Algeria Hostage Crisis: Britons Remain 'At Risk'

Algerian special forces are continuing to hunt Islamist militants who overran a BP gas plant, as freed British hostages headed home.

As the stand-off at the remote desert facility entered a fourth day it was thought that around 10 British workers remained "at risk".

The Algerian state news agency APS reported on Friday night a "provisional" figure of 12 foreign and Algerian workers who had been killed in the fighting at the plant at In Amenas.

Among them are one Briton, one Frenchman - named by France's Foreign Ministry as Yann Desjeux - and one American, Frederick Buttaccio.

The news agency said about 100 foreign workers had been released from a total of 132 seized by the militants - along with 573 local employees.

Darren Matthews and two other British hostages released from the gas plant

Eighteen of the militants were also reported to have been killed - suggesting that around a dozen of the original group of about 30 could still be at large.

Footage of several British workers said to have escaped the siege has been shown on Algerian state television.

One man, who gave his name as Darren Matthews, said: "I feel safe at the moment but I won't feel 100% happy until I'm back in the UK, until I see my family."

He said: "My heart goes out to the guys that are still there and hopefully everyone comes home safe because, at the end of the day, it's only work, you know. No one should have to go through all this for a job."

Another of the four Britons who spoke said: "I think they did a fantastic job, I was very impressed with the Algerian army.

"I feel sorry for anybody who has been hurt."

The rescue attempt ended in a number of deaths

A third man said that the Algerian army had "beaten the bad guys".

Irishman Stephen McFaul, who managed to flee from the al Qaeda-linked kidnappers is expected to be reunited with his family later.

The 36-year-old father-of-two from west Belfast is understood to have been able to escape when a vehicle he was in crashed after being attacked by the Algerian army - despite having explosives placed around his neck.

The militants, believed to be under the command of the al Qaeda-linked terrorist Mokhtar Balmokhtar, carried out their dawn raid on the plant on Wednesday morning.

Belmokhtar, is a one-eyed Algerian terrorist, known as The Uncatchable, who specialises in hostage taking and has strong links with al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Algerian forces launched their rescue mission early on Thursday fearing an "immediate threat" to the hostages.

A satellite image shows the scale of the sprawling gas complex

The group is said to be demanding the release of two terror figures held in the US, including the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing mastermind Omar Abdel Rahman, in return for American hostages.

The US state department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, responded saying: "The United States does not negotiate with terrorists."

After chairing a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee, the Prime Minister told MPs that the situation in Algeria was "continuing" but he hoped it would be resolved shortly.

He said the attack on the complex was "large, well co-ordinated and heavily armed" and appeared to be pre-planned.

He also met the outgoing US defence secretary Leon Panetta and the pair discussed the need to work together to defeat al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

A British plane carrying a "diplomatic team" has arrived in Algeria around 280 miles from the hostage scene.

The In Amenas facility is close to the border with Libya

Meanwhile a US plane is beginning the process of evacuating its citizens, and other nationalities.

The Algerian rescue attempt was launched without consultation with the UK. Mr Cameron was only informed it was under way when he spoke to the Algerian prime minister.

Algerian communications minister Mohamed Said Belaid said the military operation succeeded in "neutralising a large number of terrorists and freeing a large number of hostages".

He added: "But unfortunately, we are sorry to say, there were some deaths and injuries."

The militant group behind the raid Katibat Moulathamine, or The Masked Ones, said it was retaliating for French military intervention against al Qaeda-backed rebels in neighbouring Mali.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Horse Abattoir Film Reveals Welfare Breaches

By Jason Farrell, Sky Correspondent

Sky News has uncovered shocking animal welfare conditions at a UK horse abattoir.

They include animals being beaten, neglected and illegal procedures in the process of slaughtering British horses destined for European food markets.

It comes amid public anger that some of our biggest supermarkets have been selling beef burgers and other products that contained horse meat.

Sky News visited the Red Lion Abattoir near Nantwich in Cheshire after concerns were raised by Animal Welfare Group Hillside Animal Sanctuary.

Investigators at Hillside fitted secret cameras which filmed horses being beaten with an iron rod to encourage them into the pens. 

Some were then crammed into the slaughter pens in pairs and, on one occasion, a group of three, before being stunned together.

The video revealed horses hit with sticks to goad them into slaughter pens

In harrowing images the horses fall on top of each other. Under The Welfare of Animals Act 1995, horses should not be slaughtered in sight of one another because of the distress it causes.

Furthermore we found that sick or injured horses were left untended overnight, rather than put down immediately.

As a result of the investigation, two slaughter men have had their licences revoked. Craig Kirby, head of approvals and veterinary advice at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) told Sky News: "As soon as we got the footage and reviewed it we took immediate action to revoke the slaughter men's licences.

"That means they cannot work to slaughter animals again. We will also look to gather further evidence to see if we can prosecute."

Former Government Chief Veterinary Officer Keith Meldrum, who viewed the footage, said he was shocked by what he described as "appalling" welfare breaches.

"We see three animals stunned at the same time and it is totally illegal and contrary to welfare slaughter regulations," he said.

"It's a significant welfare problem for a number of reasons. It's harder to render them unconscious in a group and they have a higher chance of regaining consciousness before you've completed the procedure."

Another incident filmed included a horse that appeared to come round from the stun while being hung upside down before being bled. Mr Meldrum described it as "totally and completely unacceptable".

FSA statistics released to Sky News show a dramatic increase in the number of UK horses slaughtered every year, from 3,859 in 2007 to 8,426 in 2012.

Some 8,426 horses were slaughtered in the UK in 2012

Depending on the size and breed they are bought for anything between £100 to £300 and can fetch around 700 euros on the European meat markets.

The animals come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are former pets, others come from show jumping or the race track.

A report last year from the British Horseracing Authority found: "The number of thoroughbreds reported dead to the Horse Passport Issuing Authority rose by 580 - an increase of 29% - from 1994 to 2574 horses.

"Of these, 1127 horses either in training, breeding or out of training were reported as killed in abattoirs - and reported to the Government Meat Hygiene Service - from 499 horses in 2010, an increase of 126%."

