馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
US offers $10 million reward for information on Iraqi armed group leader
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The US State Department is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, the leader of the Tehran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada KSS. Washington designates KSS as a terrorist organization, stating the group has killed Iraqi civilians and attacked US diplomatic facilities, military bases, and personnel in Iraq and Syria. The US officials indicated that individuals providing information could be eligible for relocation and a reward. Al-Saraji is a member of the Coordination Framework, the ruling Shiite alliance with a parliamentary majority. Iran-backed groups have previously targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, its diplomatic and logistics facility at Baghdad鈥檚 airport, and oil fields operated by foreign companies. This reward follows a similar offer earlier this month for the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another Iraqi armed group. US media reports indicate Washington has been pressuring Baghdad to counter pro-Tehran groups by suspending cash shipments and freezing funding for security programs in Iraq.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has advised Nigerians not to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election, accusing him of ethnic politics. Lawal made these comments during a telephone interview, reacting to a controversy surrounding the African Democratic Congress ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa State. He alleged that Atiku was attempting to replace the party鈥檚 governorship candidate, Suleiman Omar, with Tukur Modibbo, claiming Atiku's politics are ethnically motivated. In response, Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Phrank Shaibu, denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. The statement asserted that Atiku had no involvement in any plot to replace the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, and that those behind the claims were uncomfortable with the party's growing unity. The statement urged party members and the public to disregard what it termed "malicious propaganda," emphasizing the ADC's commitment to due process and internal democracy.
Must ReadSix candidates for United Nations secretary-general will engage in a televised debate on Thursday in the General Assembly Hall, preceding the formal selection process. The event, broadcast by Bloomberg, will feature 90 minutes of questions from diplomats, UN employees, and civil society representatives. The candidates include Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock highlighted the importance of this "UN town hall" for understanding the candidates' visions for one of the world's most crucial positions, especially given the UN's current financial and confidence challenges. The United States, for instance, advocates for a return to the organization's core purposes of peace and security. Analysts note that the current campaign is less energetic than the 2016 race, with candidates seemingly cautious to avoid displeasing veto powers. The 15 members of the Security Council are scheduled to hold their first closed-door, anonymous vote on July 30, with subsequent votes until a candidate secures nine votes without a veto. The selected candidate's name will then be sent to the General Assembly for formal appointment, with the new secretary-general taking office on January 1, 2027. While Rafael Grossi is frequently mentioned as a front-runner, other candidates like Grynspan and Rodrigues-Birkett als
Premier League fans have chosen their best XI from the 2026 FIFA World Cup through a worldwide vote on the EPL's website. The selection features top-flight stars recognized for their performances. Manchester City midfielder Rodri was named among the standout players after leading Spain to their second World Cup title and winning the Golden Ball award. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford secured his place after becoming England鈥檚 most-capped men鈥檚 goalkeeper in World Cup history. Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro was selected at right-back, while Argentina defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez formed the center-back partnership. England defender Djed Spence completed the defense. The midfield trio included Elliot Anderson, Rodri, and Enzo Fernandez. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, and Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr completed the XI. This fan-selected team highlights the significant influence of Premier League players in the 2026 World Cup.