Latest news with #LRA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
UK intelligence analyses Russia's large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine last weekend
Russia launched over 900 drones against Ukraine over the course of three nights of aerial attacks from 23 to 26 May. This marked the largest combined attack in recent months and the most extensive use of loitering munitions since the war began. Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 30 May on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: UK intelligence reports that Russia's nighttime attacks from 23 to 26 May constituted the most extensive use of loitering munitions against Ukraine since the war began. These drone strikes were coupled with other weapons used by Russian forces, with many targeting Kyiv. In total, Russia used more than 900 attack drones over the course of these three days. Moreover, strategic aircraft were employed to launch missiles on 25 and 26 May, marking the first instance of those warplanes being used on two consecutive days since August 2024. UK intelligence also noted that the previous use of Russian Long-Range Aviation (LRA) for a combined aerial attack occurred on 24 April. "Russia's post-strike rebuilding of its stockpile enables LRA to sit ready to conduct strikes such as these with little to no notice, at a time of Russia's choosing," the update concludes. Background: One of the previous UK Defence Intelligence updates mentioned Russian general Sergei Surovikin, who disappeared after Yevgeny Prigozhin's death and recently appeared in a photo posted by the Russian Embassy in Algeria. [Prigozhin was the Wagner Group financier who led a failed mutiny in June 2023, during which he accused Russia's military leadership of betraying Wagner fighters and briefly advanced towards Moscow before standing down after negotiations – ed.] Earlier, UK intelligence suggested that Russia could suffer record losses in the war against Ukraine in 2025. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Pelubang LRA construction work progressing smoothly
ALOR SETAR: The construction work of the Pelubang Water Treatment Plant (LRA) in Kubang Pasu is progressing smoothly, achieving an overall construction progress of 62.46 per cent, exceeding the scheduled target of 62.32 per cent. Bina Darulaman Bhd (BDB) group executive director Raja Shahreen Raja Othman said the progress of construction is 43 days ahead of the original schedule, assuring them that the LRA can be completed by the end of the year. 'In terms of construction progress, BDB needs to meet and adhere to the set timeline, so we hope that other stakeholders can also play their roles to ensure the construction work is completed on schedule. 'There are several big challenges that need to be overcome and these include land issues and permits as this project involves land ownership, roads and other properties. However, BDB is committed and we have sufficient resources to complete the LRA project,' he said at a press conference after the 30th BDB annual general meeting today. Previously, the Kedah Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply, Water Resources and Environment Committee chairman Mohamad Yusuf@Munir Zakaria had said that the Pelubang LRA had been granted an Extension Of Time (EOT) until Dec 21 due to several technical issues encountered earlier. Meanwhile, Raja Shahreen said the LRA structure is almost complete and only awaiting mechanical and electrical (M&E) works to be done, and once finished, it will significantly enhance the progress of the overall construction. 'If the M&E is installed and set up, then it can improve the progress level, possibly reaching up to 80 per cent... When it becomes operational, it can improve water supply access for residents in the Kubang Pasu and Alor Setar areas and resolve the frequent water issues in Kedah. 'If anyone wants BDB to be the contractor for projects that require rescue operations, we are ready and can provide the necessary resources to complete the relevant LRA,' he also said. Meanwhile, regarding the world's first international Islamic-inspired retirement village project, Aman Seterra Sanctuary, which is expected to be built in Kuala Temoyong, Langkawi next year, Raja Shahreen said they are in the process of submitting the project planning approval to the Langkawi Tourism City Municipal Council. The project, a collaboration between BDB through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aman Lagenda Sdn Bhd, and Seterra Holdings Sdn Bhd, will be developed over an area of 12.42 acres (5.03 hectares), providing services to retirees and the elderly from around the world by integrating the concepts of independent living, assisted living and long-term care. In the meantime, he said for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2024, BDB recorded a pre-tax profit of RM4.51 million, with revenue of RM294.7 million compared to RM14.47 million and RM313.1 million respectively in 2023, but the company remains optimistic about long-term growth prospects.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant sets three national records in MBOR
KUALA LUMPUR: The Package 3 of Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA) made history after earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for three national achievements, showcasing the country's engineering innovation and commitment to environmental sustainability. The three records set were Malaysia's first pipe conveyor-type water treatment waste transport system, the longest pipe conveyor system for water treatment waste at 1.918 kilometres and the longest shaftless screw conveyor system at 46 metres. Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chief executive officer Zulkiflee Omar described the three projects worth RM210 million as a transformative step for Malaysia's water sector. 'This was not just an ordinary infrastructure project, it represented significant engineering innovation focused on sustainable environmental governance,' he said at the handing over of the certificates of recognition from MBOR here today. The LRA Langat 2 is capable of treating up to 1,130 million litres of water per day (MLD) and generating up to 400 tonnes of treatment waste daily, depending on the quality of raw water channelled from Sungai Semantan in Pahang through a 45-kilometre tunnel across the Titiwangsa Range to Hulu Langat. According to Zulkiflee that conventional waste management had required up to 96 lorry trips daily, creating road safety hazards, significant carbon emissions and community disruption. However, the new pipe conveyor system automatically transferred waste almost two kilometres to a dedicated landfill site near the Bunting Balance Pond, completely removing heavy vehicles from public roads. 