Egypt Clashes Turn Deadly As Troops Open Fire

By Dominic Waghorn, Sky News Correspondent, in Cairo

At least 30 people in Egypt have died in fierce clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

Supporters of the former leader marched to the Cairo barracks of the Republican Guard chanting "down with military rule" after a Muslim Brotherhood rally at the city's Rabea al Adaweya mosque.

Shots were fired as protesters hung pictures of Mr Morsi on a barbed wire barrier around the military complex. At least three demonstrators were shot by the military.

Pitched battles took place after nightfall

Downtown Cairo witnessed the same street battles played out two-and-a-half years ago, this time with Morsi supporters fighting their enemies with rocks, clubs and fireworks. One person was killed in their clashes.

A pro-Morsi crowd crossed the Sixth Of October bridge heading towards Tahrir Square, provoking a fierce confrontation.

The Egyptian army said troops were responding only with blank rounds and tear gas.

However, anti-Morsi youths showed Sky News what their enemies had done to them, brandishing used shotgun cartridges and pellet wounds.

An anti-Morsi protester with evidence of gun cartridges

"They are terrorists and we should get rid of them," they said. "They're using automatic weapons and shotguns."

The atmosphere was febrile. Changing in a second. Turning from triumphant to panicked, as the crowd scattered thinking their attackers had returned.

"The Muslim Brotherhood is coming here beating us shooting us," said one man. "We're here, we're alone and we need someone to  help us."

As if to answer him, military armoured personnel carriers appeared from the gloom.

But this isn't a conflict against foreign invaders, it's between Egyptians.

Egyptian elite soldiers guard a military building in Cairo

The anti-Morsi crowd screamed curses against the ousted president venting their fury, and relief then turned against us, the Sky News crew, mistaking us for Americans.

A hurried explanation gave us time to escape.

There are now two armies of protesters on the streets of Cairo - enraged and out for vengeance, determined to prevail.

Violence also erupted in cities of southern Egypt, along the Suez Canal and in the Nile Delta, with officials reporting more than 200 people injured. Four were killed in the northern Sinai city of el Arish, where Islamists stormed a government building.

More than 200 people have been wounded nationwide, according to officials

State TV quoted the country's health ministry saying 30 people had died nationwide, including 12 people in clashes in Alexandria. Most of the fatalities were from gunshot wounds.

It came after the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies called for protesters to take to the streets on the Muslim day of prayer for what it described as a "Friday of Rage".

The leader of the Brotherhood called for followers to remain peaceful but he vowed to restore power to Mr Morsi, who was ousted in a military coup earlier this week, a year after being elected to office.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snowden Offered Asylum In Two Countries

US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has been told he could be welcomed in Nicaragua and Venezuela after applying to another six countries for asylum.

Speaking at a public event on Friday, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said his government was willing to grant political asylum to the former NSA contractor "if circumstances permit it".

He added: "We are open, respectful of the right to asylum, and it is clear that if circumstances permit it, we would receive Snowden with pleasure and give him asylum here in Nicaragua.

"We have the sovereign right to help a person who felt remorse after finding out how the United States was using technology to spy on the whole world, and especially its European allies."

Mr Ortega said his government had received an asylum application at its embassy in Moscow.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made the same promise during a speech marking the anniversary of Venezuela's independence.

He said: "As head of state, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela decided to offer humanitarian asylum to the young American Edward Snowden so that he can live (without) ... persecution from the empire.

It was not immediately clear if there were any conditions to Venezuela's offer.         

Snowden is believed to be holed up at a Moscow airport looking for a country that will give him safe haven as the US wants to extradite him to face espionage charges.

The 30-year-old has previously asked 21 countries for asylum but most said he must be on their soil for his application to be accepted.

WikiLeaks revealed he had applied to more countries.

A tweet from the anti-secrecy website said: "Edward Snowden has applied to another six countries for asylum.

"They will not be named at this time due to attempted US interference."

