Ukrainian 'Turning Point' As Rebels Flee City

Ukrainian government forces have re-gained control of the rebel stronghold of Slavyansk, a flashpoint city in the fighting between Kiev's troops and pro-Russian insurgents.

Ukraine's Defence Ministry said Ukrainian soldiers hoisted the national flag in the eastern town after pushing out the pro-Russian insurgents.

"...The Ukrainian national flag was raised over the Slavyansk city council before a line-up of Ukrainian soldiers," said a statement posted on the Ukrainian administration's website, citing Defence Minister Valeriy Geletey.

Mr Geletey later visited the town, pledging that three planes loaded with food and other supplies would follow.

Government forces at a checkpoint near Slavyansk on Friday

Slavyansk had been in rebel hands since early April when they seized key administrative buildings in the city of some 120,000 people.

Government soldiers could be seen carrying stockpiles of weapons out of police and council buildings.

The recapture of Slavyansk marks a major victory for the government which renewed an offensive against the rebels earlier this week.

Slavyansk has been ravaged by heavy fighting

President Petro Poroshenko said it was "the start of a turning point" in the three-month conflict that has claimed more than 400 lives.

The rebels reportedly fled in the face of sustained fire from Ukrainian forces, who one source close to the rebels said had outnumbered them 50 to one.

Aleksandr Borodai, a leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying: "The punitive forces of Ukraine ... moved into a large-scale offensive.

Ukraine launched its first major assault nearly three months ago

"Given the disproportionate numerical superiority of the enemy troops, units of the armed forces of the Donetsk People's Republic were forced to leave their previous positions on the northern sector of the front."

The insurgents have pledged to regroup elsewhere and fight on.

This week, Ukraine's ceasefire with pro-Russian separatists expired and Mr Poroshenko said his forces would go on the offensive against the rebels.

But, amid increasing violence, Mr Poroshenko on Friday called for immediate crisis talks with rebel commanders and Russia.

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Germany Holds 'Double Agent Who Spied For US'

Germany has arrested a suspected double agent accused of leaking confidential information to the United States.

A 31-year-old German man is being held on suspicion of espionage.

The Federal Prosecutor's office said investigations were still ongoing, but did not reveal his identify or comment on reports that the suspect had handed information to the United States.

However, the German Foreign Ministry said the US ambassador in Berlin had been summoned to assist in the "swift clarification" of the case.

Several German news outlets have cited unnamed government sources who say the suspect was a mid-level agent for Germany's intelligence service, the BND.

The agent reportedly spied on an inquiry into Edward Snowden's revelations

According to the daily Bild newspaper the agent sold 218 sensitive documents to an unspecified US intelligence agency for €25,000 (£19,800).

It said he had worked as a double agent for two years.

The suspect has reportedly admitted the documents included details about a parliamentary committee investigating the US National Security Agency's surveillance operations in Germany.

Germany was shaken last year by information leaked by US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden which revealed that the NSA had spied on German citizens and tapped Chancellor Angela Merkel's mobile phone.

Reports the NSA tapped Mrs Merkel's phone have strained US-German relations

Mrs Merkel has not yet commented on the latest allegations, but a spokesman said: "We don't take the matter of spying for foreign intelligence agencies lightly."

Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper and the broadcasters WDR and NDR say the agent was initially detained on suspicion of contacting Russian intelligence agencies.

But during questioning he admitted that he had worked with the Americans.

Mrs Merkel spoke to US President Barack Obama on Friday evening, although it is not clear whether she discussed the case.

The US embassy in Berlin, the US State Department and the White House have all declined to comment.

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Dramatic Footage Of Helicopter Cliff Rescue

A hiker clinging to a cliff face has been saved in a dramatic helicopter rescue.

The unnamed man shouted for help after becoming stuck 5,000ft up a cliff above Melakwa Lake in Washington state.

A rescuer is winched down to the stranded walker

He was told it would take emergency services several hours to arrive and feared he would not be able to cling on long enough.

Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team captured the scene on video as they saved him.

A harness is attached to the terrified man

They successfully attached him to a harness and lifted him to safety.

The rescuer and the hiker are winched back into the helicopter

The hiker appeared unharmed by his ordeal and it is not known how he became trapped on the cliff face.

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First Video Of ISIS Group Leader Al Baghdadi

Jihadist group ISIS has released a video apparently showing the first public appearance of its elusive leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.

