Author name: yasir

Global condemnations pour in following terrorist attack in Türkiye

 Leaders from around the world condemned a terrorist attack Wednesday targeting a defense industry facility in Türkiye’s capital in which five people were killed and 22 injured.  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Ankara. “I condemn this heinous attack on facilities of the Turkish Aerospace Industries,” Erdogan said. Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the attack on the sidelines of a BRICS group summit that Erdogan was attending as a guest. “Dear Mr. President, dear colleagues, we are very glad to welcome you to Kazan. But before we start work, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack. Media reports are coming in about the terrorist attack in Türkiye,” Putin said. He added that Moscow condemns any manifestations of terrorism. The US also condemned the deadly terror attack, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying “the United States stands with our Ally Türkiye and strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Blinken added in his remarks on X. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also condemned the attack.  “This morning, our prayers are with all of those affected and their families, and of course, also the people of Türkiye at this very difficult time,” he said. “Turkish authorities, as they said it, are investigating this as a possible terrorist attack, and while we don’t yet know the motive or who is exactly behind it, we strongly condemn this act of violence,” he told reporters at a briefing. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned the attack. “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely,” Rutte said. “NATO stands with its allied nation Türkiye,” he added. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell “strongly condemned” terrorism in all forms in a post on X following the attack. “The EU expresses solidarity with Türkiye in this difficult time,” he said. Azerbaijan also condemned the attack, adding that Baku would always be on the side “of its brother, Türkiye.” French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned “the terrorist attack that hit Ankara in the strongest terms,” in a post on X. He highlighted that the French people “share the pain of the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and offer our condolences to them.”  Macron said his country stands “in solidarity with Türkiye and the Turkish people against terrorism.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X: “I am shocked by the reports of the dead and injured in Ankara. We strongly condemn terrorism in any form and stand by our partner Türkiye.” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also conveyed his condolences to President Erdogan, saying the Netherlands “condemns all forms of terrorism. We sympathize with Türkiye and are closely monitoring the situation.” Calling the terrorist attack “horrific,” Germany also condemned “all forms of terrorism in the strongest possible terms.” “Our solidarity goes out to our Turkish friends.” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also “strongly” condemned the attack, saying: “Terrorism and violence have no place in our society.” Kosovo condemned the attack as well, expressing solidarity with Türkiye. “We stand with our ally, Türkiye, following today’s terrorist attack in Ankara. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. Terrorism and violence have no place in our world!” says President Vjosa Osmani on X. Slovenia also condemned the “heinous” attack, with Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon drawing attention to the civilian death toll. “I condemn the heinous attack — which claimed lives of innocent people — in Türkiye today. There is no place for terrorism — or any form of violence — in democratic societies. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” she said. Ireland’s Foreign Ministry said on X that “Ireland condemns the deadly attack that took place in Türkiye today.” “We express condolences with the people of Türkiye, especially the families of those who have been killed or injured,” it added. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed “concern” over the terrorist attack in Ankara. “Serbia condemns all forms of terrorism and stands in solidarity with Türkiye and its people,” he said, conveying his “sincere condolences to the victims’ families, and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.” The Balkan nation’s Foreign Ministry said on X: “Our hearts go out to the victims of the horrifying attack in #Ankara as we express our deepest condolences to their families.” “Shocked and saddened, we strongly condemn this senseless act of violence and stand with the people of #Türkiye during this difficult time,” it added. On Facebook, the Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Deniz Becirovic, also condemned the terrorist attack. He expressed his condolences to President Erdogan, the families of the victims of the attack and the Turkish nation. – Condemnations from diplomatic missions in Türkiye Canada’s Embassy in Türkiye released a similar statement of strong condemnation, adding that Ottawa stands with Türkiye, “our friend and ally, at this difficult time.” Calling the attack “despicable,” the chief of British intelligence service MI6 also condemned the attack. “I extend my condolences to the families of the martyrs and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Richard Moore said on X. The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, condemned the attack as well, offering his condolences. The US Embassy in Türkiye also issued a statement of condemnation. “The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack and extends condolences to the families of those lost and injured. We stand with our ally Türkiye,” it said. Switzerland’s embassy in Türkiye also condemned the attack “in the strongest terms,” conveying its condolences to the Turkish people.

