South Sudan's President Salva Kiir held an urgent meeting of top security brass on Friday after a shootout at the home of powerful former spy chief Akol Koor, who was sacked almost two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot. Gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in the capital Juba, sparking concerns about the stability of the world's youngest country that is already plagued by power struggles, ethnic infighting and a deep economic malaise. The shooting around the home of Koor, who was fired by Kiir in early October and placed under house arrest, caused panic among local residents before it was contained after about an hour. Following the meeting, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said the incident took place after a "misunderstanding" between security forces attempting to relocate the ex-head of the National Security Services. Koang said Koor had now agreed to the relocation "with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook" elsewhere in the city. He would be provided with additional army protection at his new residence, but Koang emphasised he was not under "their (army) detention." He said four people, two civilians and two soldiers, had been killed during the confrontation. The meeting convened by Kiir included the heads of defence, police, national security and military intelligence. A source in the presidency press unit said Koor was also present. The Sudans Post newspaper quoted a security official as saying the meeting had "resolved all outstanding tensions" and that the spy chief and his family "have been assured of their safety". In an alert to its staff on the ground on Thursday, the United Nations in South Sudan had said the shooting was linked to the arrest of the former spymaster and advised people to take cover. Koang told AFP that Koor "remains at his house", and denied claims circulating on social media that he had fled to the UN compound in Juba. There was a heavy deployment of military forces around his home in the Thongpiny district, an AFP correspondent said, but traffic has resumed and people were going about their daily business. Police spokesman John Kassara said the situation was now calm but that Thongpiny remained sealed off and residents "should remain vigilant". Koor became head of the feared National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan's independence in 2011 but was sacked in October leading to widespread speculation he had been planning to overthrow Kiir. After his dismissal from the NSS, Koor was appointed governor of Warrap State, Kiir's home state, but this was abruptly revoked by the president before he took the oath of office. Koang said there had been a "misunderstanding" between two security services forces present at Koor's residence when a third unit arrived for the relocation. "That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard," he said. Four people, two servicemen and two civilians, were killed in the incident, he said, and two civilians were wounded. Koor's sacking came just two weeks after Kiir again postponed by two years, to December 2026, the first elections in the nation's history. The delay has exasperated the international community, which has been pressing the country's leaders to complete a transitional process, including unifying rival armed forces and drawing up a constitution. The NSS was at the centre of controversy in July when parliament approved amendments to legislation allowing the agency to continue to arrest -- without a warrant -- anyone accused of offences against the state, raising alarm among rights groups and South Sudan's international partners. The country has struggled to recover from a brutal civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and his now deputy Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018 that killed about 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes. It remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on the planet and continues to be plagued by chronic instability and climate disasters. str-txw-rbu/givAs we navigate through the digital landscape, our quest leads us to the mesmerizing world of "The Lion King: Mufasa's Legend." This iconic tale of courage, love, and destiny unfolds before our eyes in stunning detail, thanks to the vivid colors and sharp resolution of the Samsung Monitor. Every scene comes to life, every character breathes with emotion, and every moment is etched into our memories with unparalleled clarity.
How Scott Bessent Went From Democratic Donor to Trump Treasury Secretary Pick
Opinion: Prevailing Over Bureaucracy and Politics, My Blended Family Celebrates a Binational Christmas5. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - The prolific Polish striker has been a goal-scoring machine for Bayern Munich. As his contract approaches its end, Lewandowski has been the subject of transfer rumors linking him to top clubs across Europe.
Law enforcement officials launched a massive investigation to track down the perpetrator, poring over surveillance footage, conducting interviews, and following up on leads. The motive behind the shooting remained unclear, with speculation swirling about possible motives ranging from personal vendettas to corporate rivalries.European police have successfully shut down the underground hacker marketplace Manson Market, arresting two key operators and seizing over 250,000 euros in illicit funds. The coordinated operation, led by law enforcement agencies from various European countries, marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
One of the key beneficiaries of these policy adjustments are companies looking to increase their shareholdings through stock repurchases. Stock repurchases have become an increasingly popular strategy for companies to enhance shareholder value and demonstrate confidence in their own stock. By utilizing specialized loans for stock repurchases, companies can now access the necessary funds to repurchase their shares on the open market, thus boosting their stock prices and increasing shareholder returns.
Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death rowMiddle East latest: Israel bombs 100s of sites in Syria as army pushes into border zone
Search for Christmas, Hanukkah joy in bittersweet timesMichele Morrone supports Blake Lively during legal battle with Justin Baldoni: ‘She was in pain'
NoneIn a shocking turn of events, former elementary school principal Zhong Moyan was found guilty of accepting bribes totaling a staggering 9.49 million RMB. The case has sent shockwaves through the education sector and raised concerns about corruption in schools.
Beyond the realm of design, production, and sales, the transformation of Sangpo Village represents a larger cultural shift towards embracing creativity and entrepreneurship. The initiative has empowered the villagers to explore their potential, cultivate new skills, and seize opportunities for growth and development. Through this holistic approach, Sangpo Village is not only rebranding its products but also revitalizing its community and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gap Inc. (GAP) on Thursday reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $274 million. On a per-share basis, the San Francisco-based company said it had net income of 72 cents. The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 56 cents per share. The clothing chain posted revenue of $3.83 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $3.8 billion. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on GAP at https://www.zacks.com/ap/GAPIn addition to the emoticons, The Game Awards has also announced a series of interactive features on its Twitch channel, including live Q&A sessions with developers, exclusive interviews, and interactive polls for viewers to participate in. This innovative approach to engaging with the gaming community has been met with enthusiasm and excitement, further solidifying The Game Awards as a must-watch event for gamers around the world.
Save Up to 32% on CMF’s Latest Wearables, and Up Your GameIn response to the incident, the bathhouse has been temporarily closed for renovations to ensure that all safety protocols are in place before reopening to the public. The owners of the establishment have issued a public apology and pledged to implement stricter safety measures to protect the well-being of their patrons.Nestled among the snow-covered mountains, Sangpo Village has long been known for its traditional snow boots. However, the villagers of Sangpo are now embarking on a journey to break free from the stereotypes associated with their products and establish a new era of design, production, and sales. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant step towards transforming Sangpo Village into a hub of innovative and sustainable fashion.