In the Ramadan sermon footage, said to have been filmed in a mosque in the Iraqi city of Mosul on Friday, he calls on all Muslims to obey him.

Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed caliph of a state straddling Iraq and Syria, is increasingly seen as more powerful than al Qaeda's leader.

The 21-minute video's release on the internet follows reports he was killed or injured in an attack.

The recording shows a bearded man in a black robe and black turban ascending a pulpit below the black flag of the Islamic State.

If confirmed, it would be Baghdadi's first public appearance.

Omar al Shishani has appeared in recent propaganda videos released by ISIS

"God has granted your brothers, the mujahedin, victory and a conquest after years of patience and holy struggle, and enabled them to achieve their objective," he said.

"I was appointed in charge of you, though I am not the best or better than you, so if you see me in the right, then help me, and if you see me in the wrong, advise me and put me right."

The Iraqi government said the video is "indisputably" not Baghdadi.

"We have analysed the footage ... and found it is a farce," said Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan.

In an audio tape released last week, Baghdadi called on Muslims to take up arms and flock to the caliphate ISIS has declared on captured Syrian and Iraqi soil.

Reyaad Khan has had his assets frozen by the UK government

Another man, Omar al Shishani - which means Omar the Chechen - has appeared in ISIS's recent propaganda videos and may have been promoted to overall military chief.

The red-bearded militant is among hundreds of Chechens who are considered some of the toughest and most ruthless jihadi fighters in Syria and Iraq.

Baghdadi, born in Samarra in 1971 according to US intelligence, joined the insurgency sparked by the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

At one point he spent time in an American military prison in Iraq.

In 2005, American forces said they had killed "Abu Dua", one of his known aliases, on the Iraq-Syria border.

The US Treasury declared him a terrorist three years ago, and there is now a $10m (£5.9m) bounty on his head.

The video comes as three British citizens thought to be fighting alongside ISIS in Syria have had their assets frozen by the UK Treasury.

Reyaad Khan and Nasser Muthana, both 20 and from Cardiff, and Abdul Raqib Amin, who grew up in Aberdeen, were seen in a propaganda video released by ISIS last month.

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Israel Makes Arrest Over Murdered Teenagers

Missing Teens: Timeline Of Events

Updated: 5:24pm UK, Tuesday 01 July 2014

Israel launched a major military operation in attempt to find three teenagers after they disappeared in the West Bank. Here's how the situation unfolded:

June 12: Israeli students Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Shaar, both aged 16, and 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach disappear in the West Bank. They were last seen hitch-hiking near Hebron.

June 15: Israel blames Hamas militants for abducting them and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatens "serious consequences" unless the trio are found safe.

June 16: Dozens of Palestinians are arrested as part of the search, including the speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

A Palestinian man is reportedly killed when the Israeli army opens fire after unrest broke out during an operation to find the youngsters outside Ramallah.

A vigil is held in New York for the three teenagers, including Mr Frenkel who had dual Israeli-US citizenship.

June 17: Mr Netanyahu meets the families of the youths, telling their relatives that Israel is doing everything possible to find the boys.

June 19: British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with the families of the three kidnapped Israeli teenagers. Praying for their early and safe return home."

June 20: A Palestinian youth is killed by Israeli forces amid tensions over raids in the West Bank.

June 22: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reiterates his opposition to the alleged kidnapping of the three Israeli youths and says he is working to return them to their families.

June 26: Israel's security agency, Shin Bet, reveals the identity of two of the main suspects in the apparent kidnapping. They are alleged Hamas members Marwan Quasma and Amar Abu Eisha, both from Hebron.

June 29: A rally is held in Tel Aviv in support of the missing youths.

June 30: The bodies of the three teenagers are found near the village of Halhul, north of Hebron.

Hundreds of mourners hold a vigil in Tel Aviv to remember the trio.

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Kenya Attacks: Dozens Killed In Two Shootings

At least 29 people have been killed in two separate shootings on the coast of Kenya, according to the interior ministry.

One of the attacks happened at a shopping centre in Hindi, Lamu county, where a group of 10-15 men opened fire.

Nine people were killed in the overnight raid.

The other assault was in the Gamba area of Tana River county, where 20 people lost their lives.

