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More than 3,000 tourists have been evacuated from a British holiday hotspot in France after ‘catastrophic’ wildfires ravaged homes and holiday campsites. The blazing wildfires have ripped through 500 hectares of land and seen thousands of terrified tourists flee for their lives from their holiday homes and campsites close to the Spanish border. The flames have so far gutted scores of homes and destroyed a campsite in the popular holiday region of Pyrenees-Orientales, southern France, as it swept through villages close to the seaside resort of Argeles. Video shows the flames getting perilously close to campsites, where children can be heard screaming in terror. Families quickly packed their belongings and fled in droves as black smoke filled the sky. More than 3,000 tourists have now been evacuated from their holiday campsites across the region to temporary accommodation in town halls. The local mayor described how she saw dozens of ‘families with flabbergasted children’ walk through the doors, some still in their swimsuits as they were unable to reach their campsite due to flames. Harrowing photographs show the extent of the damage caused by the wildfires, with the charred remains of a blackened campsite seen in the commune of Saint-Andre. Cars were incinerated and homes gutted by the blaze. Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12408257/More-3-000-tourists-evacuated-Brit-holiday-hotspot-catastrophic-wildfires-ravage-homes-campsite-near-French-seaside-resort.html

At least 35 people have died in an explosion at a petrol station in southern Russia, according to local officials. Russia’s Health Ministry said 115 people were injured in the blast and subsequent fire, and 35 of them died, including three children. A total of 65 of those injured, including 16 children, remained in hospital as of Tuesday afternoon the ministry said. Eleven people, including two children, were in a grave condition. Russian state media said some of those injured would be airlifted to Moscow for treatment. The explosion occurred on Monday night on the outskirts of the city of Makhachkala, the regional capital of Dagestan and more than 950 miles south of Moscow. A fire started at a car repair shop and spread to a nearby petrol station, triggering the blast and a fireball that engulfed an area covering around 600 square metres. The fire started at the repair shop and spread to a car as well, an unnamed witness told Russian newspaper Izvestia. “From there, everything went to our gas station. After the explosion, everything fell on our heads, we couldn’t see anything.” This handout photograph taken and released by Russian Emergency Ministry on 14 August 2023, shows rescuers pushing out a fire at a gas station in the city of Makhachkala Russian emergencies ministry members remove debris at the accident scene following an explosion at a gas station in Makhachkala in the region of Dagestan, Russia, 15 August 2023, Pictures from the site showed an inferno, as firefighters struggled to contain the damage. The authorities have begun a criminal investigation. Tuesday has been declared a day of mourning in Dagestan. Nearly 260 emergency workers were deployed to help evacuate buildings in the area. Source:https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dagestan-petrol-station-fire-makhachkala-russia-b2393151.html

WASHINGTON: The US on Tuesday expressed its readiness to work with the caretaker government in Pakistan on issues of mutual interest, including the conduct of free and fair elections. “We look forward to working with the interim prime minister and his team as they prepare to hold elections,” the State Department principal deputy spokesperson said during the press briefing. He acknowledged that the US was aware of the allied government’s dissolution and the nomination of Senator Anwar Kakar as caretaker prime minister. “We, of course, will continue to partner with Pakistan on areas of mutual interest including our interest on Pakistan’s economic stability, prosperity and stability and the conduct of free and fair elections in the respect for democracy and rule of law,” the spokesperson maintained. Responding to a question, the spokesperson underscored that the US was in regular conversation with Pakistani leadership to discuss Afghanistan in detail including through the two countries’ counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations. “We have a shared interest with Pakistan, quite candidly, in combating threats to regional stability and remain ready to work with Pakistan to combat militant and terrorist groups,” he said, adding that the US also supports the Pakistani government’s own efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law. source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100526-us-ready-to-work-with-caretaker-government

