United News of Bangladesh

Multiple women have accused members of a new Russian military unit operating in Mali of rape and other sexual assaults, according to an Associated Press investigation that sheds light on widespread but largely hidden abuses in the country’s protracted conflict. The allegations involve Africa Corps, a Russian force that earlier this year replaced the Wagner mercenary group and is assisting Mali’s military in operations against extremist groups. Refugees who fled to neighboring Mauritania told the AP they survived or witnessed sexual violence, including attempted rape and abductions, allegedly committed by fighters they described as “white men.” Victims and their families spoke anonymously, citing fear of retaliation. One reported victim was a 14-year-old girl treated for a severe infection linked to sexual assault. In other accounts, women described armed men entering homes, undressing them and threatening violence. One mother said she saw her 18-year-old daughter dragged away by armed men and has not seen her since. The U.N. and aid groups say sexual violence has been committed by all sides in Mali’s conflict, including extremist groups such as al-Qaida-linked JNIM. A women’s health clinic in central Mali reported treating 28 women in six months who said they were assaulted by militants. Abuses remain under-reported due to stigma, fear of reprisals and lack of access to medical care. Aid workers warn this silence hinders accountability and deepens trauma among survivors. Similar accusations were previously leveled against Wagner mercenaries. In a 2023 report, the U.N. documented dozens of rapes during a deadly operation in Moura village, after which Mali expelled the U.N. peacekeeping mission, making independent investigations more difficult. As fighting intensifies, more than 150,000 Malians have fled to Mauritania. Aid agencies say many survivors never seek help, despite growing humanitarian needs along the border.

Israel on Saturday said it killed a top Hamas commander in Gaza after an explosive device detonated and wounded two soldiers in the territory's south. Hamas in a statement did not confirm the death of Raed Saad. It said a civilian vehicle had been struck outside Gaza City and asserted it was a violation of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10. Saad served as the Hamas official in charge of manufacturing and previously led the militant group's operations division. The Israeli statement described him as one of the architects of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war, and said that he had been “engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization” in a violation of the ceasefire. The Israeli strike west of Gaza City killed four people, according to an Associated Press journalist who saw their bodies arrive at Shifa Hospital. Another three were wounded, according to Al-Awda hospital. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of truce violations. Israeli airstrikes and shootings in Gaza have killed at least 386 Palestinians since the ceasefire took hold, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel has said recent strikes are in retaliation for militant attacks against its soldiers, and that troops have fired on Palestinians who approached the “Yellow Line” between the Israeli-controlled majority of Gaza and the rest of the territory. Israel has demanded that Palestinian militants return the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, from Gaza and called it a condition of moving to the second and more complicated phase of the ceasefire. That lays out a vision for ending Hamas’ rule and seeing the rebuilding of a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision. The initial Hamas-led 2023 attack on southern Israel killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Almost all hostages or their remains have been returned in ceasefires or other deals. Israel’s two-year campaign in Gaza has killed more than 70,650 Palestinians, roughly half of them women and children, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between militants and civilians in its count. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by the international community. Much of Gaza has been destroyed and most of the population of over 2 million has been displaced. Humanitarian aid entry into the territory continues to be below the level set by ceasefire terms, and Palestinians who lost limbs in the war face a shortage of prosthetic limbs and long delays in medical evacuations.

China has announced an ambitious plan to make childbirth essentially free for parents by 2026 under national insurance guidelines. The move, revealed at a national healthcare security conference on Saturday, is part of a broader strategy to address the country's declining birth rate by reducing the financial burden of having children. 

Eritrea has withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), accusing the East African regional bloc of working against its national interests, as the United Nations voiced concern over rising tensions between Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia. In a statement issued Friday, Eritrea’s foreign ministry said it was leaving IGAD because the organization had “lost its legal mandate and authority,” offered no strategic benefit to member states, and failed to contribute meaningfully to regional stability. Eritrea previously exited the bloc in 2003 before rejoining two years ago. IGAD responded by saying Eritrea had not actively participated in the organization’s activities since its return. IGAD comprises eight countries — Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda — and focuses on cooperation in areas such as trade, transport, agriculture, natural resources and environmental policy. The withdrawal comes amid renewed friction between Eritrea and Ethiopia, with both sides accusing each other of interference. Concerns have grown over the possibility of another conflict despite a peace deal signed 25 years ago. Ethiopia has recently stated its desire to regain access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, which it depended on for trade before Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks calling the loss of sea access a “mistake” have been viewed by Eritrea as provocative. The United Nations urged both countries to recommit to peace, respect sovereignty and uphold territorial integrity. It cited the 2000 Algiers Agreement, which ended decades of border conflict, calling it a vital framework for maintaining stability. Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of harboring intentions to seize its Red Sea ports, while Ethiopia claims Eritrea is preparing for war and supporting rebel groups within Ethiopia.  

