Drones strike 3 ‘shadow fleet’ tankers off Turkiye
ISTANBUL, May 28: Three oil tankers linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” were attacked by drones off Turkey’s Black Sea coast on Thursday, according to shipping agency Tribeca Shipping. The vessels — James II, Altura and Velora — are listed under Western sanctions for allegedly helping export Russian oil while bypassing sanctions imposed over Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The Palau-flagged James II was attacked north of Turkey’s Sinop district while travelling without cargo. The Sierra Leone-flagged Altura and Velora were targeted during ship-to-ship operations nearby. No injuries were reported, and Turkish coast guard vessels were sent to assist. The Altura had previously been struck by a naval drone in March near the Bosporus. No group immediately claimed responsibility. Turkey had earlier criticised similar Ukrainian drone attacks in the Black Sea, warning of risks to navigation and regional safety. (AP)
Aid arrives in Congo Ebola zone amid WHO visit
BUNAI, May 28: Emergency aid supplies have reached northeastern Congo as authorities struggle to contain an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola amid insecurity and shortages of medical equipment. A cargo plane delivered masks, gloves, boots and medicines donated by the European Union to Bunia, the centre of the outbreak in Ituri province. Health workers have faced severe challenges, including attacks on medical centres, distrust among local communities and ongoing violence by armed groups. Doctors were reportedly using expired masks while treating suspected patients. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a global public health emergency, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is travelling to Congo to assess response efforts. Congo has reported more than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 220 deaths since May 15, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed seven cases and one death. Aid agencies warn that conflict, poor infrastructure and logistical hurdles are hampering containment efforts. (AP)
14 schools to be built by India in Nepal
KATHMANDU, May 28: India has pledged Nepali Rupees 560.2 million to build 14 schools in eight earthquake-affected districts of Nepal under its post-disaster reconstruction assistance programme. The projects will cover Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, Dolakha, Kathmandu, Kavrepalanchowk, Ramechhap and Sindhupalchok districts. According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the schools will be constructed using earthquake-resistant standards set by the Nepal government. The facilities will include academic blocks, furnished classrooms and separate sanitation facilities for boys and girls. India has earlier supported Nepal’s reconstruction efforts by completing 70 schools and the Tribhuvan University Central Library after the devastating 2015 earthquake. (PTI)
