KHARTOUM: The UN envoy for Sudan on Friday welcomed a deal between the country’s warring generals promising safe passage to civilians fleeing the conflict and protection for humanitarian operations in the East African nation.
The envoy, Volker Perthes, said the agreement was an important first step toward a cease-fire to the fighting which is about to enter its fourth week.
The Sudanese military and the country’s paramilitary, the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, signed a pact late Thursday vowing to alleviate humanitarian suffering across the country, although a truce remains elusive.
Both sides also agreed to refrain from attacks likely to harm civilians. The violence has already killed over 600 people, including civilians, according to the UN healthy agency.
“The most important element is that both sides commit to continue talks,” Perthes said during an online UN news conference from his office in Port Sudan. International efforts to turn the deal into a cease-fire have already started, he added.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the agreement, which outlines a series of shared pledges and promises to “facilitate humanitarian action in order to meet the needs of civilians.”
The deal signing-ceremony, brokered by the United Sates and Saudi Arabia, was aired by Saudi state media in the early hours of Friday morning. Neither the military nor the RSF immediately issued statements acknowledging Thursday’s pact.
It does not provide any detail on how the agreed-on humanitarian promises would be upheld by troops on the ground. Previously, both sides agreed to several short cease-fires, since the fighting broke out on April 15, but all have been violated.
In a post on Twitter, Amjad Farid, a Sudan analyst and former aid to the country’s prime minister, said the deal is unlikely to bring any real change on the ground. Other commentators expressed similar skepticism.
It is “composed of texts that are already in the international humanitarian law and treaties related to the treatment of civilians in times of war,” Farid wrote.
Despite the signing, residents in Khartoum said fighting continued throughout Friday morning.
“I woke up to an airstrike (landing) nearby,” said Waleed Adam, a resident living in the east of the capital.
Over the past weeks, the fighting has turned the capital Khartoum into an urban battlefield, and triggered deadly ethnic clashes in the western Darfur region. Around 200,000 people have fled the country, said UNHCR spokeswoman Olga Sarrado, who was also present at Friday’s news conference.
The US State Department late Thursday said talks in Jeddah will now focus on arranging “an effective cease-fire of up to approximately 10 days.”
The UN and several rights groups have accused both sides — the military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo — of numerous human rights violations. The army has been accused of indiscriminately bombing civilian areas, while the RSF has been condemned for widespread looting, abusing residents, and turning civilian homes into operational bases. Both continue to level blame at each other for the violations.
Perthes, who has received death threats and calls to resign, said he is committed to staying in Port Sudan and overseeing the humanitarian effort taking place in the coastal city. He described those who threatened him as marginal “extremists” and said that there is a wide appreciation of UN efforts in Sudan.
UN envoy: Humanitarian deal between warring sides first step toward ceasefire in Sudan
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UN envoy: Humanitarian deal between warring sides first step toward ceasefire in Sudan
- Rival parties have shown no sign they are ready to offer concessions to end fighting that erupted on April 15
- Mediators pushed the sides to sign the declaration of principles on civilian protections to reduce tensions
Pakistani security forces kill four militants in North Waziristan operation
- The intelligence-based operation was carried out against TTP militants in the Spinwam area
- Pakistan’s army chief said this week security forces will continue targeted operations against TTP
KARACHI: Pakistani security forces killed four militants in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Wednesday.
The operation comes amid a surge in militant violence in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which Pakistani authorities attribute to cross-border attacks by the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from neighboring Afghanistan.
Officials have also accused the Afghan Taliban administration of facilitating these attacks, a claim Kabul has denied.
Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, told political stakeholders in KP this week that security forces were not planning a full-scale operation against the TTP but would continue targeted intelligence-based actions to counter the banned militant faction.
“On night 14/15 January 2025, Security Forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Spinwam, North Waziristan District on reported presence of khwarij [TTP militants],” the ISPR said in a statement.
“During conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij’s location, and after intense exchange of fire, four khwarij were sent to hell,” it added.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who the ISPR said had been actively involved in numerous violent attacks on security forces and targeted killings of civilians.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their efforts.
“The nation is proud of the fearless youth in our security forces,” Sharif said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. “We remain determined to thwart the evil designs of the enemies of humanity and will continue to work toward eradicating terrorism from the country.”
The ISPR emphasized the operation underscored Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating militancy, adding security forces were determined to “wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.”
Preventive power cuts introduced in Ukraine following a massive Russian missile attack
- Ukraine’s air force detected multiple missile groups launched by Russia during a nationwide air-raid alert
KYIV: Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine on Wednesday, forcing the country to introduce preventive power cuts, the Ukrainian energy minister said.
“The enemy continues to terrorize Ukrainians,” Herman Halushchenko wrote on Facebook, urging residents to stay in shelters during the ongoing threat and follow official updates.
The state energy company Ukrenergo reported emergency power outages in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kirovohrad regions.
Russian forces launched missile strikes targeting energy infrastructure in the western Lviv region early Wednesday, said the city’s mayor, Andrii Sadovyi.
