MOGADISHU, June 20 (Reuters) – Somalia’s government is seeking to slow the withdrawal of African peacekeepers and warning of a potential security vacuum, documents seen by Reuters show, with neighbouring countries fretting that resurgent al Shabaab militants could seize power. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a peacekeeping force, is committed to withdrawing…
A multi-year investigation by U.S. officials revealed an alleged alliance between one of the world’s most pervasive drug cartels and an underground Chinese banking group in Southern California that laundered money from drug trafficking proceeds, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Associates of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel conspired with a money-transmitting group linked to an underground banking system…
Two Arab diplomats told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday that at least 550 Muslims have died during 2024’s hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, most of them from “heat-related illnesses.” Temperatures in Mecca have soared to 125 degrees Fahrenheit in June. Saudi officials said on Sunday that more than 2,000 pilgrims have been treated…
June 18 (Reuters) – A U.S. official was heading to Japan after meeting with the Dutch government to urge the allies to further restrict China’s ability to produce cutting-edge semiconductors, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Alan Estevez, the U.S. export policy chief, is visiting both countries this week as part of attempts…
Philippines soldiers used their “bare hands” to fight off Chinese coast guard personnel armed with swords, spears and knives in the disputed South China Sea, the country’s top military commander has said. General Romeo Brawner accused Chinese vessels of ramming Philippine boats, then boarding them and seizing weapons. One Filipino soldier lost a thumb when…
Thailand is now the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, and weddings are expected to begin taking place in October. The country’s senate upper house gave final approval on Tuesday, France 24 reported, noting the move changes the law to allow gay marriage. “The new legislation will now go to King Maha…
June 17 (UPI) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved his war cabinet, his office confirmed on Monday. The small cabinet, formed at the urging of National Unity Party Chair Benny Gantz in response to the start of the war in Gaza days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, will cease to…
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea to a red carpet welcome on Tuesday night at the start of his first visit to the totalitarian state in 24 years. Mr Putin was met on the tarmac by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and – flanked by a military guard of honour – the…
June 18 (Reuters) – Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab became the world’s most valuable company on Tuesday, dethroning tech heavyweight Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab as its high-end processors play a central role in a scramble to dominate artificial intelligence technology. Shares of the chipmaker climbed 3.5% to $135.58, lifting its market capitalization to $3.335…
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Hamas for refusing a UN-backed cease-fire proposal, saying the terror group could have halted the war in Gaza with a single word. Speaking from Qatar on Wednesday, Blinken pointed out that the current proposal is nearly identical to the one Hamas itself proposed last month, accusing the terrorists…