Andrew Cuomo resigns after sexual harassment report - Financial Times

Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday resigned as New York governor following devastating claims of sexual harassment that shredded his reputation and engulfed his administration.

In a video address, an emotional Cuomo said he was inclined to fight impeachment proceedings but feared that doing so would consume the state’s government at a perilous moment.

“Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” said Cuomo, 63.

His resignation will become effective in 14 days, after which Kathy Hochul, the state’s lieutenant-governor, will take charge.

It comes a week after a 168-page report released by New York attorney-general Letitia James concluded he had violated state and federal laws by sexually harassing 11 women, most current and former state employees.

The Democratic governor’s alleged transgressions ranged from suggestive comments to a young assistant about her sex life to reaching under a woman’s blouse and cupping her breast.

Cuomo has repeatedly denied touching anyone inappropriately. In Tuesday’s roughly 20-minute address, Cuomo apologised for insensitivity and insisted his greatest mistake had been failing to grasp how behavioural norms had changed over the years.

“In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realise the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” he said. “There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate — and I should have.”

At the same time, the governor blasted James’s report as “unfair and untruthful”. Just before he spoke, Rita Glavin, his attorney, said the report was “designed and meant to devastate Governor Cuomo”.

Tuesday’s resignation marks the end of an epic American political career that soared over the past year — with talk of a possible White House bid — and then came crashing down.

Cuomo, now in his third term, was celebrated for his inspiring and resolute leadership during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic when New York City was hit hard. The governor’s daily briefings became appointment viewing for people across the country, and fans even mused about drafting him to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic party’s presidential nominee.

But Cuomo, son of another three-term New York governor, Mario Cuomo, began to face questions about his executive order in March 2020 requiring nursing homes to accept patients with Covid-19.

A report by James’s office released in January found that his administration had undercounted Covid deaths of nursing home residents by as much as 50 per cent, which critics said was intended to protect his reputation.

Around the same time, former aides began to come forward with accounts of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment where deference to Cuomo was enforced by an inner circle of “mean girls”.

Cuomo’s fate appeared to be sealed as longtime allies, particularly in the black community, abandoned him following James’s coruscating report and the New York State Assembly began preparations to try to impeach him. His top aide, Melissa DeRosa, resigned on Sunday.

In a statement, the US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, also a New York Democrat, said Cuomo’s resignation was “the right decision for the good of the people of New York”. James said Cuomo’s resignation “closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice”.

US president Joe Biden, who had called on Cuomo to step down after the report was released, said on Tuesday that he respected the decision. Asked for his view on Cuomo’s time as governor, the president responded: “He has done a hell of a job. I mean, both on everything from access to voting to infrastructure to a whole range of things. That is why it is so sad.”

Hochul, a former US representative from Buffalo, will become the state’s first female governor. She was not close to Cuomo, and barely visible during his reign, attributes that may now help her to govern until next year’s elections.

As he signed off, Cuomo reminded voters of all he had accomplished for them over the years — from infrastructure projects to legalising same-sex marriage and battling Covid.

“Thank you for the honour of serving you,” he said. “It has been the honour of a lifetime.”

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2021-08-10 19:57:45Z
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Andrew Cuomo resigns after sexual harassment report - Financial Times

Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday resigned as New York governor following devastating claims of sexual harassment that shredded his reputation and engulfed his administration.

In a video address, an emotional Cuomo said he was inclined to fight impeachment proceedings but feared that doing so would consume the state’s government at a perilous moment.

“Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” said Cuomo, 63.

His resignation will become effective in 14 days, after which Kathy Hochul, the state’s lieutenant-governor, will take charge.

It comes a week after a 168-page report released by New York attorney-general Letitia James concluded he had violated state and federal laws by sexually harassing 11 women, most current and former state employees.

The Democratic governor’s alleged transgressions ranged from suggestive comments to a young assistant about her sex life to reaching under a woman’s blouse and cupping her breast.

