Morocco earthquake: 820 killed as buildings damaged
A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has struck central Morocco, killing at least 820 people, the country's interior ministry says.
The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km, the US Geological Survey said.
The quake struck at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT) on Friday. There was a 4.9 aftershock 19 minutes later.
People died in Marrakesh and several areas to the south, the ministry said.
Many of the victims are believed to be in remote areas. read more
A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has struck central Morocco, killing at least 820 people, the country's interior ministry says.
The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km, the US Geological Survey said.
The quake struck at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT) on Friday. There was a 4.9 aftershock 19 minutes later.
People died in Marrakesh and several areas to the south, the ministry said.
Many of the victims are believed to be in remote areas. read more
Zulu leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi dies aged 95 in South Africa
Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a towering figure in South African politics and outspoken Zulu chief, has died at the age of 95.
During the racist apartheid regime, he founded the Zulu Inkatha party after becoming disillusioned with the African National Congress (ANC).
Thousands were killed in clashes between supporters of the two parties in the early 1990s.
But he was later welcomed back into the fold, serving as President Nelson Mandela's minister of home affairs. read more
Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a towering figure in South African politics and outspoken Zulu chief, has died at the age of 95.
During the racist apartheid regime, he founded the Zulu Inkatha party after becoming disillusioned with the African National Congress (ANC).
Thousands were killed in clashes between supporters of the two parties in the early 1990s.
But he was later welcomed back into the fold, serving as President Nelson Mandela's minister of home affairs. read more
Morocco earthquake: Mountain villages plunged into grief
As we negotiated the final corner of the winding road and pulled up in the Moroccan mountain village of Moulay Brahim, it was immediately obvious we'd arrived in a community that had been plunged into grief by Friday night's deadly earthquake.
An elderly women staggered towards us, wailing, tears falling down her face, holding her head in her hands.
A few metres away, a group of young men were sobbing. They'd just discovered their friend was among the dead.
"There have been so many deaths today," one of the men told us. read more
As we negotiated the final corner of the winding road and pulled up in the Moroccan mountain village of Moulay Brahim, it was immediately obvious we'd arrived in a community that had been plunged into grief by Friday night's deadly earthquake.
An elderly women staggered towards us, wailing, tears falling down her face, holding her head in her hands.
A few metres away, a group of young men were sobbing. They'd just discovered their friend was among the dead.
"There have been so many deaths today," one of the men told us. read more
Ukraine offensive could have only 30 days left - US Army chief
Ukraine has little more than 30 days left of fighting before the weather hinders its counter-offensive, the top-ranking US military officer says.
Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Gen Mark Milley said colder conditions would make it much harder for Ukraine to manoeuvre.
He admitted the offensive had gone more slowly than expected. But he said: "There's still heavy fighting going on.
"The Ukrainians are still plugging away with steady progress." read more
Ukraine has little more than 30 days left of fighting before the weather hinders its counter-offensive, the top-ranking US military officer says.
Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Gen Mark Milley said colder conditions would make it much harder for Ukraine to manoeuvre.
He admitted the offensive had gone more slowly than expected. But he said: "There's still heavy fighting going on.
"The Ukrainians are still plugging away with steady progress." read more
Luis Rubiales resigns as president of Spanish FA over Jenni Hermoso kiss
Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony.
Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.
Rubiales said he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha in a statement.
"I cannot continue my work," he told Piers Morgan on his television show.
The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa's executive committee. read more
Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony.
Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.
Rubiales said he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha in a statement.
"I cannot continue my work," he told Piers Morgan on his television show.
The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa's executive committee. read more
Morocco earthquake: 'We need help from whomever will give it'
In the tiny village of Algou, high in the Atlas Mountains, screams came from under the rubble in the terrifying moments after the earthquake.
But as the hours passed and with no specialist rescue teams appearing to assist the desperate efforts of the villagers, the screams turned to silence.
Three days on, the Spanish firefighters who were the first professional teams to reach the devastated community hoped time had not run out.
As they briskly picked their way through caved-in streets and collapsed archways their experience told them there was, however, no hope. read more
In the tiny village of Algou, high in the Atlas Mountains, screams came from under the rubble in the terrifying moments after the earthquake.
But as the hours passed and with no specialist rescue teams appearing to assist the desperate efforts of the villagers, the screams turned to silence.
Three days on, the Spanish firefighters who were the first professional teams to reach the devastated community hoped time had not run out.