The message appeared to be an allusion to the drama surrounding the flight of Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose plane was recently abruptly rerouted to Austria over suspicions Snowden was aboard.

Washington has revoked the passport of Snowden, who is seeking to evade US justice for leaking details about a vast US electronic surveillance programme to collect phone and Internet data.

He also revealed evidence of the spying activities of British eavesdropping agency GCHQ - including its scanning of vast amounts of emails and other internet traffic by tapping cable networks.

A bid by Snowden for Icelandic citizenship failed when the country's parliament voted not to debate it before the summer recess.

Russia has shown signs of growing impatience over Snowden's stay in the country.

Its deputy foreign minister said on Thursday that Snowden had not sought asylum in the country and needed to choose a place to go.

Moscow has made clear that the longer he stays, the greater the risk of the diplomatic standoff over his fate causing lasting damage to relations with Washington.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egyptians Celebrate Revolutionary Encore

By Dominic Waghorn, in Cairo

Elated crowds thronged Tahrir Square and let loose fireworks into the night sky as they celebrated what they say is a second revolution.

One young protester told Sky News: "I feel proud, I feel happy I feel relieved that Egypt has changed a regime, a very fascist regime, to a multi-party regime, hopefully a democratic one."

In numbers rivalling those that saw off Hosni Mubarak two and a half years ago, protesters gathered all day as they have since last week, in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and other towns.

Even among those who voted for Mr Morsi, there was an impatience to see him go.

Farmer Mansour told Sky News he bitterly regrets helping to put him in power because, he said, life has only got worse.

He said: "There's no gas to make our machines work, and all the plants die, what can people do, kids have no milk, no medicine, nothing."

Protesters concede Mr Morsi was voted president in elections, but accuse him of hijacking their revolution for his own ends.

They hope their revolutionary encore gives Egypt a second chance. But there were many expressing fear about the consequences, worried the Muslim Brotherhood will now take violent revenge.

There was a profound and surreal sense of deja vu about the events in Cairo to those of us who witnessed the first revolution.

But this is different. Instead of removing a dictator, the people and the military have deposed an elected president.

Egypt remains divided and its revolution in crisis, and violence seems likely.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt Braced For Violence Amid Coup Protests

Muslim Brotherhood's Future

Updated: 2:29pm UK, Thursday 04 July 2013

Some 300 leaders rounded up, gone into hiding or facing travel bans; its Supreme Guide and his deputy labelled as wanted men - Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood is reeling and leaderless.

Why, then, would Adli Mansour, the new Egyptian president, reach out to it, saying that it is "invited to take part in political life - they should not be excluded"?

Oddly enough, there is nothing inconsistent about such inconsistencies.

The Supreme Council for the Armed Forces, headed by the man who led the coup against former president Mohamed Morsi, is made up of officers who have spent their careers being indoctrinated with the view that the Brotherhood is a dangerous threat to the Egyptian state.

So rounding up its members, just like they did under Hosni Mubarak and his predecessors as far back as 1954 when the Brotherhood was banned, comes easily.

But the caretaker president knows that the movement is the most effective and widely spread political group in Egypt.

The Brotherhood, even driven underground, will remain a potent if not the most potent force in Egyptian politics.

It has renounced violence. So, although there were bloodcurdling references as the coup unfolded to members being prepared to die to protect the presidency, they chose instead to wait and see what would happen.

So far, what they have seen has frightened them.

"We have gone back to the days of Mubarak. People have gone underground, they are afraid that they will lose their jobs or face persecution, be jailed without charge - just like in the old days," said a Brotherhood activist who said he was in hiding and asked to remain anonymous.

"We don't know what to do next. Our leaders have been silenced and our communities don't know whether they should take to the streets, try to win the next election, or start fighting," he added.

More extreme groups from the Islamic firmament - such as the Dawa movement of Salafists who are dedicated to establishing strict Sharia law - have abandoned the Brotherhood.

Dawa may see an opportunity in the Brotherhood's dark hours to pick up followers. Its members have been ordered to stay away from demonstrations and return to their homes so they can be distinguished from Mr Morsi's supporters.

