UK 'Prepared To Arm Kurdish Fighters In Iraq'

The UK will "consider positively" any request for military equipment from Kurdish fighters in Iraq, according to a Government source.

David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg agreed during an emergency Cobra meeting that it was "vital" to help the fight against the militants.

It is now expected the Government would provide weapons and equipment if Kurdish leaders made a request.

Iraqi and Kurdish forces are battling the brutal Islamic State group, which has recently made significant gains in the north of the country, causing thousands to flee after they were issued with an ultimatum to convert to Islam or face death.

Other EU countries have already agreed to send weapons to the Kurds

A Downing Street source said any supplies would be "dependent on what the Kurds would need".

France is already sending weapons to Iraq, with President Francois Hollande confirming the "imminent delivery of military equipment.

Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands have also said they will send arms or are considering doing so.

Meanwhile, several thousand refugees from the Yazidi minority remain on Mount Sinjar in searing temperatures - but the US has said it is now unlikely to mount a rescue.

Kurish forces helped end the 'siege of Sinjar'

President Barack Obama said the situation had "greatly improved" after a special forces mission found many people had escaped.

Mr Obama said airdrops had delivered more than 114,000 meals and tens of thousands of gallons of water, with fighter jets striking Islamic State fighters to allow the drops to take place.

The militants' siege of Sinjar town has been broken, the president said, but strikes will continue.

Yazidi people demonstrate at the Iraq-Syria border

UK International Development Secretary Justine Greening said military action and resistance from Kurdish troops had cleared a safe path for many refugees, who originally were thought to number in the tens of thousands.

Britain has also completed completed seven aid deliveries and a "small number" of RAF Chinook helicopters are being sent to the region, in addition to Tornado jets with surveillance equipment.

Iraq's prime minister, Nouri al Maliki, bowed to pressure and stepped down on Thursday with his country's military still struggling to contain Islamic State's onslaught. Haider al Abadi was named as his replacement.

Nouri al Maliki has bowed to pressure at home and abroad

The US called the decision a "major step forward in uniting (Iraq)".

Secretary of State John Kerry said: "We commend the important and honourable decision by Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to support Prime Minister-designate Haider al Abadi in his efforts to form a new government and develop a national program in line with Iraq's constitutional timeline.

A night vision image of an air drop by the RAF

"This milestone decision sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition of power in Iraq."

EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels later to discuss the ongoing aid efforts, and possibly an agreement on a joint position on arming Kurdish forces.

Islamic State's offensive has seen them this year capture major cities, such as Mosul and Tikrit, with reports of beheadings and crucifixions as they grab more territory for their self-proclaimed caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Murder Arrest After Child Drowns In Hotel Pool

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a three-year-old girl drowned in a hotel swimming pool near Blackpool.

The youngster is believed to have been staying with her parents at the Dalmeny Hotel, St Annes, where she got into difficulty in the water on Thursday morning.

She was pulled from the swimming pool and taken to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in a critical condition but died later.

More follows...

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Parents Giving Thirsty Children Blood To Drink'

Parents cutting themselves so that thirsty children can drink their blood. Others dying from dehydration and being buried under rocks. These are some of the horrifying stories emerging from those who were trapped on a mountain by Islamic State (IS) fighters in Iraq.

Some 6,000 to 8,000 refugees have managed to escape to a makeshift camp in Dohuk province - but up to 30,000 still remain on Mount Sinjar in what a British aid worker has told Sky news is a "heartbreaking humanitarian crisis".

Sky's Sherine Tadros is at the Zakho camp, which has no electricity and just three or four toilets.

A map detailing the Sinjar mountains

"They've told us harrowing stories," she said. "One man has just told us how he saw four children die of thirst. There was nowhere to bury them on the mountain so they just put rocks on their bodies.

"Another man was saying the children were so thirsty, their parents started cutting their own hands and giving them blood to drink.