As they briskly picked their way through caved-in streets and collapsed archways their experience told them there was, however, no hope. read more
Libyan rivals 'co-ordinating over flood relief'
The two rival governments in Libya are co-ordinating relief efforts for flood victims, the UN has said.
More than 5,300 people died after two dam bursts brought devastating floods to the eastern city of Derna.
At least 10,000 people are missing, and tens of thousands more have been displaced.
A UN official said that both the eastern and western governments had requested international aid and were liaising with each other. read more
The two rival governments in Libya are co-ordinating relief efforts for flood victims, the UN has said.
More than 5,300 people died after two dam bursts brought devastating floods to the eastern city of Derna.
At least 10,000 people are missing, and tens of thousands more have been displaced.
A UN official said that both the eastern and western governments had requested international aid and were liaising with each other. read more
'An unimaginable scene': Survivors describe Libya floods
The first sign that something was wrong was the sound of the dogs barking.
It was 2.30am and dark outside. When Husam Abdelgawi, a 31-year-old accountant in the eastern Libyan city of Derna, got up and went sleepily downstairs to check on them, he felt water under his feet.
Husam opened the front door of the house he shared with his younger brother, Ibrahim. More water flooded in, pulling the door off of its hinges.
The brothers ran to the back door, where they were met by a "ghastly, unimaginable scene, worse than death itself to witness", Husam said, in a phone interview from the city of Al-Qubbah. read more
The first sign that something was wrong was the sound of the dogs barking.
It was 2.30am and dark outside. When Husam Abdelgawi, a 31-year-old accountant in the eastern Libyan city of Derna, got up and went sleepily downstairs to check on them, he felt water under his feet.
Husam opened the front door of the house he shared with his younger brother, Ibrahim. More water flooded in, pulling the door off of its hinges.
The brothers ran to the back door, where they were met by a "ghastly, unimaginable scene, worse than death itself to witness", Husam said, in a phone interview from the city of Al-Qubbah. read more
Libyan official rejects blame for flood disaster
An official in eastern Libya has denied allegations that many of those killed in devastating floods last weekend were told to stay in their homes.
Othman Abdul Jalil, a spokesperson for the Benghazi-based government, told the BBC that soldiers warned people in the city of Derna to flee.
He denied that people were told not to evacuate, but conceded some may have felt the threat was exaggerated.
Meanwhile, BBC teams in Derna say aid agencies are yet to arrive at the city. read more
An official in eastern Libya has denied allegations that many of those killed in devastating floods last weekend were told to stay in their homes.
Othman Abdul Jalil, a spokesperson for the Benghazi-based government, told the BBC that soldiers warned people in the city of Derna to flee.
He denied that people were told not to evacuate, but conceded some may have felt the threat was exaggerated.
Meanwhile, BBC teams in Derna say aid agencies are yet to arrive at the city. read more
Antarctic sea-ice at 'mind-blowing' low alarms experts
The sea-ice surrounding Antarctica is well below any previous recorded winter level, satellite data shows, a worrying new benchmark for a region that once seemed resistant to global warming.
"It's so far outside anything we've seen, it's almost mind-blowing," says Walter Meier, who monitors sea-ice with the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
An unstable Antarctica could have far-reaching consequences, polar experts warn.
Antarctica's huge ice expanse regulates the planet's temperature, as the white surface reflects the Sun's energy back into the atmosphere and also cools the water beneath and near it. read more
The sea-ice surrounding Antarctica is well below any previous recorded winter level, satellite data shows, a worrying new benchmark for a region that once seemed resistant to global warming.
"It's so far outside anything we've seen, it's almost mind-blowing," says Walter Meier, who monitors sea-ice with the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
An unstable Antarctica could have far-reaching consequences, polar experts warn.
Antarctica's huge ice expanse regulates the planet's temperature, as the white surface reflects the Sun's energy back into the atmosphere and also cools the water beneath and near it. read more
Libya: Greek rescuers among those killed in road collision
At least three members of a Greek rescue team and three members of a Libyan family have died in a road collision.
The rescuers were among a team who were travelling on a bus to the flood-ravaged city of Derna on Sunday when their vehicle collided with a car carrying the family.
Two others in the car and eight others on the bus were seriously injured, according to a Libyan official.
An investigation has been launched. read more
At least three members of a Greek rescue team and three members of a Libyan family have died in a road collision.
