengers have reportedly been affected by the disruption. Also read | 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security cover highlight Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned "these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people." Taking to his social media handle, the minister wrote, "Co-ordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend." Train sabotage won't disrupt Olympics opening: Mayor Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has assured the public that the sabotage of the TGV rail network will not impact the opening ceremony. "The unacceptable act of sabotage has not disrupted transportation within the French capital", Hidalgo said, speaking to reporters in Spanish after meeting Spain's King Felipe VI, as reported by news agency AFP. Massive security arrangement An unprecedented security operation will be in place for the parade, with 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security personnel safeguarding the route along the River Seine, its banks, and nearby landmarks. Video | Paris 2024: Exclusive: Balaji eyes doubles glory in Paris × More than 10,500 athletes will compete in the Paris Olympics, 100 years since the French capital city last hosted the Games. The initial matches started on Wednesday and the first of the 329 gold medals will be awarded on Saturday. The closing ceremony will take place on August 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris Olympics 2024: Franco-Swiss airport evacuated just hours before opening ceremony

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Headlines of the hour: - US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump - Biden, Harris press Netanyahu for Gaza truce - Israel seeks changes to truce plan: Report - US destroys Houthi's UAV launcher - Jaishankar, Wang discuss border impasse - Sri Lanka Presidential polls on September 21 - Pakistan: Opposition bloc calls nationwide stir - Top Mexican drug lords arrested - India marks 25th Kargil Victory Day

Sri Lanka Presidential polls on September 21 | Top Mexican drug lords arrested

Biden urged the Israeli leader to act quickly to finalize the deal and remove obstacles affecting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden, Harris urge Netanyahu to finalise truce deal

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<p>The Saint Hilarion complex, one of the oldest monasteries in the Middle East, has been put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in danger due to the war in Gaza, the body said Friday (Jul 26).</p>

<p>UNESCO said the site, which dates back to the fourth century, had been put on the endangered list at the demand of Palestinian authorities and cited the "imminent threats" it faced.</p>

<p>"It's the only recourse to protect the site from destruction in the current context," &nbsp;Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, told news agency <em>AFP</em>, referring to the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.</p>

<p>In December, the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict decided to grant "provisional enhanced protection" -- the highest level of immunity established by the 1954 Hague Convention -- to the site.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-related-displacement-causes-education-loss-drop-outs-latest-unesco-report-reveals-740991"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Climate related displacement causes education loss, drop-outs latest UNESCO report revea</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-related-displacement-causes-education-loss-drop-outs-latest-unesco-report-reveals-740991">l</a>s</strong></p>

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<p>UNESCO had then said it was "already concerned about the state of conservation of sites, before October 7, due to the lack of adequate policies to protect heritage and culture" in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The Saint Hilarion complex, one of the oldest monasteries in the Middle East, has been put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in danger due to the war in Gaza, the body said Friday (Jul 26).

The Saint Hilarion complex, one of the oldest monasteries in the Middle East, has been put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in danger due to the war in Gaza, the body said Friday (Jul 26). UNESCO said the site, which dates back to the fourth century, had been put on the endangered list at the demand of Palestinian authorities and cited the "imminent threats" it faced. "It's the only recourse to protect the site from destruction in the current context," Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, told news agency AFP, referring to the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. In December, the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict decided to grant "provisional enhanced protection" -- the highest level of immunity established by the 1954 Hague Convention -- to the site. Watch | Climate related displacement causes education loss, drop-outs latest UNESCO report reveals × UNESCO had then said it was "already concerned about the state of conservation of sites, before October 7, due to the lack of adequate policies to protect heritage and culture" in Gaza. The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ancient Gaza monastery put on UNESCO endangered site list due to Israel-Hamas war

