PARIS, FRANCE (AFP) by Joshua MELVIN The wave of terror attacks afflicting Europe is showing signs of “contagion”, experts warn, at a time when the continent is already in the throes of an existential crisis. In less than two weeks Islamic State group jihadists claimed four bloody assaults in France and Germany that killed nearly 90 people, wounded hundreds and left the continent on edge. Experts say each attack can inspire another, with jihadists egged on further […]
EU
Syrian man dies carrying bomb in Germany; 12 injured
A 27-year-old Syrian man who had been denied asylum in Germany a year ago died on Sunday (July 24) when a bomb he was carrying exploded outside a music festival in Ansbach, Germany, a Bavarian state official told a news conference, according to a website. Bavaria Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the man had tried to commit suicide twice before. It was unclear if he had planned to commit suicide or “take others with him […]
Eyewitnesses talk of explosion in Ansbach
An explosion killed at least one person and injured 12 others near the German city of Nuremberg on Sunday(July 24) and authorities said it was believed to be intentional. Eyewitnesses spoke of a a loud bang and others of a rucksack exploding, and police later said the person killed in the blast, a man with a backpack, was likely carrying an explosive device and acted alone. There was no immediate information on his identity but […]
Spain seeks ‘urgent’ answers from London after nuclear sub collision
MADRID, Spain (AFP) – by Marianne BARRIAUX Spain said Thursday it had asked London for “urgent” explanations after a British nuclear submarine collided with a vessel off the coast of Gibraltar, forcing it to dock in the disputed territory. The incident sparked environmental fears as well as concerns it could lead to yet another diplomatic row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back centuries after it was ceded to Britain in 1713. The HMS Ambush […]
France probes possible security failings in Nice attack
PARIS, France (AFP) – by Andrea BAMBINO with Catherine MARCIANO in Nice French President Francois Hollande on Thursday promised “truth and transparency” from an inquiry into allegations of lax security the night of the Bastille Day attack in Nice that killed 84 people. “When there is a tragedy, or in this case an attack with many dead… there will naturally be questions,” Hollande said during a visit to Dublin, adding that the conclusions of the police probe […]
Doubt cast on German train attacker’s nationality
BERLIN, Germany (AFP) – by Deborah COLE German authorities cast doubt Wednesday on whether a teenager who went on an axe rampage on a Bavarian train was really an Afghan refugee, saying he might have been from Pakistan. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the teenager was believed to be a “lone wolf” attacker who appeared to have been “inspired” by the Islamic State group but was not a member of the jihadist network. “This […]
Britain eyes new trade deals in 2019
London, United Kingdom—The minister charged with securing new trade deals for Britain outside the European Union said Sunday he was aiming for a Brexit date of Jan. 1, 2019, as London made overtures toward Australia and Canada. “That’s the date I’m working to, which could be brought forward if necessary,” International Trade Secretary Liam Fox told the Sunday Times newspaper. This would involve triggering Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, which would start a […]
US State Department: Two Americans killed in Nice attack
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP)–Two American citizens were killed in the truck attack in Nice, which has left at least 84 people dead, the US State Department spokesman said Friday. “At this time, we are aware of and can confirm two US citizens were killed in the attack in Nice on July 14, 2016,” spokesman John Kirby said. “We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those killed.” The statement was issued as US Secretary […]
Muslim, Gulf leaders condemn Nice attack
CAIRO, Egypt (AFP)–Leading Muslim clerics joined Gulf Arab leaders on Friday in condemning a truck attack that killed at least 84 revellers in the Mediterranean resort of Nice on France’s national holiday. Egypt’s top Muslim cleric Shawki Allam condemned the assailant as an “extremist” who “follows in the footsteps of the devil.” “Islam never called for the spilling of blood,” Allam said in a statement. “People who commit such ugly crimes are corrupt of the earth, […]
World reacts to Nice ‘terrorist’ attack
PARIS, France (AFP) — Politicians from around the world have reacted with horror after a truck smashed into a crowd in the French resort of Nice, killing at least 84 as they watched a Bastille Day fireworks display. Following are the main reactions: – US President Barack Obama condemned what he said appeared to be a “horrific terrorist attack”. “We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover […]
Lagarde: Brexit could be a ‘catalyst’ for positive change in Europe
International Managing Fund head Christine Lagarde said on Thursday (July 14) the British exit from the European Union could inspire a new “focus” by European leaders. “The positive person inside myself, while regretting of course the decision that was made by the British people, believes that it could be a catalyst for a reawakening, a momentum, a focus on the real issues that will make a difference in people’s lives,” Lagarde said during an event […]
Hollande denounces third ‘terrorist’ act in 18 months
PARIS, France (AFP)–French President Francois Hollande said Friday that an attack which saw a truck plough into a crowd in Nice, killing 80 people, was clearly a “terrorist” act. There was a sense of deja vu in France as the visibly moved president took to the airwaves to address a nation once again in mourning. If confirmed as an act of terror, the incident will be the third major attack on French soil in 18 months […]
