NEW YORK: A former Taliban commander pleaded guilty Friday to providing weapons and other support for attacks that killed American soldiers and for key roles in the 2008 gunpoint kidnapping of a reporter for The New York Times and another journalist.
Speaking through an interpreter, Hajji Najibullah entered the plea in Manhattan federal court to providing material support for acts of terrorism and conspiring to take hostages.
The bearded Najibullah, wearing a black skull cap over his shaved head, told Judge Katherine Polk Failla that he provided material support including weapons and himself to the Taliban from 2007 to 2009, knowing that his support “would be used to attack and kill United States soldiers occupying Afghanistan.”
“As a result of material support I provided to the Taliban, US soldiers were killed,” Najibullah said.
He said his material support also included his role as a Taliban commander in Afghanistan’s Wardak Province, “where the fighters under me were prepared to, and sometimes did, conduct attacks against US soldiers and their allies using suicide bombers, automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades.”
Najibullah, 49, said he also participated in the hostage taking of David Rohde “and his companions” so demands could be made for ransom and for the release of Taliban prisoners held by the US government.
“I created proof-of-life videos of David Rohde and his companions in which they were forced to convey the Taliban’s demands,” he said.
The former Times reporter and Afghan journalist Tahir Ludin were abducted when they were on their way to interview a Taliban leader.
Both men made a dramatic escape from a Taliban-controlled compound in Pakistan’s tribal areas more than seven months after their Nov. 10, 2008, kidnapping. Their driver, Asadullah Mangal, was a third kidnapping victim. He escaped a few weeks after Ludin and Rohde.
Rohde, a Pulitzer Prize winner who now works as senior executive editor for national security at NBC News, attended the plea proceeding.
An email sent to Rohde seeking comment said he was out of the office until Monday.
After the plea, Najibullah was led from the courtroom in shackles and handcuffs by US marshals to face an Oct. 23 sentencing. Federal sentencing guidelines, as acknowledged by a plea agreement signed by Najibullah and prosecutors, recommend a life prison sentence.
Ex-Taliban commander pleads guilty in killings of US soldiers and kidnapping of journalists
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Ex-Taliban commander pleads guilty in killings of US soldiers and kidnapping of journalists
- Hajji Najibullah entered the plea in Manhattan federal court to providing material support for acts of terrorism
- “As a result of material support I provided to the Taliban, US soldiers were killed,” Najibullah said
Indonesia joins hands with Saudi Arabia to achieve energy transition goals
- Initial energy agreements signed on sidelines of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Jeddah
- Indonesia aims to achieve 34 percent share of renewable power in its energy mix by 2034
Jakarta: Indonesian state energy firm Pertamina has signed an agreement with Saudi power giant ACWA Power to develop clean energy projects, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to make renewables a third of its total energy mix.
Indonesia, one of the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters, has been working to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and aims to increase the share of renewable sources in its energy mix from around 14 percent currently to 34 percent by 2034.
A memorandum of understanding between Pertamina and ACWA Power was signed on Wednesday on the sidelines of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the Kingdom. The agreement covers technology development of up to 500 MW renewable energy and green hydrogen projects.
“Pertamina is fully committed to its dual growth strategy, which is to ensure energy security while also accelerating energy transition. Our collaboration with ACWA Power is a strategic step to realize this vision,” Pertamina CEO Simon Aloysius Mantiri said in a statement.
“By joining forces on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure, we aim to create tangible value for both nations and lead the region’s transformation toward a low-carbon economy.”
ACWA Power has also signed an agreement with new sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia to explore investment opportunities that will center on renewable energy generation, combined cycle gas turbines, green hydrogen, and water desalination.
The total project funding is up to $10 billion, ACWA Power said in a statement.
“These partnerships represent our commitment to support Indonesia in achieving its long-term energy and water security goals, contributing to the development of a sustainable and greener future,” said Raad Al-Saady, vice chairman and managing director of ACWA Power.