<p>Donald Trump has slammed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray after the latter raised doubts about whether the former United States president was hit by a bullet during the assassination attempt, earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump took to his Truth Social account and posted a lengthy message where he took shots at Wray as well as President Joe Biden over his deteriorating cognitive abilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress yesterday that he wasn’t sure if I was hit by shrapnel, glass, or a bullet (the FBI never even checked!), but he was sure that Crooked Joe Biden was physically and cognitively ‘uneventful’ – Wrong!” Trump wrote on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former president&nbsp;claims he was hit by a bullet that grazed the upper portion of his right ear after he moved his head just in time to avoid getting shot in the head.</p>

<p>"No, it was, unfortunately, a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard. There was no glass, there was no shrapnel. The hospital called it a 'bullet wound to the ear,'&nbsp;and that is what it was. No wonder the once storied FBI has lost the confidence of America!"&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secret-service-director-grilled-by-lawmakers-on-trump-assassination-attempt-743179" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Secret Service director grilled by lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did Wray claim?</strong></h2>

<p>The FBI director raised suspicions over the validity of Trump's claims during the testimony in front of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday (Jul 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With respect to former president Trump, there’s some question about whether it was a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear," Wray told Representative&nbsp;Jim Jordan during the testimony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As I sit here right now, I don’t know whether that bullet… in addition to causing the grazing, could have landed somewhere else," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-fbi-director-wray-demands-resignation-over-biden-health-cover-up-744206"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Trump goes after FBI Director Wray, demands his resignation over Biden health cover-up</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, had fired a volley of eight rounds towards the former US president using an AR-15 rifle while he was addressing the rally in an open field.</p>

<p>It was only after one of the bullets grazed Trump and killed a rallygoer that the Secret Service was able to neutralise Crooks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FBI chief&nbsp;said his team had accounted for all the shots in the cartridges, including the ones that killed a rallygoer and wounded two others. Wray highlighted that Crooks' gun had a collapsible stock that made it easy to hide the gun.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Donald Trump has slammed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray after the latter raised doubts about whether the former United States president was hit by a bullet during the assassination attempt, earlier this month.

Donald Trump has slammed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray after the latter raised doubts about whether the former United States president was hit by a bullet during the assassination attempt, earlier this month. Trump took to his Truth Social account and posted a lengthy message where he took shots at Wray as well as President Joe Biden over his deteriorating cognitive abilities. “FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress yesterday that he wasn’t sure if I was hit by shrapnel, glass, or a bullet (the FBI never even checked!), but he was sure that Crooked Joe Biden was physically and cognitively ‘uneventful’ – Wrong!” Trump wrote on the social media platform. The former president claims he was hit by a bullet that grazed the upper portion of his right ear after he moved his head just in time to avoid getting shot in the head. "No, it was, unfortunately, a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard. There was no glass, there was no shrapnel. The hospital called it a 'bullet wound to the ear,' and that is what it was. No wonder the once storied FBI has lost the confidence of America!" × Watch | US Secret Service director grilled by lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt What did Wray claim? The FBI director raised suspicions over the validity of Trump's claims during the testimony in front of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday (Jul 24). "With respect to former president Trump, there’s some question about whether it was a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear," Wray told Representative Jim Jordan during the testimony. “As I sit here right now, I don’t know whether that bullet… in addition to causing the grazing, could have landed somewhere else," he added. Also read | Trump goes after FBI Director Wray, demands his resignation over Biden health cover-up Notably, 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, had fired a volley of eight rounds towards the former US president using an AR-15 rifle while he was addressing the rally in an open field. It was only after one of the bullets grazed Trump and killed a rallygoer that the Secret Service was able to neutralise Crooks. The FBI chief said his team had accounted for all the shots in the cartridges, including the ones that killed a rallygoer and wounded two others. Wray highlighted that Crooks' gun had a collapsible stock that made it easy to hide the gun. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump blasts FBI director for questioning if he was struck by bullet during assassination bid