Cuomo has repeatedly denied touching anyone inappropriately. In Tuesday’s roughly 20-minute address, Cuomo apologised for insensitivity and insisted his greatest mistake had been failing to grasp how behavioural norms had changed over the years.

“In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realise the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” he said. “There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate — and I should have.”

At the same time, the governor blasted James’s report as “unfair and untruthful”. Just before he spoke, Rita Glavin, his attorney, said the report was “designed and meant to devastate Governor Cuomo”.

Tuesday’s resignation marks the end of an epic American political career that soared over the past year — with talk of a possible White House bid — and then came crashing down.

Cuomo, now in his third term, was celebrated for his inspiring and resolute leadership during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic when New York City was hit hard. The governor’s daily briefings became appointment viewing for people across the country, and fans even mused about drafting him to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic party’s presidential nominee.

But Cuomo, son of another three-term New York governor, Mario Cuomo, began to face questions about his executive order in March 2020 requiring nursing homes to accept patients with Covid-19.

A report by James’s office released in January found that his administration had undercounted Covid deaths of nursing home residents by as much as 50 per cent, which critics said was intended to protect his reputation.

Around the same time, former aides began to come forward with accounts of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment where deference to Cuomo was enforced by an inner circle of “mean girls”.

Cuomo’s fate appeared to be sealed as longtime allies, particularly in the black community, abandoned him following James’s coruscating report and the New York State Assembly began preparations to try to impeach him. His top aide, Melissa DeRosa, resigned on Sunday.

In a statement, the US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, also a New York Democrat, said Cuomo’s resignation was “the right decision for the good of the people of New York”. James said Cuomo’s resignation “closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice”.

US president Joe Biden, who had called on Cuomo to step down after the report was released, said on Tuesday: “I respect the governor’s decision.”

Hochul, a former US representative from Buffalo, will become the state’s first female governor. She was not close to Cuomo, and barely visible during his reign, attributes that may now help her to govern until next year’s elections.

As he signed off, Cuomo reminded voters of all he had accomplished for them over the years — from infrastructure projects to legalising same-sex marriage and battling Covid.

“Thank you for the honour of serving you,” he said. “It has been the honour of a lifetime.”

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2021-08-10 17:47:21Z
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Greece wildfires: UK team help 'strained and exhausted' Greek colleagues battle forest flames - Sky News

Even before their day begins battling Greek wildfires, British firefighters make an hour-long drive up a steep hillside.

The terrain is dry, rugged and the roads winding and narrow. It's not an easy journey.

As our convoy reaches the top, it's clear it's going to be a tough day. Even at this early hour, the heat is intense. Everyone knows it will only get hotter, harder.

Image: The UK team is working to build fire breaks in the forest

They waste no time unpacking equipment, determined and in good humour. The team of 21 firefighters are highly-trained specialists and get organised quickly, professionally, with cool heads.

Hearing Welsh, Geordie and Brummie accents crack a joke in a smouldering Greek forest somehow feels comforting.

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Greek firefighting resources are strained and exhausted. They need help and it's here. At least 20 countries have sent reinforcements.

As the British contingent gets to work a local man passes by and shouts "thank you". It's a heartwarming moment.

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Craig Hope, a wildfire analyst from South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, is confident their Greek counterparts know they can count on them.

"Knowing they can trust us, knowing they can leave this sector to us - they've got a fire analyst here. I know what's going on. It's good for everybody," he says.

The firefighters from Lancashire, Northumberland, Merseyside, the West Midlands, London and South Wales didn't know each other before they received the call to help in Greece.

Image: The team of 21 firefighters from around Britain is part of an international effort

The camaraderie they've formed in such a short time is testament to the scale of the job before them.

Their small unit is working to build fire breaks in a vast forest as flames flare up around them.

The priority in this region has grown as the weather worsens. The temperatures are rising and winds gathering pace. In these conditions fires can quickly get out of control.

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Desperate locals fight oncoming flames on Greek island of Evia

The incident commander, Ian Irving from Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service, points to a fire that's broken out a short distance away through the trees.

