Latest news with #Stringer
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- General
- GMA Network
At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus
Firefighters and soldiers work next to the wreckage of an air force training aircraft after it crashed into Milestone College campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Stringer DHAKA — At least 19 people were killed as a Bangladesh air force training aircraft crashed into a college and school campus in the capital city of Dhaka on Monday, a fire services official said. More than 50 people, including children and adults, were hospitalized with burns, a doctor at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery told reporters. The incident occurred at the Milestone School and College in Dhaka's northern area of Uttara, officials said. "Bangladesh Air Force's F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed in Uttara. The aircraft took off at 13:06 (0706 GMT)," the military's public relations department said in a statement. Videos of the aftermath of the crash showed a big fire near a lawn emitting a thick plume of smoke into the sky, as crowds watched from a distance. Firefighters sprayed water on the mangled remains of the plane, which appeared to have rammed into the side of a building, damaging iron grills and creating a gaping hole in the structure, Reuters TV visuals showed. An ambulance carries injured people after an air force training aircraft crashed into Milestone College campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Mohammad Ponir Hossain "A third-grade student was brought in dead, and three others, aged 12, 14 and 40, were admitted to the hospital," said Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where some victims were taken. Visuals also showed people screaming and crying as others tried to comfort them. "When I was picking [up] my kids and went to the gate, I realized something came from behind...I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke," said Masud Tarik, a teacher at the school. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, said "necessary measures" would be taken to investigate the cause of the accident and "ensure all kinds of assistance". "The loss suffered by the Air parents, teachers and staff, and others in this accident is irreparable," he said. The incident comes a little over a month after an Air India plane crashed on top of a medical college hostel in neighboring India's Ahmedabad city, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground, marking the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade. — Reuters
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Congo, M23 rebels pledge in Qatar to reach peace deal next month
FILE PHOTO: Members of the M23 rebel group ride on a pickup truck as they leave their position for patrols amid conflict between them and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo DOHA - Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group pledged to sign a peace agreement by August 18, at a ceremony in Doha on Saturday, a sign of progress even as outstanding details need to be negotiated. Representatives of both sides signed a declaration of principles laying out the new timeline, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, at the ceremony that followed months of Qatari mediation after talks began in April. The United States, which has hosted separate talks between the governments of Congo and Rwanda, has exerted pressure to finalise a durable peace deal in Congo. President Donald Trump has made clear he hopes that would spur Western investment into a country rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals. Last month, the Rwandan and Congolese foreign ministers signed a peace deal and met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump at the time invited Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Washington to sign a package of agreements potentially including economic deals. The rebel group M23, in the latest of a series of uprisings, has controlled Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, since late January and has also made gains across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Rwanda has long denied allegations that it has helped M23, which has seized more territory in Congo than it has ever previously held. The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year, while escalating the risk of a full-scale regional war. Several of Congo's neighbours had troops deployed in eastern Congo when the advance began. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure Asia How China's growing cyber-hacking capabilities have raised alarm around the world Asia Autogate glitch at Malaysia's major checkpoints causes chaos for S'porean and foreign travellers Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Singapore Who decides when you can't? A guide on planning for end-of-life care Singapore Why hiring more teachers makes sense, even with falling student numbers Singapore Bukit Panjang LRT disruption: Train service resumes after power fault affects 13-station line Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi said at a news conference Saturday's declaration "lays the groundwork for a new phase of partnership among the various components of society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - including armed movements that have chosen to prioritise the greater national interest." It was brought about by talks that followed a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, brokered by Qatar in March, during which they called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire. Congo had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group. While denying it has supported M23, Rwanda has said its forces have acted in self defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. POINTS OF CONTENTION Sources in both delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations in Doha and the lack of progress on confidence-building measures including the release of M23 members held by Congo and the re-opening of banks in rebel-held territory. The declaration of principles does not resolve those issues, instead committing the parties to "creating the necessary conditions" to eventually do so. It also does not address bigger questions concerning the possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern Congo. It says Congo and M23 agree state authority should be restored "on all national territories" as part of an eventual peace agreement but does not give details. Congo government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya nevertheless said on X on Saturday that the declaration "takes into account the red lines we have always defended, including the non-negotiable withdrawal" of M23. Negotiations for a peace agreement are to start no later than August 8, according to the declaration, which would give the parties less than two weeks to finalise a deal if they stick to their new August 18 deadline. "We are confident and we are hopeful," Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa, told Reuters after Saturday's ceremony in Doha, adding that Tshiskedi and Kagame "have both committed to resolving this." REUTERS
