US fertility clinic explosion kills one; police suspect intent
PALM SPRINGS, May 18: A fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, was severely damaged by an explosion, with one person found dead. The incident is being investigated as a possible car explosion, with the person who died likely the one who set off the explosion. The FBI is sending investigators, bomb technicians, and an evidence response team to the scene. The city of Palm Springs has advised residents to avoid the area around North Indian Canyon Drive near East Tachevah Drive. The explosion damaged the clinic’s office space and stored embryos, leaving all staff safe. (AP)
Militant attack in Balochistan kills four levies soldiers
Karachi, May 18: Four levies soldiers were killed when militants attacked their check post in the restive Balochistan province’s Khuzdar district along the strategic China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route, police said. The masked gunmen on Saturday evening attacked the check post in the Nal area of the district and fled the scene, a police official said. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, security officials believe it was carried out by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which is blamed for the increasing terrorist activities in the mineral-rich province. (PTI)
Northern Gaza hospital shuts amid Israeli offensive
Deir Al-Balah, May 18: The Health Ministry in Gaza says that the main hospital serving people in the territory’s north has been forced to close because of escalating Israeli strikes and what it said was a siege of the facility. The Indonesian Hospital was the last remaining functioning public hospital in the war-battered area. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on claims of fighting around the hospital. Northern Gaza’s previous main hospital, Kamal Adwan, was forced to stop serving Palestinians last year because of Israeli strikes, as was a second facility, Beit Hanoun Hospital. (AP)
Bangladesh army bans gatherings in parts of Dhaka
DHAKA, May 18: Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced a ban on gatherings, rallies, and demonstrations in key areas of Dhaka, effective from Sunday until further notice. The restriction aims to maintain law and order and ensure smooth public movement. The ban includes areas such as Kachukhet Road, Bijoy Sarani to Jahangir Gate, BAF Shaheen College to Mohakhali flyover, Sainik Club intersection, Bhashantek, Matikata, and ECB Chattar. Protests against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus have been ongoing, with supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain demanding their candidate’s mayoral candidacy. Women’s marches and sit-ins have also sparked protests. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has threatened to take to the streets if elections are delayed. (IANS)