Cameroonian President Paul Biya reshuffles military leadership amidst prolonged absence in Switzerland

Flights have begun operating again at Bristol Airport after a runway defect caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of passengers stranded overnight. The airport runway was closed shortly after 6pm BST on Friday, forcing all flights to be suspended until 8am Saturday. Although operations have now restarted, passengers continue to face delays, disrupted schedules and flight diversions. Airport authorities warned that some disruption would continue throughout Saturday and apologised to passengers affected by the situation. Travellers were advised to contact their respective airlines for information about individual flights. The airport has not yet provided further details about the nature of the runway defect or explained when normal operations are expected to fully resume. Passengers described the disruption as chaotic, with several criticising the airport for a lack of clear communication and assistance. Paul Smith, who was due to travel to Glasgow for his son’s 20th birthday, said he was forced to cancel his trip. He criticised the information and support provided to passengers during the disruption. Another traveller, Dave Blackwell, said his flight from Rhodes was diverted to Newcastle. He claimed passengers spent several hours at Rhodes Airport without receiving adequate information before being told they would have to travel onward by bus. Eighteen-year-old Finn Holland was also among those affected after his flight to Bristol was redirected to Bournemouth. He said passengers had to arrange their own transport back to Bristol, describing the process as poorly organised. The disruption has affected both departing and arriving passengers, with some travellers facing lengthy delays and complicated onward journeys.

WASHINGTON: Former US Marine Robert Gilman has been released by Russian authorities after spending almost four years in detention and has returned to the United States, according to US media reports. Gilman was arrested in Moscow in 2022 following allegations that he assaulted a Russian police officer. He was subsequently convicted and remained in Russian custody for several years. His release was reportedly approved on humanitarian grounds after concerns were raised about his health. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pardon Gilman, paving the way for his return to the United States. US President Donald Trump welcomed the development and said his administration had worked to secure Gilman’s freedom through direct discussions with the Russian leadership. Trump described the release as a humanitarian decision and said the case had been discussed with Putin. He also indicated that Moscow did not seek the release of a Russian detainee in return for freeing the former US serviceman. The development comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Moscow, with the detention of American citizens in Russia remaining a sensitive issue between the two countries. Gilman’s case had drawn attention in the United States because of the length of his imprisonment and concerns surrounding his health. His release now brings an end to nearly four years of detention in Russia. The former Marine is expected to reunite with his family after returning to the United States. Further details about the circumstances of his release and the pardon were not immediately disclosed. The case highlights the role of diplomatic engagement in resolving individual detention cases between the two countries, particularly at a time when broader US-Russia relations remain strained.

KABUL: Afghan fathers are facing growing distress as their daughters remain unable to continue their education beyond primary school under restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities. Families across Afghanistan say the education ban is creating deep emotional and financial pressure. Some fathers are openly questioning the policy, despite their religious beliefs and support for other government measures. The Taliban administration has defended the restrictions as temporary and based on its interpretation of religious principles. However, many Afghan men say they cannot understand why girls should be prevented from receiving secondary education. A United Nations survey conducted last year found that about nine out of 10 Afghan men considered it important for girls to attend secondary school. Nearly two-thirds also viewed supporting a daughter’s education as a religiously commendable act. Girls were barred from secondary schools after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Women were later also prohibited from attending universities. The restrictions have affected a large number of young Afghan women and girls. For many families, the approaching end of primary education has become a source of fear. Fathers worry that their daughters will lose their chance to pursue higher education and build professional careers. One father, identified as Ahmad, said he had never imagined that his daughters could be forced to stop studying. His wife is a mathematics teacher who is also unable to continue teaching secondary-level students. Ahmad said his eldest daughter is approaching the end of primary school. The family has considered private and underground educational options, but the cost is difficult to manage. Another father, a doctor identified as Mohammad, said he had always wanted his daughters to attend leading universities. He believes women are essential to Afghanistan’s development and should have opportunities beyond household responsibilities. His daughters are approaching the age when they will be forced to leave formal schooling. The family has considered sending them abroad, including to Pakistan, but changing regional circumstances have made that option difficult. Some families have turned to private schools that secretly provide general education alongside religious studies. These institutions often charge high fees and may not provide recognised graduation certificates. Parents also fear that authorities could take action against schools operating outside official restrictions. This leaves families caught between protecting their children and trying to continue their education. Another father from Kandahar said his young daughter has a strong interest in astronomy. She asks questions about the solar system, gravity and science. The girl reportedly asked her father how she could continue learning if she could not study beyond the sixth grade. Her question has become a painful reminder of the limited opportunities available to girls. Some families have moved to Kabul in search of better educational opportunities. Others are relying on online courses, home schooling and secret classes. The restrictions are also affecting children emotionally. Parents say many girls feel frustrated, isolated and uncertain about their future. One father said his teenage daughter often stays at home and becomes deeply upset when she thinks about her education. He said he sometimes leaves the room because he cannot control his emotions and ends up crying privately. Another family has created a home-schooling routine using old secondary-school textbooks. The parents try to maintain a school-like schedule so their daughters can continue learning. However, the parents say home education cannot fully replace a formal school environment. They worry about the lack of recognised qualifications, social interaction and access to trained teachers. Some girls have also begun attending secret classes. Their families remain concerned about possible consequences if the authorities discover them. The prolonged restrictions have created uncertainty for an entire generation of Afghan girls. Parents fear that years without formal education will limit their daughters’ future opportunities