Iran's government says at least 1,060 people were killed in the war with IsraelNew Foto - Iran's government says at least 1,060 people were killed in the war with Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's government has issued a new death toll for its war with Israel, saying at least 1,060 people were killed and warning that the figure could rise. Saeed Ohadi, the head of Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, gave the figure in an interview aired by Iranian state television late Monday. Ohadi warned the death toll may reach 1,100 given how severely some people were wounded. During the war, Iran downplayed the effects ofIsrael's 12-day bombardmentof the country, which decimated its air defenses, destroyed military sites and damaged its nuclear facilities. Since a ceasefire took hold, Iran slowly has been acknowledging the breadth of the destruction, though it still has not said how much military materiel it lost. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, has said 1,190 people were killed, including 436 civilians and 435 security force members. The attacks wounded another 4,475 people, the group said.

Iran's government says at least 1,060 people were killed in the war with Israel

Iran's government says at least 1,060 people were killed in the war with Israel DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's government...
11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya's anti-government protestsNew Foto - 11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya's anti-government protests

At least 11 people died and more than 500 were arrested in anti-government protests across Kenya on Monday, according to the country's National Police Service. Kenyan police used tear gas and water cannon on protesters marking the 35th anniversary of a pro-democracy rally that has stirred anti-government resentment among Kenyan youths, who were already enraged over allegations of corruption, police brutality and abductions of government critics. Some 11 civilians were injured, police said in a Monday night statement, though the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) reported that 29 people were injured. A total of 567 people were arrested, the police added. The East African country has been hit by a wave of bloody protests that began last year over an unpopular finance bill that raised taxes amid a cost-of-living crisis. Kenya's government withdrew the tax bill in June last year in the wake of the demonstrations, but outrage has intensified over the recentdeath of a teacher in police custodyand the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police. At least16 people were killedand hundreds injured during anti-government protests last month. Dozens more died duringthe anti-tax demonstrationsin 2024. On Monday, several parts of Kenya saw gatherings as people marked the anniversary of the July 7, 1990, pro-democracy march known as Saba Saba. In the capital Nairobi, Kenyan security forces repelled protesters with tear gas and water cannon hours after blocking major roads leading into the city. Roads leading to the Kenyan Parliament building, as well as the president's office and residence, were also barricaded ahead of the demonstrations. There were reports on Monday afternoon of police opening fire on protesters. CNN has not confirmed the reports, but has reached out to Kenya's National Police Service for comment. In its Monday night statement outlining fatalities, injuries and arrests, Kenya's police service said that "each reported incident will be subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law." CNN affiliate Citizen TVreportedthat at least five people were shot dead in protests across the country, including two people who were shot dead in the Kangemi neighborhood of Nairobi. Another man was shot in the area and was "seen lying on the road" unconscious, it added. Video circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN shows a civilian in Kenya's Kiambu County stepping out of a car surrounded by armed officers, and then being whipped repeatedly by one of them. The civilian covers their head to protect themself, but does not appear to be threatening the officer in any way. In other parts of the country, some protesters have remained defiant despite the chaotic scenes. "We are not ready to go back (home) because who will fight for our rights then? We will be here till evening," protester Francis Waswa told Reuters. The clampdown comes after individuals described by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission as "hired goons" who were "sent by the state to silence dissent" stormed the NGO's office. In astatementon Sunday night, the human rights body said those who entered the building "violently disrupted a press conference by Kenyan mothers calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting protesters ahead of Saba Saba demonstrations." Kenyan government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura told CNN to "contact the police spokesman" for comment when asked about the allegation. Police spokesman Nyaga said: "The National Police Service is looking into the incident and shall take appropriate steps after reviewing the unacceptable clip," referring to CCTV footage shared by the NGO. Earlier on Sunday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomensaidsecurity agencies were "on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property." Murkomen previously described last month's demonstrations as"terrorism disguised as dissent,"in a statement that further reignited outrage. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNN's Victoria Rubadiri, Annoa Abekah-Mensah and Billy Stockwell contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya’s anti-government protests