An explosion ripped through a hotel in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Khost on Monday, killing at least three people and wounding seven others, police said. The blast occurred at a city hotel frequented by Afghan people and refugees from Pakistan’s former militant stronghold of North Waziristan bordering Afghanistan, said Mustaghfir Gurbaz, a police spokesperson in Khost. He said officers were investigating to determine what caused the blast and who was behind it. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, though Afghanistan’s Taliban government has blamed the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — for previous attacks. Gurbaz provided no information about the Pakistani refugees staying at the hotel. Authorities in Pakistan have said members of the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, are hiding in Khost and elsewhere in Afghanistan. TTP is a separate group but is a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO troops were in the final stages of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. Pakistani officials say many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, which also emboldened the Pakistani Taliban. Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/afghanistan-ap-pakistani-islamabad-islamic-state-b2392778.html

The death of a Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee has sparked outrage among the masses with protesters taking to the streets chanting anti-government slogans. 83-year-old Sayedee, the vice president of Bangladesh’s opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami, passed away in a prison hospital on Monday evening. The prominent leader’s demise comes over a decade after his conviction by a war crimes court, an event that triggered some of the deadliest political unrest in the country. Following Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s death, mourners and supporters gathered outside the hospital premises, raising their voices with chants of “Allahu akbar.” Significant police personnel were deployed to manage the crowds. Supporters, grieving the loss of Sayedee, voiced their resolve not to let his bloodshed be in vain. Many pointed fingers at the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing it of contributing to the circumstances that led to the leader’s demise. These sentiments are deepened by the upcoming general elections scheduled for January, adding a layer of political complexity to the crisis. Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s health had been a concern for some time, as he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a heart attack while incarcerated in Kashimpur Prison, located outside the capital, Dhaka. “He faced another heart attack today (Monday) at 6.45 pm (1245 GMT) and died at 8.40 pm,” hospital director Brigadier General Rezaur Rahman told AFP, adding he had had five stents inserted into his arteries. Jamaat-e-Islami announced Sayedee´s death on its Facebook page, where it accused the authorities of “slowly turning him into a martyr without treatment in the prison”. He was sentenced to death in 2013 by a war-crimes tribunal on eight charges of murder, rape, and persecution of Hindus, triggering deadly protests by thousands of supporters nationwide, leaving more than 100 people dead. The party said tens of thousands of its supporters were arrested in a subsequent crackdown, and the party was only this year able to hold public protests again. In 2014, Bangladesh´s Supreme Court said Sayedee should spend “the rest of his natural life” in jail for crimes during the 1971 liberation war with Pakistan. Delwar Hossain Sayedee shot to prominence in the 1980s after he started preaching in some of the Muslim-majority nation´s top mosques. In his heyday he would draw hundreds of thousands to his sessions and CDs of his speeches were top sellers. Even people who were not supporters of Jamaat attended his preachings. Jamaat-e-Islami was banned for much of the 1970s for its support of Pakistan during the war, but by the 1990s it had become the country´s third-largest party and the biggest religious outfit. Political analysts credit Delwar Hossain Sayedee´s preaching for transforming the party into a major force. Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1100441-death-of-jamat-e-islamis-delwar-hossein-sayedee-in-jail-ignites-protests-in-bangladesh