'This system not only saves fuel and reduces carbon emissions, but also supports the country's commitment to sustainable climate change,' he said. He noted that the system can transport 120 tonnes of waste hourly during its eight-hour daily operation, preventing more than 35,000 lorry trips annually, thereby enhancing safety, boosting operational efficiency, and strengthening environmental protection. Zulkiflee also extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project's success, particularly recognising main contractor Salcon Engineering Berhad, financial consultants, government partners, and MBOR for the prestigious acknowledgement. 'This project proves that public facilities are also capable of producing innovative, responsible and world-class approaches,' he said.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
LANGAT 2 WATER TREATMENT PLANT SETS THREE NATIONAL RECORDS IN MBOR
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Package 3 of Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA) made history after earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for three national achievements, showcasing the country's engineering innovation and commitment to environmental sustainability. The three records set were Malaysia's first pipe conveyor-type water treatment waste transport system, the longest pipe conveyor system for water treatment waste at 1.918 kilometres and the longest shaftless screw conveyor system at 46 metres. Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chief executive officer Zulkiflee Omar described the three projects worth RM210 million as a transformative step for Malaysia's water sector. "This was not just an ordinary infrastructure project, it represented significant engineering innovation focused on sustainable environmental governance," he said at the handing over of the certificates of recognition from MBOR here today. The LRA Langat 2 is capable of treating up to 1,130 million litres of water per day (MLD) and generating up to 400 tonnes of treatment waste daily, depending on the quality of raw water channelled from Sungai Semantan in Pahang through a 45-kilometre tunnel across the Titiwangsa Range to Hulu Langat. According to Zulkiflee that conventional waste management had required up to 96 lorry trips daily, creating road safety hazards, significant carbon emissions and community disruption. However, the new pipe conveyor system automatically transferred waste almost two kilometres to a dedicated landfill site near the Bunting Balance Pond, completely removing heavy vehicles from public roads. 'This system not only saves fuel and reduces carbon emissions, but also supports the country's commitment to sustainable climate change,' he said. He noted that the system can transport 120 tonnes of waste hourly during its eight-hour daily operation, preventing more than 35,000 lorry trips annually, thereby enhancing safety, boosting operational efficiency, and strengthening environmental protection.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
What happened to Joseph Kony? From altar boy to warlord who abducted tens of thousands of boys and girls to become child soldiers or sex slaves but somehow evades justice
From farmer's son and altar boy to self-proclaimed messiah, zealous rebel, ruthless warlord - and perhaps most frustrating of all for those seeking justice - master of evasion. For the tens of thousands of Ugandans whose lives he decimated, Joseph Kony was - and remains - a loathsome figure, but without doubt his life now is a far cry from his more wholesome roots. As the leader of The Lord's Resistance Army, a cultish militant group that operates in central Africa, he was said to be responsible for mass rape, kidnapping and murder - as well as the military enslavement of more than 30,000 children. In 2005, he was indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for a variety of war crimes and crimes against humanity. But despite endless efforts by skilled military personnel, Kony has continuously escaped capture and remains on the run as one of Africa's most wanted men. Sources say that Kony is so adept at keeping out of the way of authorities that he has ditched satellite phones in favour of runners for communication with his supporters, while at times he has lived in the bush, surviving off wild roots and animals. But life was not always this way. Kony was born in 1961 as a member of Uganda's northern Acholi ethnic group to a family of six children. Both his parents were farmers and regular churchgoers, with his father being a Catholic, and his mother an Anglican. He served as an altar boy until the age of 15, before rising to prominence in the Holy Spirit Movement, a rebel group led by Alice Auma Lakwena, a former prostitute believed to have been his aunt. The movement was formed after Ugandan president Tito Okello, an Acholi, was overthrown in January 1986 by the National Resistance Army (NRA). Lakwena, who died in exile in Kenya in early 2007, believed she could channel the spirits of the dead, and also told her followers that the holy oil she gave them could stop bullets. The rebellion - which Kony eventually went on to lead - claimed to defend the Acholi people against NRA President Yoweri Museveni. But when army troops crushed the movement and Lakwena fled into Kenya, Kony founded the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and proclaimed himself as the people's prophet. Despite widespread northern resentment against Museveni, Kony's extremist policies - which were designed to terrify his subordinates into obedience - made him a figure of fear rather than admiration among his people. Aspiring to rule Uganda according to a mix of mysticism, Acholi nationalism and Christian fundamentalism, Kony - a self-proclaimed spokesperson of God with more than 60 wives - turned against his supporters to 'purify' his people and carried out a series of horrific assaults, including rape and indiscriminate killings. Kony forcibly recruited young boys to serve as his next generation of soldiers, while girls were kidnapped and kept as sex slaves. His terrifying rule over Ugandans inspired a bloody rebellion that spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. Tens of thousands of atrocities were carried out in the names of the LRA for more