Your helper

Sunday, April 26, 2026

NSA Doval discusses regional situation with UAE President Al Nahyan

Dubai, Apr 26 (PTI): National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed measures to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership and the regional situation. The Indian Embassy in the UAE said Doval conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to the UAE leader during his official visit to the Arab country. “Measures to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the regional situation, and other issues of mutual interest were discussed,” the Indian Embassy said in the post on X. Earlier this month, Doval met Saudi Arabia's senior leaders and discussed bilateral relations, the regional situation and other areas of mutual interests. Doval held meetings with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman and National Security Advisor Musaed Al-Aiban. During the meetings, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, the regional situation and other issues of mutual interests, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a post on X. Doval's visit to the UAE comes amid uncertainty over the second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday landed in Pakistan for the second time in three days and met Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. There was no official word from Pakistan about the meeting which apparently focused on the ongoing peace efforts by Islamabad to arrange the second round of talks between the US and Iran. PTI GSP GSP(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/nsa-doval-discusses-regional-situation-with-uae-president-al-nahyan-1838879

Colombia Highway Bombing Kills 19, Many Injured

Edited by: Sean Sinico A bomb attack on a highway in southwestern Colombia has left 19 people dead, with the authorities blaming a drug lord who was once part of the FARC guerilla group for the attack. At least 38 people — including five children — were injured in the attack on Saturday, which comes a month before the country's presidential election. <h2>What do we know?</h2> The explosion took place on the Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibio in the Cauca province. According to local media reports, an explosive cylinder fell onto a minibus and detonated. Governor Octavio Guzman described the incident as a "tragedy" and warned of a "terrorist escalation." Visuals shared by Guzman on X showed extensive damage to a number of vehicles. Some cars had been overturned because of the force of the blast. Another image showed a large crater etched into the highway, following the attack. <h2>Who is behind the attack</h2> President Gustavo Petro blamed the attack on Ivan Mordisco — one of Colombia's most wanted criminals — whom the leftist leader has compared to the late drug lord Pablo Escobar. He called those responsible "terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers." Mordisco is a dissident of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), operating in the region. He opted out of the peace agreement that FARC signed with the state in 2016. <h2>Southwest Colombia sees surge in attacks ahead of elections</h2> Saturday's attack is the latest in a string of explosions targeting public infrastructure. At least 26 incidents have taken place over the last two days in the Valle del Cauca and Cauca departments and have only affected civilians, according to the Commander of Colombia's Armed Forces, Hugo López. The incidents prompted a dispatch of high-ranking officials, including Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez, to the region. Sanchez was leading a delegation in Cali to assess the situation in Valle del Cauca after two attacks were reported on Friday, when Saturday's explosion took place. The spate of attacks comes ahead of presidential elections slated for May 31. Security is one of the central issues of the poll campaign. Presidential candidate Paloma Valencia, who belongs to the opposition right-wing Democratic Center ⁠party and is from Cauca, has called for immediate action against the violence. "President &zwnj;Gustavo Petro's government cannot continue minimizing the violence or dismantling the state," she said. "We demand immediate action, full ⁠backing for our Armed Forces and police, and concrete results." Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/colombia-highway-bombing-kills-19-many-injured-1838875

'Very Troubled': Trump Says Suspect Sent Manifesto To Family Before DC Attack

Reports have revealed details of a purported manifesto linked to the suspect in the recent attack involving US President Donald Trump, offering insight into his alleged motives. According to reports, suspect sent the document to his family members shortly before the incident and reflects strong anti-government views. Reacting to the attack, Trump described the suspect as “very troubled” and said he harboured “hatred for Christians”.  <h2>What Manifesto Suggests</h2> According to reports, the suspect allegedly sent a manifesto to his family shortly before the attack, outlining his motivation and intent. The document reportedly contained anti-Trump and anti-government views, along with attempts to justify the act. Some reports claim he used phrases such as “Friendly Federal Assassin” and included ideas around targeting. The manifesto is also said to have contained justifications for violence. According to the New York Post, the suspect allegedly wrote in the manifesto, “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.” The report noted that the wording did not explicitly state who the remarks were directed at. The New York Post further reported that the manifesto claimed “all (Trump) administration officials, not including Mr Patel…are targets, prioritised from highest-ranking to lowest.” It also stated that Secret Service personnel would be targeted “only if necessary” and would be “incapacitated non-lethally if possible.” However, these details are based on reported excerpts, as ABP Live has not verified the complete document. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-news-live-trump-was-likely-main-target-in-white-house-dinner-shooting-1838860">Trump Was Likely Main Target In White House Dinner Shooting: Report</a> <h2>Trump Details Motive</h2> Speaking about the suspect, Trump said he was “very troubled” and had “a lot of hatred” over a long period. He added that the motive appeared to be religious and strongly anti-Christian, based on what he described as the contents of the manifesto. Trump also suggested that the suspect’s family may have had prior concerns and could have informed law enforcement earlier. He criticised them, saying stronger warnings should have been given to authorities. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/quite-an-evening-trump-reacts-after-firing-at-white-house-press-dinner-says-shooter-arrested-1838744">'Quite An Evening': Trump Reacts After Firing At White House Press Dinner, Says Shooter Arrested</a> <h2>Targeted Attack Suspected</h2> US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the suspect in the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner deliberately targeted members of the Trump administration, possibly including the President, according to Reuters. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Blanche noted that the suspect had travelled across several cities before reaching Washington, DC. The shooting occurred outside the Washington Hilton during the high-profile event attended by Donald Trump, triggering a swift and coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DE42ZwzSn4k?si=I1uKpyWm3nWB24Hc" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/white-house-dinner-shooting-very-troubled-hatred-for-christians-trump-cites-suspect-s-manifesto-in-shooting-case-1838872