The Afghan Taliban is marking the second anniversary of its return to power with a public holiday, celebrating the takeover of Kabul and the establishment of what it described as security across the country under an “Islamic system”. “On the second anniversary of the conquest of Kabul, we would like to congratulate the mujahid [holy warrior] nation of Afghanistan and ask them to thank Almighty Allah for this great victory,” the spokesman for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a statement on Tuesday. “Now that overall security is ensured in the country, the entire territory of the country is managed under a single leadership, an Islamic system is in place and everything is explained from the angle of Sharia [Islamic law],” Mujahid said. Security was tight in the capital, Kabul, on Tuesday as soldiers stepped up checks. Convoys of Taliban members gathered at Massoud Square near the abandoned US embassy building. Some of the men carried their weapons, while others snapped selfies as anthems blared and boys sold the movement’s white flag inscribed with the Islamic declaration of faith. In Herat in the west, a crowd of Taliban supporters chanted: “Death to the Europeans, death to the Westerners, long live the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, death to the Americans.” A military parade was cancelled in Kandahar, the cradle of the Taliban movement, from where its reclusive supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhunzada, rules by decree. Akhunzada called off the parade himself so as not to disturb the public, provincial officials told journalists. A poster of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is seen along a road in Kabul A poster of Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhunzada, is seen along a road in Kabul [Wakil Kohsar/AFP] The Taliban government is still not formally recognised by any country. The international community continues to grapple with how, and if, to engage with the Taliban authorities. After a lightning offensive as US-led foreign forces were withdrawing after 20 years of inconclusive war, the Taliban entered the capital on August 15, 2021, as the US-backed president, Ashraf Ghani, fled and the Afghan security forces, set up with years of Western support, disintegrated. Afghanistan is enjoying peace not seen in decades, but the United Nations says there have been dozens of attacks on civilians, some claimed by the ISIL (ISIS) armed group. The Taliban, which says it respects rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law, has also stopped most Afghan female staff from working with aid agencies, closed beauty salons, barred women from parks and curtailed their travel in the absence of any male guardian. Taliban Palace: The second year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan | Witness Girls aged above 12 years have been mostly excluded from classes since the Taliban returned to power. For many Western governments, the ban is a major obstacle to any hope of formal recognition of the Taliban administration. But most Muslim-majority countries and Islamic scholars have rejected Taliban’s stand on women’s rights. Some Taliban leaders back education for women, with a senior leader saying that Islam grants women right to education and work. The Taliban hopes that progress will help bring foreign recognition and the lifting of sanctions, and the release of about $7bn in central bank assets frozen in the US Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2021 after the Taliban took control, half of which was later transferred to a Swiss trust. According to the UN special representative, the corruption that exploded as Western money poured in for years after the Taliban was toppled in 2001, has been reduced. There are also signs that a Taliban ban on narcotics cultivation has dramatically reduced poppy production in what has for years been the world’s biggest source of opium. But a group of UN experts hit out on Monday at pledges by Taliban authorities of a softer rule than during its first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. “Despite reassurances by the Taliban de facto authorities that any restrictions, particularly in terms of access to education would be temporary, the facts on the ground have demonstrated an accelerated, systematic, and all-engulfing system of segregation, marginalisation and persecution,” the experts said in a statement. “The gap between promises and practices by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities has widened, and the idea of a “reformed” Taliban has been exposed as mistaken,” they added. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/15/taliban-marks-two-years-since-return-to-power-in-afghanistan

LONDON – The United Kingdom on Tuesday advised its citizens in Pakistan to be cautious and limit their movement in certain areas amid rising terror threats. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office cautioned its nations not to attend any political demonstrations, huge crowds of people, and events. In the fresh advisory, UK nationals in Pakistan are told to avoid traveling to certain areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the provincial capital Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Tank, Banu, Lakki Marwat, Chitral, DI Khan, Swat, Buner, Lower Dir, Orakzai and other areas. The British government further warned its nationals living in the crisis-hit country to avoid travelling to Balochistan coastal areas and Pakistan-India’s Line of Control. The advisory warned people to keep themselves away from political protests being held in the country,  especially those ‘fuming anti-west sentiments’. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office further advised people to keep updated with local news. It said these public gatherings can turn violent and escalate quickly. British nationals were further told to keep vigilant about the weather updates in Pakistan during their travel. Source: https://pakobserver.net/uk-fresh-travel-advisory-warns-of-possible-terror-attacks-in-pakistan/

