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The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.

The officials&nbsp;said that the forest fires&nbsp;have claimed the lives of at least 51 people further warning that the death toll is expected to rise.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires.

The fires consolidated in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso tourist regions have devastated thousands of hectares of forest, cloaked coastal cities in a dense fog of grey smoke and forced people to flee their homes. &nbsp;

Earlier, the officials released a statement saying that 10 people were feared dead in the tragedy.

"We have preliminary information that several people have died, around 10," said Sofia Gonzales Cortes, state representative for the central region of Valparaiso.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-jean-carrolls-lawyer-says-trump-used-coded-version-of-c-word-against-her-686678">E Jean Carroll's lawyer says Trump used coded version of C-word against her</a>

<h2>Fires destroy approximately 30 homes</h2>

The blaze destroyed nearly 30 homes in the towns of Estrella and Navidad, forcing evacuations near the surfing resort of Pichilemu.

"I've never seen anything like it," 63-year-old Yvonne Guzman told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It's very distressing because we've evacuated the house but we can't move forward. There are all these people trying to get out and who can't move," she said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-many-people-injured-in-knife-attack-at-railway-station-in-paris-suspected-arrested-686625">Three injured in knife attack at railway station in Paris, suspect arrested</a>

<h2>'All forces deployed in fight against fires,' says Chilean president</h2>

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, on Friday (Feb 2), decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires.

"All forces are deployed in the fight against the forest fires," he said in a message posted on social media platform X.

Nearly 7,000 hectares have been devastated in the wildfire in Valparaiso alone, as per CONAF, the Chilean national forest authority, which called the blazes "extreme."

The authorities closed the road which connects Valparaiso to the capital Santiago, as a giant cloud of smoke "reduced visibility".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes. The officials said that the forest fires have claimed the lives of at least 51 people further warning that the death toll is expected to rise. Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires. The fires consolidated in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso tourist regions have devastated thousands of hectares of forest, cloaked coastal cities in a dense fog of grey smoke and forced people to flee their homes. Earlier, the officials released a statement saying that 10 people were feared dead in the tragedy. "We have preliminary information that several people have died, around 10," said Sofia Gonzales Cortes, state representative for the central region of Valparaiso. Also read: E Jean Carroll's lawyer says Trump used coded version of C-word against her Fires destroy approximately 30 homes The blaze destroyed nearly 30 homes in the towns of Estrella and Navidad, forcing evacuations near the surfing resort of Pichilemu. "I've never seen anything like it," 63-year-old Yvonne Guzman told news agency AFP. "It's very distressing because we've evacuated the house but we can't move forward. There are all these people trying to get out and who can't move," she said. Also read: Three injured in knife attack at railway station in Paris, suspect arrested 'All forces deployed in fight against fires,' says Chilean president Chilean President Gabriel Boric, on Friday (Feb 2), decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires. "All forces are deployed in the fight against the forest fires," he said in a message posted on social media platform X. Nearly 7,000 hectares have been devastated in the wildfire in Valparaiso alone, as per CONAF, the Chilean national forest authority, which called the blazes "extreme." The authorities closed the road which connects Valparaiso to the capital Santiago, as a giant cloud of smoke "reduced visibility". (With inputs from agencies)

Chile declares state of emergency as forest fires leave at least 51 dead

Ukraine on Saturday (Feb 3) bombarded a bakery in the occupied eastern city of Lysychansk, leaving dozens of civilians trapped under the rubble, said the Moscow-installed governor of the occupied Lugansk region.

"The Ukrainian army shelled a bakery in Lysychansk, there are civilians under the rubble," Leonid Pasechnik, a Russian occupation official, said on Telegram. "Three people were taken to hospital. There could be dozens more under the rubble," he further said.&nbsp;

Russia's emergency ministry said that at least 20 people had been killed in the incident and several were injured.

"In Lysychansk, employees of the Russian emergency ministry pulled out 20 bodies of victims from under the rubble," the Russian ministry said on social media, posting a video of rescuers working in the dark.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-deepens-as-nearly-40-killed-in-us-strikes-on-iran-backed-groups-in-iraq-and-syria-686682">Middle East crisis deepens as US strikes Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria</a>

<h2>Drone attack sets Russian refinery on fire, says governor</h2>

A massive blaze broke out after a drone attack, claimed by Ukraine, hit a major Russian oil refinery in the southwestern Volgograd region overnight.

The attack, as per the news agency AFP, was "organised" by Kyiv's SBU security service.

"Last night, the air defence and electronic jamming repelled an attack by drones in the Volgograd region's Kalachyovsky and Zakanalye districts," governor Andrei Bocharov said on Telegram.

"A fire started at the Volgograd refinery after one of the downed drones fell," he said, adding that the fire service had already brought the blaze under control by the start of the morning.

However, Bocharov said that no one was hurt in the incident.

Russian emergency services later told local media that the blaze had been put out.

"The fire at the refinery in Volgograd was 'organised' by SBU drones," a source in the Ukranian defence sector told AFP. &nbsp;

Russian energy giant Lukoil, which operates the refinery, says on its website that it is "the biggest producer of oil products in the federal South district", which covers eight regions of southwest Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Saturday (Feb 3) bombarded a bakery in the occupied eastern city of Lysychansk, leaving dozens of civilians trapped under the rubble, said the Moscow-installed governor of the occupied Lugansk region.