Saturday, April 25, 2026

'Quite An Evening': Trump Reacts After Firing At White House Press Dinner, Says Shooter Arrested

US President Donald Trump reacted to the firing incident at the White House correspondents' dinner, which prompted Secret Service agents to evacuate him and First Lady Melania off the stage.  In a post to Truth Social about 30 minutes following the security incident, Trump said that a “shooter has been apprehended” and lauded the Secret Service and law enforcement for their response. “Quite an evening in DC. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely...I have recommended that we ‘let the show go on’, but will entirely be guided by law enforcement. They will make a decision shortly," Trump said. "Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we'll just, plain, have to do it again," he added.  Shortly afterwards, Trump, in another post, wrote, "The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition." He said he &zwnj;would ⁠be holding a White House press conference on Saturday night. An official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation told Reuters that a man carrying a shotgun fired at a Secret Service agent. The agent was struck in a protected area and was not injured. All US officials, including Trump and Vice President Vance, were safe and evacuated unhurt. The banquet hall, packed with journalists, public figures and government leaders awaiting the President’s speech, was cleared after a sudden loud disturbance triggered panic. National Guard personnel moved in to secure the premises, allowing people to exit but preventing re-entry, while security was tightened outside. Organisers later asked guests to return to their seats as preparations were made to resume the event, with an announcement expected shortly. Many attendees remained inside the ballroom during this time. The Metropolitan Police Department said its officers were on the scene and working alongside federal agencies, adding that more information would be shared once verified, AP reported. The Washington Hilton, which has long hosted the event, typically remains open to regular guests during the dinner. Security is usually concentrated around the ballroom rather than the entire hotel, a setup that has occasionally allowed disruptions in public areas in previous years, including protests and demonstrations.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/quite-an-evening-trump-reacts-after-firing-at-white-house-press-dinner-says-shooter-arrested-1838744

Trump, Melania Evacuated After Shots Fired At White House Correspondents' Dinner

US President Donald Trump and other senior leaders were evacuated by the Secret Service agents from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night after an unspecified security incident. There were no immediate injuries. It was not immediately clear what happened, but a law enforcement official indicated that a shooter had opened fire, news agecy Associated Press reported. Panic broke out inside the Washington Hilton banquet hall as Secret Service personnel and other authorities rushed in, with many of the 2,600 attendees taking cover under tables amid shouts to get down. Shouts of "Out of the way, sir!" and calls to duck were heard, AP reported. Several people present said they heard what sounded like five to eight gunshots. The venue, packed with prominent journalists, celebrities and senior government officials awaiting Trump’s address, was swiftly cleared. National Guard personnel were deployed inside, while those exiting were barred from re-entry. Security in the surrounding area was also tightened following the security incident. Among those attending the event were Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, AP reported. A White House aide said Donald Trump was safe and no injuries were reported, Reuters reported. 