The Saudi company already has several projects in Indonesia, including development of the Saguling Floating Solar Photovoltaic Project in West Java province, which will have a 92 MW peak capacity.
Last year, ACWA Power announced it was collaborating with PLN and Indonesian chemicals company Pupuk Indonesia to develop a green hydrogen project that will produce 150,000 tons of green ammonia annually, with plans for commercial operations to begin in 2026.
The latest collaboration came as Prabowo made his first visit to the Kingdom since taking office. The Indonesian president met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Wednesday, where the two leaders agreed to strengthen their strategic cooperation.
During the visit Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also signed deals worth a total of $27 billion between private sector institutions in fields that include clean energy and petrochemicals.
Australian PM condemns synagogue arson attack
- Police are searching for a man who set the front door of a Melbourne synagogue ablaze on Friday night
- Jewish neighborhoods in Melbourne and Sydney have in recent months been hit by a wave of vandalism
SYDNEY: Australia’s prime minister on Saturday condemned an arson attack on a busy city synagogue, saying it was a “cowardly” act of antisemitism.
Police are searching for a man who set the front door of a Melbourne synagogue ablaze on Friday night as around 20 people ate dinner inside.
The worshippers – eating a meal in observation of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest – escaped unscathed through the back of the synagogue before firefighters doused the blaze.
“Last night’s arson attack on the synagogue in east Melbourne is cowardly, is an act of violence and antisemitism, and has no place in Australian society,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement.
“It is to be hoped that the perpetrator is brought to justice urgently, and that he faces the full force of the law, and anyone involved in this attack faces the full force of the law.”
Victoria state police said they were investigating the “intent and ideology” of the perpetrator.
Jewish neighborhoods in Melbourne and Sydney have in recent months been hit by a wave of antisemitic vandalism.
Masked arsonists firebombed a different Melbourne synagogue in December last year, prompting the government to create a federal task force targeting antisemitism.
Ukraine strikes Russian air base
- Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia’s Voronezh region
- Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to dent Russia’s military
KYIV, Ukraine: Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday, while Russia continued to pound Ukraine with hundreds of drones overnight as part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than 3-year-old war.
Ukraine’s military General Staff said Saturday that Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia’s Voronezh region, describing it as the “home base” of Russia’s Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets.
Writing on Facebook, the General Staff said it hit a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft and “possibly other aircraft.”
Russian officials did not immediately comment on the attack.
Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to dent Russia’s military capability and demonstrate Ukraine’s capability to hit high-value targets in Russia. Last month, Ukraine said it destroyed more than 40 Russian planes stationed at several airfields deep in Russia’s territory in a surprise drone attack.
Russia fired 322 drones and decoys into Ukraine overnight into Saturday, Ukraine’s air force said. Of these, 157 were shot down and 135 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed.
According to the air force, Ukraine’s western Khmelnytskyi region was the main target of the attack. Regional Gov. Serhii Tyurin said Saturday that no damage, injuries or deaths had been reported.
Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in the largest aerial assault since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. On Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the number of people killed in the assault had increased to two. A further 26 people were wounded.
The fresh wave of attacks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he had a “very important and productive” phone call with US President Donald Trump.
The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the US and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenksyy.
Asked Friday night by reporters about the call, Trump said, “We had a very good call, I think.”
When asked about finding a way to end the fighting, Trump said: “I don’t know. I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen.”
The US has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraine’s main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelensky says plans are afoot to build up Ukraine’s domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down 94 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday, along with 12 further drones on Saturday morning. No casualties were reported.
California’s biggest wildfire of the year spreads to 70,000 acres
- The “Madre Fire” broke out on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo, a rural county in the heart of the US state.
- It is the largest blaze so far this year in California, which was scarred by wildfires that destroyed swaths of Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES: A massive wildfire raging in California for the past three days has ravaged more than 70,000 acres, as hundreds of firefighters fought to bring it under control.
The “Madre Fire” broke out on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo, a rural county in the heart of the US state.