Ukraine on Saturday (Feb 3) bombarded a bakery in the occupied eastern city of Lysychansk, leaving dozens of civilians trapped under the rubble, said the Moscow-installed governor of the occupied Lugansk region. "The Ukrainian army shelled a bakery in Lysychansk, there are civilians under the rubble," Leonid Pasechnik, a Russian occupation official, said on Telegram. "Three people were taken to hospital. There could be dozens more under the rubble," he further said. Russia's emergency ministry said that at least 20 people had been killed in the incident and several were injured. "In Lysychansk, employees of the Russian emergency ministry pulled out 20 bodies of victims from under the rubble," the Russian ministry said on social media, posting a video of rescuers working in the dark. Also Read: Middle East crisis deepens as US strikes Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria Drone attack sets Russian refinery on fire, says governor A massive blaze broke out after a drone attack, claimed by Ukraine, hit a major Russian oil refinery in the southwestern Volgograd region overnight. The attack, as per the news agency AFP, was "organised" by Kyiv's SBU security service. "Last night, the air defence and electronic jamming repelled an attack by drones in the Volgograd region's Kalachyovsky and Zakanalye districts," governor Andrei Bocharov said on Telegram. "A fire started at the Volgograd refinery after one of the downed drones fell," he said, adding that the fire service had already brought the blaze under control by the start of the morning. However, Bocharov said that no one was hurt in the incident. Russian emergency services later told local media that the blaze had been put out. "The fire at the refinery in Volgograd was 'organised' by SBU drones," a source in the Ukranian defence sector told AFP. Russian energy giant Lukoil, which operates the refinery, says on its website that it is "the biggest producer of oil products in the federal South district", which covers eight regions of southwest Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian shelling of bakery in occupied east claims lives of at least 20, says Russia

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday (Feb 4) said his government was probing the claims that staff of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was involved in the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory.&nbsp;

Australia is one of several countries to have halted funding of UNRWA, a critical source of support for millions in Gaza.

"Well, we're examining it, along with other like-minded countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. And we want that to be resolved," said Albanese.&nbsp;

"The issue here is one that’s of deep concern, that this occurred, that there were some involvement. And those allegations need to be fully examined to ensure that every single dollar of aid is going to just that," he added.&nbsp;

The Australian PM added that he did not want people "literally dying" in Gaza but his government needed to make sure the money was being spent for the purpose it was sent.

"Well, what we're doing is going through those processes, along with our like-minded allies. But all of us want to see the support for kids in Gaza can't be in a situation where people are literally starving and the only organisation that can provide that support there is UNRWA,"&nbsp;said Albanese.&nbsp;

Speaking further he said, "It has been funded by Australia for a long period of time and funded by our like-minded allies as well. But we want to make sure that the organisation has every single dollar going to the purpose for which it is given."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-crisis-unrwa-staff-involved-in-oct-7th-hamas-attack-un-agency-probes-staff-involvement-684618">Watch |&nbsp;Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>UNRWA in soup&nbsp;</h2>

Over a dozen countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have paused funding to the aid agency after allegations surfaced that several of its employees had ties with Hamas.&nbsp;

The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-holds-back-300000-funding-to-un-agency-amid-allegations-of-ties-with-hamas-685310">Also read | US holds back $300,000 funding to UN agency amid allegations of ties with Hamas</a>

The European Union,&nbsp;one of UNRWA's top donors, last month demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians.&nbsp;

A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions...in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks". It also said&nbsp;no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February".

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday (Feb 4) said his government was probing the claims that staff of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was involved in the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday (Feb 4) said his government was probing the claims that staff of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was involved in the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory. Australia is one of several countries to have halted funding of UNRWA, a critical source of support for millions in Gaza. "Well, we're examining it, along with other like-minded countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. And we want that to be resolved," said Albanese. "The issue here is one that’s of deep concern, that this occurred, that there were some involvement. And those allegations need to be fully examined to ensure that every single dollar of aid is going to just that," he added. The Australian PM added that he did not want people "literally dying" in Gaza but his government needed to make sure the money was being spent for the purpose it was sent. "Well, what we're doing is going through those processes, along with our like-minded allies. But all of us want to see the support for kids in Gaza can't be in a situation where people are literally starving and the only organisation that can provide that support there is UNRWA," said Albanese. Speaking further he said, "It has been funded by Australia for a long period of time and funded by our like-minded allies as well. But we want to make sure that the organisation has every single dollar going to the purpose for which it is given." Watch | Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement o Embed Code: × UNRWA in soup Over a dozen countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have paused funding to the aid agency after allegations surfaced that several of its employees had ties with Hamas. The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation. Also read | US holds back $300,000 funding to UN agency amid allegations of ties with Hamas The European Union, one of UNRWA's top donors, last month demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians. A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions...in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks". It also said no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February". (With inputs from agencies)

Australia PM Albanese says government probing claims UN agency aided Hamas

US President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday (Feb 3), as projected by Western media. This triumph marks the beginning of his journey towards securing the Democratic nomination as the US president throws his hat in the presidential elections this year with hopes of getting re-elected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The win in South Carolina also moved Biden closer to&nbsp;a likely November rematch against&nbsp;former US President Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press, Biden&nbsp;won all 55 of the state’s Democratic delegates.

