Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:10am on 14 Sep 2024,Saturday International
US President Joe Biden is resisting pressure to allow American-made ATACMS long-range missiles to be used inside Russian territory, fearing it could escalate conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, Biden is likely to approve the use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, assisted by American targeting technology. This decision follows discussions with UK leader Sir Keir Starmer, aimed at lifting the ban on using Storm Shadows beyond Ukraine. Ukraine argues that firing these missiles into Russia would disrupt supply lines and target bombers attacking Ukrainian forces. ATACMS missiles, with a range of 190 miles, would provide Ukraine similar capabilities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05am on 14 Sep 2024,Saturday International
During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, US President Joe Biden lost his temper with a British reporter who questioned him about Vladimir Putin's threat regarding Ukraine's use of long-range missiles. Biden told the Sky News correspondent to "be quiet" and said, "I am going to make a statement here." After the meeting, Biden downplayed Putin's threat, stating, "I don't think much about Vladimir Putin." In his remarks with Starmer, Biden reaffirmed US support for Ukraine, asserting that Putin will not prevail in the war and that the US is committed to aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:19am on 14 Sep 2024,Saturday International
Pope Francis urged American Catholics to "choose the lesser evil" in the upcoming US elections, criticizing both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Speaking on his flight from Singapore to Rome, the Pope condemned Harris’s support for abortion rights, calling it an "assassination," and denounced Trump’s plan to deport millions of immigrants as a "grave" sin. The Pope’s remarks are seen as a surprising intervention in US politics, as he advised voters to make their choices based on moral considerations. His comments come as the November elections approach, highlighting his concerns over the ethical implications of the candidates' positions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:23am on 14 Sep 2024,Saturday International
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions against Russian media outlet RT, accusing it of acting as an arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus. Blinken stated that RT and other Russian-backed media have covertly worked to undermine US democracy, with cyber operational capabilities linked to Russian intelligence. RT live-streamed Blinken's remarks, dismissing them as a "US conspiracy theory." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mocked the sanctions, suggesting a new profession in the US for Russian sanction specialists. RT’s editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, who was recently sanctioned, responded by highlighting that many RT staff had studied in the US, some with American funding.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:19pm on 13 Sep 2024,Friday International
Illia Yefimchyk, the Belarusian bodybuilder famed for his 6-foot frame and 340-pound weight, passed away at 36 after suffering a heart attack. Dubbed "The Mutant" in bodybuilding circles, Yefimchyk fell into a coma on September 6 and died on September 11. Despite his impressive 600-pound bench press and 700-pound deadlift, Yefimchyk never competed professionally but gained popularity online. His wife, Anna, performed chest compressions before the ambulance arrived, but doctors confirmed brain failure after a brief recovery. His death follows recent losses in the bodybuilding world, including Neil Currey and Antonio Souza.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:13pm on 13 Sep 2024,Friday International
The US is considering giving Ukraine permission to use American-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets. The potential decision comes as Iran is reportedly supplying arms to Russia. This could expand Ukraine’s capabilities to strike deeper into Russian territory, with cities like Oryol within range. Civilians express concerns about the threat, although military targets such as rocket launchers and runways would be the focus. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington hasn’t ruled out providing these missiles, with Russian citizens remaining divided over the escalating conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:49pm on 13 Sep 2024,Friday International
Russia is producing a new kamikaze drone, the Garpiya-A1, utilizing Chinese engines and components, according to European intelligence and documents. The drone, in use against Ukraine, marks a shift from reliance on Iranian designs. Over 2,500 units have been made from July 2023 to July 2024. The U.S. has expressed concerns over China's support for Russia's defense sector, highlighting the need to stop exporting critical components. The drone, which has a 1,500 km range, is being manufactured at a former cement factory in Russia, with parts supplied by Chinese companies.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:40pm on 13 Sep 2024,Friday International
Prince Harry is set to mark his 40th birthday with a boys' trip, leaving Meghan Markle and their children behind. Scheduled for September 15, 2024, Harry's getaway with close friends remains a mystery regarding location and companions. Sources indicate he will also hold a private family celebration at their Montecito mansion. Following the birthday, Harry will attend the UN General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week in New York, from September 22 to 29. His trip aims to support his patronages and philanthropic initiatives, including African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:15pm on 13 Sep 2024,Friday International
Hamza bin Laden, previously reported dead, is reportedly alive and leading Al-Qaeda from Afghanistan. Intelligence sources reveal Hamza, the 15th child of Osama bin Laden, is commanding the terror group’s resurgence. Based in Jalalabad, Hamza is said to be planning future attacks on Western targets. Senior Taliban figures are reportedly providing him and his family with protection. Despite previous claims by former US President Trump of Hamza’s death in 2019, recent reports indicate he remains active and influential within Al-Qaeda, alongside his brother Abdullah bin Laden.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:53am on 13 Sep 2024,Friday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rebuffed Vladimir Putin's threat that NATO countries would be at war with Russia if they allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles. Putin warned that such a move would change the "nature of the conflict". Starmer, en route to meet US President Joe Biden, retorted that Russia started the conflict with its illegal invasion of Ukraine and can end it immediately. He reaffirmed UK support for Ukraine's right to self-defense, including providing training and capabilities, while stressing that the UK does not seek conflict with Russia.