<p>United States&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be taking a balanced stand on the Israel-Hamas war, which is unusual for the world's most powerful nation, when she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p>In a rare take, Kamala Harris held the Israeli government responsible for the death of “far too many” civilians in the Gaza Strip and said “I will not be silent” as she also pledged “unwavering” support for the right of existence of the Jewish state.</p>

<p>In her first remarks on the Israel-Hamas war after the country's presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Harris on Thursday (July 25) said that “it is time for this war to end” and also argued that the war&nbsp;was not a “binary issue”.</p>

<p>“To everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” said the 59-year old Harris,&nbsp;just after Netanyahu departed the White House.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-arrives-at-white-house-for-high-stakes-first-meeting-with-biden-744233">Netanyahu visits White House, thanks Biden for ‘50 years of support for the state&nbsp;of&nbsp;Israel’</a></p>

<p>“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating — the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," Harris said.</p>

<p>She said that she will "always" make sure that Israel is able to defend itself and added, “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal. And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done."</p>

<p>“Let’s get the deal done so we can get a cease-fire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people. And ultimately, I remain committed to a path forward that can lead to a two-state solution," the country's vice president further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Kamala Harris says 'dire humanitarian situation in Gaza'</strong></h2>

<p>The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee slammed Hamas and said she will continue working for the US citizens held hostage in Gaza.</p>

<p>“On October 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 Innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages,” Harris said.</p>

<p>“There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza:&nbsp;Sagui Dekel-Chen,&nbsp;Hersch Goldberg-Polin, Edan Alexander. Keith Seigel, Omer Neutra,' she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump | Biden press Netanyahu for Gaza truce</strong></p>

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<p>“I have met with the families of these American hostages multiple times now. And I’ve told them each time they are not alone, and I stand with them. And President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home," the vice president further said..</p>

<p>She elaborated further and said, “I told [Netanyahu] that I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself including from Iran and Iran-backed militias, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. From when I was a young girl, collecting funds to plant trees for Israel, to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I’ve had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security and to the people of Israel.”</p>

<p>“I also expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians. And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there with over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be taking a balanced stand on the Israel-Hamas war, which is unusual for the world's most powerful nation, when she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be taking a balanced stand on the Israel-Hamas war, which is unusual for the world's most powerful nation, when she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a rare take, Kamala Harris held the Israeli government responsible for the death of “far too many” civilians in the Gaza Strip and said “I will not be silent” as she also pledged “unwavering” support for the right of existence of the Jewish state. In her first remarks on the Israel-Hamas war after the country's presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Harris on Thursday (July 25) said that “it is time for this war to end” and also argued that the war was not a “binary issue”. “To everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” said the 59-year old Harris, just after Netanyahu departed the White House. Also Read: Netanyahu visits White House, thanks Biden for ‘50 years of support for the state of Israel’ “What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating — the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," Harris said. She said that she will "always" make sure that Israel is able to defend itself and added, “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal. And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done." “Let’s get the deal done so we can get a cease-fire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people. And ultimately, I remain committed to a path forward that can lead to a two-state solution," the country's vice president further said. Kamala Harris says 'dire humanitarian situation in Gaza' The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee slammed Hamas and said she will continue working for the US citizens held hostage in Gaza. “On October 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 Innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages,” Harris said. “There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza: Sagui Dekel-Chen, Hersch Goldberg-Polin, Edan Alexander. Keith Seigel, Omer Neutra,' she added. Watch: US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump | Biden press Netanyahu for Gaza truce “I have met with the families of these American hostages multiple times now. And I’ve told them each time they are not alone, and I stand with them. And President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home," the vice president further said.. She elaborated further and said, “I told [Netanyahu] that I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself including from Iran and Iran-backed militias, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. From when I was a young girl, collecting funds to plant trees for Israel, to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I’ve had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security and to the people of Israel.” “I also expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians. And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there with over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris' double stand: US VP extends support to Israel, but calls for ceasefire, decries Gaza killings

