In a brazen assault on Friday night, gunmen attacked a police training center in Ratta Kulachi, near Dera Ismail Khan city in northwestern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least seven police officers and six militants. The attack, which involved heavy weapons and a suicide bomber, triggered a prolonged firefight lasting nearly six hours. Officials reported that the assailants attempted to breach the compound after detonating an explosives-laden truck at the facility’s main gate, collapsing part of the boundary wall and killing one officer. Approximately 200 recruits and trainers were present during the assault. Police and paramilitary units eventually regained control, killing six militants and recovering suicide vests, explosives, and weapons. The banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan initially claimed responsibility but later denied involvement. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the slain officers for their bravery. The attack underscores the worsening security situation in the region, which has seen a surge in terrorism since 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Pakistani security forces have conducted over 10,000 counterterrorism operations this year, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
分类： world
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Murdered Kenyan woman’s niece to push for ex-soldier’s extradition during UK visit
The niece of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman allegedly murdered by a former British army soldier in 2012, is set to visit the UK to meet with Defence Secretary John Healey and other MPs. Her mission is to push for the extradition of the accused, who remains in the UK despite a Kenyan High Court arrest warrant issued last month. Wanjiru’s body was discovered in a septic tank near a British army training camp in Nanyuki, Kenya, with stab wounds to her chest and abdomen. The case has long been marred by accusations of a cover-up by the British army and inadequate investigations by Kenyan authorities. Esther Njoki, Wanjiru’s 21-year-old niece, expressed her frustration, stating that the UK has been ‘too slow in acting,’ leaving her family in prolonged trauma. The case gained renewed attention in 2018 when an inquest concluded that Wanjiru was unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. A 2021 Sunday Times investigation further revealed that a soldier had confessed to the murder. In 2024, the British army launched an internal review, uncovering 35 suspected cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by soldiers in Kenya. Njoki plans to question Healey about measures to protect vulnerable women near international army bases. Extradition expert Ben Keith noted that while the UK-Kenya extradition treaty exists, the process could be lengthy and complex. The UK has previously extradited Kenyan nationals, offering a glimmer of hope for Wanjiru’s family. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson reiterated the UK’s commitment to helping the family secure justice.
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A look at how Venezuelans in the US are reacting to Maria Corina Machado’s Nobel Prize win
In Doral, Florida, often referred to as ‘Little Venezuela,’ the Venezuelan community has greeted the news of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize with a mix of pride and apprehension. While the award recognizes her relentless fight for democracy in Venezuela, it offers little solace to the thousands of Venezuelans facing deportation threats in the United States. The Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole programs has placed over 700,000 Venezuelans at risk of being deported. Hundreds have already been sent to El Salvador, accused of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang and allegedly ‘invading’ the U.S. This policy shift comes amid a mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing economic and political instability in their homeland. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left since 2014, marking the largest migration crisis in Latin America’s recent history. While Machado’s Nobel Prize is celebrated as a symbol of hope for Venezuela’s democratic future, many in the diaspora fear it will not translate into tangible protections for those living in the U.S. Machado, who has aligned herself with President Trump’s policies on Venezuela, has not publicly expressed concerns about the termination of TPS, despite earlier promises to seek alternative protections for migrants. Frank Carreño, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan American community, noted that Machado views the U.S. government as an ally in her fight against Nicolás Maduro’s regime rather than a protector of Venezuelan migrants. Meanwhile, Venezuelan refugees like José Antonio Colina and Iris Wilthew expressed hope that the award would bolster efforts to remove Maduro from power, even as they grapple with the uncertainty of their own futures in the U.S.
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Gaza ceasefire: Obama is criticised for ‘bothsides-ing’ genocide
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has come under fire from social media users for his recent post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Critics accuse him of dehumanizing Palestinians and employing a ‘bothsides-ing’ approach to what many describe as a genocide. In his post, Obama expressed relief at the prospect of ending the conflict, reuniting hostages with their families, and delivering aid to Gaza. However, his choice of words sparked widespread outrage. Many users highlighted his distinction between ‘Israeli families’ and ‘the people of Gaza,’ arguing that it perpetuates a long-standing pattern of Western rhetoric that diminishes Palestinian humanity. Palestinian-American human rights attorney Noura Erakat emphasized that the people of Gaza are Palestinians who have endured a century-long struggle for survival. Media critic Sana Saeed described Obama’s language as a ‘masterclass in rendering Palestinians faceless and nameless.’ Others criticized his use of the term ‘conflict,’ which they argue misrepresents the situation as a war between equals rather than a genocide. Historian Assal Rad stressed that acknowledging the genocide is essential for accountability and justice. This is not the first time Obama has faced criticism for his stance on Israel and Palestine. In 2023, he supported Israel’s ‘right to defend itself’ while urging attention to Palestinian suffering, a stance some labeled as ‘bothsides-ing.’ The recent ceasefire agreement, signed on Thursday, includes the exchange of captives and aims to begin rebuilding Gaza. However, critics argue that true peace cannot be achieved without justice and accountability for Israel’s actions.