However, in a statement to Sky News, the BHA added: "This is a wider equine issue and not an issue for the British racing industry, which is one of the country's most highly regulated equine pursuits.

"However, if there are allegations that any horse, whether thoroughbred or not, is being inhumanely treated in an abattoir we would fully support any investigation and subsequent action, if appropriate."

During the investigation, Hillside Animal Sanctuary rescued one racehorse called Underwriter by bidding against the abattoir at auction. They discovered it had a distinguished career.

John Watson, from Hillside, said: "It's not just ill and old horses being killed. There are very many fit and healthy horses, horses with foals, pregnant mares, and thoroughbreds that are being treated badly.

"It blows away the myth of humane slaughter, and there is a misery in that place that is palpable."

Red Lion Abattoir said they had revoked the license of two slaughtermen

Hillside's lead investigator, who did not want to be identified, added: "What we've found has shocked us deeply; animals left with horrendous injuries and horses shot on top of each other.

"In all the years I've been doing this work, without doubt it's the most harrowing experience I've come across. All the horses in there had their heads hung down."

The Red Lion Abattoir told us it views animal welfare and public health with paramount importance.

In a statement it said: "In attendance at the The Red Lion Abattoir are three full time Food Standards Officers comprising of an official veterinarian and full-time meat hygiene inspectors throughout production."

It said the incidents were "not the norm, but of an isolated nature" and they have taken disciplinary action against the individual featured.

The statement continued: "I agree horses should individually enter the stunning area and most certainly not three at a time.

"However, small horses and ponies having spent years together as companions are difficult to separate. Horse lovers would understand that.

"My opinion and that of other veterinarians is it is better to keep those types together to reduce the stress, providing swift dispatch is achieved."

The Red Lion Abattoir also insisted it meat was not part of the recent supermarket burger scandal.

The horses there are destined to be served in European food markets. The scandal this time is the way they are treated, in the last moments of their lives, in a licenced British abattoir. 

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, viewed the footage and said: "The breaches, from what we've seen, are throughout; from the care of the animals to the slaughter process.

"Horses are intelligent animals. When they see an animal stunned in front of them you can only imagine the distress that animal is going through. There are, without doubt, welfare issues here and it is plain illegal."

The RSPCA said "The footage is shocking and upsetting to watch."  They have requested a full copy of the film with a view to investigating.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: Snow And Ice Causes Heathrow Misery

Hundreds of flights have already been cancelled on another day of weather misery for Britain after heavy snow gave way to ice.

Passengers at Heathrow Airport in west London faced further disruption after many were stranded on planes for seven hours or forced to sleep on the floor.

More than 100 flights have been cancelled, which will add to the chaos caused by the cancellation of more than 400 on Friday.

Elsewhere, drivers are being warned of treacherous conditions after heavy snow on Friday across much of Britain turned to ice overnight.

A young woman from Peterborough was killed in a crash involving a number of vehicles shortly after 6pm on Friday, Lincolnshire Police said.

It is not known if anyone else was injured in the accident, which happened in bad weather on the A1 at Little Ponton, near Grantham.

The Met Office is forecasting less snow for Saturday but has issued yellow warnings for ice for large swathes of the country.

Planes grounded at Heathrow

With more heavy snow possible on Sunday, the Highways Agency has said its fleet of snow ploughs and gritters will be out in force throughout the weekend.

Heathrow found itself crippled by the snowfall, which meant there was poor visibility and problems with frozen runways.

England cricketer Stuart Broad was among passengers who had to go and wait on a plane because the airport was full.

"Airport too full to fit anymore passengers in! So stuck on plane til room is made!", he wrote on Twitter as he tried to fly to  India.

British Airways said in a statement: "We are doing everything we can to help customers whose flights have been disrupted by severe weather.

"We are also offering customers who no longer wish to travel today and tomorrow the option to rebook their flight to a later date.

"Due to the severe weather yesterday, there will be knock-on disruption to flights today and we would strongly advise customers to check the very latest status of their flight via ba.com before coming to the airport."

A stranded passenger at Terminal 5

Some passengers on British Airways flights told Sky News that they have spent up to seven hours on aircraft which have never left the runway.

Sky Reporter Clare Fallon, at Heathrow, said: "It's a surreal sight, there are hundreds of people on the floor trying to get some sleep because they are essentially stranded here. Some have told me they have been here since 11am yesterday morning.

"People feel very frustrated and stressed, and they don't understand how a relatively small amount of snow has been able to cause so much chaos."

Flights in and out of Gatwick escaped major disruption yesterday, but the airport advised passengers flying out this weekend to contact their airlines to check flight status.

The Highways Agency said several motorway lanes and major A roads had closed due to the snow and ice, as well as several crashes.

Drivers have been warned to be extra careful as freezing temperatures turn the snow to treacherous ice.

The deepest snowfall has been measured at 26cm in Sennybridge, Wales, although snow has been thawing in other areas and some train services have been returning to normal.

There have also been severe hold-ups for rail passengers, with many companies cancelling services to help them cope with problems caused by the weather. Train firms are advising passengers to check with operators before travelling.

But while commuters have been facing misery, the winter wonderland scenes have brought joy to thousands of youngsters who were given the day off school.

Few parts of the UK will escape the wintry weather as it continues into the weekend.

:: Send in your weather photos and videos

There is up to 10cm of snow likely in northern and eastern England as well as Ireland and southern and eastern Scotland on Saturday. Snow elsewhere will be lighter but it will be bitterly cold.

Sunday could also bring persistent but light snow to southeast England and some flurries for Scotland.

Darron Burness, from the AA, said commuting in the wintry conditions was "likely to test man and machine".

Those who decide to travel have been urged to travel prepared with a fully charged mobile phone, warm waterproof clothes, boots and a blanket, some food and drink, and have a torch, ice scraper, de-icer and a shovel.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lance Armstrong Admits Doping On Oprah Show

Lance Armstrong has admitted he took performance-enhancing drugs and used blood transfusions as he won his seven Tour de France titles.