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Congo, M23 rebel group sign declaration of principles in Qatar to end fighting
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Members of the M23 rebel group ride on a pickup truck as they leave their position for patrols amid conflict between them and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed on Saturday a declaration of principles to end fighting in eastern Congo, a sign of progress even as sources briefed on the talks said details needed to be negotiated. The signing by representatives from both sides took place at a ceremony in Qatar that followed months of Qatari mediation after talks began in April. The United States has exerted pressure to finalise a durable peace deal in the volatile Central African country. U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear he hopes that would attract Western investment to a region rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals. M23, in the latest of a series of uprisings supported by Rwanda, seized Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, in January and went on to make gains across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year, while escalating the risk of a full-scale regional war. Several of Congo's neighbours already had troops deployed in eastern Congo when the advance began. In March, Qatar brokered a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame during which they called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire. That led to direct talks, also in Doha, between Congo and M23. Congo had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group. Sources in both delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations and the lack of progress on confidence-building measures including the release of M23 members held by Congo and the re-opening of banks in rebel-held territory. It was unclear on Saturday how many of those issues have been resolved. Bigger outstanding questions concerning the possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern Congo were not expected to be fully addressed by the declaration of principles. REUTERS
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Congo, M23 rebels to sign declaration of principles to end fighting, sources say
FILE PHOTO: Members of the M23 rebel group ride on a pickup truck as they leave their position for patrols amid conflict between them and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed to a declaration of principles to end fighting in eastern Congo, a sign of progress after months of talks mediated by Qatar, though key details still need to be negotiated, four sources said on Friday. The declaration, expected to be signed on Saturday in Doha, comes amid heavy U.S. pressure to finalise deals that would bring peace to eastern Congo. This could potentially attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals. M23, in the latest of a string of uprisings supported by Rwanda, seized Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, in January and went on to make gains across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year while escalating the risk of a full-blown regional war. Several of Congo's neighbours already have troops deployed in the volatile region. In March Qatar brokered a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame during which they called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire. That led to direct talks, also in Doha, between Congo and M23. Congo had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group. In April, both sides pledged to work towards a ceasefire. But sources in both delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations and the lack of progress on confidence-building measures including the release of M23 members held by Congo and the re-opening of banks in rebel-held territory. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Critical infrastructure in S'pore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam Singapore What is UNC3886, the group that attacked Singapore's critical information infrastructure? Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Asia Indonesia court jails former trade minister for 4½ years in sugar graft case Singapore Singapore police in contact with Indonesian authorities over baby trafficking allegations Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student accused of using AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore 7-year-old girl, cabby taken to hospital after vehicle pile-up in City Hall area Singapore Former NUH male nurse charged after he allegedly molested man at hospital It was unclear on Friday how many of those issues have been resolved. There are also bigger questions on possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern Congo. "The American pressure is very strong," a Congolese source said on Friday, noting the presence in Doha of Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa. "But there are still many points unresolved. This is only one step in the discussions." TALKS IN WASHINGTON Washington has also hosted talks between Congo and Rwanda. On June 27 the two countries' foreign ministers signed a peace deal and met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump warned of "very severe penalties, financial and otherwise" if the deal is violated. Trump also invited Tshisekedi and Kagame to Washington to sign a package of deals that Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa, dubbed the "Washington Accord". Speaking to reporters on July 2, Boulos said the Trump administration would "love" to hold that meeting at the end of July. But he also said U.S. officials hope to have a deal in Doha finalised by then. Congo, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. A report by a group of United Nations experts obtained by Reuters this month said Kigali exercised command and control over the rebels during their advance. Rwanda has long denied helping M23 and says its forces are acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). REUTERS
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Stringer threatens to be finals wildcard for GWS