Around 200 people were ordered to evacuate, with dozens of buildings threatened by the flames.
The fire has engulfed 70,800 acres (28,700 hectares) since Wednesday, and more than 600 personnel and 40 fire engines have been deployed to contain it, Cal Fire, the state’s fire service, said in an update on Friday.
It is the largest blaze so far this year in California, which was scarred by wildfires that destroyed swaths of Los Angeles at the start of the year.
This summer is the first since President Donald Trump announced plans to gut federal agencies tasked with fighting climate disaster.
On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said 15 new fires had ignited on federal land in the past 24 hours, and called on the president to prioritize funding for firefighting resources.
“Trump needs to WAKE UP and start funding federal firefighters and land-management teams in these rural communities — instead of giving tax cuts to billionaires,” Newsom, a Democrat, wrote on X.
“Trump’s incompetence is endangering lives.”
A separate statement from the governor’s press office said Friday that the Madre Fire “remains in a very isolated location — away from homes.”
It comes after several other blazes, raising fears of a difficult summer ahead for the state already traumatized by the wildfires that killed 30 people in January.
Southern California had an unusually dry winter and spring, and vegetation is already parched, UCLA extreme climate events specialist Daniel Swain has said.
Intense and widespread heat this summer, and dry brush “will heavily factor into burning conditions later this season,” he added.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has ordered budget and personnel cuts at the Forest Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FEMA, the federal agency that coordinates disaster response.
On Wednesday, Newsom accused the Republican president of not funding enough wildfire prevention projects.
“We need an equivalent commitment of resources — not rhetoric,” Newsom told reporters, noting that more than half of the land in California is under federal jurisdiction.
Dalai Lama, on eve of 90th, aims to live for decades more
- Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama
- Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet
MCLEOD GANJ, India: The Dalai Lama said Saturday he dreamed of living for decades more, as the Buddhist spiritual leader prayed with thousands of exiled Tibetans on the eve of his 90th birthday.
Thumping drums and deep horns reverberated from the Indian hilltop temple, as a chanting chorus of red-robed monks and nuns offered long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.
Looking in good health, dressed in traditional maroon monk robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he led prayers – days after confirming that the 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death.
Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama, to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since.
“So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara (a Buddhist spiritual protector), I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma,” he said, referring to the teachings of the Buddha.
Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau about the size of South Africa.
But speaking at the main temple in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades – after Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959 – he offered teachings to a far wider audience.
“In my life, I have encountered people from all walks of life, those with faith in religion and others with no interest in it at all. This is only natural, as individuals have different mental dispositions,” he said, speaking in Tibetan.
“Yet, the common desire shared by all, including the Tibetan people, is the wish to avoid suffering and to experience happiness.”
The charismatic Buddhist had previously said the institution would continue only if there was popular demand – and his confirmation on Wednesday it would has reassured followers around the globe.
He said he had received multiple appeals from Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, as well as from Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China.
He said responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama “will rest exclusively” with his office, the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust.
Self-declared atheist and Communist China, which condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner as a rebel and separatist, issued a swift response.
China said on Wednesday that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama “must be approved by the central government” in Beijing, and that it would be carried out “by drawing lots from a golden urn,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters.
That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks “any spiritual quality.”
India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash.
New Delhi’s foreign minister said it had “always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.”
The birthday celebrations have also been a time for reflection on an inevitable future without the Dalai Lama.
“Seeing him turn 90 today fills me with happiness, but also a deep sadness,” said Dorje Dolma, 27, who fled Tibet to India.
“His Holiness has always felt like a father figure to me,” she added. “His good health brings me joy, but his age sometimes worries me.”
Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, has been among the tens of thousands taking part in days of celebrations.
“There’s something about this Tibetan cause that touches people, and certainly, a central part of that is His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Gere said during celebrations on Thursday.
“Which begs the question: What do we do when we don’t have His Holiness to open those doors? He’s not there to carry us. And we struggle with that, all of us now.”