Global condemnations pour in following terrorist attack in Türkiye Read More »

Diphtheria Claims 1,191 lives in Nigeria over 17 months

Nigeria’s Disease Control Center Reports 1,191 Deaths from Diphtheria Outbreak The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that 1,191 people have died from a diphtheria outbreak in the country over the past 17 months. Muzzammil Gadanya, Director of the Diphtheria Emergency Operations Center at the NCDC, stated that between May 2023 and September 2024, 1,191 individuals lost their lives to the outbreak. During this period, over 38,000 suspected diphtheria cases were recorded, with confirmed cases numbering around 23,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the country is experiencing a second wave of the outbreak due to the rising number of diphtheria cases. In response to the crisis, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) sent 9.3 million doses of vaccine to Nigeria last year as part of the effort to combat the outbreak. Diphtheria, also known as “corynebacterium diphtheriae,” is caused by a microorganism that infects the throat, nose, eyes, and skin. The contagious disease can lead to severe health complications and even death.

Diphtheria Claims 1,191 lives in Nigeria over 17 months Read More »

Morocco rejects division of Western Sahara

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced that Morocco firmly rejects any proposals for the division of Western Sahara, asserting that this issue is not open to negotiation. Speaking at a press conference in Rabat alongside Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Bourita addressed a recent suggestion from UN Special Representative for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. During de Mistura’s visit to Morocco last April, the Moroccan delegation made it clear that proposals for dividing the territory would not be entertained, reaffirming that Western Sahara is an integral part of Morocco. Bourita emphasized that Morocco does not negotiate its sovereignty and territorial integrity concerning Western Sahara but engages in discussions related to regional disputes with neighboring Algeria. He reiterated that the status of Western Sahara, tied to the country’s sovereignty, cannot be a subject of negotiation or agreement. He also called for transparency from de Mistura about the origins of his proposal, questioning who inspired it and whether it was his initiative or influenced by external parties. Reports suggest that de Mistura proposed the division of Western Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario Front, envisioning a state for the Polisario in the south and Moroccan governance in the north. Background on the Western Sahara Issue The tensions between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front date back to Morocco’s annexation of the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara in 1975. While Morocco maintains that the region is under its sovereignty, the Polisario Front asserts that it is an independent state. The Polisario Front conducted an armed struggle against Moroccan forces until a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1991, but subsequent negotiations over the territory’s status have not been successful. Roundtable Discussions In recent years, UN-supervised roundtable discussions have occurred between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with participation from neighboring Algeria and Mauritania. The first meeting was held in Geneva in December 2018, followed by another in March 2019. A planned third meeting in May 2019 was canceled after the resignation of then-UN representative Horst Köhler due to health issues. Staffan de Mistura was appointed as the new UN Special Representative for Western Sahara on October 6, 2021, following Köhler’s resignation. Algeria announced its withdrawal from the roundtable discussions on October 22, 2021.

Morocco rejects division of Western Sahara Read More »

Bodies of two migrants recovered off Samos after boat capsizes

A search and rescue operation off the coast of Samos, Greece, has recovered the bodies of two individuals reported missing after a boat carrying 24 migrants encountered trouble in rough seas, according to the coast guard. Authorities received a distress call from the vessel, which was found partially submerged north of Samos. Twenty-two people were rescued, and survivors informed the Coast Guard about the missing passengers. Last week, four migrants, including two women and two children, died near the island of Kos when a smuggling boat capsized while crossing from Turkey. In a separate incident days later, one man died, two were reported missing, and 97 were rescued by a passing cargo ship south of Gavdos. Survivors indicated they had paid between 7,000 and 10,000 euros each for their journey from Libya to Greece. Greece is a key entry point into the EU for individuals fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The UN refugee agency reports that over 42,000 migrants had arrived in Greece by early October, primarily by sea. The bodies of the two missing migrants—a man and a woman—were recovered early Monday morning, marking yet another tragic incident in the ongoing crisis of migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea.

Bodies of two migrants recovered off Samos after boat capsizes Read More »

Macron to visit Morocco for amid renewed bilateral relations

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a three-day state visit to Morocco, as announced by the Moroccan royal palace on Monday. The palace emphasized that the visit reflects “the depth of bilateral relations based on a deep-rooted and solid partnership.” This visit follows France’s recent efforts to revive ties, notably its endorsement in July of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara, marking a significant shift in its position. This change aligns with similar moves by countries like the US, Israel, and various African nations, as Morocco seeks to strengthen trade relationships. Macron labeled the autonomy plan as the only viable solution to the long-standing conflict over Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as its territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence. France’s change in stance angered Algeria, which promptly recalled its ambassador to Paris. Tensions had previously risen between France and Morocco when France reduced visa allocations for Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in 2021, although these restrictions were later lifted.

