Connect with us

Published

on

Multiple ambulances destroyed, stations hit, Civil Defence crews killed… emergency workers in Lebanon say they’re suffering a sustained attack on them by Israeli forces.

“We are definitely coming under specific attack,” Sayyed Abdullah, head of Civil Defence in the south, told a group of mainly foreign media.

“We have had 40 ambulances which have been completely destroyed,” he said, adding: “On top of that 24 rescuing stations have been hit – just in this area.

Israel-Iran latest: Powerful explosions near Beirut airport

“They were all targeted directly and I’m just speaking about our organisation.”

A number of his colleagues, young and old, echoed that belief.

One Civil Defence worker who’s been part of the emergency crew for 20 years told us how earlier in the day, a team of his colleagues had raced to a bomb site to help the injured.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Beirut rescue workers feel ‘targeted’ by strikes

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Massive explosions rock Beirut

“The first team went to rescue them and they were hit. Another team went to rescue them, they were also hit,” he said.

“At the end the Red Cross went to rescue them and they too were attacked.”

Sky News Special Programme
Image:
Sky News Special Programme

His 20-year-old young co-worker Yasser told us he would not be intimidated into leaving: “We will not leave. If we leave, who will look after the people?”

Several Civil Defence crews have been killed – seven in one hit in Beirut. Their colleagues and friends need no more convincing their lives are at risk.

Tyre city in Lebanon
Tyre in Lebanon
Image:
One Civil Defence worker said two separate emergency crews and the Red Cross were hit trying to help at one bomb site

The airstrikes and casualties are on a daily basis in this area of southern Lebanon.

The thud of bombs landing are a regular frightening noise here now. But with doctors and nurses too feeling they are being targeted, it seems it’s becoming more and more risky to be an emergency worker in Lebanon.

Tyre city in Lebanon
Image:
20-year-old Yasser said he would not be intimidated into leaving

Tyre city in Lebanon

“There are international laws protecting doctors all over the world,” Dr Hussam Telleih, one young doctor told us, adding: “But not in Lebanon.

“There are no Hezbollah weapons in this hospital. You can see for yourself. You’ve been all over the hospital. We completely deny this.”

“They are trying to do here what they did in Gaza. They said the same about al Shifa hospital in Gaza, calling it a Hamas control centre. We feel we are next.”

Tyre city in Lebanon

As we are at the latest bomb site where the Civil Defence teams are working, an alarm goes up and we’re told to evacuate.

The crews are nervous. There’s a group of them in one place to talk to the assembled media and they’re worried that this number of vehicles all together might draw the attention of the ‘eyes in the skies’ – the Israeli drones which also constantly circle above.

We reached out to the Israeli Defence Forces media office for comment on these accusations, but we received no reply.

Tyre city in Lebanon

When we move to another site in Tyre city, a young man is hobbling on a crutch near another crushed building.

He tells us about what appears to be a miraculous escape from death. An airstrike has caused two buildings to collapse, killing a family of five. Three women, including a teenager, a grandfather and a two-year-old baby have died.

The young man was in the neighbouring house but tells us he was trapped for several hours before rescue workers pulled him out of the rubble barely conscious.

Tyre city in Lebanon

“It’s lies,” he says, referring to the Israeli claim that every house hit contains Hezbollah weapons, a fighter or commander. “This is all lies. We are civilians and my uncle was killed and he wasn’t doing anything.”

We see, far off in the distance, dozens of volleys of rockets being fired off one after another.

Read more:
Sky News correspondents report from the site of strikes
Where Iranian missiles struck Israel
Listen: What happens next?

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

We’ve stopped to try to find a mechanic who can help repair our vehicle’s punctured tyre, and a small group has gathered to watch the rockets shooting off. There are appreciative noises and a frisson of excitement among the group as the blasts arc across the skyline.

But the far more constant thunderous drum is the crashing thud and boom of Israeli missiles landing.

And that doesn’t seem likely to ease any time soon.

A Sky News documentary, Netanyahu, will air today 4 October at 9pm

Alex Crawford reports from Tyre in southern Lebanon with camera Jake Britton, specialist producer Chris Cunningham and Lebanon producers Jihad Jneid and Sami Zein.

Continue Reading

World

What a Trump presidency would mean for global wars and European security

Published

on

By

What a Trump presidency would mean for global wars and European security

Donald Trump says he would end Russia’s war in Ukraine should he return to the White House – but any rushed deal will likely leave Kyiv much weaker and European security in even greater peril.

Another major flashpoint a Trump presidency would immediately seek to influence is the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

Mr Trump came close to direct war with Tehran during his first term in office and prior restraint could well give way to direct confrontation this time around.

US election latest: Harris and Trump make final pitches

Then there is the overwhelming longer-term challenge posed by China, with North Korea another growing headache especially after Mr Trump tried but failed to woo the leader of the hermit state during his first stint as commander-in-chief.

President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Image:
Mr Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2019. Pic: AP

With the US election on a knife edge, hostile and friendly capitals around the world have been gaming what a second Trump White House might mean for their respective national interests and for the most pressing global security threats.