"And then they make the perilous journey to these areas - sometimes 12 hours. And when they get here the conditions are pretty dire. There is no electricity, no aid agencies - this is just a makeshift camp."

Children at the makeshift camp in Dohuk province

Refugees in the camp - some of whom have gunshot wounds - are surviving on food and water being brought to them by locals.

The international community is starting to take action - but the situation is now unprecedented, according to an aid worker on the ground.

"There is still a big humanitarian crisis going on - what I saw was heartbreaking," British Kurd Taban Shoresh told Sky News.

"We need to do something to rescue those people - 30,000 people trapped on a mountain by IS in fear of extermination. There is no way out - the only way to get to them is by helicopter.

Refugees in Dohuk scramble for aid

"They've got absolutely nothing, and I can't stress this enough. No food, no water. They're dehydrated. They've got no clothes, their shoes have been worn off. It is extremely hot and exposed to the sun.

"This is the first time in history where 30,000 people have been trapped on a mountain in fear of being killed - all the leaders need to come together and figure out the best way to rescue these people. We can't watch 30,000 people die."

Each helicopter sent with aid or to lift the most vulnerable prompts a "scramble".

Areas the Islamic State has launched offensives and wants to make one state

"They are fighting to get on the helicopters and survive - it's their only way out," added Ms Shoresh.

The local mayor has donated 230 tents, Tadros said - but it is sparse shelter for the thousands lucky enough to escape Sinjar.

UNICEF is delivering water, protein biscuits and hygiene kits to refugees but, with one million people now displaced in Iraq, the organisation is struggling to cope.

Colin MacInnes, in Iraq, told Sky News: "We are doing all we can but it is not enough at this time."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iraq: Yazidi Rescue Mission 'Far Less Likely'

'Parents Giving Thirsty Children Blood To Drink'

Updated: 6:07am UK, Thursday 14 August 2014

Parents cutting themselves so that thirsty children can drink their blood. Others dying from dehydration and being buried under rocks. These are some of the horrifying stories emerging from those who were trapped on a mountain by Islamic State (IS) fighters in Iraq.

Some 6,000 to 8,000 refugees have managed to escape to a makeshift camp in Dohuk province - but up to 30,000 still remain on Mount Sinjar in what a British aid worker has told Sky news is a "heartbreaking humanitarian crisis".

Sky's Sherine Tadros is at the Zakho camp, which has no electricity and just three or four toilets.

"They've told us harrowing stories," she said. "One man has just told us how he saw four children die of thirst. There was nowhere to bury them on the mountain so they just put rocks on their bodies.

"Another man was saying the children were so thirsty, their parents started cutting their own hands and giving them blood to drink.

"And then they make the perilous journey to these areas - sometimes 12 hours. And when they get here the conditions are pretty dire. There is no electricity, no aid agencies - this is just a makeshift camp."

Refugees in the camp - some of whom have gunshot wounds - are surviving on food and water being brought to them by locals.

The international community is starting to take action - but the situation is now unprecedented, according to an aid worker on the ground.

"There is still a big humanitarian crisis going on - what I saw was heartbreaking," British Kurd Taban Shoresh told Sky News.

"We need to do something to rescue those people - 30,000 people trapped on a mountain by IS in fear of extermination. There is no way out - the only way to get to them is by helicopter.

"They've got absolutely nothing, and I can't stress this enough. No food, no water. They're dehydrated. They've got no clothes, their shoes have been worn off. It is extremely hot and exposed to the sun.

"This is the first time in history where 30,000 people have been trapped on a mountain in fear of being killed - all the leaders need to come together and figure out the best way to rescue these people. We can't watch 30,000 people die."

Each helicopter sent with aid or to lift the most vulnerable prompts a "scramble".

"They are fighting to get on the helicopters and survive - it's their only way out," added Ms Shoresh.

The local mayor has donated 230 tents, Tadros said - but it is sparse shelter for the thousands lucky enough to escape Sinjar.