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-president-trump-evacuated-security-incident-at-white-house-correspondents-annual-dinner-1838740

Friday, April 24, 2026

Islamabad In Focus: Kushner, Witkoff Set For Iran Talks As Tensions Simmer

The White House has indicated that preparations for a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad are nearly complete. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to depart for Pakistan on Saturday to take part in potential peace talks. The White House added that Vice President J. D. Vance may attend if required, although his participation remains uncertain. Iran has also expressed interest in direct dialogue with the United States, strengthening the prospects for talks. <h2 data-section-id="k25jej" data-start="1490" data-end="1523">Araghchi’s Visit Adds Momentum</h2> Abbas Araghchi is set to arrive in Islamabad with a small delegation. His visit follows recent discussions with Ishaq Dar, where ceasefire-related issues and diplomatic efforts were reviewed. Reports suggest US logistics and security teams are already present in Islamabad, although there has been no official confirmation. According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Islamabad is attempting to bring both countries to the negotiating table after the first round of talks failed to yield results. <h2>Calls In Iran To Cancel Visit</h2> Iran’s Fars News Agency on Friday urged Araghchi to cancel his planned visit to Islamabad. The agency argued that if his trip coincided with the arrival of the US delegation, it would signal Iran’s willingness to continue negotiations, which it described as “costly” and “useless.” The report added that concerns are growing domestically over the Foreign Minister’s approach, noting that earlier rounds of talks with the US had not produced positive outcomes and instead preceded the current conflict. <h2 data-section-id="ji1rm0" data-start="2643" data-end="2675">Military Build-Up In Parallel</h2> Alongside diplomatic developments, the United States has increased its military presence in the region. The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) has arrived in the Indian Ocean and joined deployments alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in the Arabian Sea and the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in the Red Sea. <h2 data-section-id="1l5qty2" data-start="3021" data-end="3055">Talks And Tensions Run Parallel</h2> The simultaneous push for dialogue and military reinforcement underscores the sensitivity of the situation. While efforts to resume negotiations are intensifying, the expanded deployment signals continued preparedness amid ongoing regional tensions.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/islamabad-in-focus-kushner-witkoff-set-for-iran-talks-as-tensions-simmer-1838541

High-Stakes Diplomacy: Iran FM Araghchi Heads to Pakistan Amid Fresh US Talk Buzz

Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad late tonight with a small delegation. Reports suggest Pakistan is exploring the possibility of facilitating a second round of talks between the United States and Iran. However, neither side has issued an official statement on Araghchi’s visit. <h2 data-section-id="y0m11" data-start="1075" data-end="1105">Trump Envoys May Join Talks</h2> According to a CNA report, Donald Trump plans to send his special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Pakistan in the coming days to participate in discussions with Araghchi as part of a potential second round of talks. <h2 data-section-id="1xvvx3s" data-start="1409" data-end="1462">Previous Talks Yielded No Breakthrough</h2> The first round of US-Iran talks, held in Pakistan on April 11 and 12, did not produce any concrete outcome. Since then, Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and sustain dialogue. <h2 data-section-id="1m1c8wm" data-start="1668" data-end="1708">Diplomatic Engagements Ahead of Visit</h2> According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the visit follows a phone call between Ishaq Dar and Araghchi, during which they discussed the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Reports indicate that US logistics and security teams are already present in Islamabad, suggesting preparations for possible negotiations. <h2 data-section-id="nmxw2p" data-start="2073" data-end="2095">Wider Regional Tour</h2> As per Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi’s visit is part of a broader regional tour that also includes Muscat and Moscow. The trip is aimed at discussions on bilateral ties, regional developments, and tensions involving the US and Israel. Araghchi also held discussions with Ishaq Dar and Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir. According to Mehr News Agency, these talks covered regional developments and ceasefire-related issues. <h2 data-section-id="1948h9d" data-start="2604" data-end="2637">Islamabad Under Tight Security</h2> Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic push to bring both sides to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Islamabad has witnessed major disruptions amid expectations of high-level visits. Traffic remained paralysed on Friday, with authorities imposing restrictions to facilitate potential talks. Over 10,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed as part of heightened security measures. <h2 data-section-id="1tqjs47" data-start="3037" data-end="3068">Roads And Services Disrupted</h2> Several major roads and markets have remained closed since Sunday to manage VIP movement. Areas around the Nur Khan Airbase have yet to reopen, while metro bus and electric bus services, along with freight transport, have been suspended since April 19. Residents in localities such as Shah Faisal Colony, Khalid Colony, Gulzar-e-Quaid, and Fazal Town have been largely confined to their homes due to restrictions. <h2 data-section-id="1vezdxs" data-start="3488" data-end="3511">Public Life Affected</h2> The metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad remains suspended, and electric buses on seven routes are not operational. Freight transport has also been halted, causing inconvenience to the public. The “red zone” continues to remain fully closed, with many office employees working from home amid ongoing security measures.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/high-stakes-diplomacy-iran-fm-araghchi-heads-to-pakistan-amid-fresh-us-talk-buzz-1838540