Security forces are investigating the deadly raids

Lamu commissioner Miiri Njenga said the attackers targeted government offices and some properties were burnt down.

"They went around shooting at people and villages indiscriminately," said the area chief Abdallah Shahasi.

Militants from the al Qaeda-linked Somalian group al Shabaab have reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Kenyan police believe a Kenyan separatist group may be to blame.

Meanwhile, police said a Russian tourist was shot dead in the port city of Mombasa after she resisted an attempt to steal her camera.

Lamu county was the same area where 60 people were killed in a massacre last month.

In September 2013, the rebels raided the upmarket Westgate shopping mall in the capital Nairobi, killing 67 people.

There has been a wave of gun and grenade attacks along the coast and in Nairobi since Kenyan troops went into Somalia in October 2011 to fight al Shabaab.

The Kenyan tourism business has been badly hit by the rebel assaults.

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Family Oppose Early Release Of Dewani Killer

The uncle and sister of murdered Anni Dewani have said they oppose a proposal to release her killer early from jail because he is dying.

Xolile Mngeni, who prosecutors claim was the hitman, has been recommended for compassionate release because he has a brain tumour.

Mngeni, and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, were handed life sentences in 2012 after pleading guilty to the 2010 murder.

Xolile Mngeni is said to be suffering from a brain tumour

Sweden-born Anni's uncle Ashok Dewani told Sky News: "We received a letter from the probation officer about the release and we got the opportunity to answer that letter and we answered that we are against this. We don't want this probation to be granted.

"I'm sorry that he's sick. I really wish he was not sick so he could serve the sentenced time, for the sake of justice."

Shrien Dewani was extradited to South Africa in April

Her sister Amy added: "It's been hard enough as it is. I don't think we need this as well. It's just like pouring salt in our wounds that are so deep already.

"We've been struggling quite hard with this, since the loss of Ani.

"He has shown no remorse whatsoever. I feel sorry for him but on the other hand he got a sentence which is a life sentence and I really think he should be in prison for his life sentence. It doesn't matter that he's sick."

Sky News' Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said South Africa's Ministry of Justice is considering the recommendation.

A third man, taxi driver Zola Tongo, was given 18 years after admitting his role in the killing.

Anni Dewani, 28, was shot dead while on honeymoon after being kidnapped during a taxi ride through a township in Cape Town's outskirts.

Anni Dewani was found dead in an abandoned vehicle in 2010

Her British husband is awaiting trial on suspicion of arranging her murder.

Shrien Dewani was extradited to South Africa in April following a three-year battle in which his lawyers argued he was not mentally fit to appear in court.

The 34-year-old denies plotting to kill his wife.

His trial is scheduled to get under way in three months' time.

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Pistorius Re-Enacts Reeva Killing In Video

Footage has emerged showing Oscar Pistorius re-enacting the night he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The video was produced by an American company apparently hired by the athlete's lawyers, but has not been used during his trial.

His legal team have said they are taking action against Channel Seven in Australia, which has been broadcasting a trailer of the video before showing it on its current affairs programme Sunday Night.

Clips have also been shown in South African television news reports about the footage.

In the video, Pistorius is seen running on his stumps with his right arm held out, seeming to imitate holding a gun.

In another shot he is seen carrying a woman from the bathroom.

Pistorius' attorney Brian Webber told the South African Press Association: "We are busy taking action against the Australian media house [that has the video].

"They have no right to broadcast the video. We will deal with it accordingly."

Sky's Emma Hurd in Pretoria said Pistorius' lawyers are "furious".

She said the footage is potentially significant because it appears to show the athlete running on his stumps with a "fair amount of movement".

Hurd added: "The defence witnesses have argued that his movement on his stumps is extremely limited.

"They've used this to construct a picture of a man who was extremely vulnerable on the night of the shooting when he heard a noise he thought was an intruder because he couldn't run away.

"This video appears to suggest he had more movement than those defence witnesses said. Perhaps the prosecution may choose to bring it up in court."

A statement released by Pistorius' legal team described the airing of the video as a "staggering breach of trust and an invasion of the family's privacy".

Pistorius and Ms Steenkamp had been dating for around three months

"In October 2013, the Defence Team engaged the services of The Evidence Room, A US-based company specialising in forensic animation," the statement said.

"The company was engaged to visually map the events on the night of the accident. As part of this process, certain video footage was filmed.