It was the first official Democratic primary for the November election after his win in the write-in campaign in New Hampshire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden was running the South Carolina Primary against Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips and author Democrat Marianne Deborah Williamson. After securing the win, Biden said, “In 2020, it was the voters of South Carolina who proved the pundits wrong, breathed new life into our campaign, and set us on the path to winning the presidency."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-proposes-176-bn-in-military-aid-to-israel-amid-war-with-hamas-686776">US House proposes $17.6 bn in military aid to Israel amid war with Hamas</a>

“Now in 2024, the people of South Carolina have spoken again and I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the Presidency again and making Donald Trump a loser, again," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>South Carolina - A racially diverse US state&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Biden was able to sway voters in the US state which has a racially diverse population. In addition to the Black community, the state is home to a Hispanic population. While Iowa and New Hampshire, where Trump secured win in Republican primaries, are often noted for their predominantly white population.&nbsp;This demographic characteristic has implications for their roles in the United States presidential primary process.

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In the 2020 Democratic primary, Joe Biden secured nearly 49 percent of the vote, triumphing in every county. Black voters constituted 56 percent of the electorate in that primary, and Biden secured 61 percent of their support.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/americas-long-range-bombers-strike-iraq-syria-killing-18-fighters-heres-what-led-to-airstrikes-686749">America's long-range bombers strike Iraq, Syria, killing 18 fighters. Here's what led to airstrikes</a>

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Democrats were competing for 55 delegates. The&nbsp;polling stations were closed at 7 pm Eastern Time throughout South Carolina. Now, the Republicans are set to hold their upcoming GOP primary on February 24.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday (Feb 3), as projected by Western media. This triumph marks the beginning of his journey towards securing the Democratic nomination as the US president throws his hat in the presidential elections this year with hopes of getting re-elected.

US President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday (Feb 3), as projected by Western media. This triumph marks the beginning of his journey towards securing the Democratic nomination as the US president throws his hat in the presidential elections this year with hopes of getting re-elected. The win in South Carolina also moved Biden closer to a likely November rematch against former US President Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press, Biden won all 55 of the state’s Democratic delegates. It was the first official Democratic primary for the November election after his win in the write-in campaign in New Hampshire. Biden was running the South Carolina Primary against Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips and author Democrat Marianne Deborah Williamson. After securing the win, Biden said, “In 2020, it was the voters of South Carolina who proved the pundits wrong, breathed new life into our campaign, and set us on the path to winning the presidency." Also Read | US House proposes $17.6 bn in military aid to Israel amid war with Hamas “Now in 2024, the people of South Carolina have spoken again and I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the Presidency again and making Donald Trump a loser, again," he added. South Carolina - A racially diverse US state Biden was able to sway voters in the US state which has a racially diverse population. In addition to the Black community, the state is home to a Hispanic population. While Iowa and New Hampshire, where Trump secured win in Republican primaries, are often noted for their predominantly white population. This demographic characteristic has implications for their roles in the United States presidential primary process. Also Read | US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites In the 2020 Democratic primary, Joe Biden secured nearly 49 percent of the vote, triumphing in every county. Black voters constituted 56 percent of the electorate in that primary, and Biden secured 61 percent of their support. Watch | America's long-range bombers strike Iraq, Syria, killing 18 fighters. Here's what led to airstrikes × Democrats were competing for 55 delegates. The polling stations were closed at 7 pm Eastern Time throughout South Carolina. Now, the Republicans are set to hold their upcoming GOP primary on February 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden wins South Carolina Democratic Primary, sets course for 2024 presidential reelection

Three members of an air ambulance crew were killed when their helicopter crashed on late January 20 in Oklahoma, local officials said. A goose was likely behind the crash.&nbsp;

US-based National Transportation Safety Board said in its preliminary report that a dead goose was found in part of the flight control system of a medical helicopter.&nbsp;

The crash was reported near Weatherford. The control centre said it lost contact with the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter crew shortly before 11:30 pm (local time), the company said in a statement Sunday.&nbsp;

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The report does not specify a specific reason for the disaster, but it does mention that one goose was found in the helicopter's flight control system and others in the debris field. According to the NTSB, a report on the probable cause could take up to two years to complete.&nbsp;

The helicopter crashed when it was returning to Weatherford after taking a patient to an Oklahoma City hospital. The pilot and both Air Evac Lifeteam crew members, a flight nurse and a paramedic, were killed.&nbsp;

The company had written on the social media platform Facebook, "Air Evac Lifeteam is heartbroken to report that three crew members have perished in an incident that occurred on Saturday, January 20."&nbsp;

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Air Evac is an EMS and air ambulance provider that operates out of 150 bases in more than a dozen US states, including Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Nearby Air Evac crews supported law enforcement in their search for the crew members. In the preliminary report, the company did not reveal where the Bell 206L3 was exactly discovered.&nbsp;

Air Evac had said, "Our primary focus is on supporting the families and our team members. At this time, we are not sharing the names of the crew members aboard the flight. We ask that you respect the privacy of our team members and their families, and please do not share their names."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Three members of an air ambulance crew were killed when their helicopter crashed on late January 20 in Oklahoma, local officials said. A goose was likely behind the crash.

