Bini Times

US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been encircling Raqqa since November [File: Rodi Said/Reuters] The United States has begun sending small arms to Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group in northern Syria, despite concerns from NATO-ally Turkey. The Pentagon said on Tuesday that the weapons shipments began ahead of an upcoming offensive to recapture Raqqa, the de facto capital of ISIL in northern Syria. "We have begun to transfer small arms and vehicles to the Kurdish elements" of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Pentagon spokesman Major Adrian Rankine-Galloway said. The weapons sent to the SDF's Kurdish Peoples' Protection Units (YPG) include AK-47s and small-calibre machine guns, Rankine-Galloway added. US President Donald Trump earlier this month approved arming the YPG fighters, angering Turkey. The Pentagon said then that the YPG are "the only force on the ground that can successfully s

Wounded men arrive at a hospital in Kabul after the blast [Mohammad Ismail/Reuters A suspected truck bomb has ripped through the heart of Kabul's diplomatic district, killing at least 80 people and wounding hundreds, in a powerful blast described by officials as "one of the biggest" to have hit the Afghan capital. Sources said Wednesday's suicide attack took place near Zanbaq square, in Kabul's 10th district, close to shops and restaurants, as well as government offices and foreign embassies. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, told Al Jazeera that the group was not involved in the attack. Police and health officials confirmed to Al Jazeera that at least 80 people were killed and more than 300 wounded in the attack. The death toll was expected to rise. The victims appear mainly to have been Afghan civilians and there were no immediate reports of casualties among foreign embassy staff. "The area

Free Syrian Army fighters carry their weapons as they walk in Syria's northern province of Quneitra in April [Alaa al-Faqir/Reuters] Syrian rebels say the United States and its allies are sending them more arms to try to fend off a new push into the southeast by Iran-backed militias aiming to open an overland supply route between Iraq and Syria. Tensions escalated in the southeastern region of Syria, known as the Badia, this month when government forces supported by Iraqi militias deployed in a challenge to rebels backed by President Bashar al-Assad's enemies. This has coincided with a march towards the Syrian border by militias from Iraq. They reached the frontier adjoining northern Syria on Monday. A top Iraqi militia commander said a wider operation to take the area from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) started on Tuesday. While in Iraq the US has fought alongside Iranian-backed Iraqi government forces and militias against ISIL, in Syria Washington has lined u

Trump met with Merkel at the White House in Washington in March [Jonathan Erns/Reuters] US President Donald Trump called Germany's trade and spending policies "very bad" - intensifying a row between the longtime allies and immediately earning himself the moniker "destroyer of Western values" from a leading German politician. As the war of words on Tuesday threatened to spin out of control, Merkel and other senior German politicians stressed the importance of Germany's Atlantic ties, with Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel suggesting the spat was just a rough patch. Trump took to Twitter early in the day in the United States to attack Germany, a day after Chancellor Angela Merkel ramped up her doubts about the reliability of Washington as an ally. "We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for U.S. This will change," Trump tweeted. Later in the day, Trump's spokesman a

The US ballistic missile-defence system launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Tuesday in California [Lucy Nicholson/Reuters] The US military scored an important success in a test of its oft-criticised missile-defence programme, destroying a mock warhead over the Pacific Ocean with an interceptor that is key to protecting US territory from a North Korean attack. Vice Admiral Jim Syring, director of the Pentagon agency in charge of developing the missile-defence system, called the test result "an incredible accomplishment" and a critical milestone for a programme hampered by setbacks over the years. "This system is vitally important to the defence of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat," Syring said in a statement announcing the test result. Despite the success, the $244m test didn't confirm that under wartime conditions the US could intercept an intercontinental-range missile fire

Syrian refugee children look out from their tent in Saadnayel in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley [Mohamed Azakir/Reuters] As if all it takes is an online petition to the US state department and the United Nations to "rid" Lebanon of its refugee crisis, over 20,000 signatories signed a petition calling for "Syrian refugees to leave Lebanon and return to safe zones in Syria". While the petition is sloppily written, it is an important reflection of what goes on in the hearts and minds of a portion of the Lebanese public, who view the refugee crisis as an economic, security and demographic threat that "might lead to serious altercations between the [Syrian refugees and Lebanese people]". The petition comes in the context of a rise in anti-refugee discourse in the country, from Syrian businesses being shut down in some municipalities, to a banner threatening to "cut the hands" of Syrians if they threaten Lebanese livelihood, and even a fake news story

 Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Anthony Levandowski. (Associated Press)  Anthony Levandowski was fired from Uber over his refusal to cooperate in the company's legal battle against Waymo, Google's self-driving-technology division. Uber has fired Anthony Levandowski, the former head of its self-driving-car program, over his refusal to cooperate in its legal battle against Waymo. Uber's firing of Levandowski, on Friday, was first reported Tuesday by The New York Times. Business Insider confirmed it with the company. Uber had been asking Levandowski for months to assist with its internal investigation for its defense against Waymo's charges, according to an Uber representative. Levandowski, however, invoked his Fifth Amendment right to protect himself against self-incrimination, and he hired criminal attorneys to represent him. Uber fired Levandowski after he didn't meet the company's deadline for complying with its request, the representative said. Eric Meyhofer

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday intervened in the inter-bank market to the tune of 482.6 million dollars in the first trading day after the Democracy Day celebrations. A statement issued by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor in Abuja said that this was part of measures to underline its determination to guard the international value of the naira. Okorafor said that a breakdown of the intervention indicates that the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) was allocated 285.7 million dollars, while the 100 million dollar was offered in the Wholesale SMIS auction window. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) window got an allocation of 52 million dollars, while the invisibles segment, comprising Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), Personal Travel Allowance (PTA), medicals and tuition fees, among others was allocated 45 million dollars. Okorafor said that the interventions were in line with the Bank’s resolve, echoed by the Governor, Godwin

With more than 80 million collective social media followers, platinum selling artists Eminem and Justin Timberlake helped raise just under $2.3 million in the last few days. A crowd funding effort started by the Manchester Evening News set a 24-day deadline to raise $2 million for the British Red Cross, both artists read about it and shared the link on their social media pages, encouraging fans to join them in donating to the victims of the attack. Their fans responded by donating to the crowdfunding page. Within 2 days the crowdfunding page met and surpassed their goal. Manchester Evening News and British Red Cross responded by showing their appreciation on Twitter.

Empoli have been relegated from Serie A courtesy of a 2-1 defeat to Palermo on the final day of the season this evening. Giovanni Martusciello's side went into the final day with survival in their own hands, holding a one-point lead over Crotone either side of the dotted line. Victory over already-relegated Palermo would have guaranteed Empoli's place in the top flight for a fourth consecutive season, but they were beaten 2-1 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Goals from Ilija Nestorovski and Bruno Henrique in the final 15 minutes put Empoli on the brink of relegation before Rade Krunic gave the visitors a glimmer of hope by pulling one back with three minutes remaining. It was too little too late, though, as Crotone's 3-1 win over 10-man Lazio ensured that Davide Nicola's side completed a great escape on a final day having won six and lost just one of their final nine games of the season. Crotone had just 14 points at the beginning of April but picked up 20 from the last 2

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has described this season's FA Cup as the "most special" trophy he has won during his time at the club. The England international played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal beat newly-crowned Premier League champions Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday, with Aaron Ramsey scoring the winner shortly after Diego Costa had cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's early opener for the 10-man Blues. Oxlade-Chamberlain acknowledged that it was a blow to originally squander their lead, but believes that the speed with which they hit back shows a good character in the team which he is keen to carry into next season. "There were times when we got put under pressure but we responded. For them to go down to 10 men and score, that really hurt us. To come back quickly like we did and go again is a great show of character from the boys," he told the club's official website. "I think we've done that in the back half of the season and it

Kourtney Kardashian's baby Daddy, Scott Disick, seemed to be trying really hard in Cannes, to get Kourtney's attention by frolicking and cuddling with 6 different women. Now he has gotten her attention and she has reportedly banned him from seeing their three children until he 'cleans up his act'. According to TMZ, the 38-year-old reality star has vowed to stop Disick's visitation to their kids - Mason, seven, Penelope, four, and Reign, two - until he gets sober, following his display in Cannes, France over the past week. TMZ also claims that friends of Disick - including Kourtney - have attempted to 'intervene' in the situation but have so far proved unsuccessful in their efforts. A source told TMZ: 'He is off the rails again ... abusing alcohol and other substances. She will not allow Scott visitation of their 3 kids until he gets clean and sober ... something he refuses to do.' 'Scott's friends have tried to intervene to no avail. A few

 Ibinabo showed off boobs in a sexy dinner dress she wore to the Rivers state jubilee awards night over the weekend. Continue to see more photos after the cut...