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<p>Two top leaders of the notorious Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel were arrested on Thursday (July 25)&nbsp;in Texas. <strong><a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-statement-arrests-alleged-leaders-sinaloa-cartel-ismael">In a statement</a></strong>, the US Justice Department said it arrested Sinaloa's co-founder&nbsp;Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka El Mayo) and El Chapo's son&nbsp;Joaquin Guzman Lopez.</p>

<p>Washington&nbsp;had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Zambada's arrest.</p>

<p>"Both men are facing multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks," the Justice Department said.</p>

<p>"El Mayo and Guzman Lopez join&nbsp;a growing list of Sinaloa Cartel leaders and associates who the Justice Department is holding accountable in the United States," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Another major blow to Sinaloa</strong></h2>

<p>The arrests were another major blow to the Sinaloa cartel. El Chapo (aka&nbsp;Joaquin Guzman) is already behind bars and is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in the US.</p>

<p>Chapo&nbsp;was convicted in 2019 of running what was believed to be the world's biggest narcotics syndicate.</p>

<p>After El Chapo's capture, several of his sons, collectively known as the "Chapitos" or "The Little Chapos," inherited control of the organisation, according to the US authorities.</p>

<p>One of his sons,&nbsp;Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was extradited to the US in 2023 to face narcotics charges.</p>

<h2><strong>Iron grip over law enforcement</strong></h2>

<p>According to the think tank&nbsp;InSight Crime, the Sinaloa cartel&nbsp;has forged connections at the highest levels of Mexico's federal police and military and has bribed members of both institutions to maintain an advantage over rival organisations.</p>

<p>Zambada is believed to have never served time in prison, and US authorities have been after him for decades. Before Zambada was detained, InSight Crimes said that he&nbsp;was known primarily for maintaining a low profile and a focus on business over violence.</p>

<p>"In addition, he is one of the few old-guard bosses who has managed to evade justice throughout his criminal career," the think tank added.</p>


Two top leaders of the notorious Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel were arrested on Thursday (July 25) in Texas. In a statement, the US Justice Department said it arrested Sinaloa's co-founder Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka El Mayo) and El Chapo's son Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

Two top leaders of the notorious Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel were arrested on Thursday (July 25) in Texas. In a statement, the US Justice Department said it arrested Sinaloa's co-founder Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka El Mayo) and El Chapo's son Joaquin Guzman Lopez. Washington had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Zambada's arrest. "Both men are facing multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks," the Justice Department said. "El Mayo and Guzman Lopez join a growing list of Sinaloa Cartel leaders and associates who the Justice Department is holding accountable in the United States," it added. Another major blow to Sinaloa The arrests were another major blow to the Sinaloa cartel. El Chapo (aka Joaquin Guzman) is already behind bars and is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in the US. Chapo was convicted in 2019 of running what was believed to be the world's biggest narcotics syndicate. After El Chapo's capture, several of his sons, collectively known as the "Chapitos" or "The Little Chapos," inherited control of the organisation, according to the US authorities. One of his sons, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was extradited to the US in 2023 to face narcotics charges. Iron grip over law enforcement According to the think tank InSight Crime, the Sinaloa cartel has forged connections at the highest levels of Mexico's federal police and military and has bribed members of both institutions to maintain an advantage over rival organisations. Zambada is believed to have never served time in prison, and US authorities have been after him for decades. Before Zambada was detained, InSight Crimes said that he was known primarily for maintaining a low profile and a focus on business over violence. "In addition, he is one of the few old-guard bosses who has managed to evade justice throughout his criminal career," the think tank added.