Such a calculation is unlikely to prove sound - Dawa is more likely to be seen as a sell-out.

The Brotherhood leaders have been in jail before but the movement has survived.

Come the elections promised by the new incumbent in the presidential palace, the movement can expect a strong showing - that is if it's really going to be invited back to Egypt's political party.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt Sex Attacks Reach 'Horrific' Levels

Almost 100 women have been sexually assaulted in Cairo's Tahrir Square in just four days, according to Human Rights Watch.

The charity described the attacks as "rampant" and said they highlight the "failure of the government and all political parties to face up to the violence that women in Egypt experience on a daily basis".

Some of the 91 women assaulted were reportedly beaten with metal chains, chairs and sticks, while others were attacked with knives.

The assaults came as protests escalated in the square, culminating with the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi in a military coup.

Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said: "These are serious crimes that are holding women back from participating fully in the public life of Egypt at a critical point in the country's development."

Some say the attacks are staged by thugs who are abusing a lack of security and are confident of escaping prosecution.

Others claim they are organised to scare women into not joining anti-government protests.

Human Rights Watch cited figures from a hotline for victims of sexual assault and Nazra for Feminist Studies, a women's rights group.

The watchdog called on Egyptian officials and political leaders to "condemn and take immediate steps to address the horrific levels of sexual violence" in the square.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt Military Coup Ousts President Morsi

The Egyptian army has announced fresh presidential and parliamentary elections after ousting elected Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi from power.

Mr Morsi was being detained at the defence ministry after he and his presidential team were initially held in the Presidential Republican Guards Club, according to a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Both the head and deputy chief of the Muslim Brotherhood have also been arrested, with warrants issued for 300 members of the political party.

General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi announces the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi

In a televised address to the divided nation, commander of the armed forces, General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi, said Mr Morsi had "failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people" and would be replaced.

Flanked by military officials, Muslim and Christian clerics and political figures, he unveiled details of a political transition which had been agreed with them.

As the military coup got under way with the deployment of tanks and troops including commandos across the capital Cairo, he declared a review and temporary suspension of the Egyptian constitution.

Soldiers and tanks on the outskirts of Cairo after Mr Morsi is ousted

He also announced the appointment of Adli Mansour, the head of the supreme constitutional court, as interim head of state.

The acting leader will be assisted by an interim council and a technocratic government until new presidential and parliamentary elections are held, he said. No specific details were given as to when the new polls would take place.

The military chief also announced a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements - and warned the armed forces and police would deal "decisively" with any violence.

"Those in the meeting have agreed on a road map for the future that includes initial steps to achieve the building of a strong Egyptian society that is cohesive and does not exclude anyone and ends the state of tension and division," he said.

Anti-Morsi protesters react to the army statement

President Barack Obama voiced his concern over the military intervention and urged a speedy return to a democratically elected government.

In a statement he said: " ... we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsi and suspend the Egyptian constitution.

"I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton meanwhile condemned the bloodshed and called for a swift return to democracy.

"I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution," she said.

Muslim Brotherhood members and pro-Morsi supporters react in Cairo

Mr Morsi's overthrow followed the end of crisis talks after an army deadline for Mr Morsi to yield to mass nationwide demonstrations expired and he refused to step down.

Fireworks and flares were set off over Cairo's Tahrir's Square and near the presidential palace where tens of thousands of jubilant protesters against Mr Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood erupted into cheers on hearing the news, which they hailed as "a victory for the people".

"The people and the army are one hand," they shouted, dancing and waving flags amid the roar of chanting and car horns, and coloured confetti in the air.

One uniformed police officer waved his hands above his head and said: "Great Egypt is victorious. Egypt is victorious over the Brotherhood."

Supporters of the deposed president, who had gathered near Cairo University, were stunned into initial silence at the news.

A military helicopter above Tahrir Square

Elsewhere, four loyalists were killed in clashes with opponents in the northern city of Marsa Matrouh and police were forced to call for security reinforcements in Alexandria, where there was one fatality and 50 others wounded during violence.

