Headline

Dozens Killed In Senegal Bus Accident

Published

3 years ago

January 8, 2023

At least 38 people have died and scores were injured when two buses collided near the town of Kaffrine in central Senegal on Sunday, according to the president and the fire services.

In response to the “grave” accident, President Macky Sall announced three days of national mourning beginning Monday.

In a tweet Sunday he also said there had been 40 deaths and “many serious injuries”.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident,” he said on Twitter.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

The Senegalese prosecutor said in a separate statement that 38 people had been killed.

Public prosecutor, Cheikh Dieng, said that early investigations suggested that the accident was caused when “a bus assigned to the public transport of passengers, following the bursting of a tyre, left its trajectory before colliding head-on with another bus coming in the opposite direction.”

Colonel Cheikh Fall, who is in charge of operations for the West African country’s National Fire Brigade, had earlier told AFP that 38 people had died and 87 were injured in the accident.

The accident took place around 3.15 am local time (0315 GMT) Sunday morning, Fall told AFP, adding that all the victims have been evacuated to a hospital and medical centre in Kaffrine.

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The wreckage and demolished buses have since been cleared and normal traffic has already resumed on the road, he said.

The governor and local officials have already visited the scene, he added.

President Sall said after the period of national mourning finished, a government council will be held to “take firm measures on road safety”.

Road accidents are common in Senegal, largely because of driver indiscipline, poor roads and decrepit vehicles, say experts.

However, this is one of the heaviest death tolls from a single incident in recent years.

In October 2020, at least 16 people were killed and 15 more injured when a bus collided with a refrigerated lorry in western Senegal.

The bus, with a 60-seat capacity, was heading to Rosso near the border with Mauritania, the fire brigade said, adding that the number of people onboard was unknown.

Local media said at the time that the truck was hauling fish to Dakar.

AFP

Headline

UK Supported US Mission To Seize Russian-flagged Oil Tanker – Defense Ministry

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Editor

The British Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday that it provided support to the United States in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

US seized the tanker, which was being shadowed by a Russian submarine on Wednesday, after pursuing it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic as part of Washington’s efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports.

According to Britain, its armed forces gave pre-planned operational support, including basing following a US request for assistance.

The UK also said a military vessel provided support for the US forces pursuing the tanker, and the Royal Air Force provided surveillance support from the air.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the operation targeted a vessel with a nefarious history linked to Russian and Iranian sanctions evasion networks.

“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” he said in a statement.

According to him, the US was Britain’s closest defence and security partner.

“The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today’s seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice,” he added.

The British government said that the Bella-1 tanker, now renamed Marinera, is sanctioned by the US under its counter-Iran sanctions,

The MoD statement said the support was provided in full compliance with international law.

Headline

Russia Deploys Navy To Guard Venezuelan Oil Tanker Chased By US In Atlantic

Published

10 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Editor

Russia has deployed naval assets to escort a sanctioned oil tanker across the Atlantic following reported moves by the United States to seize the vessel.

US forces were said to be preparing to board the ship, which has a history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil and was last believed to be sailing between Scotland and Iceland.

CBS News reported that Russia stepped in to protect the tanker, raising the prospect of a direct confrontation between the two powers at sea.

By sending naval ships into the North Atlantic, Russian President Vladimir Putin is signalling to United States President Donald Trump that any US action would carry consequences, coming after the US president threatened that he might use the military to seize Greenland.

The tanker, currently empty, previously operated under the name Bella 1. Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean with a warrant over alleged breaches of US sanctions and claims that it had shipped Iranian oil.

The vessel later changed course, renamed itself Marinera and reportedly reflagged from Guyana to Russia.

Trump last month said he had ordered a ‘blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a policy the government in Caracas branded ‘theft’.

Ahead of the US seizure of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, Trump accused the country’s government of using ships to smuggle drugs into the United States.

Two US officials told CBS News on Tuesday that American forces were planning to board the Marinera, adding that Washington would prefer to seize the tanker rather than sink it.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it expects Western countries to respect principles of freedom of navigation.

(Daily Mail News)

Headline

UK Introduces Powers To Seize Phones, SIM Cards From Illegal Migrants

Published

2 days ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The United Kingdom has rolled out expanded enforcement powers allowing authorities to confiscate mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants who enter the country illegally.

The new measures, which do not require an arrest, came into force on Monday at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent and represent a significant tightening of border controls.

According to the Home Office, the powers are intended to support intelligence-gathering operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks that organise and profit from dangerous Channel crossings.

Officials at the centre are equipped with technology that enables them to extract and analyse data from seized devices, a move the government says will help track and dismantle smuggling rings.

Under the revised rules, migrants are permitted to be asked to remove outer garments if there is suspicion that phones are being concealed.

In certain circumstances, officers may also check mouths for hidden SIM cards or small electronic items.

The National Crime Agency said information recovered from devices could accelerate investigations and improve the effectiveness of action against organised crime groups.

Border Security Minister Alex Norris said the policy was necessary to regain control of the UK’s borders and confront human trafficking operations.

“We are committed to restoring order and tackling the people-smuggling gangs behind this lethal trade,” Norris said.

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“These stronger laws give authorities the tools to disrupt, intercept and dismantle these networks more quickly and effectively,” he added.

The legislation also introduces tougher criminal penalties linked to illegal crossings.

Individuals found storing or supplying boat engines for unauthorised journeys could face prison terms of up to 14 years, while those involved in researching equipment or plotting routes may be liable to sentences of up to five years.

Government officials stressed that the powers would be exercised with discretion.

The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said devices could be returned depending on individual circumstances and the relevance of the information obtained.

“If a device may contain intelligence that helps combat smuggling, it is right that it can be seized,” Tapp said, adding that the approach would not undermine compassion toward migrants.

However, humanitarian organisations have expressed unease about the impact of the policy.

The Refugee Council warned that mobile phones often serve as vital lifelines for migrants, enabling contact with family members and access to support services, and urged authorities to ensure the measures are applied in a proportionate and humane manner.