Latest news with #Nyala
Al Arabiya
21 hours ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
Cargo plane bombed in Sudan's Darfur: Witnesses
A cargo plane was bombed on Wednesday shortly after landing at a paramilitary-controlled airport in Sudan's western Darfur region, three eyewitnesses reported. The airport in Nyala, the South Darfur state capital, has in recent weeks come under repeated air strikes by the Sudanese military, at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. Neither the army, under Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, nor the RSF, commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, have released information on the latest attack. 'At 5:30 in the morning, I saw a cargo plane landing on the runway,' one eyewitness who lives near the airport told AFP. 'Half an hour later, I heard explosions and saw smoke rising from it.' The testimony was corroborated by two other witnesses in the area. Several others said explosions were heard across the city for about an hour. All spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for their safety, amid a crackdown by the RSF on the civilian population in Nyala, which the paramilitaries have controlled since 2023. Early last month, a cargo plane reportedly resupplying the RSF garrison in the city was bombed as it landed at the airport. Human Rights Watch on Wednesday said that in recent months 'indiscriminate' military air strikes had killed dozens in the city, Darfur's largest. In early February, when the army was pushing an aggressive counteroffensive to reclaim territory across Sudan, it 'used unguided air-dropped bombs on residential and commercial neighborhoods in Nyala,' HRW added. In one attack on February 3, five bombs on densely populated neighborhoods killed 32 people, according to medical charity Doctors Without Borders. The inaccurate attacks 'have killed scores of men, women, and children, destroyed families, and caused fear and displacement,' HRW's Jean-Baptiste Gallopin said in a statement. Since it began, the war has killed tens of thousands, uprooted 13 million and created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises. It has also effectively split Sudan in two, with the army holding the center, north and east while the RSF controls nearly all of Darfur and, with its allies, parts of the south.
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
Drones hit paramilitary sites in west Sudan: Witnesses
Three drone strikes have hit key paramilitary positions in western Sudan, witnesses said Sunday, as fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces escalates in the war-torn region. The strikes in Nyala, the South Darfur state capital, targeted a hotel and a medical unit in the city center and RSF-held positions on the eastern outskirts, residents said. 'We saw ambulances transporting the wounded to several hospitals,' one resident told AFP in a message. The RSF has controlled much of Nyala since the conflict began in April 2023 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Air strikes on RSF positions have intensified, hitting Nyala airport -- a key RSF base -- and other targets. In early May, army planes bombed RSF sites in Nyala and the West Darfur capital, El-Geneina, destroying depots and equipment, a military source said. A cargo plane was also reportedly fired on while landing at Nyala airport, though the source did not say who was responsible. Satellite images released last month by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab showed six advanced at the city's RSF-held airport. The Chinese-made drones appeared 'capable of long-range surveillance and strikes', it said. After nearly daily attacks in early May, the strikes paused for a week before resuming on Saturday. Residents reported intercepts of drones by air defenses north and west of the city. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced 13 million -- nearly a quarter of the population -- in what the United Nations calls one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters. The conflict has effectively split the northeast African country in two with the army holding the north, east and center while the RSF and its allies dominate nearly all of Darfur in the west and parts of the south.