Sky's Middle East correspondent Sam Kiley, reporting from within a military cordon around Cairo University, said: "This is a miserable scene from the perspective of the Muslim Brotherhood's supporters.

"They cannot understand why it is possible to overthrow an elected president of the country simply by taking to the streets and holding loud demonstrations. They are also afraid that this could herald a crackdown against them."

The Muslim Brotherhood's TV station was taken off air and its managers arrested hours after Mr Morsi was overthrown.

A soldier cheers with anti-Morsi protesters

The Egypt25 channel had been broadcasting live coverage of rallies by tens of thousands of pro-Morsi demonstrators in Cairo and around the country, with speeches by leading Brotherhood politicians denouncing the military intervention to oust the elected president.

The offices of Al Jazeera's Egyptian television channel were also reportedly raided by security forces and prevented from broadcasting from a pro-Morsi rally. Several members of staff were also reportedly detained.

Mr Morsi was told he was no longer in charge of the country at around 7pm (6pm UK time).

In a statement on his official Facebook page, he was quoted as rejecting the army's announcement as a "full military coup".

Democratically elected to office just over a year ago after the toppling of autocrat Hosni Mubarak as Arab Spring uprisings took hold in early 2011, Mr Morsi had spent the day working at a Republican Guard barracks where barbed wire and barriers were erected by soldiers.

Egyptian security forces earlier revealed orders banning Mr Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood chief Mohammed Badie and his deputy Khairat al Shater from travelling abroad had been issued to airport officials.

Troops had also taken up positions in the presidential palace as well as state TV buildings in Cairo, blocking any presidential statements from going out.

Sky's foreign affairs editor Tim Marshall, reporting from Cairo, said it was going to be "a difficult night" in the Egyptian capital.

"If elections are held in a few weeks, perhaps those who are so against coup d'etat and its anti-democratic sentiments can see it as part of a transitional period.

"These people will come back onto the streets in a few months time if the army tries to hang on to power, but I think the army knows that and so the elections will come within months, perhaps weeks."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK did not support military intervention and called for restraint in Egypt.

"The situation is clearly dangerous and we call on all sides to show restraint and avoid violence," he said.

"We continue to advise British citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Egypt apart from the Red Sea resorts, and to monitor travel advice from the Foreign Office.

"The United Kingdom does not support military intervention as a way to resolve disputes in a democratic system."

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Canada Foils 'Al Qaeda-Inspired' Bomb Plot

Canadian police have charged two people "inspired by al Qaeda" who allegedly plotted to bomb a provincial government building on Canada Day.

John Stewart Nuttall and Amanda Marie Korody allegedly planned to use pressure cooker devices on the British Columbia legislature building in Victoria, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.

Police said the pair targeted the Canada celebrations on Monday when thousands of people were expected to be there.

But the bombs were found outside the building before the crowds gathered, police said.

Nuttall and Korody, who were arrested on Monday, have been charged with conspiracy, facilitating a terrorist activity and making an explosive device.

They planned to attack the Britsh Columbia legislature. (Pic: Ryan Bushby)

Police said that while Nuttall, 38, and Korody, whose age was given as either 28 or 29, were "inspired by al Qaeda ideology", they appeared to be acting alone.

"This self-radicalised behaviour was intended to create maximum impact and harm to Canadian citizens at the BC legislature on a national holiday," Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Wayne Rideout said.

"They took steps to educate themselves and produce explosive devices designed to cause injury and death."

Supt Rideout said the public was never at risk, and the threat was detected early.

Police said the duo had been shadowed by investigators since February after coming to the attention of Canadian intelligence.

Supt Rideout said Nuttall and Korody discussed a wide variety of targets and techniques.

Supt Rideout (pictured) said the pair discussed a wide variety of targets

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said she was relieved that the pair appeared to be acting alone.

"A day after thousands of patriotic Canadians gathered on these grounds to celebrate the founding of our nation, I'm incredibly relieved to know that there was never any risk to anyone," she said.