The rescuers were among a team who were travelling on a bus to the flood-ravaged city of Derna on Sunday when their vehicle collided with a car carrying the family.
Two others in the car and eight others on the bus were seriously injured, according to a Libyan official.
An investigation has been launched. read more
Azerbaijan launches operation against Nagorno-Karabakh and demands surrender
Azerbaijan has launched "anti-terror" operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, and said it will not stop until ethnic-Armenian separatists surrender.
Tensions in the South Caucasus have been high for months around the breakaway enclave, recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan and Armenia last went to war three years ago.
Baku ordered "illegal Armenian military formations" to hand over arms and dissolve their "illegal regime". read more
Azerbaijan has launched "anti-terror" operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, and said it will not stop until ethnic-Armenian separatists surrender.
Tensions in the South Caucasus have been high for months around the breakaway enclave, recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan and Armenia last went to war three years ago.
Baku ordered "illegal Armenian military formations" to hand over arms and dissolve their "illegal regime". read more
Nagorno-Karabakh forces agree Azerbaijan demand to disarm
Twenty-four hours after Azerbaijan's army launched an offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have agreed Russian terms for a ceasefire.
One of the key demands that Karabakh forces have accepted is a proposal for complete disarmament.
Some 120,000 ethnic Armenians live in the South Caucasus enclave, recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan.
Three years ago, Azerbaijan recaptured areas in and around Karabakh and on Tuesday demanded a full surrender.
Karabakh officials say at least 32 people have been killed, including seven civilians, and another 200 wounded since the Azerbaijani military launched what it called "anti-terror" operations. read more
Twenty-four hours after Azerbaijan's army launched an offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have agreed Russian terms for a ceasefire.
One of the key demands that Karabakh forces have accepted is a proposal for complete disarmament.
Some 120,000 ethnic Armenians live in the South Caucasus enclave, recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan.
Three years ago, Azerbaijan recaptured areas in and around Karabakh and on Tuesday demanded a full surrender.
Karabakh officials say at least 32 people have been killed, including seven civilians, and another 200 wounded since the Azerbaijani military launched what it called "anti-terror" operations. read more
India suspends visas for Canadians as row escalates
India has stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens amid an escalating row over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.
India said the temporary move was due to "security threats" disrupting work at its missions in Canada. Canada's visa services remain open in India.
Tensions flared this week after Canada's leader said India may have been involved in the 18 June killing.
India angrily rejected the allegation calling it "absurd". read more
India has stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens amid an escalating row over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.
India said the temporary move was due to "security threats" disrupting work at its missions in Canada. Canada's visa services remain open in India.
Tensions flared this week after Canada's leader said India may have been involved in the 18 June killing.
India angrily rejected the allegation calling it "absurd". read more
A shadow of 'Ukraine fatigue' hangs over Polish politics
From the beginning of Russia's full-on invasion, Warsaw has been a firm supporter of Kyiv.
It's often led the way in sending military aid and equipment, and argued passionately that this support is essential to protect Poland itself from Russian aggression.
The change of tone from the Polish government on Ukraine is startling.
Now suddenly it feels like the political knives are out for Kyiv. read more
From the beginning of Russia's full-on invasion, Warsaw has been a firm supporter of Kyiv.
It's often led the way in sending military aid and equipment, and argued passionately that this support is essential to protect Poland itself from Russian aggression.
The change of tone from the Polish government on Ukraine is startling.
Now suddenly it feels like the political knives are out for Kyiv. read more
Do China's recent military purges spell trouble for Xi Jinping?
They were trusted and favoured by Xi Jinping. Now, they seem to be vanishing.
In recent months, the disappearances of several high-ranking Chinese officials have sparked intense speculation over whether Mr Xi is embarking on a purge, particularly of those linked to the military.
The latest person who appears to have fallen from grace is defence minister Li Shangfu, who has not been seen in public for some weeks now.
While his absence was not seen as unusual at first, scrutiny intensified when a top US diplomat pointed it out. A Reuters report later said General Li, who used to oversee arms procurement for the People's Liberation Army (PLA), was being investigated over military equipment purchases. read more
They were trusted and favoured by Xi Jinping. Now, they seem to be vanishing.
In recent months, the disappearances of several high-ranking Chinese officials have sparked intense speculation over whether Mr Xi is embarking on a purge, particularly of those linked to the military.
The latest person who appears to have fallen from grace is defence minister Li Shangfu, who has not been seen in public for some weeks now.