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UN says 53 civilians killed during 3 days of attacks in and near el-Fasher camp in western Sudan
BEIRUT (AP) — A recent surge in violence in western Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 53 civilians and left more than 60 injured over a three-day period, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The death toll continues to rise as the conflict intensifies. Türk reported that drone and artillery strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighborhoods of el-Fasher, as well as the el-Fasher displaced persons camp, killing 46 people. Among the victims, over a dozen perished in shelling at one of the last functioning hospitals in el-Fasher. A nearby mosque, where civilians had sought refuge, was also struck. Additionally, at least seven individuals were summarily executed during ground raids by the RSF in what appears to be ethnically motivated killings. Both the RSF and the Sudanese military are under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Türk condemned the ongoing violence, stating, ‘Despite repeated calls, including my own, for specific care to be taken to protect civilians, they continue instead to kill, injure, and displace civilians, and to attack civilian objects, including IDP shelters, hospitals, and mosques, with total disregard for international law. This must end.’ He urged U.N. Member States with direct influence to take immediate action to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities in el-Fasher and across the Darfur region. Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since 2023, when tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese military erupted. Darfur has been particularly hard-hit, with over 40,000 people killed and more than 14 million displaced. Famine has been declared in parts of the country, including Darfur. El-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, has been under siege for over a year, trapping 260,000 civilians. Hundreds of thousands have fled to Tawila, just outside el-Fasher. Denise Brown, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, described Tawila as ‘one of the epicenters of, frankly, what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe here.’ She noted that about 600,000 internally displaced persons are in Tawila, mostly fleeing from el-Fasher. The U.N. humanitarian plan is only 25% funded, and local actors in el-Fasher are providing limited basic assistance, which is ‘totally insufficient.’ The U.N. is working to negotiate access to el-Fasher to address the dire situation.
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Ceasefire agreement comes into effect in Gaza: sources
A long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas officially commenced in the Gaza Strip at 12:00 noon local time (0900 GMT) on Friday, October 10, 2025, according to reliable sources. The Israeli military confirmed the implementation of the truce in a concise statement, while local residents reported a noticeable calm across most areas of the coastal enclave following the announcement. This development marks the culmination of weeks of arduous negotiations, facilitated by Egypt and supported by various international stakeholders. The agreement aims to halt the recent escalation of violence that has plagued the region, offering a glimmer of hope for stability and relief to the war-torn population. Eyewitnesses described scenes of cautious optimism as Palestinians navigated the aftermath of the conflict, with many returning to damaged neighborhoods to assess the destruction. The ceasefire represents a critical step toward de-escalation, though its long-term sustainability remains uncertain as both sides cautiously monitor the situation.
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My one-month-old grandson was killed by police tear gas
Madagascar has been engulfed in widespread protests, driven by mounting anger over persistent power and water shortages, corruption, and a severe cost-of-living crisis. The unrest, led by the youth movement known as Gen Z Mada, has escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in significant casualties and property damage. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have lost their lives in the early days of the protests, including a one-month-old infant who succumbed to the effects of police tear gas. Razanasoa Edmondine, the infant’s grandmother, recounted the tragic incident, describing how her daughter-in-law and grandson were caught in the chaos as police dispersed protesters with tear gas. The infant’s death has become a symbol of the human toll of the crisis. President Andry Rajoelina has dismissed the UN’s casualty figures as misinformation but has not provided alternative numbers. He has defended the police, labeling the deceased as rioters rather than peaceful protesters. The protests have disrupted daily life, with businesses reporting significant losses and the tourism sector, a key economic driver, facing widespread cancellations. The socio-economic challenges fueling the unrest are deeply rooted, with high unemployment, inadequate education, and poor economic planning exacerbating the situation. Professor Hery Ramiarison, an economist at the University of Antananarivo, highlights the interconnected cycles of poverty and political instability that have trapped the nation. President Rajoelina has pledged to address the issues within a year, threatening to resign if he fails. However, skepticism remains high among the populace, with many questioning the government’s ability to deliver meaningful change. As the protests continue, the calls for Rajoelina’s resignation grow louder, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of Madagascar’s youth and their demand for a better future.