The wind has changed direction and temperatures have reached 40C (104F).

"You need to leave soon or you could get stuck here," he warns us.

Tracy Doyle, from London Fire Brigade, recalls how quickly the fire spread just the day before: "Just 10 metres from where we were sitting, we could see white smoke from behind the trees.

Image: People have been forced to evacuate this week on the island of Evia

"We were told to move back a little bit and literally within minutes you could see flickers of orange in the undergrowth and within seconds it engulfed the entire side opposite where we were sitting. In literally seconds.

"You have no time to get out. So you have to listen to the guys with most experience because if you're caught there's no way of getting out."

Their long, hot days here are intense and draining.

Image: A firefighter in the village of Pefki, Evia

Even as they urge us to leave for our own safety they crack a joke about getting ice creams in the middle of the Greek wilderness.

As we prepare to leave, I feel concerned about leaving this small unit of firefighters to tend to a huge forest that is smoking around us.

"Do you ever get worried?" I ask them. "We just don't think about it" one replied.

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2021-08-10 15:35:52Z
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Greece fires: Foreign teams join battle on Evia island - BBC News

Firefighters from several European countries are helping Greek teams on the island of Evia to contain wildfires raging near a major town.

Water-bombing helicopters are dousing the flames near Istiaia, at the island's northern tip. Ukraine, Romania and Serbia sent help to the fire zone.

Evia is just north of Athens, where fires on the northern outskirts are now less intense.

Besides Greece, there are also big wildfires in Italy, Algeria and Russia.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from villages in Greece, which is also getting firefighting help from some other EU countries, Switzerland and the UK.

The EU said it was mobilising "one of Europe's biggest-ever common firefighting operations" to help Greece and other affected countries.

Firebreaks have been created around Istiaia, where Mayor Yiannis Kontzias said: "We have managed to control this front because we doused it from the land and air."

More than 850 firefighters are being assisted by at least a dozen helicopters.

More than 500 wildfires have been raging across Greece this month, fuelled by strong winds and parched vegetation. Foreign teams are also helping to tackle blazes in the Peloponnese.

Reuters

The wildfires have also proven deadly for migrating storks. Every year the birds head south near Athens to winter in Africa, but now they have turned up in parts of the capital for the first time, apparently confused by the billowing smoke.

"It is the first time we have had so many dead storks in Athens," said Maria Ganoti of Anima, a conservation group which is rescuing injured birds. "People in Athens are picking up dead storks from their lawns."

The current heatwave has pushed temperatures to 45C in Greece and parts of southern Italy.

On Monday Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis apologised for failures in tackling the wildfires. "We may have done what was humanly possible, but in many cases it was not enough," he said.

Villagers on Evia have complained that the water-bombing aircraft arrived on the scene too late, and had to contend with thick smoke, making their job more difficult.

"I completely understand the pain of our fellow citizens who saw their homes or property burning," Mr Mitsotakis said on TV.

But he said Greece was "facing a natural disaster of unprecedented dimensions".

Fires in Algeria and Russia

The Mediterranean heatwave has also led to the spread of wildfires across southern Italy, with Calabria, Puglia and Sicily the worst-hit regions. Several hundred blazes are reported.

News reports in Algeria speak of dozens of wildfires there and at least 10 deaths in the blazes.

Tizi Ouzou in the north-eastern Kabylie region is the worst affected, AFP news agency reports. Algerian state TV said the blazes were "enormous and started deliberately".

A vast expanse of forest in Russia's north-east is also in the grip of wildfires - an emergency that prompted President Vladimir Putin to order reinforcements to the region.

Getty Images

Yakutia is sparsely populated and is Russia's coldest region in winter. More than 60,000 sq km (23,166 sq miles) of forest has been ravaged by fire in Yakutia. Fires have also swept through 1,230 sq km in Irkutsk region.

Climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires.

The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.

On Monday the UN released a major report saying human activity was making extreme weather events more common.