Three members of an air ambulance crew were killed when their helicopter crashed on late January 20 in Oklahoma, local officials said. A goose was likely behind the crash. US-based National Transportation Safety Board said in its preliminary report that a dead goose was found in part of the flight control system of a medical helicopter. The crash was reported near Weatherford. The control centre said it lost contact with the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter crew shortly before 11:30 pm (local time), the company said in a statement Sunday. Also read: Kicked out of plane for being Jew? US couple files $40mn lawsuit against JetBlue Airways The report does not specify a specific reason for the disaster, but it does mention that one goose was found in the helicopter's flight control system and others in the debris field. According to the NTSB, a report on the probable cause could take up to two years to complete. The helicopter crashed when it was returning to Weatherford after taking a patient to an Oklahoma City hospital. The pilot and both Air Evac Lifeteam crew members, a flight nurse and a paramedic, were killed. The company had written on the social media platform Facebook, "Air Evac Lifeteam is heartbroken to report that three crew members have perished in an incident that occurred on Saturday, January 20." Also read: Paris votes to hike SUV parking fees. This is the WHOPPING charges to be paid Air Evac is an EMS and air ambulance provider that operates out of 150 bases in more than a dozen US states, including Oklahoma. Nearby Air Evac crews supported law enforcement in their search for the crew members. In the preliminary report, the company did not reveal where the Bell 206L3 was exactly discovered. Air Evac had said, "Our primary focus is on supporting the families and our team members. At this time, we are not sharing the names of the crew members aboard the flight. We ask that you respect the privacy of our team members and their families, and please do not share their names." (With inputs from agencies)

A goose? What led to helicopter crash that killed three in US

In joint air strikes carried out by the US and UK, a total of 36 targets of the Houthi militia were hit in Yemen on Saturday (Feb 3). This comes in addition to the US shooting down eight drones near Yemen a day before it thwarted the launch of four others by destroying them.&nbsp;

A joint statement was issued by&nbsp;Australia, Denmark, Canada, Bahrain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and US on the additional air strikes against&nbsp;Houthi militants.

US and UK with assistance from the above-mentioned countries "conducted an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes against 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea."

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A day earlier, on Friday (Feb 2), the US which lost three of its troops in Jordan on January 28 allegedly to Iran-linked militia hit back and targeted several targets in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;

US and UK, along with other involved nations in the February 3 attack, said that the objective of these targeted "precision strikes" is to interrupt and diminish the capabilities of Houthis which jeopardise global trade and also pose a threat to the lives of seafarers.&nbsp;

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The joint statement also said that the&nbsp;strikes were "in response to a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi actions since previous coalition strikes on January 11 and 22, 2024, including the January 27 attack which struck and set ablaze the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda."

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Earlier, after the killing of US soldiers, President Joe Biden approved air strikes against Iran-affiliated targets in Iraq and Syria. The&nbsp;strikes were condemned by the Middle East countries&nbsp;Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said, "We will not start any war, but if anyone wants to bully us they will receive a strong response."&nbsp;

Iraq denounced the attacks as a "violation of Iraqi sovereignty." While&nbsp;Syria said, "What (the US has) committed has served to fuel conflict in the Middle East in a very dangerous way."

(With inputs from agencies)

In joint air strikes carried out by the US and UK, a total of 36 targets of the Houthi militia were hit in Yemen on Saturday (Feb 3). This comes in addition to the US shooting down eight drones near Yemen a day before it thwarted the launch of four others by destroying them.

In joint air strikes carried out by the US and UK, a total of 36 targets of the Houthi militia were hit in Yemen on Saturday (Feb 3). This comes in addition to the US shooting down eight drones near Yemen a day before it thwarted the launch of four others by destroying them. A joint statement was issued by Australia, Denmark, Canada, Bahrain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and US on the additional air strikes against Houthi militants. US and UK with assistance from the above-mentioned countries "conducted an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes against 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea." Also Read | Over 50 Hezbollah targets hit in Syria since Oct 7, says Israel A day earlier, on Friday (Feb 2), the US which lost three of its troops in Jordan on January 28 allegedly to Iran-linked militia hit back and targeted several targets in Iraq and Syria. US and UK, along with other involved nations in the February 3 attack, said that the objective of these targeted "precision strikes" is to interrupt and diminish the capabilities of Houthis which jeopardise global trade and also pose a threat to the lives of seafarers. Also Read | Red Sea crisis: US military says it destroyed drones near Yemen The joint statement also said that the strikes were "in response to a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi actions since previous coalition strikes on January 11 and 22, 2024, including the January 27 attack which struck and set ablaze the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda." Watch | Over 40 killed as US unleashes airstrikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq & Syria × Earlier, after the killing of US soldiers, President Joe Biden approved air strikes against Iran-affiliated targets in Iraq and Syria. The strikes were condemned by the Middle East countries Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said, "We will not start any war, but if anyone wants to bully us they will receive a strong response." Iraq denounced the attacks as a "violation of Iraqi sovereignty." While Syria said, "What (the US has) committed has served to fuel conflict in the Middle East in a very dangerous way." (With inputs from agencies)

US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites

President Joe Biden has again won the South Carolina presidential primary, his first formal primary win of the election season.