Two top leaders of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel arrested in US

<p>The flux in the American politics after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against his predecessor and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on June 28 reached pinnacle on July 13 when Trump survived an assassination attempt. A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-trump-assassination-attempt-has-turbocharged-his-presidential-re-run-740763">turbocharged</a> Republican campaign appeared all too belligerent against an ageing Joe Biden, and just then over a week later on July 21, the serving US president announced his withdrawal from the race to the White House.</p>

<p>Hours later,&nbsp;Kamala Harris, a smiling vice president who once served as a&nbsp;prosecutor-general, emerged as the face of Democrats against Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The India-US ties, at least since the time when the two countries shed off the nuclear sanction baggage during Bill Clinton's presidency in the early 2000s, have largely been bipartisan. Whether it's a Democrat or Republican in the White House, the Washington-Delhi ties have been marked with a larger pattern of consistent elevation to strategic relevance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Kamala Harris to skip Netanyahu speech in Congress</strong></p>

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<p>In the last few months, the ties between the two countries suffered after allegations were levelled at India for an assassination plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US.</p>

<p>As India-US ties continue to face the yesteryear's challenges underscored by Washington's consistent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-travel-advisory-on-india-warns-americans-against-visiting-kashmir-manipur-other-indian-regions-744223">lecturing on New Delhi's purported record</a> of democratic freedoms especially&nbsp;since the penultimate year of Biden presidency, let's take a look at what a potential Kamala Harris presidency might look like for India-US ties.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>On Jammu and Kashmir</strong></h2>

<p>Harris has had strong views of the state of Jammu and Kashmir but has fallen short of holding a defining position on the same.</p>

<p>When India abrogated article 370 of constitution that gave the region a semi-autonomous status, Harris said that the US must "remind the Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world. We are keeping a track on the situation. There is a need to intervene if the situation demands."</p>

<h2><strong>On India-US ties</strong></h2>

<p>Harris has described the India-US relationship as "unbreakable".</p>

<p>In 2017, she tweeted a welcome message for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he visited the United States, "I welcome Indian PM @NarendraModi to the United States and reaffirm the unbreakable bonds between our two nations."</p>

<p>India has some inkling of what to expect from a potential Kamala Harris administration, since she is already the serving vice president. It is unlikely that her policies will differ greatly from Biden's.</p>

<p>But regardless of exact policies towards India, the presence of an Indian-American at the highest echelon of American politics would enhance people-to-people links between the two countries.</p>

<h2><strong>On immigration</strong></h2>

<p>Harris has served as a lead co-sponsor for legislation to increase the number of green cards that could go to countries like India and China. It ultimately did not pass but the proposed legislation ended up underscoring Harris as an important figure for immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States.&nbsp;</p>


The flux in the American politics after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against his predecessor and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on June 28 reached pinnacle on July 13 when Trump survived an assassination attempt.

The flux in the American politics after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against his predecessor and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on June 28 reached pinnacle on July 13 when Trump survived an assassination attempt. A turbocharged Republican campaign appeared all too belligerent against an ageing Joe Biden, and just then over a week later on July 21, the serving US president announced his withdrawal from the race to the White House. Hours later, Kamala Harris, a smiling vice president who once served as a prosecutor-general, emerged as the face of Democrats against Donald Trump. The India-US ties, at least since the time when the two countries shed off the nuclear sanction baggage during Bill Clinton's presidency in the early 2000s, have largely been bipartisan. Whether it's a Democrat or Republican in the White House, the Washington-Delhi ties have been marked with a larger pattern of consistent elevation to strategic relevance. Also watch | Gravitas: Kamala Harris to skip Netanyahu speech in Congress × In the last few months, the ties between the two countries suffered after allegations were levelled at India for an assassination plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US. As India-US ties continue to face the yesteryear's challenges underscored by Washington's consistent lecturing on New Delhi's purported record of democratic freedoms especially since the penultimate year of Biden presidency, let's take a look at what a potential Kamala Harris presidency might look like for India-US ties. On Jammu and Kashmir Harris has had strong views of the state of Jammu and Kashmir but has fallen short of holding a defining position on the same. When India abrogated article 370 of constitution that gave the region a semi-autonomous status, Harris said that the US must "remind the Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world. We are keeping a track on the situation. There is a need to intervene if the situation demands." On India-US ties Harris has described the India-US relationship as "unbreakable". In 2017, she tweeted a welcome message for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he visited the United States, "I welcome Indian PM @NarendraModi to the United States and reaffirm the unbreakable bonds between our two nations." India has some inkling of what to expect from a potential Kamala Harris administration, since she is already the serving vice president. It is unlikely that her policies will differ greatly from Biden's. But regardless of exact policies towards India, the presence of an Indian-American at the highest echelon of American politics would enhance people-to-people links between the two countries. On immigration Harris has served as a lead co-sponsor for legislation to increase the number of green cards that could go to countries like India and China. It ultimately did not pass but the proposed legislation ended up underscoring Harris as an important figure for immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States.

