Updated
Jun 27, 2024, 05:09 AM
Published
Jun 27, 2024, 05:09 AM
Bolivian soldiers surge into presidential palace
Bolivian armed forces took over the capital’s central square on June 26, and an armoured vehicle rammed through the entrance to the presidential palace followed by soldiers, igniting fears of a military coup.
Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced the “irregular mobilisation” of some army units in La Paz and former leader Evo Morales accused a top general of plotting a coup.
Heavily armed soldiers and armoured vehicles were seen gathering in the central square, Plaza Murillo, while a Reuters witness saw an armoured vehicle pushing into the presidential palace, which sits on the square, and soldiers rushing in.
“The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new Cabinet of ministers, surely things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer,” General Juan Jose Zuniga told a local TV station.
Fears new ‘most dangerous’ mpox strain will cross borders
A new deadlier strain of mpox that transmits more easily between people is killing children and causing miscarriages in the Democratic Republic of Congo and may have already spread to neighbouring countries, researchers have warned.
All countries should be preparing for “this new strain before it spreads to other places, before it is too late,” Mr John Claude Udahemuka, a researcher at the University of Rwanda studying the outbreak, told AFP.
Five per cent of adults and 10 per cent of children who get the strain die, researchers said.
Israel defence chief says progress made on munitions supply
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on June 26 there had been significant progress made addressing the issue of US munitions supply to Israel, during his meetings with Biden administration officials in Washington this week.
Mr Gallant was wrapping up a visit to discuss the next phase of the Gaza war against Hamas militants, escalating hostilities with Hezbollah fighters on the border with Lebanon that have spurred fears of a wider conflict and shared US-Israeli concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
He has also sought to cool tensions between the US and close ally Israel following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims that Washington was withholding weapons, prompting US officials to express disappointment and confusion over the Israeli leader’s remarks.
Jho Low to forfeit Warhol, Monet artworks in 1MDB deal
The US Justice Department (DOJ) has reached a deal to recover more than US$100 million (S$135.8 million) in funds, including artworks by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol, linked to the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.
The DOJ announced an agreement with Malaysian fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, members of his family, and trust entities in order to resolve two civil forfeiture cases.
It had previously brought the cases against assets that it claimed were acquired by Low and his family using funds allegedly embezzled from the troubled sovereign investment fund, 1MDB or 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
De Bruyne tight-lipped on fan fury after Euro draw
Kevin De Bruyne refused to comment on the angry reaction of Belgium fans after their June 26 goalless draw with Ukraine at Euro 2024, insisting that “we need them” ahead of a last-16 match with France.
Belgium missed the chance to finish top of Group E after having to settle for a point in Stuttgart, with De Bruyne seemingly instructing his team-mates not to head over to applaud the supporters after the game.
The Manchester City playmaker was making his way towards the Belgium fans behind the goal before appearing to change his mind as the whistling and booing intensified.