US elections: Biden wins South Carolina Democratic primary

Donald Trump is lagging behind Biden in the money race. Legal expenses are draining Trump's campaign coffers...Can Trump's donors continue to finance his campaign & his lawyers?

US Elections 2024: Can Trump's donors continue to finance his campaign & his lawyers?

Parisians are casting their votes in a crucial referendum this Sunday (Feb 4), deciding whether the city should implement a hefty parking surcharge on large SUVs or not. This initiative is part of Paris's ongoing commitment to transforming into a fully bikeable city. The proposed increase in parking fees for cars weighing 1.6 tonnes is 18 euros ($19.4) per hour in the city centre. While the charge for outer districts is 12 euros.

Paris votes in referendum on raising parking fees for SUVs

A poll from the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Feb 2) revealed that half of adults in the United States said that Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has “gone too far.

A poll from the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Feb 2) revealed that half of adults in the United States said that Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has “gone too far.” Broadly, the poll showed support for Israel and the Biden administration's handling of the situation (the Israel-Hamas war). Thirty-one per cent of American adults approved of President Joe Biden's handling of the war. But 50 per cent said the Israeli response had gone too far, up from 40 per cent in a previous poll carried out by the news agency in November 2023. Since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year, Washington has become increasingly isolated in its support of Israel as the death toll in the Gaza Strip crossed 27,000 with most of the victims being women and children. The poll was carried out from Jan 25-28. It overlapped with the killing of three US troops in Jordan, the first deaths among American service members in what’s been widening regional conflict since Oct 7. What did Democrats and Republicans say? According to the poll, 33 per cent of Republicans said the Israeli offensive had gone too far, up from 18 per cent in the previous poll. Fifty-two per cent of independents agreed with this school of thought, up from 39 per cent. Also read | Where is Al-Tanf, the site of deadly drone strike that killed 3 US troops, located? Meanwhile, 63 per cent of Democrats said the offensive had gone too far. The poll's findings include more worrying news for Biden when it comes to support from the Democrats. 'An unfair fight' Speaking with the Associated Press, Melissa Morales, a political independent in Runnemede, said that she has been watching videos and news from Gaza daily. Expressing concerns over images and visuals of Palestinian children wounded, orphaned, or unhoused by the fighting, Morales said, "I just can’t even imagine, like, my son roaming the streets, wanting to be safe. Wanting his mom. Or just wanting someone to get him." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel × “These kids ... they’re needing the end of this. It’s such an unfair fight," she added. John Milor, a Republican voting independent, said he remained 100 per cent behind Israel. However, Milor said he noticed more young people in his circle speaking out against Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Half of adults in US say Israel’s campaign in Gaza has gone ‘too far’

If you are reading The Capitals on your smartphone, chances are that you just surfed through a Meta offshoot&nbsp;— WhatsApp, Instagram or the Nokia-sounding people connector, the Facebook. One of the three, if not all, are likely to be your eye to view the world, through the lens of&nbsp;internet.&nbsp;

This week, Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook — which has now extended into a Metaverse in its own right — turned twenty.&nbsp;

But the beginning of twenty-first year of Facebook did not seem like 'connecting people' as Zuckerberg faced a rare scrutiny in the US capital. "You have blood on your hands," he was told by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

Elsewhere in the world, the United States targeted sites linked to Iran-linked groups in Iraq and Syria, prompting strong reactions from Baghdad and Damascus.

In Europe, farmers rolled on their tractors in and around&nbsp;multiple capitals&nbsp;against increasing farming costs and high taxes.

While in the Germany's capital, scores of people led the demonstrations against resurgence of far-right 'alternatives' in the country.&nbsp;

In the Asian capitals, New Delhi emphasised on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor as an 'economic and strategic game changer'. Filipinos rejoiced as the southeast Asian country reported region's fastest expansion in Manila.&nbsp;

Beijing played the Devil's Advocate and repeated that Taliban-run Kabul 'should not be excluded' from the international community.&nbsp;

Read this and more, in The Capitals, this weekend.&nbsp;

<h2>Washington DC, United States</h2>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/01/409225-untitled-design-30.png?imwidth=500" />

Meta's CEO Mark&nbsp;Zuckerberg&nbsp;reacts as he testifies during the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Judiciary Committee&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;on online child sexual exploitation at the U.S. Capitol | Reuters

Right before Facebook's 20th anniversary, social media platform's co-founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced harshest criticism till date at a hearing before the US Senate in Washington DC on January 31. &nbsp;

The subject of the hearing was the failure of top internet platforms to protect children and vulnerable youngsters. Democrat Dick Durbin, the chairperson of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed it all in a nutshell.