11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya's anti-government protests At least 11 people died and more than 500 were arrested in anti-govern...
Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror chargesNew Foto - Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tuesday over last year'sattempted assassinationof Slovakia's populist Prime MinisterRobert Fico. Juraj Cintula, appearing in court in the central city of Banská Bystrica, has been indicted on terror charges. "Long live democracy, long live free culture," Cintula shouted as he arrived at the Specialized Criminal Court. The 72-year-old is accused of opening fire on Fico on May 15, 2024, as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in the town of Handlová, located 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital. Cintula was immediately arrested and was ordered by a court toremain behind bars. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Fico was shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital in nearby Banská Bystrica. He underwent a five-hour surgery, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later. He has since recovered. Cintula originally was charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors later dropped that charge and said they were instead pursuing the more serious charge of engaging in a terror attack, based on evidence the investigators obtained, but they gave no further details. Government officials initially said that they believed it was a politically motivated attack committed by a "lone wolf," but announced later that a third party might have been involved in "acting for the benefit of the perpetrator." Fico previously said he "had no reason to believe" that it was an attack by a lone deranged person and repeatedly blamed the liberal opposition and media for the assassination attempt. Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for the fourth time after his leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the 2023parliamentary electionafter campaigning on apro-Russia and anti-American message. His critics have charged that Slovakia under Fico has abandoned its pro-Western course and is following the direction of Hungary underPrime Minister Viktor Orbán. Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico's pro-Russian stance and other policies.

Suspect in shooting of Slovakia’s populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges

Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tu...
5 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza and 18 Palestinians dead in Israeli strikesNew Foto - 5 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza and 18 Palestinians dead in Israeli strikes

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Five Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack in Gaza, the Israeli military said Tuesday, while health officials in the Palestinian territory said 18 people were killed in Israeli strikes, with violence raging even as Israel and Hamas considera U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. The attack and the strikes came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuvisited Washington. An Israeli security official said explosive devices were detonated against the soldiers during an operation in the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza, which was an early target of the war and an area where Israel has repeatedly fought regrouping militants. Militants also opened fire on the forces who were evacuating the wounded soldiers, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss the incident with the media. The military said 14 soldiers were wounded in the attack, two of them seriously. It brings the toll of soldiers killed to 888 since the war against Hamas began in 2023. The soldiers died roughly two weeks after Israel reported one of its deadliest days in months in Gaza, when seven soldiers were killed after a Palestinian attacker attached a bomb to their armored vehicle. In a statement, Netanyahu sent his condolences for the deaths, saying the soldiers fell "in a campaign to defeat Hamas and to free all of our hostages." Health officials at the Nasser Hospital, where victims of the Israeli strikes were taken, said one of the strikes targeted tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing four people. A separate strike in Khan Younis killed four people, including a mother, father, and their two children, officials said. In central Gaza, Israeli strikes hit a group of people, killing 10 people and injuring 72 others, according to a statement by Awda Hospital in Nuseirat. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes, but it blames Hamas for any harm to civilians, saying the militant group operates out of populated areas. U.S.President Donald Trumphas made clear that, following last month's 12-daywar between Israel and Iran, he would like to see the 21-month Gaza conflict end soon. Netanyahu's visit to Washington may givenew urgency to the ceasefire proposal. White House officials are urging both sides to quickly seal an agreement that would bring about a 60-day pause in the fighting, send aid flooding into Gaza and free at least some of the remaining 50 hostages held in the territory, 20 of whom are believed to be living. A sticking pointis whether the ceasefire will end the war altogether. Hamas has said it is willing to free all the hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu says the war will end once Hamas surrenders, disarms and goes into exile — something it refuses to do. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Most have been released in earlier ceasefires. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, which is under Gaza's Hamas government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The U.N. and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties. ___ Khaled reported from Cairo and Shurafa from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip.

5 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza and 18 Palestinians dead in Israeli strikes

5 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza and 18 Palestinians dead in Israeli strikes TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Five Israeli soldiers were ki...
As US abruptly ends support, Liberia faces empty health clinics and unplanned pregnanciesNew Foto - As US abruptly ends support, Liberia faces empty health clinics and unplanned pregnancies