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Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of ‘violating Kabul’s sovereign territory’
Kabul was shaken by loud explosions on Thursday night, prompting the Afghan Taliban to accuse Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereign territory. The Taliban’s Defense Ministry labeled the incident as an “unprecedented, violent, and provocative act.” The accusations followed reports of airstrikes in the border province of Paktika, located in southeastern Afghanistan, where a civilian market was allegedly bombed. Local residents informed the BBC’s Afghan service that several shops were destroyed in the attack. Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the alleged incursion. However, during a press conference on Friday, a senior Pakistani military official claimed that Afghanistan was being used as a “base of operation for terrorism against Pakistan” and vowed to take “whatever necessary measures” to safeguard the country. The incident has further strained the already tense relations between the two neighboring nations, raising concerns about regional stability.
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A list of this year’s Nobel Prize winners so far
The Nobel Prize announcements for 2023 reached their climax on Friday with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. This marked the conclusion of a week filled with prestigious recognitions across various fields, leaving only the economics prize, which will be announced on Monday. The peace prize is uniquely awarded in Oslo, Norway, while the other categories are celebrated in Stockholm, Sweden. The official award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, commemorating the death of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the prizes.
This year’s Nobel laureates have made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields. On October 6, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for their pioneering research on regulatory T cells, a discovery that has advanced the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and lupus. Their work has also paved the way for improved organ transplant success and cancer therapies.
On October 7, the Nobel Prize in Physics honored John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their exploration of quantum tunneling, a phenomenon that has enabled ultrasensitive measurements in MRI machines and laid the foundation for faster computing and advanced technology.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded on October 8, recognized Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their development of molecular structures capable of trapping gases. Their work holds promise for addressing global challenges, such as reducing greenhouse gases and harvesting moisture in arid environments.
In literature, Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai was awarded the Nobel Prize on October 9 for his surreal and anarchic novels, which the judges praised for their artistic power amidst ‘apocalyptic terror.’ Krasznahorkai, a vocal critic of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has authored over 20 books, including ‘The Melancholy of Resistance’ and ‘Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming.’
The week concluded with the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to María Corina Machado, a unifying figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement. Machado, who was disqualified from last year’s presidential election, has faced significant repression from Nicolás Maduro’s government. Her current whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about her attendance at the December ceremony. Machado is the 20th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, joining 112 individuals honored in this category.
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UN ready to scale up humanitarian relief to Gazans following ceasefire deal: Guterres
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Thursday that the United Nations is poised to significantly enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza in the wake of a newly brokered ceasefire agreement. Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres emphasized the organization’s readiness to mobilize resources immediately. ‘The United Nations will provide its full support. We and our partners are prepared to act now,’ he stated. ‘We have the expertise, distribution networks, and community relationships in place. Supplies are ready, and our teams are on standby. We can scale up food, water, medical, and shelter assistance without delay.’ Guterres underscored that the cessation of hostilities alone is insufficient to ensure lasting progress. ‘We need full, safe, and sustained access for humanitarian workers; the removal of bureaucratic obstacles; and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Additionally, UN Member States must ensure that humanitarian operations are adequately funded to address the immense needs,’ he added. The UN chief highlighted the ceasefire as a pivotal moment for both Israelis and Palestinians, urging all parties to seize this opportunity to forge a credible political path toward peace. ‘This agreement offers a glimmer of relief, which must evolve into the dawn of peace and the beginning of the end of this devastating war,’ Guterres remarked. He called for the recognition of Palestinian self-determination, the end of occupation, and the realization of a two-state solution, emphasizing that such measures are essential for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Guterres also praised the diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in facilitating the ceasefire and hostage release, based on a proposal by former US President Donald Trump. He urged all parties to fully adhere to the agreement’s terms and to embrace the opportunities it presents for lasting stability.