"Their design choices, their failures to adequately invest in trust and safety, their constant pursuit of engagement and profit over basic safety have all put our kids and grandkids at risk," he said.

While turning towards families&nbsp;whose younger members reportedly gave in to self-harm through a Meta application,&nbsp;Zuckerberg said, "I'm sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer."&nbsp;

While Facebook started out so harmlessly during the early days of the digital revolution, it has now become a network with far-reaching consequences. Remember the Arab Spring of early 2010s — which because of Facebook's role in galvanising demonstrations and resistance, also came to be known as 'Facebook Revolution'?&nbsp;

But between the proliferation of wildest possible conspiracy theories that led to vaccination hesitancy at the peak of Covid to Donald Trump's propagation of the 'stolen' 2020 US presidential election, the 'free-speech'&nbsp;debate on Facebook remains open-ended whose opening remains nothing short of a double-edged sword.&nbsp;

<h2>Baghdad, Iraq</h2>

The United States hit three militant facilities in Iraq (and four in neighbouring Syria) in retaliation to the killing of three US troops in Jordan. Baghdad described it as violation of its sovereignty and summoned the US envoy in the Iraqi capital.&nbsp;

"In this incident, multiple American aircraft bombed locations in the Akashat and Al-Qa'im regions, including areas where our security forces are stationed, alongside nearby civilian areas," Iraq's Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement.

<img alt="The US strikes targeted sites in Iraq's Akashat and Qa'im region | Google Maps" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-02-03T164143.679.png" />

The US strikes targeted sites in Iraq's Akashat and Qa'im region | Google Maps

Baghdad accused Washington of engaging in 'deception'. It said that&nbsp;"the American side intentionally engaged in deception and distortion of facts, stating coordination with Iraqi authorities for the perpetration of this aggression".&nbsp;

Civilians were among 16 people killed in the US strikes in Iraq, authorities claimed.

<h2>Berlin, Germany 
 
<img alt="Berlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa6734d7-6292-46d2-87dc-271675b2ef6a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-02-04T160212.476.png" /></h2>

&nbsp;A person holds a banner as people gather outside the Reichstag building, during a rally of the broad alliance "Hand in Hand" under the slogan "Wir sind die Brandmauer" ("We are the Firewall") to protest against right-wing extremism and for the protection of democracy, in Berlin, Germany February 3, 2024. The banner reads: "Against Nazis" | Reuters

Nearly 200,000 people took to streets across multiple German cities, most of them in the capital Berlin amid nationwide protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

A Reuters tally showed&nbsp;150,000 people flocking close to the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin, where protesters gathered under the slogan "We are the Firewall" to protest against right-wing extremism.

The protests followed a report last month that two senior AfD members had attended a meeting to discuss purported plans for the mass deportation of citizens of foreign origin, a claim the far-right party denies.

<h2>New Delhi, India</h2>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/01/409316-untitled-design-2024-02-01t130530250.png?imwidth=500" />

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha, Indian parliament's lower house,&nbsp;on Feb 1, 2024 | Sansad TV&nbsp;

India's&nbsp;Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged at the sidelines of&nbsp;New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer". Amid ongoing challenges posed by Israel-Hamas war, the connectivity project aims to facilitate the flow of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe.

Sitharaman's remarks came a day after India's President Droupadi Murmu, in her ceremonial address to the parliament ahead of India's budget session,&nbsp;hailed the IMEC as an ambitious connectivity initiative.

<img alt="India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMEC.png" />

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | WION

While much of the western world portrays IMEC as a project whose feasibility faces a permanent fissure due to conflicts in West Asia, New Delhi made it clear that the transcontinental connectivity project remains one of top priorities of its foreign policy.&nbsp;

<h2>Beijing, China</h2>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/31/409091-comrademullah.png?imwidth=500" />

Chinese leader Xi Jinping with Bilal Karimi, Taliban-run Afghanistan government's ambassador to China | X/@QaharBalkhi

'Comrades and Mullahs'&nbsp;is not just the title of a bestseller book on Taliban-Beijing ties. It's also a clearer geopolitical reality in South Asia amid shows of&nbsp;proximity between Taliban and Communist Party regimes based out of Kabul and&nbsp;Beijing respectively.

Chinese top leader Xi Jinping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/xi-jinping-welcomes-taliban-ambassador-to-china-as-kabul-beijing-ties-move-forward-685428">accepted</a> the credentials of the envoy of Taliban-run Afghanistan in Beijing in a major formalisation of the regime partly constituted by the UN-designated terrorists.&nbsp;

Beijing's move is a reciprocation of the Taliban's step in September 2023 when it welcomed Zhao Sheng as Chinese ambassador in Kabul.&nbsp;

But before the event, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson made it clear that China believes&nbsp;that "Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community,"&nbsp;

<h2>Islamabad, Pakistan</h2>

The Pakistani capital will be the capital of interest this week ahead of South Asian country's national elections in the forthcoming week. The political parties have released their manifestos. The numbers are expected to set in from votes across the country but the verdict appears to be out of Rawalpindi&nbsp;— Islamabad's satellite town that houses Pakistan Army's headquarters&nbsp;— already.&nbsp;

The Capitals reported in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-islamabads-game-of-thrones-stacked-against-imran-khan-641534">October</a> that&nbsp;Islamabad's game of thrones is stacked against country's ousted leader Imran Khan. Since then, Khan remains imprisoned in a corruption case. And this week, Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced in two other cases. The Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is contesting elections without Khan's 'Cricket Bat' and analysts are widely expecting the re-establishment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad's corridors of power this time again. No&nbsp;balley pe thappa (Stamp on Bat)&nbsp;this time — quite literally.&nbsp;

That's all for the capitals this week. See you next weekend.&nbsp;

If you are reading The Capitals on your smartphone, chances are that you just surfed through a Meta offshoot — WhatsApp, Instagram or the Nokia-sounding people connector, the Facebook.