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 41-year-old said it was "not possible" to win the gruelling race so many times without doping.

Armstrong confessed that he doped during all seven Tour victories from 1999 to 2005, using blood-boosting agent EPO; blood doping; testosterone, cortisone or human growth hormone.

He said: "My cocktail was EPO, transfusions and testosterone. I made my decisions. They're my mistake. And I'm sitting here today to acknowledge that and to say I'm sorry for that."

The Texan, who won the world road race title in 1993, added that his drug use began in the "mid-90s".

"I suppose earlier in my career there was cortisone and then the EPO generation began," he said.

However, he said at the time he did not believe what he was doing was cheating.

Armstrong was interviewed in his hometown of Austin, Texas

"I looked up the definition of cheat. The definition of cheat is to gain an advantage over a rival or foe," Armstrong said. "I didn't do that. I viewed it as a level playing field."

Armstrong, who has already had his Tour wins taken away and been banned from the sport for life, acknowledged his admission was probably "too late" for most people.

"I view this situation as one big lie, that I repeated a lot of times. It wasn't as if I just said no."

He had repeatedly previously denied all accusations made against him, despite the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) found him to be a central figure in "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".

Although Armstrong acknowledged the doping, he rejected some of USADA's claims about his US Postal team, saying: "It was definitely professional and it was definitely smart, if you can call it that. But it was very conservative, very risk averse.

Armstrong denied doping on his return to cycling in the late 2000s

"But to say that that programme was bigger than the East German programme in the mid-80s, it's not true."

He denied forcing others on the team to take banned substances, but said he led by example.

Armstrong was adamant he did not dope or perform blood transfusions in 2009 or 2010, when he made his comeback to the sport, saying: "The last time I crossed that line was 2005."

He said that allegations he did take banned substances during this comeback period were the only thing in the USADA's detailed report that "really upset" him.

It was out-of-competition testing and the so-called biological passport, which collates biological markers of doping and doping tests, that forced him to stop.

USADA chief executive Travis Tygart called the admission a "small step in the right direction".

"But if he is sincere in his desire to correct his past mistakes, he will testify under oath about the full extent of his doping activities."

The interview, which you can see again on Discovery at 8pm, was recorded in Armstrong's home town of Austin, Texas, three days before it was broadcast.

The International Cycling Union, the UCI, welcomed Armstrong's confession.

UCI President Pat McQuaid described it as "important step forward on the long road to repairing the damage that has been caused to cycling and to restoring confidence in the sport".

"It was disturbing to watch him describe a litany of offences including among others doping throughout his career, leading a team that doped, bullying, consistently lying to everyone and producing a backdated medical prescription to justify a test result.

"However, Lance Armstrong also rightly said that cycling is a completely different sport today than it was 10 years ago. In particular the UCI's introduction of the biological passport in 2008 - the first sports federation to do so - has made a real difference in the fight against doping."

Related Stories

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Algeria Crisis: '10 Brits Unaccounted For'

At least 10 British nationals are unaccounted for in the "ongoing" Algerian hostage crisis, according to Sky Sources.

It follows an Algerian attempt to rescue gas workers taken hostage by al Qaeda-linked militants which ended in a number of deaths.

Prime Minister David Cameron warned of "further bad news" as he put off a high-profile speech on Europe to stay in London and oversee developments.

Mr Cameron will chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee to discuss the hostage situation at a gas plant in eastern Algeria.

Algerian authorities announced there had been "some deaths and injuries" in the operation to free foreign workers from Islamist militants.

A satellite image shows the scale of the sprawling gas complex

But it was unclear how many casualties or which nationalities there were, with conflicting reports from sources on the ground.

Foreign Secretary William Hague cut short a visit to Australia to return to the UK and there was also expected to be a ministerial statement to the House of Commons.

He said: "The responsibility for the tragic events of the last two days squarely rests with terrorists who chose to attack innocent workers, murdering some and holding others hostage."

The UK government has not had confirmation from the Algerian government as to whether the crisis is over, and Foreign Office officials believe hostage takers could still be on the site.

Sky's Sophy Ridge said: "There has been perhaps an assumption … that this is a now just a search operation but certainly that's not the basis that the Foreign Office in the UK is working on."

The In Amenas facility is close to the border with Libya

The rescue attempt was launched early on Thursday without consultation with the UK. Mr Cameron was only informed it was under way when he spoke to the Algerian prime minister.

Algerian communications minister Mohamed Said Belaid said the military operation succeeded in "neutralising a large number of terrorists and freeing a large number of hostages".

He added: "But unfortunately, we are sorry to say, there were some deaths and injuries.

"We do not yet have a definitive figure. As soon as we have it, we will make it public."

One British citizen has already been confirmed dead earlier in the hostage situation.

Among those confirmed freed include Irishman Stephen McFaul and three Japanese workers.

Speaking after cancelling his long-awaited Europe speech, Mr Cameron said: "We should be prepared for the possibility of further bad news, very difficult news, in this extremely difficult situation."

The militant group believed to have carried out the raid on the In Amenas gas plant - Katibat Moulathamine or The Masked Ones - said it was retaliating for French military intervention against al Qaeda-backed rebels in neighbouring Mali.

The attack began on Wednesday morning when heavily-armed militants launched a dawn raid.

They claimed to have seized dozens of foreign workers, including Britons, Americans, Norwegians and Japanese.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snow: Travel Chaos Fears In Freezing Weather

Heavy snow has been falling in Wales this morning and more is set to blanket Britain, with chaos expected on transport networks in the coming hours.

Temperatures are expected to remain below zero in most parts, making it bitterly cold, while blizzards and strong winds are set to make conditions treacherous on the roads.

Rail operators South West Trains, Southern, Greater Anglia and Eurostar have already cancelled services or revised timetables to cope with any problems caused by the weather.

Passengers were advised to check with operators before travelling.

Airports and schools are likely to be closed as the snowfall sweeps into the country from the southwest through the day.