What a Kamala Harris presidency would mean for India-US ties

Starokostiantyniv residents fear increased bombardments with the arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

The promise & peril of F-16 deployment: Why some Ukrainians fear F-16's arrival?

Israel is seeking changes to a plan for a Gaza truce and the release of hostages by Hamas, complicating a final deal to halt nine months of combat that have devastated the enclave, according to a Western official and a Palestinian and two Egyptian sources.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel seeks changes in Gaza truce plan

Iraq's Ain Al-Assad airbase came under attack with four rockets being launched at airbase that houses US-lead coalition forces. A US Official told media houses that the projectiles landed outside the base causing injuries or damage to the base. No one has claimed any responsibility of the attack yet.

Attack on Iraqi airbase hosting US troops, no casualties reported

Rolling Stones front-man Mick Jagger turns 81 today. He captured the essence of rebellion and raw sexuality decades ago and shows little sign of slowing down as he turns 81. Ironically, this is happening to a man who once sang what a drag it is getting old. Here's a look at his life and career so far.

Happy Birthday Mick Jagger: Wildest, coolest & most outrageous moments from Jagger's life

Authorities evacuated nearly 300,000 people and suspended public transport across eastern China, as Typhoon Gaemi brought torrential rains already responsible for five deaths in nearby Taiwan. Gaemi is the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years when it made landfall, flooding parts of the island's second-biggest city.

Typhoon Gaemi: 300,000 people evacuated in Eastern China amid torrential rains

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are on a collision course for a clash in the second round of the Paris Olympics. Andy Murray has pulled out of the singles event and it marks the end of an era in men's tennis. Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo reports from Roland Garros in Paris.

Paris 2024: Nadal vs Djokovic in second round?

Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and the son of his former partner, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman- Joaquin Guzman Lopez, were arrested in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Mexican drug lord 'El Mayo' and leader of Sinaloa cartel Lopez arrested in US

Headlines of the hour: - US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump - Biden, Harris press Netanyahu for Gaza truce - Israel seeks changes to truce plan: Report - US destroys Houthi's UAV launcher - Jaishankar, Wang discuss border impasse - No return date yet for NASA astronauts

US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump | Biden press Netanyahu for Gaza truce

<p>Mel Stride has become the fourth Conservative MP&nbsp;to throw his hat in the ring to succeed former United Kingdom Prime Minister&nbsp;Rishi Sunak as the party leader.</p>

<p>Stride said he was respected across party lines and could manoeuvre the Tories through the difficult position they find themselves in currently after the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What we know from the general election is that we’re in a very, very difficult place as a party, and I worry about that because I care about my party and I care about my country," said Stride.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In terms of trust, I think [the party] needs somebody who is going to be able to unite the party. People are not going to vote for a party that’s at each other’s throats all the time."</p>

<p>Stride, who previously served as work and pensions secretary said he would hold Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer "forensically" accountable if he is entrusted with the job.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am respected, I think, right across the parliamentary party. I was chair of the Treasury Select Committee, the leader of the House of Commons, all of those things are roles about bringing people together," said the&nbsp;Conservative MP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-election-results-2024-pro-gaza-candidates-dent-labours-election-victory-738601" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UK Election Results 2024: Pro-Gaza candidates dent Labour's election victory</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-election-results-2024-pro-gaza-candidates-dent-labours-election-victory-738601/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What's the election process?</strong></h2>