The Philippine Coast Guard said Saturday that three Filipino fishermen were injured after Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons and aggressive blocking tactics against Philippine fishing boats near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. According to the coast guard, at least 20 Philippine fishing boats were targeted Friday afternoon off Sabina Shoal. Two boats were damaged, while three fishermen sustained injuries during what officials described as a dangerous and unlawful assault. Chinese coast guard personnel operating smaller rubber boats also allegedly cut the anchor lines of several Philippine vessels, exposing them to strong currents and rough seas. Two Philippine coast guard ships were dispatched to assist the fishermen but encountered hazardous maneuvers from Chinese vessels. One Chinese ship reportedly came within about 35 yards of a Philippine coast guard vessel during nighttime operations, spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said during an online briefing. “The Chinese coast guard is now targeting ordinary fishermen and endangering civilian lives,” Tarriela said, condemning the actions. Despite the confrontations, the Philippine Coast Guard said it was able to reach the affected fishermen early Saturday, provide medical assistance to the injured and deliver essential supplies, indicating that tensions later subsided. China has not immediately responded to the latest incident. Beijing has consistently asserted its claims over much of the South China Sea and vowed to defend what it considers its territory, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that rejected China’s expansive claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. China has dismissed that ruling and continues to disregard it. The Philippine Coast Guard urged its Chinese counterpart to respect international norms and prioritize safety at sea, warning against actions that put civilian lives at risk. While the United States has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, it has reiterated that it is obligated under a mutual defense treaty to protect the Philippines if Filipino forces or vessels come under armed attack in the disputed waters. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also claimants in the long-standing maritime disputes, which remain a major regional flashpoint.

Iran on Saturday introduced a new, higher pricing tier for its heavily subsidized petrol, marking the first such increase since a 2019 hike triggered nationwide protests and a deadly security crackdown. Petrol has long been considered a social entitlement in Iran, but the government is under growing pressure from a weakening rial, high inflation and international sanctions linked to its nuclear program. Despite these strains, officials appear cautious, seeking to avoid public anger after months of economic hardship and a recent brief war with Israel. Under the revised system, motorists will continue to receive 60 liters per month at the lowest subsidized rate of 15,000 rials per liter, with the next 100 liters priced at 30,000 rials. Fuel purchased beyond that quota will now cost 50,000 rials per liter. Even at the new rate, Iranian gasoline remains among the cheapest globally. At gas stations in Tehran, there were no immediate signs of unrest, though some police presence was visible. Many drivers expressed frustration but resignation, saying the government made decisions without public consent. Iran’s vast fuel subsidies place a heavy burden on state finances. The International Energy Agency previously ranked Iran as the world’s second-largest energy subsidizer, estimating oil subsidies at $52 billion in 2022 alone. Economists argue repeated price hikes have failed to resolve budget deficits and instead fueled inflation, currently hovering around 40%. The move revives memories of 2019, when abrupt fuel price increases sparked protests in more than 100 cities. Amnesty International says at least 321 people were killed in the subsequent crackdown. Officials describe the new tier as a step toward curbing excessive fuel consumption and have signaled that prices may be reviewed every three months, raising concerns that further increases could follow.

The European Union on Friday moved to freeze Russian assets in Europe indefinitely, blocking any attempt by Hungary and Slovakia to prevent their use in support of Ukraine. Invoking a special economic emergency mechanism, the EU decided that the assets will remain immobilized until Russia ends its war against Ukraine and pays compensation for the damage caused during nearly four years of conflict. The decision bypasses the usual six-month renewal of sanctions, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. EU Council President António Costa said European leaders had pledged in October to keep Russian assets frozen until Moscow halts its aggression and provides compensation, adding that the bloc has now fulfilled that promise. He said the next step would be finalizing plans at a Dec. 18 summit to use the funds to help meet Ukraine’s financial and military needs in 2026–27. Around 210 billion euros ($247 billion) in Russian assets are frozen in Europe, most of them held at Belgium-based clearing house Euroclear. The move also prevents the funds from being used in any peace negotiations without EU consent. Hungary and Slovakia, both led by governments more sympathetic to Moscow, oppose further aid to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the decision, claiming it undermines the rule of law and accusing EU leaders of overstepping legal boundaries to prolong a war he said cannot be won. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that using the assets could undermine U.S. peace efforts. Russia’s Central Bank said it has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against Euroclear, calling the EU’s actions illegal and contrary to international law. EU officials dismissed the legal challenge, saying the decision is sound and that Russia is likely to pursue further court actions to obstruct EU policy. The decision came amid rising tensions with Moscow, hours after Germany summoned the Russian ambassador over allegations of sabotage, cyberattacks and election interference.