"The 'visual mapping' was for trial preparation only and was not intended to be used for any other purpose.

"It has now emerged that an Australian broadcaster has obtained some of this footage from The Evidence Room and has just gone to air with it.

"We wish to make it very clear that the material that has been aired was obtained illegally and in breach of the non-disclosure agreement with The Evidence Room.

"Its usage also constitutes a breach of privilege as this material was produced for trial purposes on the instructions of a commissioner, and the ownership of the copyright vests in the commissioner.

"No permission for the disclosure thereof has been given."

Pistorius, who is on trial for premeditated murder, denies deliberately killing his girlfriend, claiming he mistook her for an intruder.

He faces between 25 years and life in prison if found guilty.

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US Teen In Israel Beating Video Row Released

A 15-year-old boy who was filmed apparently being severely beaten by Israeli forces has faced the media for the first time outside court.

Tariq Abu Khadair, an American of Palestinian descent, spoke as he was released from custody and will be under house arrest for nine days.

Police claim Tariq resisted arrest, attacked officers and was carrying a slingshot for hurling stones when he was detained during clashes with security forces.

When reporters asked the teenager who attacked him, he said: "I think it was the police.

Tariq, who goes to school in Florida, said: "I was standing and watching. I was watching the group of people and they came from the side of me and then grabbed me."

The alleged attack was filmed on a mobile phone

He said he was treated well in prison but he said he felt "really bad" for a number of other accused Palestinians who remained in custody, adding: "I hope they get better."

Tariq's family claimed he was punched and kicked in an attack by two police officers.

His mother Suha Abu Khadair said her son was innocent and undercover security forces "came out from nowhere and attacked him and beat him".

The mobile phone footage of the alleged assault - said to have been recorded in East Jerusalem - was released by a human rights group that described it as state-sanctioned violence against children.

The US State Department said it was "profoundly troubled" by reports of Tariq's beating and demanded an investigation. Israel's Justice Ministry said it was looking into the incident.

His relatives say he is the cousin of Mohammed Abu Khadair, who was killed in Jerusalem earlier this week.

This image shows Tariq after he was detained

The 16-year-old Arab boy was apparently burned alive and his death sparked days of violent protests.

Palestinians believe Mohammed was killed by Israeli extremists in a revenge attack after three Israeli youths were abducted and found dead last month in the West Bank.

A number of Jewish suspects have been arrested over Mohammed's killing.

Micky Rosenfeld, national spokesperson for the Israeli police, told Sky News the video footage of the alleged attack on the American teenager was "edited" and "biased".

Mr Rosenfeld said: "It does not represent the events that took place before the actual arrest."

He claimed 15 police officers were hurt in clashes with Palestinians who had thrown pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, fireworks and stones.

And he added six masked Palestinians had been arrested by undercover police officers.

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Hooked Great White Shark Attacks Swimmer

A great white shark broke free from a fisherman's line and then swam off and savaged a long-distance swimmer.

The victim, Steven Robles, told CBS Los Angeles he escaped from the shark's jaws by punching it on the nose.

The victim was taken ashore on a surf board. Pic: Manhattan Beach Patch

He was taken to hospital with wounds to his stomach and chest in the attack off southern California's Manhattan Beach.

His condition has reportedly been upgraded from critical to stable.

The incident began when a man fishing off Manhattan Beach Pier hooked the shark, whose length was estimated at between 7ft (2m) and 10ft (3m).

The man was training with a group of swimmers. Pic: Manhattan Beach Patch

He spent half an hour trying to reel in the great white before the line broke.

Los Angeles County Fire Department said the same agitated shark attacked the victim about 40 minutes later.

Mr Robles was training with a group of long-distance swimmers about 300 yards (270m) from the pier when he was bitten.

Emergency services help the injured man Pic: Manhattan Beach Patch

A surfer put him on his board and took him ashore.

Another surfer, Aram Ozen, said at first people thought the victim was having trouble swimming.

The attack was carried out by a great white shark Pic: File

Then they heard the swimmers screaming "white, white!" referring to a great white shark.

"It was a scary scream," Mr Ozen told the LA Times. "It was kind of freaky. There were a lot people screaming back to shore."

The attack follows a series of shark sightings in the area.

Lifeguards kept people out of the water along a two-mile stretch of beach on Saturday as authorities enticed the shark away farther out to sea.

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