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Nigeria Villages Attacked, Over 160 Killed; EU Border Control Faces Scrutiny; US Seeks to Counter China's Mineral Dominance; UK Interest Rates Steady; Target Faces Pressure Over ICE Raids
More than 160 people were killed in attacks on two villages in western Nigeria, marking the country's deadliest armed assaults this year. The attacks occurred in Woro and Nuku, Kwara state, on Tuesday, according to local politicians. The violence comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to combat terrorist elements in the region.
The attacks involved armed men who rounded up residents, bound their hands, and shot them, according to reports. The incident highlights the widespread violence perpetrated by jihadists and other armed groups in the region. The Nigerian military stated last month that it had launched an offensive against terrorist elements in Kwara state.
In other news, concerns are rising about potential long queues at European airports due to the rollout of a new biometric border system. Passengers have already reported hours-long waits at some destinations during busy times. A group representing airports warned of a risk of five-to-six-hour queues over the summer. The European Commission indicated it might suspend the new system at peak times until September.
Meanwhile, the United States is attempting to counter China's dominance in the supply of critical minerals. The US State Department hosted the first Critical Minerals Ministerial event on Wednesday, attended by countries and organizations including the UK, European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Delegates discussed the availability of and access to minerals crucial for manufacturing components for smartphones and weapons.
Domestically, Target and other major Minnesota businesses are facing pressure from employees concerned about immigration enforcement. Workers are seeking clearer guidance on how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrive at their workplaces and are asking companies to limit agents' access to stores and parking lots. The pressure is particularly acute due to fears related to the Trump administration's immigration policies.
In the United Kingdom, the Bank of England has held interest rates steady at 3.75%. The decision followed a close vote, but the Bank has signaled potential rate cuts later in the year. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey reiterated his forecast that inflation would fall close to the Bank's 2% target from April onwards. "That's good news," said Bailey. "We need to make sure that inflation stays there. All going well, there should be scope for some further reduction in the Bank Rate this year." The Bank also considered the policies announced in the Budget when making its decision.
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