SARWORLOR, Liberia (AP) — Five months ago, Roseline Phay, a 32-year-old farmer from the West African nation ofLiberia, set off on a quest to find contraceptives. Phay and her partner have two daughters, and they barely make ends meet. Determined not to have more children, she went to a health worker in her village, but contraception pills, implants and condoms had run out. Phay trekked for hours on red clay roads to the nearest clinic, but they had no contraceptives either. She did not know it, but her mission was doomed from the beginning. Just weeks before, U.S.President Donald Trumpabruptlysuspended most foreign aidthrough the U.S. Agency for International Development, which paid for medications in Liberia's public clinics. Tenacious and outspoken, Phay repeated the trip four times. Then she got pregnant. "I'm suffering," she said, with daughter Pauline crying in her arms. "I have this little child on my back, and the other child in my stomach is suffering." She must continue farming throughout her pregnancy, she said, or "I will not eat." After she got pregnant she had to wean Pauline off breastfeeding, she said, and the girl became so badly malnourished that she almost died. The U.S. cuts left no therapeutic food to give her, and she is still ill. Phay is among millions across Africa who have seentheir lives upended after the U.S. aid cuts.In Liberia, the American support made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Center for Global Development. "The impact of USAID in Liberia cannot be overstated," said Richlue O. Burphy, who worked for USAID projects for over a decade and manages the National Lottery, a government body. "Everywhere you go, you see the USAID (signs). And almost all the government institutions ... had some kind of USAID partnership." A feeling of betrayal The sense of betrayal runs deep in Liberia, established in the early 1800s with the aim of relocating freed slaves and free-born Black people from the United States. The political system is modeled on that of the U.S., along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the U.S. as their "big brother." Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. Its officials thought they would be spared from Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Following civil wars andan Ebola epidemic, Liberia's survival has depended largely on foreign aid, mainly from the U.S. and the World Bank. Despite abundant natural wealth, six out of 10 Liberians live in poverty, according to the World Bank, and Liberia is among the world's 10 poorest nations. The aid cuts pose "a serious challenge," especially for the healthcare system, Deputy Finance Minister Dehpue Y. Zuo, responsible for drafting the development budget, told The Associated Press. To make sure the system stays afloat, he said, "we have to take a dramatic switch to see where we will be cutting funding for other areas." Liberia received an average of $527.6 million in aid annually between 2014 and 2023, according to the finance ministry. This year, Liberia was supposed to receive $443 million, but the total estimated impact of the cuts is $290 million — essentially what hadn't been disbursed yet. USAID funding built schools and health clinics, provided training for teachers and doctors and gave scholarships for study in the U.S. It supported small-scale farmers and paid for school meals. But most of the U.S. funding went to Liberia's health system, making up 48% of its budget. It funded malaria control, maternal health programs, HIV/AIDS treatment and community health programs. It financed hundreds of health projects run by aid groups. Now in Bong county, where Phay lives, medicine shelves in health clinics are almost empty. The USAID-funded ambulance cannot function because there is no money for fuel. Hospitals are running out of hand sanitizer and gloves. Training for medical staff has stopped, and community health workers have not been paid in months. An opening for China Moses K. Banyan, head of the nearby CB Dunbar Hospital, described the U.S. cuts as "beyond a shock." He worried about the future, especially now that Bong county has begun to see a handful ofmpoxcases spread from neighboring Sierra Leone. Warning of the cuts could have helped in finding options, he said. "But it's like you were sleeping, you woke up and you were told: 'Hey, leave this house.'" The withdrawal of U.S. support is an opportunity for others, especially China, experts and officials said. Chinese companies have been operating Liberia's gold mines, building roads and training aid workers. Chinese beer is sold alongside local brands. Many Liberians who would have sent children to universities in the U.S. are now choosing China. Last month, China opened a cardiology wing in the capital's main hospital, which is named after John F. Kennedy but was commonly referred to as "Just For Killing" because of its scarce resources, even before the U.S. cuts. "There are gaps to be filled, and that cannot be covered by the government of Liberia," said Zuo, the deputy finance minister. "We are open door to the rest of the world, including the United States." In Phay's village of Sarworlor, community health worker Alice Togbah still wears her USAID vest though she hasn't been paid in months. She has no more malaria medication for children. She is running out of cough medicine and diarrhea treatment. A 4-year-old resident, Promise, got malaria a few days ago. Her mother, Grace Morris, obtained only a limited number of malaria tablets at the nearest clinic because of the U.S. cuts. Now they are finished, and the child still feels ill. "Children die from malaria here," she said. Last year, her neighbor's son died because he did not get medication on time. Morris and other women also seek contraceptives. Liberia in recent years made strides in bringing down teenage pregnancy rates and maternal mortality rates. For women in traditional, conservative communities, access to contraceptives meant reclaiming some control over their lives. "If ... my man touches me, I cannot say no because I need to satisfy him," Phay said. "But if I have no medicine, I will get pregnant." Her 9-year-old daughter, also named Promise, is living in the capital, Monrovia, with her aunt. Phay wants her to finish school and have a different life from hers. "I am begging, if you people have the medicine, you people need to help us," she said. "I don't want her to suffer like me." ___ For more on Africa and development:https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP'sstandardsfor working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas atAP.org.

As US abruptly ends support, Liberia faces empty health clinics and unplanned pregnancies

As US abruptly ends support, Liberia faces empty health clinics and unplanned pregnancies SARWORLOR, Liberia (AP) — Five months ago, Roselin...

 

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