If you are reading The Capitals on your smartphone, chances are that you just surfed through a Meta offshoot — WhatsApp, Instagram or the Nokia-sounding people connector, the Facebook. One of the three, if not all, are likely to be your eye to view the world, through the lens of internet. This week, Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook — which has now extended into a Metaverse in its own right — turned twenty. But the beginning of twenty-first year of Facebook did not seem like 'connecting people' as Zuckerberg faced a rare scrutiny in the US capital. "You have blood on your hands," he was told by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Elsewhere in the world, the United States targeted sites linked to Iran-linked groups in Iraq and Syria, prompting strong reactions from Baghdad and Damascus. In Europe, farmers rolled on their tractors in and around multiple capitals against increasing farming costs and high taxes. While in the Germany's capital, scores of people led the demonstrations against resurgence of far-right 'alternatives' in the country. In the Asian capitals, New Delhi emphasised on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor as an 'economic and strategic game changer'. Filipinos rejoiced as the southeast Asian country reported region's fastest expansion in Manila. Beijing played the Devil's Advocate and repeated that Taliban-run Kabul 'should not be excluded' from the international community. Read this and more, in The Capitals, this weekend. Washington DC, United States Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg reacts as he testifies during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child sexual exploitation at the U.S. Capitol | Reuters Right before Facebook's 20th anniversary, social media platform's co-founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced harshest criticism till date at a hearing before the US Senate in Washington DC on January 31. The subject of the hearing was the failure of top internet platforms to protect children and vulnerable youngsters. Democrat Dick Durbin, the chairperson of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed it all in a nutshell. "Their design choices, their failures to adequately invest in trust and safety, their constant pursuit of engagement and profit over basic safety have all put our kids and grandkids at risk," he said. While turning towards families whose younger members reportedly gave in to self-harm through a Meta application, Zuckerberg said, "I'm sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer." While Facebook started out so harmlessly during the early days of the digital revolution, it has now become a network with far-reaching consequences. Remember the Arab Spring of early 2010s — which because of Facebook's role in galvanising demonstrations and resistance, also came to be known as 'Facebook Revolution'? But between the proliferation of wildest possible conspiracy theories that led to vaccination hesitancy at the peak of Covid to Donald Trump's propagation of the 'stolen' 2020 US presidential election, the 'free-speech' debate on Facebook remains open-ended whose opening remains nothing short of a double-edged sword. Baghdad, Iraq The United States hit three militant facilities in Iraq (and four in neighbouring Syria) in retaliation to the killing of three US troops in Jordan. Baghdad described it as violation of its sovereignty and summoned the US envoy in the Iraqi capital. "In this incident, multiple American aircraft bombed locations in the Akashat and Al-Qa'im regions, including areas where our security forces are stationed, alongside nearby civilian areas," Iraq's Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement. The US strikes targeted sites in Iraq's Akashat and Qa'im region | Google Maps Baghdad accused Washington of engaging in 'deception'. It said that "the American side intentionally engaged in deception and distortion of facts, stating coordination with Iraqi authorities for the perpetration of this aggression". Civilians were among 16 people killed in the US strikes in Iraq, authorities claimed. Berlin, Germany A person holds a banner as people gather outside the Reichstag building, during a rally of the broad alliance "Hand in Hand" under the slogan "Wir sind die Brandmauer" ("We are the Firewall") to protest against right-wing extremism and for the protection of democracy, in Berlin, Germany February 3, 2024. The banner reads: "Against Nazis" | Reuters Nearly 200,000 people took to streets across multiple German cities, most of them in the capital Berlin amid nationwide protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. A Reuters tally showed 150,000 people flocking close to the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin, where protesters gathered under the slogan "We are the Firewall" to protest against right-wing extremism. The protests followed a report last month that two senior AfD members had attended a meeting to discuss purported plans for the mass deportation of citizens of foreign origin, a claim the far-right party denies. New Delhi, India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha, Indian parliament's lower house, on Feb 1, 2024 | Sansad TV India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged at the sidelines of New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer". Amid ongoing challenges posed by Israel-Hamas war, the connectivity project aims to facilitate the flow of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe. Sitharaman's remarks came a day after India's President Droupadi Murmu, in her ceremonial address to the parliament ahead of India's budget session, hailed the IMEC as an ambitious connectivity initiative. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | WION While much of the western world portrays IMEC as a project whose feasibility faces a permanent fissure due to conflicts in West Asia, New Delhi made it clear that the transcontinental connectivity project remains one of top priorities of its foreign policy. Beijing, China Chinese leader Xi Jinping with Bilal Karimi, Taliban-run Afghanistan government's ambassador to China | X/@QaharBalkhi 'Comrades and Mullahs' is not just the title of a bestseller book on Taliban-Beijing ties. It's also a clearer geopolitical reality in South Asia amid shows of proximity between Taliban and Communist Party regimes based out of Kabul and Beijing respectively. Chinese top leader Xi Jinping accepted the credentials of the envoy of Taliban-run Afghanistan in Beijing in a major formalisation of the regime partly constituted by the UN-designated terrorists. Beijing's move is a reciprocation of the Taliban's step in September 2023 when it welcomed Zhao Sheng as Chinese ambassador in Kabul. But before the event, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson made it clear that China believes that "Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community," Islamabad, Pakistan The Pakistani capital will be the capital of interest this week ahead of South Asian country's national elections in the forthcoming week. The political parties have released their manifestos. The numbers are expected to set in from votes across the country but the verdict appears to be out of Rawalpindi — Islamabad's satellite town that houses Pakistan Army's headquarters — already. The Capitals reported in October that Islamabad's game of thrones is stacked against country's ousted leader Imran Khan. Since then, Khan remains imprisoned in a corruption case. And this week, Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced in two other cases. The Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is contesting elections without Khan's 'Cricket Bat' and analysts are widely expecting the re-establishment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad's corridors of power this time again. No balley pe thappa (Stamp on Bat) this time — quite literally. That's all for the capitals this week. See you next weekend.