"We're also told that the suspects have no ties to any groups inside or outside Canada. Again, an incredible relief that these two individuals appeared to be working alone."

Canada's security intelligence service has long warned of homegrown and external terrorism threats.

In April, two men were arrested in Canada in connection with a plot to derail a Via passenger train running between New York City and Montreal.

There was no evidence linking the two arrested individuals with that plot, nor to those behind the Boston Marathon bombing in April, who also used pressure cooker devices.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Zimmerman Injuries 'Insignificant', Court Hears

A Florida medical examiner has said George Zimmerman need not have feared for his life before he shot and killed unnarmed teenager Trayvon Martin as his injuries were "insignificant".

Valerie Rao said she reviewed Zimmerman's medical records and the pictures of his injuries taken at a police station after the confrontation in a gated community in Sanford, Florida.

"They were not life-threatening. They were very insignificant," she told the jury.

Zimmerman, 29, has claimed that he shot Trayvon in self-defence after the 17-year-old punched him in the face and repeatedly slammed his head into the pavement.

Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda questions detective Serino

Ms Rao said Zimmerman's injuries were consistent with one blow to the face and one impact with the concrete.

Earlier Judge Debra Nelson told the jury to ignore comments by detective Chris Serino after he said he found Zimmerman's account of how he got into a fight with Trayvon credible.

Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda argued Tuesday the statement was improper because one witness is not allowed to give an opinion on the credibility of another witness.

Defence attorney Mark O'Mara had argued it was Detective Serino's job to decide whether Zimmerman was telling the truth.

But the judge agreed with Mr de la Rionda.

The prosecutor went on to question the police officer about his opinion that Zimmerman did not display any ill will or spite to Trayvon.

Prosecutors must prove there was ill will, spite or a depraved mind by the defendant to get a second-degree murder conviction.

Mr de la Rionda then played back Zimmerman's call to police to report the teen walking through his gated community in which the neighbourhood watch volunteer uses an expletive and refers to "punks".

George Zimmerman stands with his defence team

The detective conceded that Zimmerman's choice of words could be interpreted as being spiteful.

The prosecutor also challenged Mr Serino's contention that Zimmerman's story did not have any major inconsistencies.

Zimmerman claimed he spread out the teen's arms after he shot him. But a photo taken immediately after the shooting shows Trayvon's arms under his body.

"Is that inconsistent with the defendant's statement he spread the arms out?" Mr de la Rionda asked.

"That position, yes it is," Mr Serino said, though he later noted that Zimmerman's description was consistent with the medical examiner's report.

Also on Tuesday, the prosecution called Mark Osterman, a federal air marshal who described Zimmerman as "the best friend I've ever had."

He testified that he spoke with Zimmerman both the night of and the day after the shooting.

Mr Osterman later wrote a book about his recollections of what Zimmerman told him.

Under questioning by Mr de la Rionda, Mr Osterman said that Zimmerman told him Trayvon had grabbed his gun during their struggle, but that Zimmerman was able to pull it away.

That account is different from what Zimmerman told investigators in multiple interviews when he only said it appeared Trayvon was reaching for his gun prior to the shooting. He never told police the teen grabbed it.

"I thought he had said he grabbed the gun," Mr Osterman said. "I believe he said he grabbed the gun."

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt: Army Gives Politicians 48 Hours

The Egyptian army has given the president and his opponents 48 hours to meet the demands of the people, saying any longer will lead to deep divisions.

It said the ultimatum was a "last chance", otherwise the army would put forward a political road map for the country and ensure it is carried out.

However, a coalition of Islamist parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood of President Mohamed Morsi, accused the military of attempting to "assault legitimacy".

Military helicopters over Tahrir Square

In a statement, the army denied its commander had called for a military coup and said his aim was only to push politicians to reach consensus.

Denying any political ambitions for itself, the military said it was responding to the "pulse of the Egyptian street" in issuing an ultimatum to political leaders to unite after mass rallies on Sunday against the president.