Macron to visit Morocco for amid renewed bilateral relations Read More »

32 illegal oil refineries have been destroyed in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africa’s oil and gas-rich country, 32 illegal refineries where crude oil was being processed have been destroyed. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting director of the Nigerian Army’s Public Relations, stated that operations against oil smugglers in the Niger Delta region are ongoing. He reported the destruction of these refineries, along with the seizure of oil tankers and 25 boats, and the recovery of 250,000 liters of stolen oil. Oil theft is negatively impacting Nigeria’s economy. Senator Ned Nwoko revealed that the country faced over $3 billion in losses in 2023 due to increasing oil theft and pipeline attacks. Nigeria has approximately 37 billion barrels of confirmed oil reserves, accounting for 3.1% of global reserves. Ranked among the top 15 countries in crude oil production, Nigeria is the eighth largest holder of oil reserves worldwide and the sixth largest exporter. In the Delta region, home to these oil deposits, armed groups have been involved in sabotage, conflicts, and kidnappings related to oil fields.

32 illegal oil refineries have been destroyed in Nigeria Read More »

US, UAE discuss ongoing efforts to deescalate regional tensions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed ongoing efforts to deescalate regional tensions in a phone call Monday. Blinken and Al Nahyan exchanged views on “the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. While discussing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution to the conflict across the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, that fully implements UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Blinken also thanked Al Nahyan for the United Arab Emirates’ continued provision of humanitarian aid for both Gaza and Lebanon. Blinken will travel to Israel and other countries in the Middle East from Oct. 21-25. Last week, US President Joe Biden said he was sending Blinken to Israel and was more “hopeful” about a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The White House has sought to reach a cease-fire deal for months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to end Israel’s offensive on Gaza standing in the way. Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last year. More than 42,600 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 99,800 injured, according to local health authorities. The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine. Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza. Last month, Israel stepped up its attacks on neighboring Lebanon, despite warnings that doing so raises the risk of a larger regional war.

US, UAE discuss ongoing efforts to deescalate regional tensions Read More »

Biya returns to Cameroon after Six-Week Health Absence

After a six-week absence that raised concerns about his health and whereabouts, Cameroonian President Paul Biya has returned to the country. Upon his arrival in Yaoundé from Geneva with his wife, Chantal Biya, the 91-year-old did not address the public but waved to supporters as his car left the airport. Thousands of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement lined the route to the presidential palace, with some carrying placards welcoming the president back and sending well wishes. Biya’s absence sparked widespread speculation about his health, but authorities have reassured the public, stating he is well and that his absence was due to national security matters.

Biya returns to Cameroon after Six-Week Health Absence Read More »

95 al-Shabaab terrorists killed, 7 villages liberated in Somalia

The Somali Defense Ministry said on Monday that the army, backed by local and international partners, carried out military operations against the al-Shabaab militant group, killing over 95 terrorists. The Somali National Army (SNA) conducted operations in Middle Shabelle, Galgadud, and the north-central province of Mudug. First Lieutenant Sheikh Abukar Mohamed, the ministry’s spokesperson, said in a media briefing in Mogadishu on Monday evening that 45 terrorists were killed and three villages were liberated during the military operation in Middle Shabelle. In another operation in the Galgadud region of the central state of Galmudug, 50 more al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and five villages were taken back from the terrorist group. Earlier on Oct. 10, the Information Ministry announced that 59 al-Shabaab terrorists and four soldiers were killed during military operations in Somalia’s south and central provinces. Over 100 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed earlier this month, bringing the total number of militants killed to 254 in this month’s military operations. The Somali government has been fighting al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists since the Somali president declared “an all-out war” earlier in 2022, but both sides have a history of exaggerating casualty figures.  Somalia has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats emanating from al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) — a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council.

95 al-Shabaab terrorists killed, 7 villages liberated in Somalia Read More »

21 die from Lassa fever in Nigeria’s Edo State

Lassa fever has claimed 21 lives in Nigeria’s Edo State, where the disease has spread to various regions. Dr. Joseph Okoeguale, a health official, reported 240 confirmed cases in the state. This year, over 170 people have died nationwide due to the outbreak. The government has identified three medications for treatment. Lassa fever was first detected in Nigeria in 1969 in Borno State and has since appeared in several African countries, including Mali, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Nigerian government declared a state of emergency for Lassa fever on January 23, 2019. The disease is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings and can spread from person to person, causing severe hemorrhagic fever. Authorities have warned the public to avoid contact with rats and other rodents.

21 die from Lassa fever in Nigeria’s Edo State Read More »

Scroll to Top