Author: REUTERS

Former US Marines pilot Daniel Duggan is facing allegations of breaking US arms control laws, which he denies. He has been in an Australian maximum-security prison since his 2022 arrest after returning from working in Beijing for six years. US authorities found correspondence with Duggan on electronic devices seized from Su Bin, who pleaded guilty in 2016 to theft of US military aircraft designs. Duggan’s extradition case will be heard in a Sydney court this month. Duggan’s lawyer argues that the hacking case involving Su Bin is unrelated to Duggan and that he had no knowledge of any improper connections.…

Canadian Police Arrest Fourth Suspect in Murder of Sikh Leader Canadian authorities have made a fourth arrest in connection with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The suspect, Amandeep Singh, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the case. The murder, which took place last year outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, sparked a diplomatic row between Canada and India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised concerns about possible Indian government involvement, leading to tensions between the two nations. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen advocating for an independent Sikh homeland, was a…

Devastating Floods in Northern Afghanistan Leave 315 Dead A recent flash flood in northern Afghanistan has left 315 people dead and more than 1,600 injured, according to the Taliban-run ministry for refugees. The floods, caused by heavy rains, have wreaked havoc in the region, destroying homes, livestock, and vital infrastructure. The refugee ministry, citing figures from its provincial office, highlights the dire situation in Baghlan province. The lack of aid and resources in Afghanistan, compounded by the Taliban’s restrictions on foreign aid work, has left the country vulnerable to natural disasters and lacking essential support. As Afghanistan grapples with the…

Tel Aviv: Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Families of the hostages, holding pictures of their loved ones still in captivity, joined the protest. Naama Weinberg, whose cousin was abducted and reportedly killed by Hamas, spoke out against the group’s recent claims of another captive’s death. “They must be saved now,” Weinberg urged the government and the international community. Later in the evening, some protesters blocked a main highway in the city, prompting police to intervene with…

Canadian police have made a fourth arrest in connection with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a case that strained diplomatic relations with India. Amandeep Singh, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Nijjar’s killing, adding to the three Indian men previously arrested in Edmonton, Alberta. Singh, an Indian national, was already in custody on unrelated firearms charges. Nijjar, 45, was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, sparking speculation of Indian government involvement. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted potential links, escalating tensions with New Delhi. Nijjar, a Canadian…

Chinese companies secured bids for five Iraqi oil and gas fields, part of the country’s efforts to boost gas production for domestic use. An Iraqi Kurdish company also obtained two projects in a recent licensing round, including an offshore exploration block in the Arab Gulf waters. The aim is to attract investments to enhance the oil and gas sector, reduce reliance on Iranian gas imports, and increase petrochemicals production. The absence of US oil majors in the bidding process raises questions, despite previous engagements between Iraqi officials and American oil firms. Chinese companies like Zhongman Petroleum, United Energy Group, ZhenHua,…

By REUTERS Mali’s national dialogue recommends extending military-led transition by three years and allowing junta leader Assimi Goita to participate in future elections. The country, under military rule since 2020, faces tensions over delayed return to constitutional rule. Amidst boycotts, the extension to five years was suggested, raising concerns about democratic backsliding in the region.Security-wise, dialogue with Islamist armed groups and all Malian armed movements was advised. Mali’s deep insecurity, economic challenges, and recent restrictions on political activities have led to frustration with the junta. The refusal of some political parties and civil society organizations to engage in the national…

The US State Department recently submitted a report to Congress, mandated by President Joe Biden’s National Security Memorandum, addressing Israel’s use of US-made defense articles in potential violations of international law during the conflict in Gaza. Despite acknowledging concerns, the report did not find conclusive evidence of non-compliance by Israel. An injured Palestinian child looks on as mourners stand next to the bodies of Palestinians (not pictured) killed in an Israeli strike in Rafah on Friday. Photo: Reuters Despite mounting casualties in Gaza, US officials continue to debate the situation, with concerns raised over Israel’s military conduct. Amnesty International has…

By REUTERS A year after Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws, many LGBTQ+ exiles are struggling to start over in new countries, facing challenges that include finding work, homes, safety, and acceptance. The Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed into law in May 2023, imposed severe penalties for LGBTQ+ individuals, leading many to flee persecution in Uganda.Despite seeking refuge in countries like Canada, Kenya, and Germany, LGBTQ+ Ugandans continue to face obstacles and discrimination. Some, like Henry Mukiibi and Steven Kabuye, have found temporary safety, but their long-term dreams include resettling in North America and studying human rights law.Organizations like…

By REUTERS Zimbabwe is cracking down on businesses using inflated exchange rates to protect the value of its new gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Any business using a rate higher than the official 13.5 ZiG per US dollar will face a fine of 200,000 ZiG ($14,815), as stated in a government notice obtained by Reuters. The government aims to stabilize the ZiG, launched in April, and has been clamping down on illegal foreign currency trading. Despite efforts to promote the ZiG, some businesses are charging a premium for transactions in the new currency, while informal traders continue to reject…