UNICEF is delivering water, protein biscuits and hygiene kits to refugees but, with one million people now displaced in Iraq, the organisation is struggling to cope.

Colin MacInnes, in Iraq, told Sky News: "We are doing all we can but it is not enough at this time."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iraq Airstrikes: 'UK Has A Moral Responsibility'

British commanders with experience in Iraq have urged David Cameron to consider taking military action against Islamic State (IS) fighters.

Colonel Tim Collins has warned the Prime Minister that ancient civilisations in Iraq could be "extinguished" unless action is taken to stop the advance of IS.

He also claimed the Government has "left for lunch" on the issue, and accused politicians of refusing to accept the "moral responsibility" to act.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said: "In the next months ancient civilisations will be extinguished on our watch unless we act.

"Britain helped create Iraq in 1920 and we have a moral responsibility to help.

The Prime Minister has been on a 10-day holiday in Portugal

"We have used the Kurds as a public convenience for too long, now their backs are against the wall and we've got to support them."

Downing Street has so far resisted calls for UK forces to join the US in taking military action against IS. It has also rejected demands for Parliament to be recalled to debate the crisis.

Mr Cameron has been on holiday in Portugal with his family, but is expected to return to Number 10 tomorrow.

A YouGov poll carried out for The Times suggests support for the British bombing of militants in Iraq is now at 40%. Some 36% of those asked were opposed to the UK taking action.

The United Nations estimates that between 20,000 and 30,000 people from the ancient Yazidi community remain stranded on Mount Sinjar.

The Yazidis fled to the mountain after IS fighters issued an ultimatum for them to convert to Islam or face death.

Britain is sending a "small number" of RAF Chinook helicopters to the region as efforts continue to ease the plight of the trapped Yazidis.

US service members prepare humanitarian aid for the Yazidis in Iraq

The Government has already sent RAF Tornado jets equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment to help gather intelligence about the situation.

The UK has also committed to transport military equipment to resupply Kurdish forces which have been outgunned by IS.

But General Sir Mike Jackson, who was the professional head of the army during the Iraq War, told the Daily Telegraph that Britain should join the US in launching airstrikes.

"Given our history over recent years in Iraq, we have a moral duty to do what we can on humanitarian grounds," he said.

"I would have no difficulty at all in saying that we should be alongside the United States and up the British ante to the use of airpower, on humanitarian grounds."

The US has sent 130 more military advisers to northern Iraq to assess the scope of the humanitarian mission.

Since June the US has sent about 700 military personnel to Iraq to protect diplomats there and take stock of the country's military capacity.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iraq Crisis: US Sends 130 More Military Advisers

The US has sent 130 more military advisers to northern Iraq to assess the scope of the humanitarian mission.

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said: "I recommended to the President and the President has authorised me to go ahead and send about 130 new assessment team members up to northern Iraq in the Irbil area to take a closer look and give more in-depth assessment of where we can continue to help."

The soldiers have been sent to northern Iraq to "develop additional humanitarian assistance options beyond the current airdrop effort in support of displaced Iraqi civilians trapped on Sinjar Mountain by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant".

Since June the US has sent about 700 military personnel to Iraq to protect diplomats there and take stock of the country's military capacity.

Western powers and international aid agencies are considering further help for the thousands of refugees driven from their homes by the Sunni militants of the Islamic State near the Syrian border.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the US would consider requests for military and other assistance once Iraq's new prime minister-designate forms a government to unite the country.

Haider al Abadi has received support from the US and Iran as well as Sunni neighbours Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

However his Shi'ite party colleague Nuri al-Maliki has refused to step aside after eight years as premier.

Meanwhile, a suicide bomber attacked a checkpoint near Mr al Abadi's Baghdad home on Tuesday. There have been no reports of casualties.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Robin Williams Dies In Suspected Suicide

Robin Williams: Tributes For Actor Dead At 63

Updated: 5:51am UK, Tuesday 12 August 2014

Relatives, showbiz personalities and politicians have expressed their sadness at the death of Robin Williams, who has died at the age of 63 in a suspected suicide.