A rare "red warning" has been issued for parts of South Wales, meaning all non-essential journeys should be avoided.

Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said up to 30cm of snow could fall in South Wales, with blizzards and snow drifts in higher areas.

She said: "There will be heavy snow across Wales for most of the day, especially in south Wales where 20-30cm is expected.

Panic-buying was reported at supermarkets in Derbyshire and Wales

"Southwest England can also expect snow, and it will continue spreading east into the Midlands, northwest England, central and southern England by this afternoon."

Amber alerts are in place for parts of the Midlands, London and the South, the east of England, the North West and Northern Ireland.

:: Send in your weather photos and videos

Snow will later reach Scotland, northeast England, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East Anglia, she said.

And there will be little respite over the weekend, with up to 10cm of snow likely in northern and eastern England as well as Ireland and southern and eastern Scotland. Snow elsewhere will be lighter on Saturday but it will be bitterly cold.

Sunday could also bring persistent but light snow to southeast England and some flurries for Scotland.

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert and has placed a 500-strong fleet of salt-spreaders, ploughs and snow-blowers on stand-by.

Greg Carstensen, service director for Hounslow Highways, told Sky News they were well-prepared with roads in some areas already gritted the night before snow was expected.

However, he still urged motorists to "listen to the advice being given out on television and radio and make sensible decisions and only make necessary trips if the snow is really that bad".

The AA said the greatest risk of disruption would be in Wales, the West Midlands, southern England and Northern Ireland.

Darron Burness, the AA's head of special operations, said the morning commute was "likely to test man and machine".

Those who decide to travel have been urged to travel prepared with a fully charged mobile phone, warm waterproof clothes, boots and a blanket, some food and drink, and have a torch, ice scraper, de-icer and a shovel.

There have been reports of panic-buying at shops in Derbyshire and Wales.

At a supermarket in Ripley every loaf of bread and all the bananas had been bought up. One customer reportedly went home with 20 loaves.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Helicopter Crash: Crane Operators Late For Work

The mother of a workman who should have been in a crane that was hit by a helicopter in central London has spoken of her relief that he overslept.

Richard Moule and Nicki Biagioni were late for work and hurrying to climb the crane in Vauxhall when the helicopter clipped the structure and plunged 700ft to the ground.

Maureen Biaginoi wrote on her Facebook page: "Thank God my son is ok a bit shaken but alive.

"He defo has a guardian angel thank you thank you ssssooooo much."

Pilot Peter Barnes was killed in the crash and Scotland Yard named a second man who died as Matthew Wood, 39, from Sutton, south London.

He is believed to have been walking to work when he was killed.

Pilot Peter Barnes and Matthew Wood were killed in the crash

Twelve other people were injured and police said it was a "miracle" more were not hurt when the helicopter crashed on to the busy rush-hour street.

The crash happened at 8am on Wednesday near Vauxhall Station when an AgustaWestland 109 Power hit a high-rise crane at The Tower in St George Wharf - one of Europe's largest skyscrapers.

Mr Moule, 31, a father of two from Harlow, Essex, was supposed to be at work at 7am with his colleague Mr Biagioni, 30, but they were both late.

Mr Moule told the Daily Mail: "It was the first time I've been late since starting this job three years ago. I just woke up late.

"Call it divine intervention if you like."

He was in the basement of the building when the helicopter struck the crane and was evacuated.

He added: "The first thing I did was call my wife Stephanie and tell her 'you'll be hearing about this but I'm OK'."

Mr Biagioni, from Ongar, Essex, told The Sun he was late because his four-year-old son slept in.

His wife Leanna told the newspaper: "Nicki was at the site minutes before it happened. He gets a lift to a certain level and then climbs a ladder the rest of the way.

"If he'd been climbing he would have died from the fall for certain. It's too horrible to think about."

Mr Barnes, 50, from Berkshire, was alone in the aircraft in thick cloud when it hit the crane. It came down on land near to the building, strewing burning wreckage across the road.

The helicopter was undertaking a commercial flight from Redhill, Surrey, to Elstree, Hertfordshire, but Mr Barnes asked to be diverted to Battersea heliport because of bad weather.

Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and a flash of light as the twin-engine aircraft crashed near Wandsworth Road.

Video footage and photos flooded on to social media sites revealing chaotic scenes, burning wreckage and vehicles charred by flames.

Mother-of-five Sharon Moore, who lives on the nearby Wyvil Estate, said she saw the aircraft slice through the crane "as if it was a piece of paper".

She said: "The helicopter did not seem to know which way to turn and then it just dropped, it sliced, screeching into the metal."

Residents from nearby houses in Lambeth and Wandsworth were not allowed to return home on Wednesday night after debris was scattered over a large area, including on rooftops.

The eight-seater helicopter is owned by Cornwall-based Castle Air but was leased to another firm RotorMotion, which is based at Redhill Aerodrome.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Barnes.

Kevin Hodgson, who worked alongside him on life-saving missions with the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA), said: "Pete was as good a guy as you can imagine and one of the best pilots I've ever had the pleasure of flying with."

Mr Barnes, who also flew aircraft for films Tomb Raider II and Saving Private Ryan, had around 9,000 hours of flying time, including 3,500 hours on the type of craft involved in the incident.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said helicopter regulations for flying over London included "requirements for lighting on tall structures".

The authority said: "In addition, where appropriate, very tall structures are also notified to pilots for flight planning purposes, as was the case with the crane that was involved in this morning's accident."

Scotland Yard and the London Fire Brigade are working with other agencies including the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the CAA.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Station Evacuated After A Train Catches Fire

A fire on board a train has caused major delays at one of London's busiest railway stations during morning rush hour.

Smoke was seen pouring from the engine of a Gatwick Express train, forcing officials to evacuate and close Victoria Station.

Fire crews put out the blaze, which was spotted by a commuter at around 7am.

The train was empty at the time, National Rail said, and no one is reported to have been injured.

All platforms have now been reopened to the public, and trains are running.

However, commuters have been warned to expect delays of up to 50 minutes until at least 10am.

Gatwick Express, Southeastern and Southern rail services in and out of the station are affected.

