United News of Bangladesh

At least 21 people were killed and more than 70 injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday evening, authorities said, warning the death toll could rise overnight. Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente said more than 30 people were being treated in hospital for serious injuries. Andalusian emergency services reported at least 73 people were hurt in total. The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz, close to the city of Cordoba, when a high-speed train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto another track before colliding with an oncoming train from Madrid to Huelva, rail network operator Adif said. Puente described the incident as “extremely strange”, noting the derailment happened on a straight stretch of track that was refurbished in May last year. The cause of the accident is not yet known and an investigation is expected to take at least a month. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain would endure a “night of deep pain” following the disaster. Private operator Iryo said about 300 passengers were on board the Malaga to Madrid service, while the Madrid to Huelva train, operated by Renfe, had around 100 passengers. The mayor of Adamuz, Rafael Moreno, who was among the first at the scene, described the crash as “a nightmare”. Emergency crews said twisted wreckage made rescue operations difficult. All rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended after the accident and will remain closed on Monday. Adif said it had opened support centres for relatives at major stations including Atocha, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga and Huelva. The Spanish Red Cross deployed emergency teams to the site and offered counselling to families. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their condolences, while French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also offered messages of sympathy. Spain’s worst high-speed train disaster occurred in 2013 in Galicia, where 80 people were killed and 140 injured.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to continue protesting against their government, saying “help is on its way.” He urged protesters to take note of the names of those responsible for killings and abuses. Trump cancelled meetings with Iranian officials until the violent crackdown on protesters stops. Thousands of people are feared dead after weeks of anti-government protests. Human rights groups estimate around 1,847 protesters have died, including children and security personnel. Iranian authorities have sentenced some protesters to death. One, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, is reportedly due to be executed on Jan 14. Families say the process is fast, raising fears of execution without notice. Iranian security forces also seized a large shipment of Starlink satellite internet kits, alleging they were intended for espionage and sabotage. Use of Starlink devices is illegal in Iran, and internet blackouts are ongoing. Meanwhile, the UK government has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the crackdown. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the violence “the most brutal and bloody repression against public protests in Iran for at least 13 years” and said the UK plans to push for further sanctions in coordination with the EU and the UN. Trump’s threats have drawn criticism from Iran’s officials and Russia. Ali Larijani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, blamed Trump for protest deaths. Russia’s foreign ministry called US threats of strikes “categorically unacceptable” and warned of serious consequences in the Middle East. The White House said Trump’s national security team is discussing possible options for intervention in Iran. It is unclear what kind of “help” the president intends or when it might come. Economic sanctions are also escalating. Trump announced a 25% US tariff on trade with Iran’s partners. Analysts warn enforcement may be difficult, and secondary sanctions could further harm Iran’s struggling economy, already affected by inflation, reduced oil exports, and trade restrictions. Internet blackouts and censorship continue to make verification of events inside Iran difficult. Human rights groups say the shutdowns violate international law and limit the ability to document abuses. The protests and international response highlight growing tension over Iran’s human rights record, economic crisis, and geopolitical position.   With inputs from BBC

Before Monday’s coup in Myanmar, the country’s relations with China already were complicated by Chinese investments in its infrastructure and the Myanmar military’s campaigns along their shared border.