The Oscar-winning actor was found dead at his home in northern California, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

His daughter Zelda Williams posted an excerpt from the French poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery, which read: "You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them ... In one of the stars I shall be living."

She added: "I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up."

The star of much-loved films including Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam had been struggling with severe depression in recent weeks, according to Williams' press agent Mara Buxbaum.

A statement from President Barack Obama described the actor as "one of a kind".

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind," he said.

"He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry.

"He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets.

"The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Many celebrities also took to Twitter to express their shock at the actor's death, and to pay tribute to Williams' large and well-respected body of work. 

Good Will Hunting co-star Minnie Driver said: "My heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family."

The US actor and director Henry Winkler wrote on Twitter: "Robin Williams was like no other .. To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold.

"Robin you are an angel now!!! REST IN PEACE," he added.

Actor and comedian Steve Martin said: "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul."

Comedian Eddie Izzard said: "Robin Williams has died and I am very sad. From every comedian here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we salute him & we say goodbye."

Jonathan Ross said: "Robin Williams is one. I loved him. Incredibly talented performer. Wonderfully sweet and generous person. Heartbreaking news. So sad."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Robin Williams: Tributes For Actor Dead At 63

Relatives, showbiz personalities and politicians have expressed their sadness at the death of Robin Williams, who has died at the age of 63 in a suspected suicide.

The Oscar-winning actor was found dead at his home in northern California, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

His daughter Zelda Williams posted an excerpt from the French poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery, which read: "You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them ... In one of the stars I shall be living."

She added: "I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up."

Ellen DeGeneres expresses her sadness at the death of Robin Williams

The star of much-loved films including Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam had been struggling with severe depression in recent weeks, according to Williams' press agent Mara Buxbaum.

A statement from President Barack Obama described the actor as "one of a kind".

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind," he said.

"He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry.

"He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets.

"The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Many celebrities also took to Twitter to express their shock at the actor's death, and to pay tribute to Williams' large and well-respected body of work. 

Good Will Hunting co-star Minnie Driver said: "My heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family."

The US actor and director Henry Winkler wrote on Twitter: "Robin Williams was like no other .. To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold.

Comedian Eddie Izzard pays tribute to Williams on Twitter

"Robin you are an angel now!!! REST IN PEACE," he added.

Actor and comedian Steve Martin said: "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul."

Comedian Eddie Izzard said: "Robin Williams has died and I am very sad. From every comedian here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we salute him & we say goodbye."

Jonathan Ross said: "Robin Williams is one. I loved him. Incredibly talented performer. Wonderfully sweet and generous person. Heartbreaking news. So sad."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gaza Truce Holds After Death Toll Tops 2,000

A 72-hour ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held overnight - paving the way for talks aimed at securing a lasting end to the month-long conflict.

The truce, which was agreed during negotiations between both sides in Cairo, began at midnight (10pm UK time).

Israel pledged to return to Cairo on Monday if the ceasefire was observed.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hopes the break will provide a "chance to agree on a durable ceasefire for the benefit of all civilian populations".

Israel and Hamas exhanged fire up to the deadline

Since the last truce broke on Friday, warplanes have reportedly hit more than 170 targets in Gaza, killing at least 19 Palestinians.

Meanwhile, militants fired at least 136 rockets at Israel. Some 93 hit, according to the army.

The death toll since Israel launched its military campaign on July 8 topped 2,000 on Sunday - 1,939 Palestinians and 67 on the Israeli side.

The break in fire will allow Gazans to stock up on supplies and recover the dead buried beneath rubble.

Gazans inspect the damage after Israel's weekend bombardment

Preliminary reports say rebuilding Gaza will cost up to £4.8bn, according to the UN.