<p>The nominations opened on July 24 and each candidate has&nbsp;to have up to 10 MPs supporting their bid if they are to advance to the next round.</p>

<p>In September, the MPs will cast their vote and four candidates will be chosen who will make their pitch to the party. Then&nbsp;two people will be selected for the final round.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In October, the party members will cast their ballot which will close on October 31 to decide the next Tory leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-elections-2024-indian-origin-candidates-who-have-secured-a-seat-in-the-house-738191" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK Elections 2024: Indian-origin candidates who have secured a seat in the House</strong></a></p>

<p>Prior to Stride,&nbsp;former Home Secretary James Cleverly, ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick have also announced they are running for the post.</p>

<p>Notably, Cleverly is one of the top choices for the job but his centrist stance on numerous Tory policies could come back to haunt him. To this date, he has&nbsp;not denied calling the Rwanda policy "bats**t" which rubbed certain senior party leaders the wrong way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tugendhat ran for the top party position in 2022 and finished fifth.&nbsp;Regarded as one of the most centrist leaders, the ex-security minister&nbsp;has chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee previously and could have an outside chance of being Sunak's successor.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mel Stride has become the fourth Conservative MP to throw his hat in the ring to succeed former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as the party leader. Stride said he was respected across party lines and could manoeuvre the Tories through the difficult position they find themselves in currently after the general elections.

Mel Stride has become the fourth Conservative MP to throw his hat in the ring to succeed former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as the party leader. Stride said he was respected across party lines and could manoeuvre the Tories through the difficult position they find themselves in currently after the general elections. "What we know from the general election is that we’re in a very, very difficult place as a party, and I worry about that because I care about my party and I care about my country," said Stride. "In terms of trust, I think [the party] needs somebody who is going to be able to unite the party. People are not going to vote for a party that’s at each other’s throats all the time." Stride, who previously served as work and pensions secretary said he would hold Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer "forensically" accountable if he is entrusted with the job. "I am respected, I think, right across the parliamentary party. I was chair of the Treasury Select Committee, the leader of the House of Commons, all of those things are roles about bringing people together," said the Conservative MP. Watch | UK Election Results 2024: Pro-Gaza candidates dent Labour's election victory What's the election process? The nominations opened on July 24 and each candidate has to have up to 10 MPs supporting their bid if they are to advance to the next round. In September, the MPs will cast their vote and four candidates will be chosen who will make their pitch to the party. Then two people will be selected for the final round. In October, the party members will cast their ballot which will close on October 31 to decide the next Tory leader. Also read | UK Elections 2024: Indian-origin candidates who have secured a seat in the House Prior to Stride, former Home Secretary James Cleverly, ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick have also announced they are running for the post. Notably, Cleverly is one of the top choices for the job but his centrist stance on numerous Tory policies could come back to haunt him. To this date, he has not denied calling the Rwanda policy "bats**t" which rubbed certain senior party leaders the wrong way. Meanwhile, Tugendhat ran for the top party position in 2022 and finished fifth. Regarded as one of the most centrist leaders, the ex-security minister has chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee previously and could have an outside chance of being Sunak's successor. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Mel Stride throws hat in the ring to replace Rishi Sunak as next Tory leader