Hundreds of thousands of workers across Italy went on a 24-hour national strike on Friday, disrupting public transport, schools, healthcare, and other key services to protest the government’s draft budget for 2026. The strike was organised by Italy’s largest trade union, the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), opposing the 18-billion-euro (21.1 billion U.S. dollars) budget package approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet in mid-October. The draft budget still requires parliamentary approval and may be amended before the end of the year. Public sector operations, including education, healthcare, local transport, and postal services, were partially halted, and several private companies were also affected. Organisers reported around 500,000 people joined demonstrations nationwide, according to the ANSA news agency. Major rallies took place in Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence. In Florence, CGIL leader Maurizio Landini addressed an estimated crowd of 100,000, urging the government to adopt stronger fiscal measures to support working-class families, pensioners, and youth, and to improve access to affordable housing and public transport. The draft budget is currently under review by the Senate’s finance committee and will later be debated and voted on by both chambers of parliament.  

US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Germany this weekend to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders for high-level discussions on ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff, leading the White House’s mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow, is set to discuss the latest draft of a proposed peace agreement in Berlin. The Trump administration aims to finalise a deal by Christmas and has held multiple rounds of talks with Ukrainian and Russian representatives, though a breakthrough has yet to emerge. According to reports, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected to join the discussions. The talks come days after Ukraine submitted its revised 20-point peace plan to the US, building on proposals first circulated in late November. The plan remains contentious, particularly regarding eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv refuses to cede territory occupied by Russia, while Moscow insists on taking full control of the Donbas region unless Ukraine withdraws. Zelenskyy has expressed scepticism over the White House proposal, which suggests Ukraine pull back its forces and convert the area into a “special economic zone.” He questioned the plan’s ability to prevent Russian incursions. European allies have described the US-led talks as productive, noting improvements to an initial plan widely seen as favouring Russia. However, reports indicate growing frustration from Trump over the pace of negotiations with Zelenskyy and European partners. As diplomatic efforts continue, Europe is also focused on supporting Ukraine financially and militarily in the event of a peace deal. The Ukrainian government faces a funding gap of €135.7 billion over the next two years, while the EU has agreed to freeze €210 billion worth of Russian assets, potentially to be loaned back to Kyiv. The latest peace draft reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine to join the European Union by January 2027, accelerating its membership process, although it remains unclear whether Washington has endorsed this element.   With inputs from BBC

Football icon Lionel Messi’s much-hyped “GOAT Tour of India” began in Kolkata on Saturday but was marred by chaos and mismanagement at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, forcing the event to be cut short amid fan unrest. Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself earlier in the day, marking the start of his three-day India tour. The statue, installed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town, shows the Argentine great holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and is the first of its kind in India. However, moments after Messi appeared at the Salt Lake Stadium, the situation spiralled out of control as angry fans protested over alleged mismanagement and lack of access. Visuals showed vandalism inside the stadium, while security personnel rushed to escort Messi out as tensions rose. As a result, several scheduled activities were curtailed. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who were expected to attend the programme, could not take part after the event was abruptly ended. Promoter Satadru Datta and security officials whisked Messi away from the venue as fans shouted slogans and expressed frustration, calling the situation an “absolute disgrace” and blaming poor planning. Earlier in the day, Messi met Shah Rukh Khan and industrialist Sanjiv Goenka and expressed happiness over the statue, according to state minister Sujit Bose, who said Messi and his team had approved the installation. Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning and is scheduled to leave for Hyderabad in the evening, where he is set to take part in a football clinic and a celebrity match. The India tour will continue in Mumbai on December 14 and conclude in New Delhi on December 15. Despite the disorder in Kolkata, organisers said the remaining legs of the tour would go ahead as planned under tighter security arrangements.   With inputs from NDTV