United States: Death toll rises to 16 in California wildfires

The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, has climbed to 16, with officials warning that the number is expected to rise as firefighting efforts continue.
The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have destroyed over 5,000 structures, ranking among the worst wildfires in California’s history.
Homes burned Saturday in Brentwood and Mandeville Canyon as the Palisades Fire advanced, prompting mandatory evacuations in parts of Brentwood, Encino, Tarzana, and the hills surrounding these neighborhoods. Firefighters, using both ground crews and aerial support, worked tirelessly to slow the flames during a brief lull in the winds.
By mid-day Saturday, the Palisades Fire had grown to 22,660 acres, with containment at just 11%. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, located northeast of Los Angeles, spanned 14,100 acres and was 15% contained. Together, the fires have displaced more than 100,000 people, with 12,000 structures still under threat.
Firefighters are bracing for worsening conditions as moderate winds are predicted to pick up overnight, with a significant wind event anticipated early next week. The break in winds on Saturday allowed firefighters to deploy all available aerial resources to attack the fires and bolster containment lines.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed at least 16 fatalities linked to the fires, while emergency officials caution that the number is likely to increase as rescue operations continue. Tens of thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders, with emergency shelters filling rapidly.
Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels as the firefighting efforts and evacuations evolve. (ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated the Islamic Republic’s commitment to deepening relations with neighboring and Muslim countries, emphasizing Iran’s eagerness to enhance ties with Bahrain.
A Russian Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic bomber crashed in a deserted area of Irkutsk Oblast on Tuesday during a scheduled flight, killing the pilot and forcing four crew members to eject, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
UN humanitarian officials have condemned the killing of 15 aid workers in Gaza by Israeli forces, calling for an independent investigation into Israel's systematic attack on emergency response teams.
At least 15 civilians, including women and children, were killed and several others injured when Israeli warplanes bombed a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) clinic in the northern Gaza Strip, local sources reported.