Friday, July 23 2021

*) Tigray assault on Ethiopia's Afar causes heavy casualties, displacement At least 20 civilians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in clashes between rebels and pro-government forces in Ethiopia's Afar region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray last November to oust the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front and fighting has dragged on. Tigrayan forces have now mounted attacks in neighbouring Afar, marking an expansion of an eight-month-old conflict into a previously untouched area. *) Pentagon: US carried out recent air strikes to repel Afghan Taliban The US has carried out air strikes to back the Afghan army's bid to repel the Taliban, as international troops continue to exit Afghanistan. Pentagon's confirmation of air strikes comes after a top general said the Taliban control half of all district centres. On Thursday, US General Mark Milley warned that Taliban insurgents appear to have “strategic momentum” in the fight for control of Afghanistan. *) Madagascar says it foiled bid to assassinate president, six arrested Madagascar has foiled an attempt to assassinate President Andry Rajoelina, arresting at least six suspects, including two French nationals. The country’s Public Security Minister said the arrests comprise "a foreigner, two dual nationals and three Madagascans." Rajoelina was sworn in as president of Madagascar in 2019 after a hard-fought election and a constitutional challenge from his rival. *) Troubled Tokyo Olympics set to open under Covid cloud The most troubled Olympics in modern history are finally under way in Tokyo as more participating athletes contract Covid. Friday's opening ceremony will take place with Japan's capital in a state of emergency. After a one-year postponement, the Games are facing scandals over officials and fears that the global gathering of athletes will become a colossal super-spreader event. And finally ... *) Wolf Alice, Arlo Parks and Ghetts among Mercury Prize nominees Singer-songwriters Arlo P