Malian Army Camp in Timbuktu Under Attack, EU and Philippines Launch Security Dialogue
An army camp in Timbuktu was attacked by terrorists, leading to heavy gunfire and injuries. Concurrently, the Philippines and EU are starting a security and defense dialogue. Floods in India have killed at least 34 people, while a bombing in Nigeria adds to the terror crisis. Meanwhile, Sweden is recommended to halt international adoptions after abuses, and France faces scrutiny due to rising racially-motivated crimes.
In Timbuktu, a city of historical and cultural significance in Mali, an army camp came under intense attack from individuals identified as “terrorists” on Monday. Gunfire echoed through the area, alarming residents and prompting officials to react. A military source confirmed that the assault was ongoing and expressed their intent to fight back against the attackers, stating, “We are dealing with terrorists attacking Timbuktu. We are fighting back.”
A local official provided additional details, indicating that the assailants had entered Timbuktu with a vehicle rigged with explosives that detonated near the military camp. Reports surfaced of continuing gunfire, with the United Nations advising their staff to seek shelter and avoid windows as the chaotic situation unfolded. As one resident observed, “heavy gunfire in the city” seemed to be emanating from the direction of the military facility.
The historical city of Timbuktu, once celebrated as the “city of 333 saints” for its Islamic cultural legacy, faces ongoing violence from various jihadist factions since a surge in conflict began in 2012. This includes groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, further destabilizing the region. A journalist in Timbuktu, reached via phone, reported, “This morning our city was attacked by terrorist groups. Shots were heard near the military camp and the airport. We all returned home.”
In a different part of the globe, the Philippines is set to initiate a security and defense dialogue with the European Union. This was announced on Monday by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo during a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The dialogue aims to tackle rising issues like cyberattacks and foreign interference that challenge both parties.
Manalo declared, “Our relationship reaches another significant milestone with our decision to create a security and defense dialogue,” emphasizing its role in fostering frequent discussions on safety-related matters. Kallas reiterated the importance of addressing current geopolitical challenges, highlighting areas like maritime security as focal points.
The newly established dialogue aligns with a partnership agreement between the EU and the Philippines, which was enacted in 2018. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025. Alongside this dialogue, the two parties are pushing for advancements in free trade agreements, reflecting a commitment to closer ties.
In India’s northeastern region, calamity struck as heavy flooding resulted in at least 34 fatalities over four days. The relentless rains triggered landslides impacting areas in Tripura and Assam and stranded over a thousand tourists in Sikkim. Rescue operations are ongoing, with military assistance deployed to evacuate trapped individuals in Meghalaya.
Authorities in Bangladesh reported that landslides led to the deaths of a family of four, underlining the devastating effects of the deluge across the border. Local residents have voiced their distress, as the flooding poses profound challenges to their livelihoods, making the ongoing situation dire and precarious.
Meanwhile, a bombing in a bus park in northeastern Nigeria killed nine individuals. Authorities believe the attack was orchestrated by insurgents, in a region plagued by violence for over a decade. Eyewitness accounts described the chaos immediately following the explosion, heightening concerns over the persistent threat from Boko Haram and similar groups.
In Sweden, a commission has recommended the halt of international adoptions after uncovering various abuses linked to adoption practices over the decades. The probe discovered confirmed cases of child trafficking from multiple countries, stressing that the government should formally apologize to affected families. This scrutiny comes after similar investigations by other nations, highlighting the need for reform in the international adoption system.
Lastly, a racially-motivated shooting incident in France resulted in the death of a Tunisian national and also injured a nearby individual. The perpetrator, who had previously shared racist content online, is under investigation. This incident adds to the growing apprehension surrounding rising incidents of racial violence in France, where such attacks saw a noted increase last year.
The situation in Timbuktu underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Mali due to persistent jihadist violence, while the Philippines seeks to enhance its security through dialogues with the EU amid global security threats. Meanwhile, widespread flooding in India and bordering Bangladesh has led to tragic loss of life, reflecting nature’s devastating power. Concurrently, Nigeria grapples with insurgent violence that continues to claim innocent lives. Global discussions surrounding ethics in international adoptions in Sweden indicate a shift towards accountability and reform. Lastly, rising incidents of racially-motivated violence in France highlight the urgent need for addressing such societal issues.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