GWS may have unlocked the best version of Jake Stringer. After an injury-interrupted start to his time in Sydney, the explosive forward has added another element to a power-packed Giants front-half. In his first game against his former club Essendon, Stringer fired with three goals,18 disposals and three score involvements in a 48-point win on Thursday night. Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan (foot) will return for next Friday night's Sydney derby, joining young gun Aaron Cadman, captain Toby Greene and Stringer in arguably the AFL's most potent forward line. Giants coach Adam Kingsley has been thrilled with Stringer involving other teammates in play, backing up a four-goal haul against Geelong last week. During his time at the Bombers, Stringer was the frontman and felt pressure to win games off his own boot. "That's been a bit of a trademark of his last month for us," Kingsley said of Stringer's unselfish acts. "He's been able to kick some miraculous goals, particularly that Gold Coast game. "But then the West Coast game, you saw a real selflessness, giving goals off, where he had every right to take those shots. "Then we saw that again (against Essendon), running into open an goal and handballs to a guy in the goal square (Max Gruzewski). "His intent to chase, tackle, pressure feels like it's at a really good level." Kingsley admitted Stringer was apprehensive ahead of the clash with the Bombers, but didn't need any extra advice. "He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game well," he said. "He often has suggestions for me during the game ... he sees the game incredibly well. "He's a smart guy. He didn't need any coaching. "When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind. "He's going to contribute to our game, both on offence and on defence. Essendon coach Brad Scott also couldn't speak highly enough of Stringer, who left during the last trade period following 123 games for the Bombers. "When his team's playing well, Jake can finish as well as anyone," Scott said. "Despite what people may think - I'd actually prefer it wasn't tonight - but I'm very pleased for him. "He wanted to prolong his career. "We're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win." GWS (12-6) finished the first game of round 19 fourth on the ladder, but could end the weekend as low as seventh. Finalists the last two seasons, the Giants have won five-straight games since their shock loss against Port Adelaide in Canberra last month. GWS may have unlocked the best version of Jake Stringer. After an injury-interrupted start to his time in Sydney, the explosive forward has added another element to a power-packed Giants front-half. In his first game against his former club Essendon, Stringer fired with three goals,18 disposals and three score involvements in a 48-point win on Thursday night. Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan (foot) will return for next Friday night's Sydney derby, joining young gun Aaron Cadman, captain Toby Greene and Stringer in arguably the AFL's most potent forward line. Giants coach Adam Kingsley has been thrilled with Stringer involving other teammates in play, backing up a four-goal haul against Geelong last week. During his time at the Bombers, Stringer was the frontman and felt pressure to win games off his own boot. "That's been a bit of a trademark of his last month for us," Kingsley said of Stringer's unselfish acts. "He's been able to kick some miraculous goals, particularly that Gold Coast game. "But then the West Coast game, you saw a real selflessness, giving goals off, where he had every right to take those shots. "Then we saw that again (against Essendon), running into open an goal and handballs to a guy in the goal square (Max Gruzewski). "His intent to chase, tackle, pressure feels like it's at a really good level." Kingsley admitted Stringer was apprehensive ahead of the clash with the Bombers, but didn't need any extra advice. "He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game well," he said. "He often has suggestions for me during the game ... he sees the game incredibly well. "He's a smart guy. He didn't need any coaching. "When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind. "He's going to contribute to our game, both on offence and on defence. Essendon coach Brad Scott also couldn't speak highly enough of Stringer, who left during the last trade period following 123 games for the Bombers. "When his team's playing well, Jake can finish as well as anyone," Scott said. "Despite what people may think - I'd actually prefer it wasn't tonight - but I'm very pleased for him. "He wanted to prolong his career. "We're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win." GWS (12-6) finished the first game of round 19 fourth on the ladder, but could end the weekend as low as seventh. Finalists the last two seasons, the Giants have won five-straight games since their shock loss against Port Adelaide in Canberra last month. GWS may have unlocked the best version of Jake Stringer. After an injury-interrupted start to his time in Sydney, the explosive forward has added another element to a power-packed Giants front-half. In his first game against his former club Essendon, Stringer fired with three goals,18 disposals and three score involvements in a 48-point win on Thursday night. Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan (foot) will return for next Friday night's Sydney derby, joining young gun Aaron Cadman, captain Toby Greene and Stringer in arguably the AFL's most potent forward line. Giants coach Adam Kingsley has been thrilled with Stringer involving other teammates in play, backing up a four-goal haul against Geelong last week. During his time at the Bombers, Stringer was the frontman and felt pressure to win games off his own boot. "That's been a bit of a trademark of his last month for us," Kingsley said of Stringer's unselfish acts. "He's been able to kick some miraculous goals, particularly that Gold Coast game. "But then the West Coast game, you saw a real selflessness, giving goals off, where he had every right to take those shots. "Then we saw that again (against Essendon), running into open an goal and handballs to a guy in the goal square (Max Gruzewski). "His intent to chase, tackle, pressure feels like it's at a really good level." Kingsley admitted Stringer was apprehensive ahead of the clash with the Bombers, but didn't need any extra advice. "He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game well," he said. "He often has suggestions for me during the game ... he sees the game incredibly well. "He's a smart guy. He didn't need any coaching. "When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind. "He's going to contribute to our game, both on offence and on defence. Essendon coach Brad Scott also couldn't speak highly enough of Stringer, who left during the last trade period following 123 games for the Bombers. "When his team's playing well, Jake can finish as well as anyone," Scott said. "Despite what people may think - I'd actually prefer it wasn't tonight - but I'm very pleased for him. "He wanted to prolong his career. "We're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win." GWS (12-6) finished the first game of round 19 fourth on the ladder, but could end the weekend as low as seventh. Finalists the last two seasons, the Giants have won five-straight games since their shock loss against Port Adelaide in Canberra last month.