Protesters welcomed the army's stance, with cheers erupting in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the centre of fierce demonstrations against President Mohamed Mors, who are they have been demanding resigns after a year in power.

The crowds also cheered as five military helicopters trailing national flags circled over the capital.

Military chief Abdul Fattah al Sisi said the political roadmap would be an "inclusive" one.

"The armed forces repeat its call for the people's demands to be met and give everyone 48 hours as a last chance to shoulder the burden of a historic moment for a nation that will not forgive or tolerate any party that is lax in shouldering its responsibility," the army said in a statement.

It did not directly define "the people's demands", but said if they are not realised, the military would be obliged to "announce a road-map for the future and the steps for overseeing its implementation, with participation of all patriotic and sincere parties and movements".

Cheers in Tahrir Square as news of the Army statement spread

The call came as four ministers resigned from Egypt's ruling cabinet amid the huge protests.

The ministers of tourism, environment, communication and legal affairs handed in their letters of resignation together to Prime Minister Hisham Qandil.

Protesters outside the burnt headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood

Sky News Foreign Affairs Editor Tim Marshall, in Cairo, said: "This is the army blatantly interfering in the political life of the country, they would say in their role as guardians of the people.

"They're not saying they're going to have a coup. They're saying, 'If you guys can't sort it out we'll give you the map, you better follow it.'."

The Cairo headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood were stormed and ransacked by protesters overnight, leaving the heavily fortified villa with furniture and files.

Footage on local TV networks showed smashed windows and smoke billowing out of the building. One protester was seen removing the Muslim Brotherhood sign from the building's front wall.

President Mohamed Morsi came to power a year ago

The Muslim Brotherhood says it is considering sending self-defence units to protect the building.

The storming of the headquarters followed overnight clashes between armed supporters of Mr Morsi barricaded inside the building and young protesters pelting it with firebombs and rocks.

At least seven people have reportedly been killed and more than 600 wounded in clashes between supporters and opponents of the president.

Some 500,000 people have descended on Tahrir Square, the heart of the 2011 uprising against Mr Morsi's predecessor Hosni Mubarak.

Other demonstrations have been held outside the presidential palace several miles away, which was under heavy guard.

Organisers of the protests have given the president until 5pm on Tuesday to step down, and called on the police and the military to clearly state their support for what the protest movement called the popular will.

Police and troops have deployed to protect key buildings around the country, and the health ministry said hospitals have been placed on high alert.

On Friday an American student, 21-year-old Andrew Pochter, was killed during clashes in the city of Alexandria.

Tents set up by opposition supporters outside the presidential palace

A senior security official said the Suez Canal, the vital waterway that connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, has been placed under "maximum security".

Liberal leaders say nearly half the voting population - 22 million people - have signed a petition calling for change. Mr Morsi's opponents have promised a "second revolution".

But the president's Muslim Brotherhood and militant allies pledge to defend what they say is the legitimate order.

Mr Morsi has called his opponents bad losers backed by "thugs" from the rule of deposed Mr Mubarak.

He is banking on the "Tamarud - Rebel!" coalition fizzling out, as other challenges in the streets have done since he took power.

US President Barack Obama has called on Egyptians to focus on dialogue. His ambassador to Egypt has angered the opposition by suggesting protests are not helping the economy.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Arizona Wildire: Photo Of Killed Firefighters

A photograph of the elite team of firemen who died in a runaway wildfire in Arizona has been released by US authorities.

Only one of the 20 members of the unit survived the tragedy

The Yarnell Hill fire killed all but one member of the 20-strong Granite Mountain "hotshot" team, the biggest loss of life among US firefighters since the September 11 attacks and the most from a wildfire in 80 years.