than two decades, but following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the group was officially designated as a terrorist group by the US governments. It spelt the beginning of the end for his reign of terror. By 2005, the self-proclaimed prophet - along with four of his deputies - were the first people indicted by the ICC in The Hague for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Support for the LRA was beginning to wane. When Sudan signed a peace deal with the southern rebels in 2005 and the group was forced into neighbouring DR Congo by the Ugandan army, Kony agreed to hold peace talks. But negotiations dragged on and, amid mutual distrust and anxiety over the ICC warrant, Kony repeatedly failed to turn up to sign a deal. He decided instead to continue living on the run - sparking a widespread and prolonged manhunt that to the dismay of the world - and his victims - has still not reaped the reward of his capture. So what has been up to since then? Kony, who is thought to be in his 50s, speaks broken English and Acholi and has only rarely met outsiders, but in an interview with a western journalist in 2006 he insisted that he was 'not a terrorist' and had not committed atrocities. 'We want the people of Uganda to be free. We are fighting for democracy,' he claimed. Nevertheless, ex-LRA abductees have a very different viewpoint. Some say they were forced to maim and kill friends, neighbours and relatives, as well as participate in gruesome rites such as drinking their victims' blood. In late 2011, following pressure from US campaigners, President Barack Obama agreed to deploy US special forces troops to help local armies track down Kony. He then surged to unexpected worldwide prominence in March 2012 on the back of a hugely popular internet video that called for his capture. Made by US-based advocacy group Invisible Children, the Kony2012 film highlighted LRA's alleged crimes, including the abduction of children for use as sex slaves or fighters. It became one of the fastest-spreading internet videos in history after more than 100 million users across the globe watched it in just a few days. The story took another strange twist later that year when Angelina Jolie, Oscar-winning film star, international humanitarian, United Nations special envoy and all-round sex bomb, offered to come to the ICC's rescue - by offering herself as a honeytrap to capture Kony. Documents leaked from the ICC show that Jolie had offered to be embedded with US Special Forces close to the warlord's stronghold in northern Uganda and 'has the idea to invite Kony to dinner and then arrest him'. The plan apparently came to nothing more than a bizarre bookmark in a tale of a rebel leader who has still not been brought to justice. Those efforts were further hampered in 2017 when Uganda's military and the United States both announced they would end their pursuit of Kony - saying its mission had been 'successfully achieved' even though the rebel leader remains at large. Uganda started pulling its forces from Central African Republic, which for years had acted as a base for troops chasing the rebels, just a day after the US said the active membership of Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) now only numbered less than 100. Before that decision, around 1,500 Ugandan troops had been deployed in Central African Republic under an African Union military mission to defeat the LRA. With the troops now withdrawn, attention turned instead to one of Kony's former commanders, Dominic Ongwen, whose nom de guerre was 'White Ant'. He was indicted by the ICC and convicted in 2021 of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ongwen is currently serving a 25-year jail sentence for 61 charges, including murder, rape and sexual enslavement His lawyers had pleaded for mitigation considering he was one of Kony's child soldiers, having been kidnapped on the way to school by LRA militants aged just nine. In October 2024, Thomas Kwoyelo - another former child soldier who later became a rebel commander under Kony - was sentenced by a court in Uganda to 40 years in prison for his role in the LRA's brutal crimes. Kwoyelo will serve only 25 years in jail as he has been in government custody for 15 years, the court ruled. His sentencing applied to the most serious crimes he faced, including multiple counts of murder, rape, pillaging, and enslavement. Kwoyelo, who denied the charges against him, testified that only Kony could answer for LRA crimes, and said everyone in the LRA faced death for disobeying the warlord. But Grace Apio, a Ugandan victim of the LRA insurgency, said at the time that the sentencing 'is very little for us, the victims.' She added: 'We feel very sentence will encourage other people who want to start a war that in Uganda, after committing these atrocities, you will end up with a light sentence and then you come back to society and start your life again.' Kwoyelo was convicted in August 2024 on 44 of the 78 counts he faced for crimes committed during the insurgency between 1992 and 2005. News of Kony fell silent again until February of this year, when it was reported that one of his wives and three children had been repatriated from Central African Republic, Ugandan authorities said. Then in April, the ICC confirmed the award of €52 million (£45m) to victims of Ongwen, including a 'symbolic' payment of €750 (£632) for each of the near 50,000 victims identified in the case. ICC judges ruled Ongwen personally ordered his soldiers to carry out massacres of more than 130 civilians at the Lukodi, Pajule, Odek and Abok refugee camps between 2002 and 2005. While the court acknowledged he had been kidnapped as a 'defenceless child', judges said this did not mitigate his guilt. The court's Trust Fund for Victims will arrange for the reparations to be made as Ongwen - currently serving his sentence in a Norwegian prison - was unable to pay. For Kony's victims these are all small steps towards the justice they have sought for more than 30 years. But Kony himself remains at large - despite being wanted by the ICC and even with a generous $5m reward offered by US authorities. Sources say he is hiding somewhere in ungoverned territories in Central African Republic - and is more than adept at remaining hidden. For the ICC however, the charges against Kony are so horrific that they can no longer go unheard. For that reason, it plans to hold a hearing in absentia on September 9. His victims can only hope that one day Kony himself will be the one to stand in court and hear them.