Tom Edwards, an antiques dealer from London, who was trying to get a train to visit his mother, said he spotted flames and black smoke coming from the train.

"There was just a little bit of flames by the wheels," he said.

"They put it out and then started chucking everybody out of the building.

"There was no panic. It could have got pretty bad if they hadn't done something about it straight away."

On its Twitter feed, Southern rail confirmed the damaged train was a Gatwick Express service, adding: "No one was hurt which was good."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Algeria Hostage Crisis: Troops Surround Gunmen

William Hague has condemned the killing of a Briton in the Algerian gas field hostage crisis as "cold-blooded murder" as forces surround the Islamist gunmen.

One Briton and an Algerian were killed when around 20 attackers from an al Qaeda-backed group stormed the In Amenas facility, which is part owned by BP.

They have seized 41 Westerners, including several Britons.

Six people were wounded in Wednesday's attack, which the group claims is retaliation for the French military intervention against al Qaeda-backed rebels in neighbouring Mali.

The raid is believed to have been planned by Mokhtar Belmokhtar, a one-eyed Islamist known as Mr Marlboro and The Uncatchable.

His group goes under various names including Khaled Abul Abbas Brigade, the Masked Ones and The Blood Battalion and is said to have links with al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, a Mali-based militant group that wants to overthrow Algeria's government.

The attack took place close to the border with Libya

Mr Hague said he was sceptical the raid was carried out retaliation for the offensive against Islamist fighters in Mali.

Speaking during a visit to Australia, the Foreign Secretary said: "That is a convenient excuse, but usually operations like this take longer to plan.

"Whatever excuse is being used by terrorists and murderers, there is no excuse. This is the cold-blooded murder of people going about their business."

Algerian interior minister Dahou Ould Kablia said Algiers would not negotiate with "terrorists".

The plant has been surrounded by Algerian army and security forces, with army helicopters flying overhead. An Algerian security official has said the government is in talks with the US and France over whether an international force could help.

A rapid deployment team has also been sent from the Foreign Office to reinforce British embassy and consular staff in Algeria.

Mr Hague added: "A number of people are held hostage. This does include a number of British nationals. This is therefore an extremely dangerous situation."

Downing Street said David Cameron "expressed his sympathy and support" when he spoke to Algerian prime minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Wednesday evening.

Algerian forces are surrounding the plant, with army helicopters overhead

The Irish government has said a 36-year-old Irish national was among the hostages. He was believed to be unharmed.

The Algerian interior ministry said the attack began when three vehicles carrying heavily armed militants ambushed a bus carrying employees from the gas plant to a nearby airport.

They were initially driven off, but then they were taken to the main complex.

The ministry said: "After their failed attempt, the terrorist group headed to the complex's living quarters and took a number of workers with foreign nationalities hostage."

The militant group Katibat Moulathamine - The Masked Ones - later contacted a news agency in the Saharan state of Mauritania to claim responsibility.

A spokesman for the Katibat told the Sahara Media Agency that Westerners of nine or 10 nationalities had been taken hostage, including seven Americans.

Five foreigners were being held in a factory, while 36 others were in living quarters at the plant, claimed the spokesman, who said the action was carried out in retaliation for Algeria allowing France to use its airspace to carry out raids on northern Mali.

Britain has provided two RAF C-17 transport aircraft to support the operation as well as offering to share intelligence with Paris.

The In Amenas facility, near the Libyan border, is jointly operated by BP, the Norwegian company Statoil and the Algerian state oil company Sonatrach.

BP said there was "an ongoing security incident" in the gas field, which was "attacked and occupied by a group of unidentified armed people".

The attack happened as EU foreign ministers were preparing to meet in Brussels to discuss plans to send a 400-strong military training mission to Mali.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lance Armstrong Interview: Oprah 'Surprised'

Oprah Winfrey has said Lance Armstrong "did not come clean in the manner I expected" during a two-and-a-half hour interview with the disgraced cyclist.

The shamed sportsman reportedly admitted using performance-enhancing drugs to the US talk show host, ending a decade of denial.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles last year after a US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) report said he was a ruthless competitor, willing to go to any lengths to win the prestigious race.

Speaking to CBS after the interview, Winfrey said she was "satisfied" with Armstrong's confessional.

The interview will be aired on Oprah Winfrey's television network

"I would say he did not come clean in the manner that I expected," she said.

"It was surprising to me. I would say for myself, my team ... we were mesmerised and riveted by some of his answers.

"I feel he answered the questions in a way that (suggested) he was ready. I can only say I was satisfied with the answers."

Asked if Armstrong was contrite during the interview, Winfrey said: "I choose not to characterise.

"I would rather people make their own decisions about whether he was contrite or not. I felt that he was thoughtful, I thought that he was serious, I thought that he certainly had prepared himself for this moment. I would say that he met the moment.

"At the end of it... we were both pretty exhausted."

She also dismissed fears expressed before the interview that she may give Armstrong an "easy ride" adding that the confessional would be screened over two shows, to avoid cutting it down too much.

Winfrey said she had not planned to comment on the interview before it was screened, but decided to do so after it was widely reported that he had admitted drug use.

The interview with Winfrey comes as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) claimed cycling could be dropped from the Olympics if Armstrong implicates the sport's governing body in covering up a widespread doping scheme.

IOC member Dick Pound said the committee might be left with no choice other than to take drastic action if Armstrong proved the International Cycling Union (UCI) acted improperly.  

"The only way it is going to clean up is if all these people say 'hey, we're no longer in the Olympics and that's where we want to be so let's earn our way back into it'," Mr Pound said.

Sky News sports editor Nick Powell said Mr Pound had waged a campaign against the UCI for a long time.

Powell doubted cycling would be banned from the Olympics because of Armstrong's case.

"It's not going to happen. To ban lots and lots of clean cyclists because of one man ... would be absurd," he said.

"What it does do is indicate the level of feeling and the kind of things we're going to get more of once we hear what Lance Armstrong's actually got to say."

The UCI has urged Armstrong to testify before its independent commission on doping.

"If these reports are true, we would strongly urge Lance Armstrong to testify to the Independent Commission established to investigate the allegations made against the UCI in the recent USADA reasoned decision on Lance Armstrong and the United States Postal Service (USPS) team," the federation said.

USADA chief executive Travis Tygart labelled the doping regime allegedly carried out by the US Postal Service team that Armstrong once led "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".

The interview with Winfrey is Armstrong's first public response to the report.

He is not expected to have provided a detailed account about his involvement, or addressed in depth many of the specific allegations made in the more than 1,000-page report.

A government source has told ABC News that Armstrong had also met officials to discuss paying back some of his former team's sponsorship money from the US Postal Service.

The source also suggests Armstrong may give the names of others involved in illegal doping - leading to a possible reduction of his lifetime ban.

The American apologised to staff at his Livestrong Foundation, saying he was sorry for the distress he had caused. He vowed he would repair the foundation's reputation.

Armstrong is said to be worth around $100m (£62m). However, most sponsors dropped him after USADA's scathing report - at the cost of tens of millions of dollars - and soon after, he left the board of Livestrong.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live Updates: Helicopter Crash In London

9:03am

Sarah-Beth Casey lives in an apartment near the incident. She told Sky News: "You're always worried about things like 9/11 and things like that. When I heard the explosion - it was like a little earthquake. It was like a gas explosion. I looked up to see debris falling off the tower."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Helicopter Crashes Into Crane In London

A helicopter has crashed into a crane in Vauxhall, south London, hitting two cars as it plummeted into the ground.

The crash involved an unknown number of people, London Fire Service said.

Sky sources said one person was aboard the aircraft, which is believed to be an Augusta 109.

The helicopter appeared to have hit a crane on top of a building, Scotland Yard said.

Flames and a huge column of black smoke could be seen at the crash site just off South Lambeth Road near the River Thames.

Witnesses said at least some 22 fire engines were at the scene, as well as police and ambulances.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade was unable to give details but said: "We are taking lots of emergency calls at the moment."

A Met police spokesman said: "We had a call at approximately 8am this morning and we are dealing with an incident."

The accident happened close to a railway line and train services were briefly suspended.

More follows...

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britain Braced For More Snow Disruption

Driving Tips For Winter Weather

Updated: 11:51pm UK, Monday 14 January 2013

With many roads in the UK covered by snow and ice, motorists have being warned to take extra care.

Skidding on ice is the main concern for those driving in freezing conditions.

So what is the best advice when it comes to being safe on the roads?

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has issued some top tips for motorists:

Before setting off:

:: Plan your route according to the driving conditions.

:: Make sure your wipers are in good condition.

:: Clean your windows inside and out.

:: Top up the washer fluid with winter strength screen wash which has a freeze-resistant additive.

:: Check last year's scraper and de-icer are up to the job.

:: Check your tyres, especially the tread depth. For optimum safety opt for at least 3mm instead of the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

:: Check all lights.

:: Pack an emergency kit – high-viz jacket, food and water, boots, de-icer, scraper, torch, shovel and charged mobile phone with your breakdown emergency number.

:: If you are on regular medication, take enough with you in case you get delayed.

On the road:

:: Use the 'ice' setting if your car has one.

:: Slow down and accelerate smoothly and gradually.

:: Drive in the highest gear possible, starting off in second.

:: Make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

:: Increase your following distance by ten times even if you have ABS.

:: Beware - light steering and reduced road noise could mean you are driving on ice.

:: Frost, ice and snow remain for longer under trees, on bridges, and in areas exposed to wind.

:: Make sure your wipers are in the off position when you stop – they can freeze to the window.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lance Armstrong 'Confesses Drug Use To Oprah'

Fallen sports star Lance Armstrong has admitted using performance-enhancing drugs, according to reports.

In an interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, the cyclist ended a decade of denial, according to the AP news agency.

It cited a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, because the interview is to be broadcast on Winfrey's network on Thursday.

Winfrey tweeted after the interview: "Just wrapped with @lancearmstrong. More than 2 1/2 hours. He came READY!"

The interview will be aired on Oprah Winfrey's television network

She is scheduled to appear on CBS This Morning later to discuss the interview.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles last year after a US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) report said he was a ruthless competitor, willing to go to any lengths to win the prestigious race.

USADA chief executive Travis Tygart labelled the doping regime allegedly carried out by the US Postal Service team that Armstrong once led "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".

The interview with Winfrey is Armstrong's first public response to the report.

He is not expected to have provided a detailed account about his involvement, or addressed in depth many of the specific allegations made in the more than 1,000-page report.

A government source has told ABC News that Armstrong had also met authorities to discuss paying back some of his former team's sponsorship money from the US Postal Service.

The source also suggests Armstrong may give the names of others involved in illegal doping - leading to a possible reduction of his lifetime ban.

The American has apologised to staff at his Livestrong Foundation, saying he was sorry for the distress he had caused. He vowed he would repair the foundation's reputation.

Armstrong is said to be worth around $100m (£62m). However, most sponsors dropped him after USADA's scathing report - at the cost of tens of millions of dollars - and soon after, he left the board of Livestrong.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

HMV Collapse: Gift Cards And Vouchers Invalid

HMV has confirmed it will not be accepting gift cards or vouchers from customers as the retailer prepared to collapse into administration.

The company confirmed its intentions following a board meeting last night, as exclusively revealed by Sky's City Editor Mark Kleinman.

In its statement, HMV - which employs 4,350 people - said its 238 stores would remain open while administrators Deloitte sought a buyer.

It added that trading in HMV's ordinary shares had ceased.

The statement said: "On 13 December 2012, the Company announced that as a result of current market trading conditions, the Company faced material uncertainties and that it was probable that the Group would not comply with its banking covenants at the end of January 2013.

HMV was late to the online shopping revolution and suffered as a result

"The Company also stated that it was in discussions with its banks. "Since that date, the Company has continued the discussions with its banks and other key stakeholders to remedy the imminent covenant breach.

"However, the Board regrets to announce that it has been unable to reach a position where it feels able to continue to trade outside of insolvency protection, and in the circumstances therefore intends to file notice to appoint administrators to the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with immediate effect.

"The Directors of the Company understand that it is the intention of the administrators, once appointed, to continue to trade whilst they seek a purchaser for the business."

"It is proposed that Nick Edwards, Neville Kahn and Rob Harding, partners of Deloitte LLP, will be appointed as the administrators of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

HMV, which has struggled for several years in the face of online competition, had announced last week an additional sale at its stores in a last ditch effort to raise cash but its £176.1m debt pile was too great for the move to have much impact.

Last year the company sold off its most profitable arm, its live music business, as it attempted to slash what it owed.

In January 2011 suppliers including Universal Music came to HMV's rescue with a deal which helped the retailer shed some of its debt but they are understood to have dismissed requests for more financial help earlier this month.

Analysts suggest the business model was already doomed - squeezed by internet retailers and supermarkets whose scale enable them to offer CDs and DVDs at cheaper prices.

More follows...

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snow: Cold Snap Bites With More To Come

Snow has fallen over parts of Britain overnight - with a much heavier band of snow on its it way.

Snow was reported across the Midlands, South East England, West Yorkshire and parts of Scotland, but did not accumulate.

A second, heavier band of sleet and snow is expected to move eastwards across the country this morning, bringing up to 10cm of snow on higher ground.

Rain and sleet will continue to spread east in the afternoon, turning to snow across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. However snow will turn to wintry showers by Monday night.

The Met Office has upgraded its "cold weather action" warning to level three - one underneath a national emergency - for all of England.

It still has three amber snow warnings in place in the East Midlands, North East England and Yorkshire to highlight the hazardous conditions and likelihood of disruption to travel services caused by the ice, snow and freezing temperatures.

Amber warnings issued for East Midlands, NE England and Yorkshire

There are also seven yellow warnings covering many parts of England and Scotland, making people aware of possible disruption.

Sky weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "Central and eastern parts of England will have snow showers this morning, perhaps quite sleety in parts of the Midlands.

"This afternoon there will be further rain, sleet and snow for central and eastern England, southern areas most likely to have rain or sleet.

"Rain and sleet as well for Wales and western England first thing. Once this clears south-eastwards, it'll be drier and brighter for the afternoon but with some showers, some of which will be heavy and wintry."

Leeds Bradford Airport reported severe weather was causing disruption to its flight schedule - but it later removed the warning from its website.

Yellow warnings in many areas for people to be aware of possible disruption

Staff at Heathrow Airport monitored the weather closely but no flights were cancelled due to the weather.

The Highways Agency reported no major problems overnight, but are still braced for potential adverse weather conditions to come.

The agency has said it is "well prepared" for winter conditions.

A spokeswoman said: "We have a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art winter vehicles on standby, supported by tried-and-tested winter resilience plans.

"We have reviewed salt stock levels and taken action where needed to enhance our resilience and we have again established a reserve salt stock to help ensure that there is enough salt to deal with severe winter.

"Our roads will be treated whenever there is a risk of ice or snow. However, even when roads have been treated, drivers should still take care, especially on stretches where the local road layout or landscape means there could be a greater risk of ice forming."

Temperatures are expected to drop further to around -8C on Wednesday night with the possibility of more light snow flurries.

:: Send us your photos or videos of the snow where you are.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Golden Globes: Homeland's Damian Lewis Wins

List Of Golden Globe Winners

Updated: 8:41am UK, Monday 14 January 2013

:: Picture, Drama: Argo

:: Actor, Drama: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln

:: Actress, Drama: Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty

:: Director: Ben Affleck, Argo

:: Supporting Actor, Movie: Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained

:: Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables

:: Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained

:: Original Song: Skyfall, music and lyrics by Adele and Paul Epworth

:: Original Score: Mychael Danna, Life Of Pi

:: Series, Drama: Homeland

:: Actor, Drama: Damian Lewis, Homeland

:: Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland

:: Miniseries or Movie: Game Change

:: Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys

:: Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julianne Moore, Game Change

:: Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Ed Harris, Game Change

:: Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey

:: Picture, Musical or Comedy: Les Miserables

:: Actor, Musical or Comedy: Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables

:: Actress, Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook

:: Series, Musical or Comedy: Girls

:: Actor, Musical or Comedy (series): Don Cheadle, House Of Lies

:: Actress, Musical or Comedy (series): Lena Dunham, Girls

:: Foreign Language: Amour

:: Animated Film: Brave

:: Cecil B DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Jodie Foster

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Imani Green: Eight Held Over Brit Girl's Death

Eight people have been arrested over the fatal shooting of British schoolgirl Imani Green in Jamaica.

The eight-year-old, from Balham, south London, was on holiday visiting relatives when she was killed in the the rural village of Duncans,  , , , xcv in Trelawny, on Friday night.

She is reported to have been shot twice, first in the head and then the shoulder, in what is believed to have been a revenge attack that left three others injured.

She was taken to hospital but later died.

Imani, who attended Fircroft Primary School in Tooting,  is reported to have suffered from blood condition sickle cell anaemia and had been allowed to take an extended New Year holiday by headteacher Anne Wilson.

More follows...

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

India: Six Held Over New Gang Rape On A Bus

Six men have been arrested over another gang rape of a woman who was travelling on a bus in northern India.

The victim had boarded the service to visit her in-laws when she was abducted and driven on a motorbike to a house in Gurdaspur district, bordering the city of Amritsar, in Punjab province, on Friday evening.

Five men, including the driver and conductor, took it in turns to rape the woman before dropping her off near the village where her in-laws lived the following morning.

The alleged attack comes just weeks after the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student on a bus in Delhi which has sparked nationwide protests about violence against women.

"Six men have been arrested on allegations of having raped a 29-year-old woman ... after forcibly taking her to an unknown location on the night of January 11," local police officer Raj Jeet Singh said, adding that a seventh suspect was being hunted.

"The lady, after being kidnapped, was raped brutally throughout the night by the seventh accused," he continued.

