Japan official says 19 in ‘cardiac arrest’ after knife attack

Ethiopian Government declares ceasefire in Tigray region

The Ethiopian government has declared a ceasefire in the Tigray region – eight months after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to oust its leadership. The announcement came as witnesses reported anti-government troops in the streets of Tigray’s capital, Mekelle. All sides have been accused of carrying out mass killings and human rights violations. More than five million people are in urgent need of food aid, the UN says, with 350,000 facing famine. On Monday, reports began to emerge that

29 Jun, 2021

UN Afghan envoy alarmed at Taliban gains

Taliban fighters have seized dozens of districts in Afghanistan as they step up attacks during the final withdrawal by foreign troops, the UN has warned. The insurgents have taken more than 50 of 370 districts since May, UN special envoy Deborah Lyons told the Security Council, warning of “dire scenarios”. She said increased conflict “means increased insecurity for many other countries, near and far”. The US and Nato are still aiming for a complete troop pullout by 11 September. However, Pen

23 Jun, 2021

Outbreaks emerge across Australia in ‘new phase’ of pandemic

A Covid outbreak in Sydney linked to the highly contagious Delta variant has grown to 128 cases. A small number of positive infections have also been recorded in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. This is the first time in months that cases have emerged in multiple parts of the country at the same time. State and territory leaders will meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday for an emergency meeting. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Australia is facing “a critical t

28 Jun, 2021