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Sabtu, 23 Maret 2024

Security experts say Islamic State claim for Russian concert attack is credible - CNA

LONDON: A claim of responsibility by Islamic State for a massacre of Russian concertgoers near Moscow appears to be plausible and fits with a pattern of previous marauding attacks by militants, security analysts said on Saturday (Mar 23).

One leading expert said, however, it was unusual and striking that the assailants had formed and executed an escape plan instead of pursuing their rampage to the point of being gunned down.

Islamic State, also known as IS or ISIS, issued statements claiming responsibility for Friday evening's attack in which Russian investigators said 133 people were killed, and published a photograph of the alleged gunmen.

Russia has not said who it believes was behind the mass shooting, but has stated, without providing evidence, that the perpetrators had contacts in Ukraine. It said the gunmen fled by car and were captured hours later near the Ukrainian border. Ukraine, defending against Russia's invasion since 2022, has emphatically denied any involvement.

Adam Dolnik, a Czech security expert who has studied past Islamist attacks in India, Kenya, Russia and elsewhere, said the Islamic State claim appeared credible, although "that will not stop the Russians from leveraging this for their foreign policy agenda vis-a-vis Ukraine and the West".

Dolnik said in a telephone interview that attacks by marauding gunmen were a typical modus operandi in recent years for IS and al Qaeda.

He noted Islamic State has a record of previous attacks against Russia, including the bombing of a 2015 flight from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg and a 2022 attack on the Russian embassy in Kabul. Earlier this month, Russia's FSB said it foiled an attack on a Moscow synagogue by ISIS-K, an affiliate of the group.

"If you line up all these things together, then I think it's completely conceivable that this would be an IS attack," he said.

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2024-03-23 17:55:11Z
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Putin vows to punish those behind Moscow concert massacre; Kremlin says 4 suspected gunmen arrested - CNA

GUNFIRE AND SCREAMS

Long lines formed in Moscow on Saturday for people to donate blood. Health officials said more than 120 people were wounded.

Islamic State, the militant group that once sought control over swathes of Iraq and Syria, claimed responsibility for the attack, the group's Amaq agency said on Telegram.

Islamic State said its fighters attacked on the outskirts of Moscow, "killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely". The statement gave no further detail.

On Saturday it released a photograph of what it said were the four attackers.

The United States has intelligence confirming Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the shooting, a U.S. official said. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity said Washington had warned Moscow "appropriately" in recent weeks of the possibility of an attack.

Friday's attack, about 20km from the Kremlin, happened two weeks after the US embassy in Russia warned that "extremists" had imminent plans for an attack in Moscow.

Hours before the embassy warning, the FSB said it had foiled an attack on a Moscow synagogue by Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, known as ISIS-Khorasan or ISIS-K, which seeks a caliphate across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.

Putin changed the course of the Syrian civil war by intervening in 2015, supporting President Bashar al-Assad against the opposition and Islamic State.

"ISIS-K has been fixated on Russia for the past two years, frequently criticising Putin in its propaganda," said Colin Clarke of the Soufan Center, a New York-based research group.

The broader Islamic State group has claimed deadly attacks across the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Europe, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.

WORLD REACTION

The United States, European and Arab powers and many former Soviet republics expressed shock and sent their condolences. The United Nations Security Council condemned what it called a "heinous and cowardly terrorist attack".

Russia tightened security at airports, transport hubs and across the capital - a vast urban area of more than 21 million people - and big public events were cancelled across the country.

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2024-03-23 15:34:00Z
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Singapore condemns Moscow concert hall attack, urges citizens to defer non-essential travel to Russia - CNA

Singapore joins countries around the world in denouncing the deadly Moscow attack.

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Friday condemned "in the strongest possible terms today's terrorist attack", spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement.

The White House sent its condolences to the victims of the "terrible" shooting. "The images are just horrible and just hard to watch,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping "strongly condemned" the attack and sent his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi "stressed that China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns the terrorist attack and firmly supports the Russian government's efforts to safeguard its national security and stability”, Xinhua news agency said.

Singaporeans in Russia who require consular assistance should contact:

Singapore Embassy in Moscow
Tel: +7 499 241 37 02 during office hours, or the 24-hour emergency hotline +7 906 009 00 69

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Telephone: +65 6379 8800 / +65 6379 8855
Fax: +65 6476 7302

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2024-03-23 06:17:00Z
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Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, having chemotherapy after 'huge shock' of cancer discovery - The Straits Times

In a video message released on March 22, Princess Kate, dressed in jeans and a jumper and looking pale and tired, said tests had revealed that cancer had been found. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON - Catherine, Britain’s Princess of Wales, said on March 22 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy as tests taken after she had major abdominal surgery in January revealed that cancer had been present.

The former Kate Middleton, the 42-year-old wife of heir to the throne Prince William, called the cancer discovery a “huge shock”. The news comes as a fresh health blow to the British royal family; King Charles is also undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Princess spent two weeks in hospital in January after undergoing what her office said at the time was successful planned surgery for an unspecified but non-cancerous condition.

However, in a video message, she said subsequent tests had revealed that cancer had been found. She said she was well and getting stronger.

“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she said.

She was dressed in jeans and a jumper and looked pale and tired in the video, which was filmed on March 20.

“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

Following her operation, the palace had said the Princess would not return to official duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31. But her months-long absence from public life provoked intense speculation and wild rumours on social media.

King Charles, 75, underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital as the Princess in January. Buckingham Palace then revealed in February that he was to have treatment for cancer, meaning he has had to postpone his public royal duties.

“His majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, adding that King Charles had been in close contact with his daughter-in-law since they were at the private London Clinic together in January.