Mr Trump’s track record of unpredictability is a challenge for traditional foes – but also for Washington’s closest allies, in particular fellow members of the NATO alliance.

The Republican nominee has made no secret of his frustration at how the US has for decades bankrolled the security blanket that protects Europe.

During his first term as president, Mr Trump threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance – a move that would almost certainly sound its death knell. His rhetoric did help to spur allies to dig deeper into their pockets and spend more on their militaries, though.

But the damage of years of underinvestment is deep and the pace of recovery is too slow for European NATO allies and Canada to credibly stand on their own as a potent military force any time soon.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 27, 2024. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT
Image:
Meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York in September – but what would a Trump presidency mean for Ukraine’s war with Russia? Pic: Reuters

In terms of immediacy when it comes to global crises, the impact of a Trump victory on 5 November would be felt most acutely by Ukraine and also by Iran.

The presidential candidate has repeatedly claimed that he would quickly end the Ukraine war, though without explaining how or what peace would look like.

In an indication of where his priorities lie, however, he has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being the “greatest salesman on earth” for securing tens of billions of dollars in weapons and other assistance that Washington has given to Kyiv.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are seen during the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
Image:
Pic: Reuters

Yet – coupled with Ukraine’s willingness to fight – that military aid is the biggest reason why Ukraine has managed to withstand almost 1,000 days of Vladimir Putin’s war.

Stop the flow of American weapons, and Ukrainian troops – despite their own ingenuity and the support of other allies – will simply lack the firepower to keep resisting the onslaught.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, U.S., September 26, 2024. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Image:
Kamala Harris believes US support for Mr Zelenskyy and Ukraine is vital. Pic: Reuters

By contrast, US vice president Kamala Harris, who is vying for the top job, has made clear that she views continued support to Ukraine as being as vital to US and Western interests as it is to Kyiv’s – a far more familiar stance that echoes the view of her NATO partners.

While US support for Ukraine would undoubtedly change under a Trump administration, that is not the same as facilitating a complete surrender.

The former president – who portrays himself as the ultimate dealmaker and has adopted a new election slogan – “Trump will fix it” – will not want to be held responsible for the total absorption of Ukraine into Mr Putin’s orbit.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

How does the US election work?

Putin and Iran

His relationship with the Russian president is a particularly interesting dynamic.

When president, he infamously said he trusted Mr Putin’s denials over his own intelligence agencies when it came to claims about Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

But with the right advice, might a future President Trump be able to use his connection with Mr Putin to the West’s advantage?

At the very least, it adds a new level of unpredictability – which is perhaps the most important element when it comes to assessing the potential impact on the world of a second Trump term.

Donald Trump said 'as long as I'm President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon'
Image:
Donald Trump said in 2020 ‘as long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon’. Pic: Reuters

On Iran, in stark contrast to his approach to Russia’s war in Ukraine, a future President Trump may well back much greater US military support for Israel’s conflict against Tehran and its proxies – perhaps even direct involvement by US forces in strikes on Iran.

Mr Trump has an even tougher stance towards Tehran and its nuclear ambitions than Joe Biden’s administration.

His decision to rip up a major nuclear deal with Iran was one of his most significant foreign policy acts during his four years as president.

It is also personal, with Iran accused of hacking the Trump campaign in recent months – an attack that would surely only heighten tensions with Iran during any second Trump term.

On election night, Sky News will have access to the most comprehensive exit poll and vote-counting results from every state, county and demographic across America through its US-partner network NBC.

You can find out more about Sky News’ coverage here.

Continue Reading

World

‘Extreme danger’ red alert for Barcelona warns of more rain on the way – with Spain still reeling from deadly floods

Published

on

By

'Extreme danger' red alert for Barcelona warns of more rain on the way - with Spain still reeling from deadly floods

A red alert warning of “extreme danger” because of torrential rain has been issued for Barcelona, as elsewhere in Spain search teams continue to scour flooded areas for bodies.

At least 217 people have died after heavy rain in eastern Spain caused flash floods that swept away almost everything in their path.

People were trapped in cars, homes and businesses as the waters surged through the disaster zone last week.

Six days later, the search and rescue operation continues for the unknown number of missing people, with thousands of soldiers brought in to help.

And as communities continue to reel from the catastrophic floods – and mourn their losses – more rain is forecast for parts of the country.

Severe flooding has hit Barcelona's El Prat airport, forcing dozens of flights to be cancelled
Image:
Severe flooding has hit Barcelona’s El Prat airport, forcing dozens of flights to be cancelled

Spain weather warning. Pic: Meteoalarm
Image:
Pic: Meteoalarm

Today, the local government in Catalonia has warned of “continuous and torrential” rain in two regions, saying people should avoid travel and stay away from streams and ravines.

A red alert “extreme danger” warning has been issued for Barcelona.

“Do not travel unless strictly necessary,” the alert told people nearby.

Mud covers the area in the aftermath of last Tuesday and early Wednesday storm that left hundreds dead or missing in the region, in Paiporta, outskirts of Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.(AP Photo/Angel Garcia)
Image:
Mud covers the area in Paiporta, Valencia. Pic: AP

Footage on social media shows heavy rainfall overwhelming stairwells and leaving streets strewn with water.