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
What to watch on TV and streaming today: The Zoo, Being the Ricardos and Carlos Alcarez
The Zoo RTÉ One, 8.30pm We're returning to Dublin Zoo for a new eight-part series. There's reason to celebrate when Nyala the southern white rhino gives birth to another baby. But the staff also receive a devastating blow due to a long-term resident's death. Austin BBC One, 9.30pm Julian desperately needs the documentary about his growing relationship with Austin to be a success, but will hiring an award-winning director help? Punchestown Festival Preview 2025 TG4, 9.35pm Denis Kirwan gives viewers the lowdown on the Punchestown Irish National Hunt Racing Festival, which begins on April 29. Being the Ricardos RTÉ2, 9.40pm Comedy-drama starring Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem as Lucille Ball and her first husband, bandleader Desi Arnaz. The film shows them juggling the recording of an episode of their sitcom I Love Lucy with various personal crises. Battle Camp Netflix, streaming now When you think about it, there are more reality TV stars headbanging about needing something to do now more than ever — mostly thanks to Netflix. Fret not, for the good people behind the platform have devised yet another show for them to partake in. In Battle Camp, Netflix's biggest stars from its reality and docu-series line-up face the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance. With all of them at the mercy of a giant spinning wheel that decides their fate, these famous(ish) faces must try to avoid it by mastering high-octane challenges, enduring punishing trials, and winning over their campmates, who each hold the power of the vote. The one who masters all three earns the title of ultimate Netflix reality champion and a $250,000 prize. Think I'm a Celebrity by way of Big Brother, with familiar faces from The Mole and Squid Game: The Challenge. Bullet Train Explosion Netflix, streaming now Featuring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and hyperrealistic graphics, Shinji Higuchi's reimagining (like Speed but on a Tokyo train) delivers dramatic suspense in spades. A Tragedy Foretold: Flight 3054, which explores the aftermath of the 2007 Congonhas Airport tragedy, is also streaming now. Carlos Alcaraz: My Way Netflix, streaming now The 2024 season showcases Carlos Alcaraz, both on and off the court, as he transforms the world of sports. Race for the Crown Netflix, streaming now Watch the champers flow as this rollicking documentary series tails (apologies) jockeys, trainers, and owners as they chase titles and triumph in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. Secrets of The Penguins Disney+, streaming now In three innovative episodes, cinematographer Bertie Gregory uses cutting-edge technology and scientific collaboration to depict the unique qualities of penguins: perseverance, inventiveness and camaraderie. Also available on Netflix is Pangolin: Kulu's Journey, from the Academy Award-winning director of My Octopus Teacher. iHostage Netflix, streaming now Inspired by the 2022 hostage crisis at Amsterdam's Apple Store and directed by Bobby Boermans, this dramatic reinactment is seen through the lens of the attacker, the hostages, and the first responders. Leverage: Redemption Prime Video, streaming now Once again, the Leverage Crew are back to support the underdog! This season, they tackle a power broker making money off stolen water, a despotic small-town mayor, and a pool hustler engaging in international extortion. The Not Very Grand Tour Prime Video, streaming now Reflecting on their time spent racing muscle cars in Detroit, Richard Hammond and James May (no Clarkson) pay tribute to the internal combustion engine — from the confines of a studio spliced with retrospective snippets. Also landing is animated offering #1 Happy Family USA. Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terror Netflix, streaming now The most deadly act of domestic terrorism in US history, the 1995 bombing of a federal facility in Oklahoma City (in which 168 people, including 19 children, were killed), is revisited in this stark documentary from the makers of Waco: American Apocalypse.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Premature deaths stalk zoo animals
As the Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo await the import of new animals and birds, more than a dozen valuable and rare animals imported during the last four months have died, raising alarm bells among wildlife experts who blame the lack of zoo facilities. In 2023, the former caretaker government had launched a project to renovate the Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo, for which Rs5 billion alongside an additional Rs350 million were allocated. As a large number of new animals and birds were imported, some of the animals died soon after settling in their new homes. Nine wildebeests, known for their large, curved horns, died at the Lahore Safari Zoo. Two new-born Nyala deer died a few days after birth. A semi-Oryx and its calf died during delivery. A Sindh ibex died due to deep wounds sustained during a fight, while a valuable python and a few other insects and monkeys also died. Similarly, a James Bok died due to illness at the Lahore Zoo while another was seriously injured. Lahore Zoo's Former Director Sheikh Muhammad Zahid clarified that these deaths occurred at different times and for varying reasons. "The James Bok was imported from a warm region of Africa. These animals were brought in November 2024. At that time, there was severe cold and smog in Lahore. Due to this, these animals fell ill and later died. The change of environment affects the health of animals," said Zahid. On the other hand, Dr Babar Saleem, who has been serving as a veterinary officer at the Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo believed that