A man who survived the July 2007 train bomb blast, Tony Walter, 52, was found dead hours after the Manchester bomb blast which killed 22 people and injured several others, last Monday night after the Ariana Grande concert. Walter was discovered at his home after failing to show up at work. A friend said: “He is the 23rd victim of Salman Abedi‘s suicide bombing. ” Friends believe he killed himself because he was overwhelmed by the horror of yet more innocent lives lost to terrorism. One said: “He didn’t want to live in a world where these ­terror attacks continue.” Police found the 52-year-old dead at his home when he failed to turn up to work after suicide bomber Salman Abedi murdered 22 and injured 116 at Manchester Arena. On July 7, 2007, Tony was yards from fanatic Mohammad Sidique Khan when he detonated a device on a Tube train after it left Edgware Road station. Seven people, including Khan, died. Tony was showered with shrapnel but survived. Friends believe the Manchester bombi

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund this summer. The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the hottest properties in world football since moving to the Westfalenstadion in 2013, scoring 120 goals in just 189 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit. A number of Europe's top clubs are understood to be monitoring Aubameyang's situation and the Gabon international is expected to leave the club this summer having reportedly handed in a transfer request. French media outlet BeIn Sports claims that PSG have now begun talks over bringing Aubameyang back to Ligue 1, where he previously enjoyed loan spells at Dijon, Lille and Monaco before joining Saint-Etienne. The report goes on to say that PSG are preparing a lucrative bid for the striker and are hopeful of wrapping up a deal within a week. Aubameyang won the Bundesliga's Golden Boot award this season having scored 31 goals in just 32 league app

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has suggested that he would be open to leaving the club on loan next season. The 23-year-old was firmly behind Diego Costa in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea's title-winning season, with his one and only start of the campaign coming in the penultimate game. The likes of AS Monaco, West Ham United and newly-promoted Newcastle United have been linked with a loan move for the Belgian in order to give him more regular first-team football in the build-up to the 2018 World Cup, and Batshuayi is happy to go wherever Chelsea want him. "Honestly, I'm not trying to think too much [about my future]," he told Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad. "I'm trying 200%. After that it will up to the board and the coach to make a decision. I'm a player and I'll go wherever Chelsea sends me." Batshuayi ended the season with four goals in his final three league outings, including the strike which clinched the title f

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he should have ended speculation over his future sooner than he has done. The long-serving Frenchman has faced increasingly vociferous protests for him to step down from his role in recent months, but no public announcement has yet been made regarding whether or not he will stay at the club beyond the end of his current deal. Wenger will hold talks over his future with the board on Tuesday after winning a record seventh FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, and he believes that the team's performance at Wembley is the best argument he can make to stay on at the club. Asked if he would be preparing a presentation ahead of the meeting, Wenger told reporters: "The best presentation is to watch the game. I've played until the end of my contract, which is today basically. I think I have shown you that I have exactly the same commitment. For me, the contract does not have special meaning but, because of the debate,

Manchester City are reportedly in advanced talks with Benfica over a world-record deal for goalkeeper Ederson. The 23-year-old made 39 appearances for Benfica this season to help them to the league and cup double in Portugal, with his form drawing interest from Pep Guardiola. City have made the signing of a new goalkeeper one of their priorities this summer after Claudio Bravo was criticised for his performances having replaced Joe Hart as the club's number one upon Guardiola's arrival. Bravo eventually lost his place in the side to Willy Caballero, but the Argentine will leave the club when his contract expires this summer. Sky Sports News reports that City are willing to spend up to £45m on Brazilian Ederson, which would surpass the previous record of £33m paid for a goalkeeper when Juventus signed Gianluigi Buffon from Parma in 2001. Should Ederson, who has been with Benfica since 2015, complete his move to the Etihad Stadium then it is likely to confirm the end of Hart

 People watch a television broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing what appeared to be a short-range ballistic missile, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, May 29, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji North Korea fired at least one short-range ballistic missile on Monday that landed in the sea off its east coast, the latest in a fast-paced series of missile tests defying world pressure and threats of more sanctions. The missile was believed to be a Scud-class ballistic missile and flew about 450 km (280 miles), South Korean officials said. North Korea has a large stockpile of the short-range missiles, originally developed by the Soviet Union. Monday's launch followed two successful tests of medium- to long-range missiles in as many weeks by Pyongyang, which has been conducting such tests at an unprecedented pace in an effort to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the mainland United States. The North was likely showing its determination