They have been named as Andrew Ashcraft, 29, Kevin Woyjeck, 21, Anthony Rose, 23, Eric Marsh, 43, Christopher MacKenzie, 30, Robert Caldwell, 23, Clayton Whitted , 28, Scott Norris, 28, Dustin Deford, 24, Sean Misner, 26, Garret Zuppiger, 27, Travis Carter, 31, Grant McKee, 21, TravisTurbyfill, 27, JesseSteed, 36, Wade Parker, 22, Joe Thurston, 32, William Warneke, 25, John Percin, 24.

A firefighter leaves a floral tribute outside the team's home station

A make-shift memorial grew steadily outside the elite crew's home station, including various messages of support alongside a number of American flags and 19 water bottles arranged in a heart shape.

President Barack Obama also paid tribute to the men, while Arizona governor Jan Brewer ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.

American flags could also be seen among the tributes

Ms Brewer said: "The Yarnell fire exploded into a firestorm that overran the local Granite Mountain hotshots.

Recalling the 340 who died on 9/11, she added: "Just as we honour the memory of the firefighters lost that day as they charged into the burning towers, we will remember the brave men of the Granite Mountain hotshots."

A picture of Wade Parker, one of the 19 firefighters killed

Juliann Ashcraft's husband, Andrew, was among those who died in the fire.

"They died heroes ... We'll miss them. We love them," she told AZ Central website - after learning about the tragedy while watching TV with her four children.

The men who died have been described as 'heroes'

The one member of the crew not killed survived because he was moving the unit's truck at the time. Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo said the man "feels terribly, and we all feel terribly".

Hundreds more firefighters have poured into area of Arizona 85 miles (135 kilometers) north of Phoenix to help battle the blaze, which has ripped through more than 8,000 acres.

A local man pays his respects

High winds were expected to worsen the fire, complicating the task for around 400 firefighters now attempting to contain it - up from 200 on Sunday.

Arizona land management spokesman Dennis Godfrey said: "It's a very difficult situation.

More than 8,000 acres and scores of homes have been destroyed

"The high winds are a real danger ... It's even a greater danger when those winds are shifting directions."

Incident commander Roy Hall: "Until we get a significant showing of the monsoons, it's show time and it's dangerous, really dangerous."

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brazil Protests: Violence Mars Cup Final

Molotov cocktails were hurled at police as violence broke out before the Confederations Cup final match in Brazil.

Police responded by firing tear gas and shock grenades at the crowd as the protests turned violent.

One protester who did not give her name described the police response as an "embarrassment" to Brazil.

Protesters at a security line near the entry to Maracana Stadium

"You can't do anything. You can't protest. You know why? Because our government has no shame," the protester said.

More than 5,000 demonstrators marched near the Maracana stadium, where Brazil defeated Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final.

They vented their anger about the billions of dollars the Brazilian government is spending on major sporting events, rather than on public services.

Federal police in riot gear stand guard outside the stadium

"We are here protesting for a greater investment in health and education, for people to have their citizen's rights and not only football, beer and samba," said Juliana Silva, one of the protesters.

Though smaller in size, the march was the latest in a wave of protests that has spread across the country in recent weeks.

Many are calling the protest movement the biggest seen in Brazil in decades, with more than one million people having taken to the streets nationwide on the night of June 20.

The protests triggered a fall in President Dilma Rousseff's approval rating

The demonstrations have dwindled in size and frequency in recent days as officials from all levels of government have scrambled to calm public anger with poor public services and a heavy tax burden.

The first national poll conducted after the protests ignited showed a steep drop in President Dilma Rousseff's approval rating and throws in doubt what had seemed an easy re-election next year.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt: Seven Killed As Protests Turn Violent

At least seven people have been killed in Egypt and more than 600 wounded in clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi.

Five of the dead were shot in towns south of Cairo, one each in Beni Suef and Fayoum and three others in Assiut.

Two more people were killed by gunfire during an attack on the national headquarters of Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.

The attack came amid mass protests across Egypt calling for the Islamist president to resign. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets as part of the demonstrations.

The protests are being held exactly a year since Mr Morsi came to power.

Some 500,000 people descended on Cairo's Tahrir Square, the heart of the 2011 uprising against Mr Morsi's predecessor Hosni Mubarak.