“During the morning attack, enemy cruise missiles were recorded in the region,” he said.
No casualties or damage were reported.
Ukraine’s air force detected multiple missile groups launched by Russia during a nationwide air-raid alert, though initial reports indicated no damage.
Wednesday’s attack has further exacerbated the strain on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been a frequent target during the nearly three-year-old war.
Djokovic makes slice of history as Zheng stunned in Melbourne
- Novak Djokovic made a slice of Grand Slam history on his way into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday but last year’s women’s finalist Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in the biggest shock so far
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic made a slice of Grand Slam history on his way into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday but last year’s women’s finalist Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in the biggest shock so far.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, two-time Melbourne winner Naomi Osaka and a rampant Carlos Alcaraz were all also winners on a rainy day four.
Djokovic needed four sets for the second match in a row before defeating Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2.
It was Djokovic’s 430th singles match at a major to claim sole ownership of most ever played, men or women, in the Open era ahead of Roger Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423).
The Serb is chasing an 11th Australian Open title and historic 25th Grand Slam crown.
“Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record,” said Djokovic, 37, now coached by former rival Andy Murray.
Djokovic is drawn to meet Spain’s red-hot Alcaraz in the last eight.
Four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz dropped just five games in an ominous display of strength to sprint into the third round.
The third seed showed no mercy to Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in a 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 rout in 81 minutes.
“The less time you spend on court in the Grand Slams, especially in the beginning, it is going to be better,” said Alcaraz, who is yet to go beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne.
Second seed Alexander Zverev of Germany is seeking a first Grand Slam title and has enjoyed two days off since his straight-sets win on Sunday night against Lucas Pouille.
He again plays in the graveyard slot, the last evening match on Rod Laver Arena, this time against Spaniard Pedro Martinez.
Olympic champion Zheng was sent packing 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 by world number 97 Laura Siegemund, the second-oldest player in the women’s draw at age 36.
“I knew I just had to play more than my best tennis. I had nothing to lose so I just told myself to swing free,” said the German.
“It’s tennis. Nothing more,” said China’s Zheng, 22, who was given two time violations and lost her cool as her tilt at a maiden major crown evaporated in only the second round.
On center court Sabalenka dropped her serve three times and faced 11 break points before overcoming Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5, rattling off the last five games in a row.
“She played incredible tennis today and it was a really tough one. I expected this tennis from her, I’m really glad I was able to win this match,” said Sabalenka, who beat Zheng in the 2024 final.
The win kept the Belarusian world number one on course for a rare hat-trick of consecutive Australian Open titles, a feat last achieved 26 years ago by Martina Hingis and only matched by four other women in history.
Former world number one Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 champion in Australia but now unseeded, stormed back to defeat 20th seed Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.
American seventh seed Jessica Pegula, beaten in the US Open final by Sabalenka last year, eased through 6-4, 6-2 against Belgium’s Elize Mertens.
World number three Coco Gauff is unbeaten this year after inspiring her country to victory in the United Cup and breezing past former champion Sofia Kenin in the first round in Melbourne.
She faces Britain’s Jodie Burrage.
Top LIV Golf stars and Asian Tour elite to face-off at International Series India
- Event from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 will feature strongest field to take part in the Indian subcontinent
GURUGRAM, INDIA: Fifteen LIV Golf League stars and nine notable winners from the Asian Tour’s 2024 season will tee up for the International Series India presented by DLF from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 — the strongest field to participate on the Indian subcontinent.
Six of the top 20 from last year’s LIV Golf League will be in the field.
Reigning US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau (8) is joined by Crushers GC teammates Paul Casey (11) and Anirban Lahiri (16). Also, Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz of Torque GC (13) will line up alongside his skipper Joaquin Niemann (2), and compatriot Abraham Ancer (12) of Fireballs GC.
Other confirmations include Mito Pereira and Sebastian Munoz, who make it a clean sweep of Torque GC players, while Harold Varner III of 4Aces GC brings his mercurial talent to the iconic Gary Player-designed course at DLF Golf and Country Club.
The International Series 2023 Rankings champion Andy Ogletree, a three-time winner, is also in the field along with RangeGoats GC player Peter Uihlein, a two-time champion on The International Series last season and runner-up in the rankings race behind Niemann.
Also confirmed is Asian Tour Order of Merit winner John Catlin, who impressed as an alternate on the LIV Golf League last season after securing back-to-back tournament victories at International Series Macau presented by Wynn, and the Saudi Open presented by PIF.
Catlin plays alongside fellow Americans Caleb Surratt of Legion XIII and Cameron Tringale of HyFlyers GC.
New LIV Golf signings Luis Masaveu of Fireballs GC and Frederik Kjettrup of Cleeks GC are also competing. The India event provides a perfect tune-up for the promising young Spaniard and talented Dane ahead of their big debuts in the opening fixture of the season, at LIV Golf Riyadh the following week.
The LIV Golf stars are joined by a strong Asian Tour contingent with nine winners from the 2024 season set to get their first taste of action on The International Series this season.
Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai, the Yeangder TPC and Taiwan Glass Taifong Open champion, is the third two-time 2024 winner in the field alongside Uihlein and Catlin.
Two further champions on The International Series last season, BNI Indonesian Masters winner Richard T Lee and MJ Maguire, who beat Catlin in a play-off for glory at the Black Mountain Championship, are also confirmed for the Gurugram showdown.
Also bringing their winning credentials to the tournament are Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan (SJM Macao Open), England’s Steve Lewton (Mandiri Indonesia Open), James Barry “Jbe” Kruger from South Africa (Mercuries Taiwan Masters), and the Korean duo of Hongtaek Kim (GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship) and Minkyu Kim (Kolon Korea Open presented by ELORD).
Rahul Singh, head of The International Series, said: “This strong field, with its blend of superstar names, proven champions and emerging talent, perfectly showcases what The International Series is all about.
“This is a truly unique opportunity for golf fans from the subcontinent to enjoy some incredible golf and celebrate the prominent place that India currently occupies in world golf. “
The International Series India presented by DLF marks the debut of the LIV Golf-backed series on the subcontinent.
It is the first of 10 elevated events on this season’s Asian Tour, featuring stops in Macau, Morocco, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia, with additional locations to be announced soon.
The series provides a global pathway for players to qualify for the LIV Golf League, with the season-ending rankings champion securing a guaranteed spot on the roster for the following season.
Additionally, The International Series Rankings offer players a second opportunity to earn their place in the LIV Golf League through the innovative LIV Golf Promotions event.
Naomi Osaka advances at the Australian Open, returning to the third round
- Fifth-seeded Zheng lost last year’s final to Aryna Sabalenka and went on to win the Olympic gold medal in Paris and finish runner-up at the WTA Finals in a breakout season
- Two-time defending champion Sabalenka won the last five games to overcome Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
MELBOURNE: Naomi Osaka thought for a few moments after losing a lopsided first set Wednesday, and it gave her the perspective she needed to turn things around and reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since 2022.
“I just told myself ... if she beats me 6-1, 6-1, then she’s the greatest player ever,” Osaka recalled after her 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 second-round win at the Australian Open over No. 20 Karolina Muchova. “Yeah, I just tried to tell myself to fight.”
That she did, the four-time major winner matching the power that last year’s US Open semifinalist brought to their contest on Kia Arena and finding ways to beat her.
“The score in the first set was very dramatic, but there was key points that I could have maybe won a game here or there. So I kept trying to tell myself that,” Osaka said. “Yeah, just try not to live in the past.”
Reflecting on the past doesn’t always hurt, though. It was a second-round loss to Muchova at the US Open last year served as motivation.
“She crushed me in the US Open when I had my best outfit ever,” Osaka joked in a post-match interview. “I was so disappointed. I was so mad. This was my little revenge.”
Osaka lost in the first round at Melbourne Park last year to Caroline Garcia in Osaka’s comeback from maternity leave, but she avenged that with a first-round victory over Garcia earlier this week.
The two-time Australian Open champion next faces Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist who is playing in her first major since the birth of her daughter, Bella, last year.
Both of last year’s women’s finalists were playing at the same time Wednesday afternoon.
Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, extended her run to 16 wins at Melbourne Park by winning the last five games to beat No. 54-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena.
No. 5 Zheng Qinwen, distracted by a time penalty and unable to counteract No. 97-ranked Laura Siegemund’s aggressive approach, lost 7-6 (3), 6-3 on John Cain Arena. Zheng lost the 2024 decider at Melbourne Park to Sabalenka and went on to win the Olympic gold medal in Paris and finish runner-up at the WTA Finals in a breakout season.
But her first tournament of the year ended much earlier against 36-year-old Siegemund, who attacked from the first point and put Zheng off her game.
Zheng needed a change of shoes early in the second set, got a time warning on her serve from the chair umpire — she said she couldn’t clearly see the clock — and was worried about some minor issues which sidelined her before the Australian Open.
“I feel maybe today is not my day. There’s a lot of details in the important points. I didn’t do the right choice,” Zheng said.
Of a weak serve that bounced before the net, Zheng said the time warning from the umpire “obviously that one really distracted me from the match.”
“This is my fourth year in the tour, and never happen that to me.”
Also advancing were No. 7 Jessica Pegula, who had a 6-4, 6-2 win over Elize Mertens, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, the No. 14 seed who beat Moyuka Uchijima 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8), and No. 30 Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist.
Siegemund has never been past the third round in Australia, but is taking confidence from her big upset.
“I knew I just had to play more than my best tennis,” Siegemund said. “I had nothing to lose. I just told myself to swing free.” Novak Djokovic, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, added yet another record to his list with his 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2 win over Jaime Faria on Wednesday afternoon.
It was his 430th Grand Slam singles match, the most in tennis history, breaking a tie with Roger Federer.
“It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in the Grand Slam at the highest level,” he told the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. “Whether I win or lose, one thing is for sure: I always leave my heart out on the court.”
Third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, aiming to add the Australian Open title to complete a set of all four major crowns, advanced 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Yoshihito Nishioka.