premature animal deaths were a problem across zoos in Pakistan. "Unlike foreign countries, our zookeepers and veterinarians lack formal training while doctors are also not available 24 hours a day. No special feed is prepared for animals and birds. Apart from this, doctors are afraid of facing an inquiry while conducting any experiment on a sick animal. Hence, they are unable to use any new technique. All these factors contribute to the poor health of the animals," said Dr Saleem. WWF representative Dr Uzma Khan, who is also a member of the Punjab Wildlife Management Board, told The Express Tribune that when wild-caught animals were kept in captivity, they definitely got stressed, which affected their health. "Upon seeing some animals one can tell that they are caught from the wild, but this is difficult to prove since dealers usually prepare fake documents. When dealers import animals from other countries, they do not provide a medical history of the animals, and it is not known how they were brought. For instance, the Mona monkeys in Lahore Zoo were purchased from a local dealer but when these monkeys arrived some of them had died. Therefore, it is likely that the dealers import animals illegally," said Dr Uzma. Dr Khan's position is supported by the fact that the Nyala females imported to Lahore Zoo were a few months pregnant. They had to travel long distances during shipping hence the newborns were very weak at birth and died within a few days. This incident raises a very crucial question: when these animals were selected, did the experts not know that they would be unable to thrive in the environment of Pakistan? Addressing the concerns, Mudassar Hassan, Director of the Revamping Project, claimed that the animals, costing Rs350 million, were selected by a team of domestic and foreign experts. "The bidding documents for the purchase of animals contain conditions that only captive animals will be purchased. The contractor will be obliged to disclose the source of these animals and birds and if necessary, the DNA of the animals can also be obtained," said Hassan.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Rs 350 million were allocated for the import of new animals and birds
As the Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo await the import of new animals and birds, more than a dozen valuable and rare animals imported during the last four months have died, raising alarm bells among wildlife experts who blame the lack of zoo facilities. In 2023, the former caretaker government had launched a project to renovate the Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo, for which Rs5 billion alongside an additional Rs350 million were allocated. As a large number of new animals and birds were imported, some of the animals died soon after settling in their new homes. Nine wildebeests, known for their large, curved horns, died at the Lahore Safari Zoo. Two new-born Nyala deer died a few days after birth. A semi-Oryx and its calf died during delivery. A Sindh ibex died due to deep wounds sustained during a fight, while a valuable python and a few other insects and monkeys also died. Similarly, a James Bok died due to illness at the Lahore Zoo while another was seriously injured. Lahore Zoo's Former Director Sheikh Muhammad Zahid clarified that these deaths occurred at different times and for varying reasons. 'The James Bok was imported from a warm region of Africa. These animals were brought in November 2024. At that time, there was severe cold and smog in Lahore. Due to this, these animals fell ill and later died. The change of environment affects the health of animals,' said Zahid. On the other hand, Dr Babar Saleem, who has been serving as a veterinary officer at the Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo believed that premature animal deaths were a problem across zoos in Pakistan. 'Unlike foreign countries, our zookeepers and veterinarians lack formal training while doctors are also not available 24 hours a day. No special feed is prepared for animals and birds. Apart from this, doctors are afraid of facing an inquiry while conducting any experiment on a sick animal. Hence, they are unable to use any new technique. All these factors contribute to the poor health of the animals,' said Dr Saleem. WWF representative Dr Uzma Khan, who is also a member of the Punjab Wildlife Management Board, told The Express Tribune that when wild-caught animals were kept in captivity, they definitely got stressed, which affected their health. 'Upon seeing some animals one can tell that they are caught from the wild, but this is difficult to prove since dealers usually prepare fake documents. When dealers import animals from other countries, they do not provide a medical history of the animals, and it is not known how they were brought. For instance, the Mona monkeys in Lahore Zoo were purchased from a local dealer but when these monkeys arrived some of them had died. Therefore, it is likely that the dealers import animals illegally,' said Dr Uzma. Dr Khan's position is supported by the fact that the Nyala females imported to Lahore Zoo were a few months pregnant. They had to travel long distances during shipping hence the newborns were very weak at birth and died within a few days. This incident raises a very crucial question: when these animals were selected, did the experts not know that they would be unable to thrive in the environment of Pakistan? Addressing the concerns, Mudassar Hassan, Director of the Revamping Project, claimed that the animals, costing Rs350 million, were selected by a team of domestic and foreign experts. 'The bidding documents for the purchase of animals contain conditions that only captive animals will be purchased. The contractor will be obliged to disclose the source of these animals and birds and if necessary, the DNA of the animals can also be obtained,' said Hassan.
