DW

Authorities in Paraguay have announced the largest cocaine seizure in the country’s history. Authorities found just over 4 metric tons of cocaine hidden amongst a sugar shipment that was set to sail for Belgium.

Paraguay’s anti-drug agency, Senad, announced the confiscation of 4,013 kilos of cocaine at the port in the capital Asuncion, saying it was hidden in sugar sacks that were set for delivery to Belgium. The more than four metric tons of cocaine would have a street value in Europe in the region of €220 million (roughly $240 million), Senad said in a statement on Tuesday. Europe and the US are the largest markets for cocaine originating in Latin America, generally in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

Tokyo airport trials driverless cargo vehicle

Japan Times

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is trialing a driverless vehicle to tow cargo containers in an attempt to get around labor shortages as the number of tourists flying into Japan soars. The vehicle at one of the world’s busiest airports can tow up to 13 metric tons of containers, joint developers All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Toyota Industries said in a statement. It can pull up to six containers at a time, trundling between aircraft and airport buildings over a distance of around 2 kilometers with no driver in the cab.

Taiwan is willing to take on more responsibility for defending itself, says premier

Arab News

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Wednesday that Taiwan is willing to take on more responsibility for defending itself and is steadily increasing defense spending. Cho was responding to comment from US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who said Taiwan should pay the United States for its defense as it does not give the country anything.

FILE PHOTO: Military vehicles equipped with US-made TOW 2A missile can be seen during a live fire drill in Pingtung, Taiwan July 3, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo

 Amid new photos, families of Israel hostage soldiers plead for deal

Arab News

TEL AVIV: The families of five Israeli women soldiers held hostage in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Tuesday pleaded with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make an accord for their release before he goes to Washington next week.

Facing mounting international and domestic criticism, Netanyahu is set to speak to a joint meeting of the US Congress on July 24 and to meet President Joe Biden. The families released new pictures of the detainees to increase pressure on Netanyahu.

An undated handout picture provided on July 16, 2024 by The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, representing families of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza, shows hostages (L – R) Liri Albag,  Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev, at an unknown location during the early days of captivity. (AFP)

Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 57, Palestinian health officials say

Reuters

Israeli forces battled Hamas-led fighters in several parts of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, and Palestinian health officials said at least 57 people were killed in Israeli bombardments of southern and central areas.