AFP Video

Scranton (United States) (AFP) – At the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP) in President Joe Biden’s hometown, workers churn out ammunition used in modern conflicts – especially for Ukraine. The plant in Pennsylvania was purchased by the US government in 1953 to make ammunition for use in the Korean War. “We’re currently under contract to produce 24,000 rounds per month,” says Richard Hansen, a retired US Navy veteran who has been in charge of the facility since 2009.

Jerusalem (AFP) – Residents of Jerusalem express diverse opinions after Iran’s state media reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan, with US media saying Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes against its arch-rival. While some express concern, others affirm they’re “not worried” about escalation. Similarly, opinions vary on the adequacy of diplomacy in dealing with Iran, with some opposing any military action.”

Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says the alliance’s member countries have agreed to give Ukraine more air defences after desperate pleas from Kyiv for equipment to protect people and infrastructure from Russian attacks. The announcement comes after a fresh wave of Russian strikes on the eastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk, which killed at least eight people, including two children.

Dnipro (Ukraine) (AFP) – Firefighters and rescue crews work in the city of Dnipro, eastern Ukraine, after a fresh wave of Russian strikes overnight. Missiles killed at least eight people in the wider region, including two children. At the same time as the strike, Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down a Russian plane that they say bombed Dnipro and Kryvy Rig in the attack.

Tehran (AFP) – Iranians voice their opposition to war in the region following reports of an Israeli strike in the central Isfahan province. State media reported explosions in the area, close to Isfahan’s airport and a military airbase. So far, the details of the possible strike are unclear and neither Iranian nor Israeli officials have offered a reaction.

North Sulawesi (Indonesia) (AFP) – Clouds of smoke rise from Indonesia’s Mount Ruang as it erupts in North Sulawesi, forcing thousands of evacuations. Indonesian authorities are on alert after days of volcanic activity, with molten rocks raining down on nearby villages.

Haifa (Israel) (AFP) – Medical staff at the Rambam Health Care Campus, in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, take part in a large-scale drill, simulating a rocket attack on the city. The site’s underground structure is fortified against missiles, chemical and biological warfare and can be converted from a 1,500-vehicle underground parking lot into a 2,000-bed hospital in case of a sudden emergency.

Capri (Italy) (AFP) – The G7 is opposed to an Israeli “military operation in Rafah” says Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Speaking as Italy hosts the G7 on the island of Capri, Tajani also says that the group’s “political goal” is de-escalation in the Middle East, following reports of explosions in Iran.

Colombo (AFP) – Sri Lanka marks on Sunday five years since Islamist bombers slaughtered 279 people in the island’s deadliest suicide attack, but grieving families say they are still waiting for justice.

Balaka (Malawi) (AFP) – Millions of people in Southern Africa are being pushed into hunger by an El Nino-driven dry spell. The weather phenomenon, which raises global temperatures, has caused erratic rainfall and unexpected pests that have devastated agricultural communities.