Dozens of flights have been cancelled at El Prat airport after the terminal building was flooded.

Members of the Spanish military prepare to help residents, in the aftermath of floods caused by heavy rains, in Massanassa, near Valencia, Spain, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Susana Vera
Image:
Soldiers help residents in Massanassa, near Valencia. Pic: Reuters

Image:
Rescuers at the Bonaire shopping centre

Elsewhere in eastern Spain, much attention has been paid to an underground car park in Aldaia, where emergency services have been trying to drain the floodwater to gain access.

There had been fears that dozens of bodies could be found inside the car park after people died trapped by the rising waters at the Bonaire shopping centre.

However firefighters on the ground have downplayed the situation, Spanish media report.

“Since yesterday afternoon we were able to get in with canoes, boats, drones and on foot,” one of the firefighters told El Pais.

“Yesterday we went through the entire car park and luckily we haven’t found any bodies.”

They said that could change as the car park empties, but that at the moment the cars are all empty.

Read more:
Flood-hit Spanish towns desperate for leadership
Spain mounts biggest peacetime disaster recovery

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Search for bodies in flooded car park

There has been anger at the response from authorities and a group of survivors hurled mud and insults at Spain’s King Felipe when the monarch visited one of the worst-affected towns.

By the time authorities sent alerts to mobile phones warning of the seriousness of the flooding and asking people to stay at home, many were already on the road or in places like underground garages that became death traps.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Protesters throw mud at King of Spain

Valencia’s MotoGP race, which had been scheduled for later this month, has been cancelled after floods wrought destruction on the track.

Thousands of volunteers have been helping to clear away thick layers of mud from streets and homes.

Continue Reading

World

Spanish authorities search flooded underground car park – fearing how many bodies they will find

Published

on

By

Spanish authorities search flooded underground car park - fearing how many bodies they will find

The story of these floods has been full of grim, unsettling images.

Now there is another one – the Bonaire shopping centre in Aldaia.

Today, it was an awful place. Not because of the immense damage wrought by the floods, but because of the horror that may lie ahead.

The emergency services are pumping out the underground car park that lies beneath this retail complex, one of the biggest in the country, and they don’t know what they will find.

There will be bodies – that seems sure. The question is how many. And the fear is that it could be dozens.

You can see the ramps that run down to the car park, and you can also see the water level glistening, not far down the ramp.

Pumping out this entire car park will be a marathon job. Searching it will take patience, specialist equipment and stoicism. There will surely be grim discoveries down there.

Scuba diving teams have been sent in, but we were told that they have been unable to go into the water so far. It is full of debris, oil, diesel, and goodness knows what else.

Today we saw an array of equipment being delivered – boats, pumps, a military ambulance, kayaks and lifting machinery.

Emergency services personnel close to the entrance of the car park. Pic: AP
Image:
Emergency services personnel close to the entrance of the car park. Pic: AP

A pump to remove water from the car park is seen at the site. Pic: AP
Image:
A pump to remove water from the car park is seen at the site. Pic: AP

An enormous amount of resource is being thrown at this, at a time when so many towns are complaining that they feel forgotten.

Cristina Vano, a judicial expert, is working here as a volunteer, checking the cars strewn around in the ground-level car parks.

Her job is to peer inside and see if she can see a body. If she can’t, she puts an X on the side using coloured tape; if she can, she calls the police.

Read more:
Flood survivors hurl mud and insults at King of Spain
Anger at response to Spain floods grows
‘Living with corpses at home’: Spain reels from flash floods

An emergency works on removing water from one of the exits of the car park. Pic: Reuters
Image:
An emergency responder works to remove water the car park. Pic: Reuters

She is waiting for the first vehicles to be pulled from the Bonaire underground car park, and she is steeled for it to be a horrible experience.

“There is space for 1,700 cars in there,” she says.

“We were told it wasn’t full, but there were certainly many cars in there. The problem is that a lot of people took refuge there, so we don’t know what to expect.

“The police in Aldaia were talking about us finding maybe 80 people – I hope it will be less. It’s really sad, but we are expecting a lot.”

Cristina Vano is volunteering at the site
Image:
Cristina Vano is volunteering at the site

We speak to the police, who tell us that searching the car park will be a long and complicated process.

They don’t want to make any estimates about the number of cars involved, nor the number of people. But someone involved in the operation speaks to us after coming out.

“A lot more than a hundred cars are in there,” the person says. “Maybe hundreds.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Protesters throw mud at King of Spain during visit to Paiporta

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

There is an army officer, from special services, who tells me that his unit of Green Berets are ready to do anything that is needed. They have been helping to clear out the shopping centre for days now, and will continue. But he knows this is not a quick job.

On the far side, we see a group of firefighters walking slowly away from that cursed ramp that leads down to the car park. Their faces are drawn, an expression that we see a lot during a day observing this recovery mission.

Everyone involved in this knows that there is no chance of finding a survivor in this flooded car park. All they can do is hope that it’s not as bad as they fear.

Continue Reading

Trending