The Capitals: Washington gets Zuckerberg's 'sorry' side; Islamabad without 'bat'; and more

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US response in Syria and Iraq.

Iran condemns US retaliation strike in Syria & Iraq

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US' response in Syria and Iraq.

US and UK's joint strikes hit 36 Houthi targets in Yemen

The ongoing legal feud between Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie regarding a $500 million French winery has seen a recent twist. Brad Pitt has emerged victorious in the latest phase of the legal battle against his ex, Angelina Jolie, concerning their substantial French vineyard. Watch to know more.

Brad Pitt scores latest win in Chateau Miraval dispute against Angelina Jolie

A devastating wildfire is burning parts of Chile's central and southern regions. officials are warning that the toll can rise soon. Watch to know more!

Chile orders evacuation in tourist city Vina Del Mer

The United States is the largest exporter of weapons, with its top buyers being Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. “It's important to protest these places because they are literally profiting off of war.

How does the US earn from wars?

Senegalese President Macky Sall has announced the postponement of the presidential elections that were scheduled to be held on the 25th of February. President Sall also announced in July last year that he would not be the presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.

Senegal: Opposition leaders call the poll announcement 'a constitutional coup'

Michelle O'Neill made history by becoming the first nationalist head of Northern Ireland's provincial government, embodies a new generation of progressive Irish republicans.

Northern Ireland's new generation of Sinn Fein politicians

In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Employee at Indian Embassy in Moscow arrested from Meerut for spying for Pakistan’s ISI

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US response in Syria and Iraq. Watch to know more!

Pentagon says it has targeted 13 Houthi location across Yemen

Russia said on Sunday that Ukraine killed at least 28 people, including nine women and a child, when its armed forces struck a bakery and restaurant in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine with Western-supplied rockets.

At least 28 killed in Ukrainian attack: Russia

The Japanese government will introduce a new visa status that will make it easy for IT engineers and other workers for overseas companies to reside in the country.

The Japanese government will introduce a new visa status that will make it easy for IT engineers and other workers for overseas companies to reside in the country. According to a report by Nikkei Asia on Friday (Feb 2), Japan's immigration services agency said that the visa status would allow highly skilled workers to work in the country on a teleworking basis for up to six months while enjoying sightseeing trips. The agency hopes to launch the programme by next month. It will create the system to accept "digital nomads" who can work from anywhere they happen to be, the report said. What is the eligibility for the new visa? As per the report, to be eligible for a digital nomad visa, applicants must have an annual income equivalent to $68,000 (10 million yen) or more. The applicants must be citizens of one of the 50 countries and regions that have visa waiver agreements with Japan and have private health insurance. Also read | US announces massive hike in H-1B and other visa fees. Here's all you need to know Self-employed people can be eligible for the visa only if they do business for overseas revenue, the report further said, adding they will be allowed to bring family members who are covered by private health insurance. Foreigners working in Japan top 2 million for first time Last week, the labour ministry said that the number of foreign nationals working in Japan topped 2 million for the first time. The ministry said that the figure for Oct 2023 was up 12.4% on the year to nearly 2.05 million, a growth rate 6.9 percentage points higher than in the same month in 2022. Also watch | New eligibility requirements for visa in UK × People from Vietnam made up 25.3 per cent of the workers, at 518,364. This was followed by people from China whose number was 397,918 and 226,846 people from the Philippines, Nikkei Asia reported. Overall workers from Indonesia grew by 56%, the fastest pace among all nationalities, the report added. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to unveil six-month residency visa for IT engineers, other workers

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