While his absence was not seen as unusual at first, scrutiny intensified when a top US diplomat pointed it out. A Reuters report later said General Li, who used to oversee arms procurement for the People's Liberation Army (PLA), was being investigated over military equipment purchases. read more
Ukraine war: US to give Kyiv long-range ATACMS missiles - media reports
US President Joe Biden plans to give Ukraine advanced long-range missiles to help Kyiv with its ongoing counter-offensive, US media report.
They quote US officials familiar with the issue as saying Ukraine will get some ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 190 miles (300km).
This would enable Kyiv to hit Russian targets deep behind the front line.
At least one Ukrainian missile hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in annexed Crimea on Friday. read more
US President Joe Biden plans to give Ukraine advanced long-range missiles to help Kyiv with its ongoing counter-offensive, US media report.
They quote US officials familiar with the issue as saying Ukraine will get some ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 190 miles (300km).
This would enable Kyiv to hit Russian targets deep behind the front line.
At least one Ukrainian missile hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in annexed Crimea on Friday. read more
Karabakh humanitarian fears grow with thousands sleeping on Stepanakert streets
Azerbaijan's military has paraded heavy weapons captured in Nagorno-Karabakh, amid warnings thousands of civilians are without shelter after the surrender of Armenian separatists.
Tanks, guns and RPGs were among the haul shown to the BBC, in the first access given to journalists since separatists agreed to disarm this week.
Ethnic Armenian leaders say thousands are without food or shelter.
Only one aid delivery of 70 tonnes of food has been allowed through. read more
Azerbaijan's military has paraded heavy weapons captured in Nagorno-Karabakh, amid warnings thousands of civilians are without shelter after the surrender of Armenian separatists.
Tanks, guns and RPGs were among the haul shown to the BBC, in the first access given to journalists since separatists agreed to disarm this week.
Ethnic Armenian leaders say thousands are without food or shelter.
Only one aid delivery of 70 tonnes of food has been allowed through. read more
Lego axes plan to make bricks from recycled bottles
Toy giant Lego has scrapped plans to make its bricks from recycled bottles, in a blow to its efforts to cut carbon emissions.
The company said in 2021 that it aimed to produce bricks not containing crude oil within two years.
But on Monday, it said it had found that using the new material didn't reduce carbon emissions.
Lego said it remains "fully committed" to making bricks from sustainable materials.
Currently, many of Lego's bricks are made using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a virgin plastic made from crude oil. read more
Toy giant Lego has scrapped plans to make its bricks from recycled bottles, in a blow to its efforts to cut carbon emissions.
The company said in 2021 that it aimed to produce bricks not containing crude oil within two years.
But on Monday, it said it had found that using the new material didn't reduce carbon emissions.
Lego said it remains "fully committed" to making bricks from sustainable materials.
Currently, many of Lego's bricks are made using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a virgin plastic made from crude oil. read more
Travis King in US custody after North Korea expulsion
US soldier Travis King, who fled from South to North Korea in July, is in American custody after being expelled by Pyongyang, officials say.
According to US media reports, Pte King was transferred into US custody in China.
The 23-year-old reconnaissance specialist illegally crossed into North Korea in July.
North Korean media said he had fled because of "inhuman treatment" and racism within the US military. read more
US soldier Travis King, who fled from South to North Korea in July, is in American custody after being expelled by Pyongyang, officials say.
According to US media reports, Pte King was transferred into US custody in China.
The 23-year-old reconnaissance specialist illegally crossed into North Korea in July.
North Korean media said he had fled because of "inhuman treatment" and racism within the US military. read more
China's Evergrande halts trading amid reports of detained bosses
Shares in crisis-hit Chinese property giant Evergrande have been suspended in Hong Kong amid reports its chairman has been placed under police surveillance.
It follows reports earlier this week that other current and former executives had also been detained.
Thursday's market statement did not give a reason for the trading halt.
But it marks another low for the heavily indebted property giant which defaulted in 2021, triggering China's current real estate market crisis. read more
Shares in crisis-hit Chinese property giant Evergrande have been suspended in Hong Kong amid reports its chairman has been placed under police surveillance.
It follows reports earlier this week that other current and former executives had also been detained.
Thursday's market statement did not give a reason for the trading halt.
But it marks another low for the heavily indebted property giant which defaulted in 2021, triggering China's current real estate market crisis. read more