Morning Briefing: July 27, 2023

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA)- Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday with, including, a coup in Niger, deadly Israeli raid in West Bank, and Ukraine’s aerial response to Russia.

TOP STORIES

• Niger soldiers on national television declare coup

Soldiers in the West African country of Niger came on national television to announce the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum late Wednesday.

Calling themselves the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CLSP), the troops read a coup statement on state television ORTN.

The president was overthrown and constitution was suspended due to its worsening security and socio-economic crisis, said the statement by Col. Major Amadou Abdramane.

Borders of the country have been closed while curfew will be imposed in the late hours of the night.

• Israeli forces kill Palestinian minor in West Bank

Israeli soldiers fatally shot a Palestinian child late Wednesday during a raid on a city in the occupied West Bank.

The child, who suffered a serious head wound from a bullet fired by Israeli forces, was taken to a hospital where he died, said health officials.

Israeli soldiers raided Nakkar district in the western part of Qalqilya in the late hours, according to information obtained by Anadolu.

• Ukraine downs over 30 Russian missiles, says President Zelenskyy

More than 30 Russian missiles were downed by the country’s air defense system on Wednesday, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“The data is still being finalized, but according to preliminary reports, more than 30 missiles were shot down during today's missile attack alone -- the vast majority of those used against us,” Zelenskyy said during an evening address.

Russian officials have not yet commented on the matter, and independent verification of Ukraine’s claims is difficult due to the ongoing war.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Ankara where the two discussed ways to make more effective use of dialogue and consultation mechanisms.

• Irish music legend Sinead O’Connor, known for her hit single "Nothing Compares 2 U," has died at the age of 56, according to local media.

• Around 120 reservists informed the Israeli Air Force (IAF) that they will not show up for duty in protest against the government’s judicial reform plan, bringing the total to 830.

• NATO and Ukraine condemned Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal in a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council as Secretary General Stoltenberg says NATO is united and allies continue to step up.

• The number of people who have died in Greek wildfire rose to four on Wednesday as Greek and foreign firefighters battle blazes for the ninth day.

• Saudi Arabia opened its first mangrove nursery on Wednesday, which is targeting to plant 50 million trees by 2030.

• Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, who had been facing allegations of sexual assault on four men, was cleared of all charges on Wednesday.

SPORTS

• Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson calls it quits after 12 years

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson confirmed Wednesday that he is leaving the club after 12 years, in an emotional goodbye to fans on social media.

Henderson produced 33 goals in 492 matches for the Reds since he moved from Sunderland in 2011.

He lifted the English Premier League title, the UEFA Champions League trophy, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with the Reds.

• Fenerbahce crushes Zimbru in UEFA Conference League

Fenerbahce played to a 5-0 comfortable win Wednesday against Zimbru in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.

The club from Istanbul broke the deadlock when Ferdi Kadioglu made a long-range finish.

Dusan Tadic assisted on the goal in the 11th minute. Fenerbahce doubled the lead three minutes later with a close-range shot from Ryan Kent.

Dzeko netted the third goal in the 61st minute and Sebastian Szymanski scored two minutes later for Fenerbahce. Dzeko added another assist with a stunning pass to Szymanski.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

• US Fed hikes rates by 25 basis points to highest in 22 years

The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday by 25 basis points, carrying it to the highest level in more than 22 years.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) unanimously decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to between 5.25% and 5.5% -- its highest since early 2001.

The Committee reiterated that the US banking system is "sound and resilient" amid a recent banking crisis.

• Ukraine allocates $1B for drone manufacturing investment

Ukraine on Wednesday announced plans to invest 40 billion Ukrainian hryvnia (about $1 billion) in domestic drone manufacturing this year.

"We have eliminated customs barriers for importing spare parts and complete sets. The profit share of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) manufacturers has been raised to 25%, and a decision has been made that will facilitate the mass production of ammunition for drones," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in a statement on Facebook.