Seoul, South Korea   For the first time in decades, a nuclear-capable US Navy ballistic missile submarine, by  has made a port call in South Korea. This move comes just days after North Korea test-fired what it claimed was a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile. The presence of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan was announced by the country’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday afternoon. It came as Kurt Campbell, coordinator for the Indo-Pacific at the US National Security Council, was at the inaugural meeting in Seoul of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG). The NCG is a joint US and South Korean panel set up by the countries’ leaders at a summit in Washington in April. The arrival of the submarine follows a period of heightened tensions on the peninsula. North Korea has conducted tests of what it claimed to be an advanced long-range missile. Kim Yo Jong’s Warning   Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official in her own right, said in a statement Monday the deployment of a US ballistic missile submarine to the peninsula would damage already fractured lines of communication between the two sides. Statement warns US’s extended deterrence & alliance may push DPRK away from negotiating table. It views these actions as threatening and counterproductive to dialogue. “The reality before the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is not dialogue repeatedly touted by the US,” said Kim. NCG discussed nuclear use against DPRK & US sub’s first entry into Korean Peninsula waters in 40 years, revealed. Additionally, it threatened to shoot down US military reconnaissance aircraft engaged in what it labeled “hostile espionage” activities near its territory.   Sub can carry up 80 warheads   Known colloquially as “boomers,” each of the Ohio-class subs can carry a maximum of 20 Trident II ballistic missiles. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, each Trident missile can carry four nuclear warheads. This means each US ballistic missile submarine could potentially have around 80 nuclear warheads onboard. Port call agreed upon by US President Biden & South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during their April meeting in the US. It highlighted the shared commitment to regional security and cooperation. The “Washington Declaration” encompassed measures aimed at deterring Pyongyang from attacking its southern neighbor. These actions aimed to dissuade any potential aggression. US-ROK Alliance Summary   Biden: Mutual defense treaty ironclad. We’re committed to extend deterrence, including nuclear threat & deterrent. The establishment of the NCG came out of that Biden-Yoon meeting. In a joint statement on Tuesday the two allies said the NCG would enhance “combined deterrence and response posture.” With the support of  US & ROK’s collective strength ensures peace & stability on the Korean Peninsula & Indo-Pacific region. It highlighted the shared commitment to regional security and cooperation. In the inaugural NCG meeting, the US reaffirms and strengthens its commitment to extend deterrence to ROK, backed by the full range of US capabilities, including nuclear options Little military value   “US Navy sub in South Korean port = symbolic, analysts say. In fact, it would reduce the military value of the sub. US & South Korea reduce sub’s stealthiness, says Carl Schuster, former US Pacific Command director. Trident missiles: 4,600-mile range, capable of targeting North Korea from vast Pacific, Indian, or Arctic oceans. “In April, Blake Herzinger said US submarines don’t need to be near Korea to reach potential targets.” One of the keys to nuclear deterrence is uncertainty. US ballistic missile sub lurks deep in ocean, within striking range of Pyongyang, thousands of miles away. However, it would be near impossible for North Korea to spot. One arriving in South Korea on a port visit must arrange it 24 to 48 hours in advance. This visibility gives North Korea an advantage,” Schuster said. “If Kim Jong Un was looking to do a surprise strike, we’ve given him the submarine’s location and time it will be there,” Schuster said. He expressed concern over the potential risks. Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/18/asia/us-navy-ballistic-missile-submarine-south-korea-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