More than 10,000 homes have been destroyed and the livelihoods of 300,000 people ruined.

Almost a third of the population - 500,000 people - are displaced within Gaza.

Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal said for the ceasefire to hold, Israel must end its blockade of the Gaza Strip and reopen the seaport.

10,000 homes have been destroyed since July 8

Israel's campaign has been aimed at destroying Hamas' infrastructure, including its network of tunnels.

Away from Gaza, an 11-year-old Palestinian boy was apparently shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank.

Mohammed Khalil al Anati was killed in Al Fawwar refugee camp, southwest of the city of Hebron, a medical official said.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM Urged To Strike Jihadists Amid Atrocities

David Cameron has come under pressure to recall Parliament and consider military action in Iraq amid reports of atrocities carried out by jihadists.

Calls to take action come as evidence emerged of Islamic State (IS) fighters burying women and children alive as they continue their bloody advance.

Meanwhile, Iraq was plunged into a deepening political crisis after its embattled Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki accused the new President of violating the constitution.

Nouri al-Maliki made a surprise speech, attacking the President

In a surprise speech, Mr al-Maliki resisted calls to resign amid the jihadist insurgency and declared he will file a legal complaint against Fouad Massoum.

He accuses him of failing to name a Prime Minister from the country's largest parliamentary faction by Sunday's deadline.

The political turmoil comes amid mounting evidence of the slaughter of minority Christians and Yazidis by Islamic extremists.

Photographs taken in the north of the country appear to show crucifixions and beheadings, as well as a series of executions by gunfire.

US soldiers watch as halal meals are parachuted to the ground in Iraq

Iraq's human rights minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said accounts from Yazidis fleeing Sinjar suggested hundreds had been slaughtered.

"Some of the victims, including women and children, were buried alive in scattered mass graves in and around Sinjar," he said.

The newspaper, The Australian, also featured a photograph purporting to show the nine-year-old son of terrorist Khaled Sharrouf, carrying the head of a Syrian soldier.

The picture was apparently posted on Twitter by Sharrouf, a convicted terrorist, who was raised in Sydney.

Yazidi refugees approach the food bundles on the ground

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that the photograph was further evidence of "just how barbaric" the militants were.

As the world watched the images from Iraq in horror, politicians and influential military figures pressed Mr Cameron to recall Parliament to discuss miltary action. 

Tory backbencher Conor Burns said the Government's response so far, of ruling out military intervention and air dropping supplies, was "not strong enough".

"These people are being beheaded by people from IS, and our only response is to drop some food or water on them," the Bournemouth West MP said.

Refugees flee the extremists carving a bloody path through northern Iraq

"I think the US and UK should be involved in airstrikes. I am not by any means advocating a ground war but I think we should put our special forces in there.

"I think we should be answering positively requests from the Kurds to arm them. I think we should be looking at asylum."

Mr Burns said he did not know whether the Commons would support military action, but it was "worth trying".

"If Parliament decides we do not want to have anything to do with that, then let them say so," he said.

David Cameron has been urged to recall Parliament

The former head of the army, Lord Dannatt, also backed a parliamentary recall, insisting Britain was "watching in horror" as atrocities were committed.

"In the face of a crisis of this scale, with the potential for so much human misery, this is not the moment for decision-makers to be on holiday," he wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

Yesterday, Downing Street announced that more UK advisers were being sent to the under-threat city of Irbil to help deal with the developing crisis.

The US has been carrying out airstrikes to protect the area, which is a Kurdish stronghold and major centre for the country's oil trade.

Overnight, US military planes conducted a fourth air drop of food and water for civilians besieged by jihadists on Mount Sinjar.

A C-17 and three C-130 cargo aircraft dropped 88 bundles of supplies that will provide "food and water for thousands of Iraqi citizens".

The militants have driven as many as 150,000 Yazidis from their homes into the Sinjar mountains, where they are cut off from food and water.

The jihadists have also kidnapped 300 women as slaves.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More