Are you in Greece? How have you been affected by the wildfires? haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2021-08-10 15:23:58Z
52781773017106

Greece fires: Foreign teams join battle on Evia island - BBC News

Firefighters from several European countries are helping Greek teams on the island of Evia to contain wildfires raging near a major town.

Water-bombing helicopters are dousing the flames near Istiaia, at the island's northern tip. Ukraine, Romania and Serbia sent help to the fire zone.

Evia is just north of Athens, where fires on the northern outskirts are now less intense.

Besides Greece, there are also big wildfires in Italy, Algeria and Russia.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from villages in Greece, which is also getting firefighting help from some other EU countries, Switzerland and the UK.

The EU said it was mobilising "one of Europe's biggest-ever common firefighting operations" to help Greece and other affected countries.

Firebreaks have been created around Istiaia, where Mayor Yiannis Kontzias said: "We have managed to control this front because we doused it from the land and air."

More than 850 firefighters are being assisted by at least a dozen helicopters.

More than 500 wildfires have been raging across Greece this month, fuelled by strong winds and parched vegetation. Foreign teams are also helping to tackle blazes in the Peloponnese.

The wildfires have also proven deadly for migrating storks. Every year the birds head south near Athens to winter in Africa, but now they have turned up in parts of the capital for the first time, apparently confused by the billowing smoke.

"It is the first time we have had so many dead storks in Athens," said Maria Ganoti of Anima, a conservation group which is rescuing injured birds. "People in Athens are picking up dead storks from their lawns."

The current heatwave has pushed temperatures to 45C in Greece and parts of southern Italy.

On Monday Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis apologised for failures in tackling the wildfires. "We may have done what was humanly possible, but in many cases it was not enough," he said.

Villagers on Evia have complained that the water-bombing aircraft arrived on the scene too late, and had to contend with thick smoke, making their job more difficult.

"I completely understand the pain of our fellow citizens who saw their homes or property burning," Mr Mitsotakis said on TV.

But he said Greece was "facing a natural disaster of unprecedented dimensions".

Fires in Algeria and Russia

The Mediterranean heatwave has also led to the spread of wildfires across southern Italy, with Calabria, Puglia and Sicily the worst-hit regions. Several hundred blazes are reported.

News reports in Algeria speak of dozens of wildfires there and at least 10 deaths in the blazes.

Tizi Ouzou in the north-eastern Kabylie region is the worst affected, AFP news agency reports. Algerian state TV said the blazes were "enormous and started deliberately".

A vast expanse of forest in Russia's north-east is also in the grip of wildfires - an emergency that prompted President Vladimir Putin to order reinforcements to the region.

Getty Images

Yakutia is sparsely populated and is Russia's coldest region in winter. More than 60,000 sq km (23,166 sq miles) of forest has been ravaged by fire in Yakutia. Fires have also swept through 1,230 sq km in Irkutsk region.

Climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires.

The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.

On Monday the UN released a major report saying human activity was making extreme weather events more common.

Are you in Greece? How have you been affected by the wildfires? haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2021-08-10 13:13:28Z
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Robert Schellenberg: Chinese court upholds death sentence verdict for Canadian drug smuggler - Sky News

The Canadian ambassador to China has condemned a court's ruling to uphold the death sentence verdict for a Canadian convicted of drug smuggling.

Robert Schellenberg was arrested in 2014 and sentenced to 15 years in prison in November 2018 but then abruptly resentenced to death in the city of Dalian in January 2019.

Schellenberg was convicted of smuggling 222kg (448lbs) of methamphetamine, according to the court.

This decision to reject his appeal came while the Chinese government was trying to pressure Canada to release the chief financial officer of telecoms giant Huawei.

Meng Wanzhou was detained at Vancouver Airport in December 2018 on US charges related to possible dealings with Iran.

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Meng, who has said she is innocent, has been fighting her extradition from under house arrest in Vancouver.

Ambassador Dominic Barton told reporters that Canada remains remain deeply concerned about China's arbitrary use of the death penalty.