“Both their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”

Prince Harry, who has fallen out with his brother Prince William since he stepped down from royal duties and moved to California with his American wife Meghan, sent a message of support.

“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” said Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Similar statements of support for the Princess also poured in from British political leaders and the office of US President Joe Biden.

Her office, Kensington Palace, said it would give no further details about the type of cancer that had been found, saying the Princess had a right to medical privacy. It said she was on a recovery path and the preventative chemotherapy had begun in February.

Privacy

The timing of the announcement was to ensure that her three children – Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, eight; and Prince Louis, five – had time to digest the news before it became public and because March 22 marked the start of their school holidays.

“It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” the Princess said.

“As I have said to them: I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

She has not appeared at a public event since she joined other members of the royal family for a church service on Christmas Day.

However, a video filmed on March 16 by a member of the public, which was published by the Sun newspaper, showed her looking healthy, walking and carrying shopping bags alongside her husband at a farm shop in Windsor, near to their home.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said.

“My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Princess had the love and support of the whole country.

“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today,” he said. “In recent weeks, she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.”

Medical experts said it was difficult to determine how long she would need the treatment without more information, including what type of cancer was found.

“Preventative chemotherapy after surgery is given to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in the future – a bit like mopping a floor with bleach when you’ve spilt something on it, chemotherapy kills any spilt cells,” said Professor Andrew Beggs, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the University of Birmingham.

Kensington Palace said William, whose iconic mother Princess Diana died in a car crash when she was just 36, would continue his duties while supporting his wife, as he had since her surgery.

A source said the Princess of Wales was in good spirits and focused on her recovery.

However, neither will be present for the traditional gathering of royals for a church service on Easter Sunday at Windsor.

Princess Kate was the first commoner to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in more than 350 years when she wed Prince William in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular royals.

“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” the Princess said. REUTERS

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2024-03-22 18:08:31Z
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Jumat, 22 Maret 2024

Russia, China veto US bid on Gaza ceasefire at Security Council - CNA

"The American product is exceedingly politicised, with the sole purpose being to play to voters and throw them a bone in the form of some kind of a mention of a ceasefire in Gaza," he said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia and China "cynically vetoed" a US-led draft resolution at the UN Security Council on a ceasefire in Gaza.

"On the resolution, which got very strong support, but then was cynically vetoed by Russia and China, I think we were trying to show the international community a sense of urgency about getting a ceasefire," Blinken told reporters in Israel.

The resolution will "ensure the impunity of Israel, whose crimes are not even assessed in the draft".

The draft had stopped short of explicitly demanding that Israel immediately end its campaign in Gaza. In the delicate language of Security Council resolutions, the draft "determines" the "imperative" of an "immediate and sustained" ceasefire.

The draft linked a ceasefire to ongoing talks, led by Qatar with support from the United States and Egypt, to halt the war in return for Hamas releasing hostages.

China's representative, Zhang Jun, said the draft "dodged the most central issue, that of a ceasefire" through its "ambiguous" language.

"Nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realizing a ceasefire in the short term," he said.

PUSH ON ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Brussels immediately after the vetoes, said France would keep pushing an alternative resolution for a ceasefire.

The Security Council may later Friday consider another resolution with a more explicit call for an immediate ceasefire.

The US ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, indicated opposition, saying it would jeopardize the ongoing talks for the release of hostages.

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2024-03-22 14:00:00Z
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Blinken heads to Israel to press for 'immediate' truce in Gaza ahead of UN vote - CNA

"IMMEDIATE, DURABLE CEASEFIRE"

The United States will submit its draft resolution to the UN Security Council on Friday, a spokesman for the US representative to the world body said.

The US resolution "will unequivocally support ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal ... we will be bringing this Resolution for a vote on Friday morning," Nate Evans, spokesman for US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said in a statement.

The United Kingdom and Australia, both allies of Israel and the United States, issued a statement after talks on Friday between their defence and foreign ministers that stressed the "urgency of an immediate cessation of fighting in Gaza to allow aid to flow and hostages to be released".

After blocking an Algerian draft resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza at the end of February, US officials have been negotiating an alternative text focusing on support for a six-week truce in exchange for the release of hostages.

However, Russia's Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy told reporters his country was "not satisfied with anything which doesn't call for an immediate ceasefire", raising the question of whether Security Council permanent member Moscow might veto the vote.

Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza has continued despite renewed diplomatic efforts, with the death toll in Gaza close to 32,000, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Israel's military said it had killed more than 140 Hamas fighters and arrested more than 350 since the start of its operation in and around Al-Shifa hospital on Monday.

It said militants were hiding out at the vast hospital complex and civilians had not been harmed. Hamas said the attack on an area crowded with patients and people seeking refuge was a crime.

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2024-03-22 06:28:06Z
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UN adopts first global artificial intelligence resolution - CNA

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday (Mar 21) unanimously adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence to encourage countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks.

The nonbinding resolution, proposed by the United States and co-sponsored by China and 122 other nations, took three months to negotiate and also advocates for strengthening privacy policies, senior US administration officials said, briefing reporters before the resolution's approval.

"Today, all 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly have spoken in one voice, and together, chosen to govern artificial intelligence rather than let it govern us," US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.

The resolution is the latest in a series of initiatives - few of which carry teeth - by governments around the world to shape AI's development, amid fears it could be used to disrupt democratic processes, turbocharge fraud or lead to dramatic job losses, among other harms.

"The improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems ... pose risks that could ... undercut the protection, promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms," the measure says.

In November, the US, Britain and more than a dozen other countries unveiled the first detailed international agreement on how to keep artificial intelligence safe from rogue actors, pushing for companies to create AI systems that are "secure by design".

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2024-03-22 02:23:49Z
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