Other demonstrations have been held outside the presidential palace several miles away, which was under heavy guard.

Police and troops have deployed to protect key buildings around the country, security officials said. The health ministry said hospitals have been placed on high alert.

On Friday an American student, 21-year-old Andrew Pochter, was killed during clashes in the city of Alexandria.

A senior security official said the Suez Canal, the vital waterway that connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, has been placed under "maximum security".

Liberal leaders say nearly half the voting population - 22 million people - have signed a petition calling for change. Mr Morsi's opponents have promised a "second revolution".

But the president's Muslim Brotherhood and militant allies pledge to defend what they say is the legitimate order.

Mr Morsi has called his opponents bad losers backed by "thugs" from the rule of deposed Mr Mubarak.

He is banking on the "Tamarud - Rebel!" coalition fizzling out, as other challenges in the streets have done since he took power.

US President Barack Obama has called on Egyptians to focus on dialogue. His ambassador to Egypt has angered the opposition by suggesting protests are not helping the economy.

Liberal leaders, fractious and defeated in a series of ballots last year, hope that by putting millions on the streets they can force Mr Morsi to relent.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt Anniversary: Mass Demonstrations Expected

Mass demonstrations are expected across Egypt today a year to the day since Mohamed Morsi came to power.

In Cairo, thousands of people gathered on Tahrir Square, the seat of the uprising of 2011. Others gathered outside the presidential palace several miles away, which was under heavy guard.

Liberal leaders say nearly half the voting population - 22 million people - have signed a petition calling for change.

But Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood and militant allies pledge to defend what they say is the legitimate order.

Several people have been killed and hundreds wounded in days of street fighting across the country.

Yesterday, an American student who was killed during violent clashes in the southern city of Alexandria, was identified as Andrew Pochter, 21, from Maryland.

Andrew Pochter was killed in Alexandria

Mr Morsi calls opponents bad losers backed by "thugs" from the rule of Hosni Mubarak.

He is banking on the "Tamarud - Rebel!" coalition fizzling out, as other challenges in the streets have done since he took power a year ago today.

An economic crisis deepened by unrest and political deadlock may spur many less partisan Egyptians to join the rallies, due to start in the afternoon in Cairo.

But many, too, are weary of turmoil and are sceptical that the opposition's demand to reset the rules of the new democracy is better than soldiering on.

Recent days have seen intense street fighting

US President Barack Obama called on Egyptians to focus on dialogue. His ambassador to Egypt has angered the opposition by suggesting protests are not helping the economy.

Liberal leaders, fractious and defeated in a series of ballots last year, hope that by putting millions on the streets they can force Mr Morsi to relent.

Religious authorities have warned of "civil war".

The army has said it will step in if violence gets out of control but insists it will respect the "will of the people".

Mr Morsi, who on Saturday met the head of the military he appointed last year, interprets that to mean army support for election results.

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cameron In Pakistan To Meet Newly-Elected PM

David Cameron will become the first world leader to meet Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today.

The meeting with Mr Sharif follows talks with President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday.

Mr Sharif became Pakistan's Prime Minister for an unprecedented third time last month in a surprise landslide election victory for his party.

Mr Cameron's visit to Pakistan is being seen as an attempt to "relaunch" the UK's relationship with the country and open doors for British businesses.

David Cameron with troops in Afghanistan on Saturday

A Number 10 source said: "The Prime Minister will be the first world leader to visit since Mr Sharif took office.

"The emphasis for us is relaunching the Pakistan relationship, getting in there early, helping work with them to shape the right reforms on security and development and also open up potential for British business given the growth in the Pakistan economy and potential there."

Speaking in Afghanistan yesterday Mr Cameron said he wanted to see a stronger relationship between Pakistan and its neighbour.

He said: "We have a good relationship with Pakistan, it's a long-standing relationship.

"We have a very clear view which is that it's in Pakistan's short, medium and long-term interest to have a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan with which they have a good and strong relationship."

10.52 | 0 komentar | Read More