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"It is not a coincidence that these are happening right now, while the case is going on in Vancouver," Mr Barton said, referring to Schellenberg's case and that of another Canadian, Michael Spavor.

Image: Meng Wanzhou pictured leaving her home to attend a court hearing in Vancouver on 4 August

The Higher People's Court of Liaoning Province rejected Schellenberg's appeal, which it heard in May 2020, and said in a statement on Tuesday that the sentence was appropriate and the lower court's procedures legal.

It sent the case to the Chinese supreme court for review, as is required by law before any death sentences can be carried out.

Businessman Spavor was detained in China days after Meng's arrest in Vancouver.

He was charged with espionage in June last year and went to trial in March.

Mr Barton said a court in the northeastern city of Dandong, on a river bordering North Korea, is expected to announce a verdict on Spavor on Wednesday.

China has rejected the suggestion the Canadians' cases are linked to Meng's case in Canada though China has warned of unspecified consequences unless Meng was released.

Chinese courts have a conviction rate of more than 99%.

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2021-08-10 11:26:24Z
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Taliban fight for Afghanistan: Pentagon says there is 'not much' it can do - Daily Mail

Pentagon says there is 'not much' it can do to help Afghanistan and says taking on the Taliban 'is their struggle' as the terror group target another city, causing thousands to flee

• Pentagon spokesman said Taliban gains in Afghanistan 'deeply concerning' but there is 'not much' US can do
• 'It's their country to defend now, it's their struggle,' spokesman said when asked if US airstrikes will increase
• Just hours after he spoke jihadists attacked Maza-i-Sharif, the largest city in Afghanistan's north, as locals fled
• Taliban has captured six regional capitals in the last four days and is pushing for overall control of the country 

By Chris Pleasance for MailOnline

Published: 10:08 BST, 10 August 2021 | Updated: 12:18 BST, 10 August 2021

The US has said there is 'not much' it can do to prevent the Taliban from retaking Afghanistan - insisting the fate of the country is now in the hands of Afghanis. 

John Kirby, spokesman for the Pentagon, told reporters 'it's their struggle' when asked whether the US will be stepping up airstrikes to help government forces drive back Islamist fighters who have captured six provincial capitals in as many days. 

Kirby said he was 'deeply concerned' that the battle for control of the country appears to be shifting in favour of the Taliban, but added that President Biden remains committed to ending America's presence there at the end of the month.

Just hours after he spoke the Taliban targeted another city - Maza-i-Sharif, the largest in Afghanistan's north - with government forces saying Tuesday morning that they had successfully repelled an attack.

There is 'not much' the US can do to repel Taliban attacks on the Afghan government as Islamists seize control of cities across the country, the pentagon has said (pictured, Taliban fighters in the city of Kunduz)

America will step up diplomatic efforts to force the Taliban to the negotiating table but will not step up airstrikes, spokesman said (pictured, the Taliban in border city of Spin Boldak)

It is thought the fighting took place in the suburbs rather than the city itself, but the assault still represents one of the Taliban's most-audacious attacks to date.

Saad Mohseni, chairman of the MOBY Group which owns radio stations in Afghanistan, said up to 15 flights are leaving the city for Kabul each day carrying citizens who are fleeing in fear of their safety.

Meanwhile Geeta Mohan, foreign affairs reporter for India Today, said the country has ordered all of its diplomatic staff out of the city because of 'the developing security situation.

It comes after the terror group captured Aibak, a regional capital just 40 miles from Mazar, on Monday and then overran a nearby government military base - seizing some 50 vehicles including armoured Humvees left behind.

The cities of Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul, Taloqan, Zaranj and Shebergha also fell to the jihadists at the weekend. 

Residents in Aibak said that Taliban fighters were consolidating their grip, moving into government buildings, residents said.

Most members of the government security forces appeared to have withdrawn from the town, they added, saying they are keeping off the streets.

'The only way is self-imposed house arrest or to find a way to leave for Kabul,' said Sher Mohamed Abbas, a provincial tax official.

