US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Iran for suspected
attacks that damaged two oil tankers near the Persian Gulf.
Mr Pompeo said at a news conference on Thursday in Washington
that the attacks on the ships are part of a “campaign” of
“escalating tension” by Iran and a threat to international peace
and security.
The tankers were allegedly targeted near the strategic Strait of
Hormuz, leaving one ablaze and adrift as sailors were evacuated
from both vessels.
The US navy rushed to assist amid heightened tensions between
Washington and Tehran.
Mr Pompeo told reporters this afternoon: “It is the assessment
of the United States government that the Islamic Republic of Iran
is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman
today.
“This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the
level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar
Iranian attacks on shipping, and the fact that no proxy group
operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with
such a high degree of sophistication,” he added.
He said the US will defend its forces and interests in the
region but gave no specifics about any plans and he took no
questions.
Downing Street called the suspected attacks “completely
unacceptable” and said the UK is ready to assist in any rescue or
investigation.
Theresa May’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing:
“Attacks on civilian vessels like these are completely
unacceptable.
“It’s vital that freedom of navigation is respected and
observed.
“We are in contact with international partners and are ready to
assist in any rescue effort or investigation.”
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Kwara: AbdulRazaq Releases N20m to Fix Township
Roads
Kwara State Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA) has begun massive
rehabilitation of 10 roads across Ilorin, the state capital,
including the long-neglected Offa Garage Roundabout Road.
This followed the release of N20m by Governor AbdulRahman
AbdulRazaq for immediate rehabilitation of roads that are in bad
state and needed urgent fixing in the capital city.
Engineer Usman Baba Jibril, general manager of KWARMA, said it
has already started massive rehabilitation works on the Offa Garage
and Geri Alimi-Asa Dam roads.
He said the agency has the mandate to quickly fix the roads to
end the nightmares of the people.
“We have started work immediately
based on the fund the Governor has just released to KWARMA and
Kwara State Asphalt Plant,” Jibril said.
He listed other roads to be covered “under Phase 1” to include
Isale Aluko-Kokorokan-Ita Kudimoh Road; Adeta-Al-Hikmah road;
Olorunshogo-Geri Alimi road; Kaduna Road, Adewole; Osere-Cemetry
road; General Hospital- Geri Alimi; Offa Garage Geri Alimi Road;
and Sani Okin Road.
Jibril said they have a mandate to complete the rehabilitation
within the next seven days, with the phase two of the works likely
to begin very soon.
AbdulRazaq had said last week that he would embark on
rehabilitation of roads within the metropolis and other parts of
the state in phases
He lamented the poor state of the roads across the state, adding
that the government would collaborae with the Federal Government
and private sectors on some of the roads, especially federal
roads.
Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor