Afghan military plane crashes in Uzbekistan’s Surkhondaryo, confirms defence ministry

Russia’s RIA news agency earlier on Monday cited Uzbekistan’s defence ministry as saying the pilot had ejected and was injured. TERMEZ (Surkhondaryo, Uzbekistan), Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Afghan military plane has crashed in Uzbekistan, the Central Asian country’s defence ministry said on Monday, confirming earlier reports. “The military plane…

Afghanistan: Russian ambassador to meet Taliban in Kabul Tuesday

 MOSCOW, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia said its ambassador to Afghanistan will meet with the Taliban in Kabul on Tuesday and that it will decide on whether to recognise the new government based on its conduct.   “Our ambassador is in contact with the Taliban leadership, tomorrow he will meet…

Former US Pres Trump calls for Biden to resign over Taliban takeover of Afghanistan

Former US President Donald Trump WASHINGTON, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Former US president Donald Trump called for his successor Joe Biden to resign on Sunday over the swift takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban militants, as US troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years on the ground.   “It…

Spain sizzles in crushing heat as fires blaze

Firefighters have been battling a blaze at Navalacruz since early Saturday MADRID, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Fires in Spain’s central Avila province forced hundreds of people to flee their homes on Sunday, as parts of the country sweltered under crushing temperatures. The fire, which has been burning in the city…

Covid-19: Main Cuban oxygen plant fails amid virus surge

HAVANA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Cuba’s public health minister said efforts were underway to restart the country’s main oxygen factory which had broken down even as the death toll from COVID-19 on Saturday reached 98, equal to the pandemic record. Minister Jose Angel Portal’s appearance on the state’s mid-day news broadcast…

Afghanistan: Taliban declares ‘war is over’

Taliban fighters drive an Afghan National Army (ANA) vehicle through the streets of Laghman province KABUL, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan was over after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed and Western nations scrambled on Monday to…

Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace

Airlines rerouting some flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace KABUL, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after the Taliban took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed and Western nations scrambled on Monday to evacuate their citizens. United Airlines, British…

Indonesia has to strike balance between health and economy; COVID-19 policies are consistent, says Jokowi

JAKARTA, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — COVID-19 has taught Indonesia how to find a balance between health and economic interests, said President Joko Widodo as he addressed perceptions that government policies may not have been consistent when it comes to tackling the pandemic. Speaking at the annual State of the Nation…

Most Algeria forest fires ‘under control’: emergency services

 ALGIERS, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Most of the deadly forest fires that have hit northern Algeria in the past week are “under control” and no longer endanger residents, the country’s emergency services said.   Firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes, after over 90 people, including 33…

Three soldiers killed in NE Mali explosion

 BAMAKO, Aug 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three Malian soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device as they were driving to an airport in the restive northeast, the country’s armed forces said.   A military vehicle “en route to the airport in Menaka hit an improvised explosive device this Sunday,” the…