UN Warning: Extreme Heat – A Growing Health Risk   Amidst the dangerous and rapidly growing health risk of extreme heat worldwide, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization emphasizes the importance of “Heat waves are amongst the deadliest natural hazards, with hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year,” John Nairn, the organization’s senior extreme heat adviser, said Tuesday in a news conference. Furthermore, extreme heat impacts economies and livelihoods. Heatwaves can disrupt industries, such as agriculture and tourism, causing economic losses and job displacements. In the agricultural sector, crop failures and livestock losses due to extreme heat can result in food shortages and price spikes. Tourism-dependent regions may suffer decreased visitor numbers and revenue as extreme heat makes outdoor activities less appealing. collaborate with local businesses and industries to develop heat-adaptation strategies and emergency response plans, safeguarding economic interests and livelihoods during heatwaves. Extreme Heat and Climate Challenges In addition to immediate health risks, extreme heat exacerbates climate change-related challenges, including wildfires, droughts, and food and water scarcity. It can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, impacting food security and economic stability. Addressing these complex issues requires a comprehensive approach, with security services playing a crucial part in disaster preparedness and response. As the global climate continues to change, proactive and adaptive measures become increasingly essential in safeguarding our communities from the escalating risks of extreme heat. “Heat is a rapidly growing health risk due to increased rapid urbanization, the increasing extreme temperatures and an aging population,” he said while speaking to reporters in Geneva.” Security Service Combat Heat & Climate Health Risks   Nairn emphasized the implications of extreme heat on health, including the fact that repeated high nighttime temperatures are “particularly dangerous” and could lead to “increased cases of heart attacks and death,” because the body is unable to recover from sustained heat throughout the day. Nairn also talked about the reasons why this extreme weather is happening. According to John Nairn, extreme weather patterns are no longer the norm, and they are consequences of climate change. Play a crucial role in addressing these ongoing challenges. “It is global warming and is going to continue for some time,” Nairn added. John Nairn highlighted extreme heat’s health implications, especially high nighttime temperatures leading to increased heart attacks and death. Therefore, he linked these extreme weather patterns to climate change, stating global warming’s continuous impact that  are crucial in addressing these ongoing challenges. These services can play a critical role in monitoring and responding to heatwaves, ensuring public safety during heat emergencies, and providing timely support to those in need. Source: https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/global-heat-wave-weather-temperatures-07-18-23/index.html

Security Challenges – Corps Commanders Conference Rawalpindi Corps Commanders address the impact of TTP sanctuaries & access to advanced weapons on Pakistan’s security. Strategic responses needed to counter cross-border terrorism effectively. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir chaired the 258th Corps Commanders Conference at the GHQ on Monday. The forum expressed rich tribute to the valiant soldiers who persistently offer supreme sacrifices in the defense of their motherland against the threat of terrorism. The Corps Commanders’ Conference remains a vital platform for strategic planning and decision-making, fostering synergy among various stakeholders to address multi-dimensional challenges effectively. The unified dedication of military leadership, and government agencies ensures the safeguarding of the nation’s interests. Therefore, as the country continues to face evolving threats, the forum’s in-depth discussions and policy initiatives play a crucial role in shaping a resilient and secure future for the nation. Internal Security & Operational Preparedness Additionally, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) provided detailed briefings to the participants about the prevailing internal security environment. The discussions highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens amidst evolving security threats. The forum also underscored the role of  beyond in implementing disaster preparedness and response plans, emphasizing the importance of their swift and efficient actions during emergencies. During the forum’s detailed deliberation on the operational preparedness and training aspects of the Army, the COAS emphasized the significance of objective training in maintaining professionalism. Played a vital role in ensuring readiness and proficiency.  The forum also received an update on the government’s economic revival plan and the Army’s role in uplifting the agriculture, IT, mining, mineral, and defense production sectors under the Special Investment Facilitation Council. Economic Revival & Sustainable Growth The participants pledged full support to the Government of Pakistan’s strategic initiatives for economic revival. They commit to providing technical and management assistance for the overall welfare of the people. The forum discussed the importance of incorporating green practices and promoting renewable energy solutions to reduce the carbon footprint and combat climate change. Therefore, they underscored the need for inclusive policies that empower marginalized communities and promote social equity. Moreover, the participants highlighted the role of security services in facilitating economic growth by ensuring a safe and secure environment for investment and business operations. They emphasized the importance of law enforcement in maintaining law and order, protecting property rights, and fostering a conducive atmosphere for economic activities. Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1091506-army-airs-dismay-at-sanctuaries-of-terrorists-in-neighbouring-country