<p class="MsoNormal">Record heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges and cars and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan, said officials and media reports on Friday (Jul&nbsp;26).</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">One person died and four are missing after the heavy downpours in Yamagata and Akita prefectures on the main island of Honshu.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Police reported that a 60-year-old man was missing after a landslide at roadworks in Yuzawa City, while an 86-year-old man was unaccounted for after last being seen on a riverbank in Akita City.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-french-high-speed-rail-network-sabotaged-ahead-of-paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-744333">French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">According to media reports, one body was found in Akita City.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">A local official in Yamagata, where two rivers burst their banks, told AFP that "three people, including two police officers who were on a mission searching for a missing man, are unaccounted for."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Two parts of the Yamagata region experienced the highest 24-hour rainfall since records began in 1976, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Friday.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the Shinjo region&nbsp;recorded 389 millimetres and Sakata 289 millimetres.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Authorities issued evacuation orders to more than 200,000 people, Japan's&nbsp;fire and disaster management agency said.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Despite the severe conditions, at least 4,000 people evacuated to shelters, according to public broadcaster NHK.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">At least 3,060 households were reported to be without power, while 1,100 had no running water.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told&nbsp;reporters&nbsp;that some motorways have been closed in the area and Shinkansen bullet trains have suspended operations due to the heavy rainfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-gaemi-hits-china-displaces-nearly-300000-in-eastern-region-744390">Typhoon Gaemi hits China, displaces nearly 300,000 in eastern region</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Notably, Japan's weather agency earlier this week issued its highest emergency alert for heavy rains for Sakata and Yuza in the Yamagata region.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Later, the warning was downgraded by one notch in the country's five-tier warning system, but authorities urged the public to remain vigilant for potential landslides and flooding.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts around 100 to 200 millimetres of rain per day will continue for the next three days.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Record heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges and cars and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan, said officials and media reports on Friday (Jul 26).

Record heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges and cars and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan, said officials and media reports on Friday (Jul 26). One person died and four are missing after the heavy downpours in Yamagata and Akita prefectures on the main island of Honshu. Police reported that a 60-year-old man was missing after a landslide at roadworks in Yuzawa City, while an 86-year-old man was unaccounted for after last being seen on a riverbank in Akita City. Also read: French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony According to media reports, one body was found in Akita City. A local official in Yamagata, where two rivers burst their banks, told AFP that "three people, including two police officers who were on a mission searching for a missing man, are unaccounted for." Two parts of the Yamagata region experienced the highest 24-hour rainfall since records began in 1976, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Friday. Meanwhile, the Shinjo region recorded 389 millimetres and Sakata 289 millimetres. Authorities issued evacuation orders to more than 200,000 people, Japan's fire and disaster management agency said. Despite the severe conditions, at least 4,000 people evacuated to shelters, according to public broadcaster NHK. At least 3,060 households were reported to be without power, while 1,100 had no running water. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that some motorways have been closed in the area and Shinkansen bullet trains have suspended operations due to the heavy rainfall. Also read: Typhoon Gaemi hits China, displaces nearly 300,000 in eastern region Notably, Japan's weather agency earlier this week issued its highest emergency alert for heavy rains for Sakata and Yuza in the Yamagata region. Later, the warning was downgraded by one notch in the country's five-tier warning system, but authorities urged the public to remain vigilant for potential landslides and flooding. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts around 100 to 200 millimetres of rain per day will continue for the next three days. (With inputs from agencies)

At least one killed, thousands evacuated amid record rainfall in Japan

Time and again North Korean hackers have been blamed for carrying out numerous cyberattacks worldwide. The US, Britain and South Korea in a joint advisory have accused North Korean hackers of conducting a global Cyber Espionage Campaign in an effort to steal classified military secrets. Watch in for more details!

US charges North Korean man with cyberattacks on NASA

The United States has announced sanctions against two indivisuals in South Africa and one from the Democratic Republic of Congo who are allegedly associated with the expanded activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Islamic state building a network in South Africa?

Conditions in China have worsened as Typhoon Gaemi brought heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a dangerous storm surge. Watch the video to find out more.

Typhoon Gaemi hits China after razing Taiwan

The opposition alliance led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced country-wide protests on Friday (July 26) for the release of party prisoners, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: PTI-led bloc to hold protest on Monday; protest called for release of Imran Khan

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