"After raping the victim throughout the night, one of the accused dropped her near her in-laws' house the next morning where she narrated the whole incident to her sister-in-laws."

The extent of the victim's injuries are yet to be established, the police officer added.

Demonstrators have called for tougher punishments for sex crimes in India

On Monday, the five men accused of the December 16 Delhi attack appeared in court for the first time.

The victim, and her male companion who was beaten up by the assailants, were thrown off the moving bus.

The woman died in a Singapore hospital 13 days later.

The accused, who could face the death penalty if convicted, are charged with kidnap, robbery and conspiracy over the attack.

A sixth suspect, says he is 17. If that is confirmed, he is likely to be tried in a separate court for juveniles where the maximum sentence is three years in a reform facility.

Protesters across India have called for the police to be more vigilant and sensitive to the growing incidence of sexual assault against women, after details emerged of the Delhi attack.

Sky's India correspondent Alex Rossi said the latest attack was "strikingly similar" to the Delhi gang rape.

"The bus driver and the conductor it is alleged kidnapped her then took her to a location when they and five accomplices gang-raped her," he said.

"Eventually, after her ordeal, they dropped her off. She went to a police station, made a complaint. Six people have so far been arrested, The other person is still on the run, according to the police, and they are now investigating.

"The woman has been sent for a medical examination, and they have started the wheels of justice, if you like, in this case.

"The alleged culprits will appear in court on either Monday or Tuesday.

"It is strikingly similar to the case in Delhi. Another alleged sexual attack on another woman in India."

He added: "What will be interesting in this case is to see whether or not it provokes any kind of public reaction in terms of demonstrations or protests."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jamaica: British Girl, 8, Shot Dead In Shop

An eight-year-old British girl has died after a gunman opened fire on a shop in Jamaica.

Imani Green, from Balham, south London, was visiting relatives on the island with her mother when the shooting happened in the northwestern town of Duncans, in Trelawny.

The Sun reports that Imani was shot twice, first in the head and then the shoulder. She was taken to hospital but died later.

The newspaper  said the attack on Friday may be linked to an argument the owner of the shop was involved in.

Imani's brother, Dean Palmer, told Sky News he was completely devastated by the death of his sister, who he described as "an extremely brave girl".

Speaking before he left the UK for Jamaica, he said Imani suffers from sickle-cell anaemia and goes there twice a year to help her cope with the disease.

He said the family was in two minds about whether to take her this time, but within a few days of arriving she was "back to her normal self".

Local media said three other people were injured.

The British Foreign Office said: "We are providing consular assistance and liaising with local authorities."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mali: Britain Sends Planes To Help French

Britain will provide transport planes to assist the French military operation in Mali, Downing Street has confirmed.

David Cameron spoke with Francois Hollande on Saturday evening as France attempted to contain al Qaeda-linked rebels in the north of the West African country.

French military strikes on the country have already claimed the lives of at least 100 rebels in a fight over the strategic town of Konna.

Eleven Malian soldiers are reported to have been killed and a further 60 wounded in the recent fighting.

Mr Hollande has raised his country's terror threat level amid fears of retaliatory attacks in France.

He said France "has to take all necessary precautions" in the face of a terrorist threat, including "surveillance of our public buildings and our transport network".

French troops prepare to board a flight to Mali from a base in Chad

A Downing Street spokesman said last night: "The Prime Minister spoke to President Hollande this evening to discuss the deteriorating situation in Mali and how the UK can support French military assistance provided to the Malian government to contain rebel and extremist groups in the north of the country.

"The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK will provide logistical military assistance to help transport foreign troops and equipment quickly to Mali.

"We will not be deploying any British personnel in a combat role.

"Both leaders agreed that the situation in Mali poses a real threat to international security given terrorist activity there.

"They discussed the need to work with the Malian government, regional neighbours and international partners to prevent a new terrorist haven developing on Europe's doorstep and to reinvigorate the UN led political process once the rebel advance has been halted.

"The National Security Council, which was already due to meet on Tuesday, will now consider the situation in Mali and discuss what needs to be done to secure a lasting political settlement in Mali."

The UN's Sahel envoy Romano Prodi, left, and President Dioncounda Traore

One French pilot has died in the military action after hundreds of French soldiers were deployed in the country.

Mr Hollande took action in Mali at the request of interim President Dioncounda Traore, who has declared a state of emergency.

Western governments expressed alarm on Thursday after an al Qaeda-linked rebel alliance captured Konna, a gateway towards the capital Bamako 600km (375 miles) south.

The Malian army has said it was attacking the "last pockets of resistance" by insurgents in Konna after they recaptured it with the help of the French.

Islamist rebels seized a swathe of northern Mali last spring

Mr Hollande said the "terrorist groups, drug traffickers and extremists" in northern Mali "show a brutality that threatens us all." He vowed that the operation would last "as long as necessary".

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has now authorised the immediate deployment of troops to Mali.

The bloc's commission president, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, said it made the decision "in light of the urgency of the situation".

For the past nine months, the Islamic militants have controlled a large swathe of northern Mali, a lawless desert region where kidnapping has flourished.

Mr Hollande said the operation was aimed in part at protecting 6,000 French citizens in Mali, including seven who are being held captive.

French Mirage 2000 D aircraft en route to the Mali operation

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Senegal and Nigeria also responded to an appeal from Mali's president for help to counter the militants.

Late last year, the 15 nations in West Africa, including Mali, agreed on a proposal for the military to take back the north, and sought backing from the UN.

The Security Council authorised the intervention but imposed certain conditions, including the training of Mali's military, which has been accused of serious human rights abuses since a military coup last year sent the nation into disarray.

Al Qaeda's affiliate in Africa has been a shadowy presence for years in the forests and deserts of poverty-stricken Mali.

Most Malians adhere to a moderate form of Islam, but in recent months the terrorist group and its allies have taken advantage of political instability, taking territory they use to stock weapons and train forces.

The Islamists have insisted they want to impose Sharia only in northern Mali, though there long have been fears they could push further south.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More