Afghanistan, Jordan, Turkey.

Today's three stories you should know.

Jun 27, 2022

Afghanistan

A horrible statistic as Afghanistan takes stock after last week’s earthquake that left more than 1,000 people dead. At least 155 children were killed, the United Nations revealed today. The UN also said another 250 children were wounded and at least 65 left orphaned or unaccompanied. The ruling Taliban has appealed for foreign aid and some food and medicine has begun to trickle in. An Associated Press news agency report included this insightful line: “The disaster has become a test of the Taliban’s capacity to govern and the international community’s willingness to help.”

Jordan

Thirteen people were killed and at least 250 injured in Jordan’s southern port city of Aqaba today when a container filled with toxic chlorine gas fell from a crane onto the deck of a ship. Footage showed clouds of yellow smoke filling the air, sending people fleeing for safety. Residents of Aqaba city, which is 16 km north of the port where the accident happened, were told to stay in their homes and close windows and doors.

Turkey

Turkish police have released nearly 400 people they detained during a Pride march in Istanbul yesterday. Police began arresting attendees before the march even started, raiding cafes and bars in the area where it was due to take place. Though homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey, Istanbul Pride has been outlawed since 2014. LGBTQ+ activists said most of the 373 arrested had spent a night in the cells.