 FILE PHOTO - A TSA worker loads suitcases at the checked luggage security screening station at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on September 7, 2011. REUTERS The United States might ban laptops from aircraft cabins on all flights into and out of the country as part of a ramped-up effort to protect against potential security threats, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said on Sunday. In an interview on "Fox News Sunday," Kelly said the United States planned to "raise the bar" on airline security, including tightening screening of carry-on items. "That's the thing that they are obsessed with, the terrorists, the idea of knocking down an airplane in flight, particularly if it's a U.S. carrier, particularly if it's full of U.S. people." In March, the government imposed restrictions on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins on flights from 10 airports, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and

 French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference at the end of the G7 Summit in Taormina, Sicily, Italy, May 27, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer French President Emmanuel Macron's party is expected to emerge with the most seats in June's parliamentary election, a poll showed on Monday, with Macron also scoring well in terms of general popularity. The Odoxa poll for France Inter radio and L'Express magazine said Macron's start-up "Republic On The Move" party would come top with 29 percent of votes in the June legislative election, which takes place in two rounds on June 11 and June 18. The far-right National Front (FN) was seen in second place with 17 percent of votes, with the conservatives Republicans party in third with 15 percent. Far-left politician Jean-Luc Melenchon's party was seen in fourth place with 14 percent. Other recent polls have also suggested Macron's party would displace the left-wing Socialists as the largest party i

A report released in the early hours of Monday reveals that 57 per cent of Nigerians say President Muhammadu Buhari has done well in office. The report, released by the Centre for Democracy and Development was described as "Buharimeter Citizens' Scorecard on the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB), and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the three broad campaign promises (Corruption, Economy and Security) in the first two (2) years in office." Although 57 per cent of the sampled population of 4,097 across 111 local governments in Nigeria approved of the president's performance, the result varied across regions. "While the North-West (85 per cent) and North-East (66 per cent) regions constitute the majority of those who approve of his job performance, respondents from the South-East (72 per cent) and South-South (60 per cent) regions make up those who do not approve his performance," the report stated. "On the fight ag

Kanu Nwankwo’s wife, Amara Kanu Nwankwo whose birthday was on Saturday 27 May 2017, held her book “healthy living with Amara Kanu” book launch yesterday in London and according to our sources, it was successful. Wives of football stars like Mrs Yvonne Yakubu Ayegbeni and Olivia Song, Kanu Nwankwo and loved ones were present to cheer the beauty queen up, at the book launch event anchored by Lauretta Nwoye. More photos below;

Nigerian actress, Mercy Johnson, stepped out for GloMegaMusicTourAjah and Lagos recently in an off shoulder peplum top and pants..Stunning!!

A teacher and a classroom aide duking it out in front of students at a Georgia middle school last week was caught on video. The women are seen throwing punches and pulling hair in the video shot May 19 by a student at Stone Mountain Middle School in downtown Atlanta, according to local media. DeKalb Police charged Brittany Randolph-Johnson and Milan Ethridge with disrupting operations of a public school and disrupting the peace, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The police report says Randolph-Johnson and Ethridge “engaged in a verbal and physical altercation in the presence of minor children” at the school while school was in session, the station reports. WGCL-TV quoted a student as saying that Randolph-Johnson and Ethridge were arguing about a male teacher. The teacher and the aide were fired, WSB-TV reported. “I mean that’s not a good example in front of kids,” parent Valerie Stewart told the station. “That was just bad. It was just bad.” Students say school officials examined cellphones an

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday admitted that the journey towards national restoration would take time. He however said the present administration would not succumb to the temptation of taking short-cuts  that might end up complicating the journey. Osinbajo said this in a national broadcast to commemorate the nation’s Democracy Day and second anniversary of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He said the most important thing was that the government was on the right part and it would not deviate from it. Osinbajo said, “As citizens you all deserve a country that works, not merely for the rich or connected, but for everyone. And our promise to you is that we will, with your support and cooperation, take every step needed to create that country of our dreams. “We also know that this journey will of necessity take time. But we will not succumb to the temptation to take short-cuts that ultimately complicate the journey. We did not find ourselves in crises overn