'But then even Kabul is not a safe option anymore,' said Abbas, a father of four children and a sole bread winner for a family of nine.

Abbas said Taliban had arrived at his office and told workers to go home. He and other residents said they had not seen nor heard fighting on Tuesday.

The Taliban has seized control of large parts of Afghanistan from the government since US forces withdrew, and is now fighting for control of several major cities

The Taliban, battling to defeat the U.S-backed government and reimpose strict Islamic law, swept into Aibak on Monday meeting little resistance.

Taliban and government officials have confirmed that the Islamists have overrun six provincial capitals in recent days in the north, west and south.

Kirby said that America will step up its efforts to resolve the fighting through diplomatic channels, and has sent envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to Qatar to 'press the Taliban to... negotiate a political settlement.' 

But pressed on what America is willing to do militarily to help the government, he said: 'These are their military forces, these are their provincial capitals, their people to defend and it's really going to come down to the leadership that they're willing to exude here at this particular moment.' 

The US carried out less than a dozen strikes over the weekend as the Taliban overran the provincial capitals, in one instance simply destroying equipment.

Officials within the Pentagon said no order had been received to increase the frequency of those strikes. 

They added that no request for support had been received as Taliban fighters overran Kunduz, the largest city to fall to the Taliban so far.

Government forces say operations are now underway to recapture the city, though Taliban forces pictured there on Tuesday showed little sign of nerves. 

The Taliban gains have sparked recriminations over the withdrawal of foreign forces. 

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace branded the accord struck last year between the United States and the Taliban was a 'rotten deal'.

Washington agreed to withdraw in a deal negotiated last year under Biden's Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.

Wallace said his government had asked some NATO allies to keep their troops in Afghanistan once the U.S. troops departed, but failed to garner enough support.

'Some said they were keen, but their parliaments werenât. It became apparent pretty quickly that without the United States as the framework nation it had been, these options were closed off,' Wallace said.

The fighting has sparked a refugee crisis within Afghanistan, as thousands of people flee to the capital Kabul in the hopes they will be safe there

Children jostle each-other as they wait for food handouts in Kabul, Afghanistan, having fled the fighting in Kunduz and surrounding Takar province

Germany's defence minister rejected calls for its soldiers to return to Afghanistan after Taliban insurgents took Kunduz where German troops were deployed for a decade.

Afghan commandoes had launched a counterattack to try to beat back Taliban fighters who overran Kunduz, with residents fleeing the conflict describing the almost constant sound of gunfire and explosions.

In the west, near the border with Iran, security officials said heavy fighting was under way on the outskirts of Herat. Arif Jalali, head of Herat Zonal Hospital, said 36 people had been killed and 220 wounded over the past 11 days. More than half of the wounded were civilians.

UNICEF said 20 children were killed and that 130 children had been injured in southern Kandahar province in the past 72 hours.

'The atrocities grow higher by the day,' said Herve Ludovic De Lys, UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan. 

In Kunduz, many desperate families, some with young children and pregnant women, abandoned their homes, hoping to reach the relative safety of Kabul, 200 miles to the south - a drive that would normally take around 10 hours.

Ghulam Rasool, an engineer, was trying to hire a bus to get his family to the capital as the sound of gunfire reverberated through the streets of his hometown.

'We may just be forced to walk till Kabul, but we are not sure if we could be killed on the way. ... Ground clashes were not just stopping even for 10 minutes,' Rasool told Reuters.

He and several other residents, and a security official, said Afghan commandoes had launched an operation to clear the insurgents from Kunduz.

In Kabul itself, suspected Taliban fighters killed an Afghan radio station manager, government officials said, the latest in a long line of attacks targeting media workers.

Thousands were trying to enter Kabul, even after the city has witnessed attacks in diplomatic districts.

Speaking to Al Jazeera TV on Sunday, Taliban spokesman Muhammad Naeem Wardak warned the United States against further intervention to support government forces.

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2021-08-10 09:08:22Z
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