AFP Video

In space (AFP) – Polaris Dawn commander Jared Isaacman opens the hatch of a Dragon spacecraft and makes his way through to open space, together with crewmate Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, the first private citizens to ever achieve the feat. It was yet another major milestone for SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. Initially dismissed by traditionalists, it has since grown into a powerhouse that has reshaped the space industry.

Gao (Mali) (AFP) – In the heart of the East Malian city of Gao stands the Tomb of Askia – a symbol of the West African country’s rich cultural heritage. The ancient burial site dating back to the 15th century is now in peril, as climate change and extreme weather conditions take their toll. But efforts are underway to maintain and preserve the structure which is a source of pride for inhabitants, and a draw for visitors from near and far.

Kabul (AFP) – A production line in a warehouse in western Afghanistan churns out 24 energy drinks every second, feeding a thirst for the tonic used to mask life’s hardships and lift wilting spirits. The Taliban government has purged many signs of Western influence but a stimulant drink craze that arrived with US soldiers remains, and has even sprouted a thriving domestic industry.

Pulwama (India) (AFP) – Supporters of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) march down the street in the city of Pulwama, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, chanting slogans ahead of the region’s first local elections since 2014, stalled since the central government in New Delhi brought the restive region under direct rule in 2019. The Muslim-majority region has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, and each side claims it in full. Some see the polls as a critical step in returning the vote to the people to choose their leaders.

Elmont (United States) (AFP) – Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and other stars hit the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards. Swift beat the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Eminem, and Ariana Grande, to be named artist of the year.

Lake Elsinore (United States) (AFP) – The fast-moving Airport fire in Lake Elsinore, California has so far consumed more than 9,000 acres (3,600 hectares) since it was started accidentally on 9 September in the afternoon by workers operating heavy equipment. Wildfires are a natural part of the wilderness cycle and are not unusual in California and other parts of the US West at this time of year. After two relatively mild fire years, 2024 is shaping up to be significant.

Hanoi (AFP) – Communities along the swollen and fast-moving Red River, which flows through Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, are forced to evacuate after Typhoon Yagi hit the country, bringing winds in excess of 149 kilometres per hour and a deluge of rain that has also brought destructive floods to northern areas of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. “My family is preparing to relocate,” says one local resident in the flooded area.

Berlin (AFP) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends his government’s migration policy in a speech at the Bundestag. The new stricter measures to curb the flow of migrants into the country has prompted criticism, some from neighbouring countries like Poland who have condemned the unilateral move as “unacceptable.”

Philadelphia (AFP) – US voters weigh in after a highly anticipated debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with both candidates hoping now to ride the momentum of their face-to-face to convince undecided voters and shake up a presidential election locked in a dead heat.

Melbourne (AFP) – Anti-war activists are protesting against a three-day military expo in Melbourne, which showcases weapons and technology from around the world. Demonstrators set bins alight and throw horse manure at police during clashes, prompting officers to respond with tear gas, stun grenades and pepper spray.