Latest news with #OperationDignity
CBS News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Oakland teacher speaks out against homeless sweeps, cites broken promises by city
When Travis Walker isn't teaching, he and his partner provide warm meals and resources at a homeless encampment site in East Oakland. "It just feels cruel, it just feels cruel," Walker told CBS News Bay Area. "The city hasn't provided this encampment specifically with any sort of services to make it livable out here." He said he is disappointed by Mayor Barbara Lee's actions in enacting encampment sweeps. "I voted for Barbara Lee because she said she wasn't going to do this, and it's crushing," Walker said. "Their policy explicitly says they're not going to do sweeps before they've connected people with housing, mental health services and addiction services, and these people haven't been connected to housing." Operation Dignity in Oakland has been underway for more than a week now, as the city tries to get those unhoused into shelters. However, limited shelter spaces have been problematic in actually getting individuals off the streets. Heidi Almendarez is one of dozens of unhoused people living along East 12th Street, between 45th and 47th streets. She said she's been in this encampment site on and off for about eight years. "Well, we're being moved again, but they're not offering us no housing, no anything. This is like the third move that we had, within a year, I would say," Almendarez told CBS News Bay Area. Law enforcement officials were in the neighborhood at 9 o'clock sharp in the morning on Monday, promptly enforcing these encampment sweeps. For Almendarez, she said she unfortunately knows the drill. "On 66th, they took my car, which was where I was living out of. And right now, they're about to take the trailer that I'm in. I don't know what's going to happen after that, you know?" Almendarez said. "They provided, I think, a spot for me in downtown Oakland, but I couldn't go because they didn't have my dog's records. They didn't have his shots and that stalled it, and they told me that I couldn't go," she added. So she came back to this encampment in East Oakland for the time being, but now she is on the go again. "Shelters are all full, or some of them are closed down. It's hard," she said. An Oakland city spokesperson sent CBS News Bay Area this statement: "Operation Dignity has been on the ground for more than a week working with individuals to review all resources that may be available for each individual case. We currently have limited shelter availability, and Operation Dignity is also partnering with nonprofits and the County of Alameda to monitor resources that may become available through the schedule of this operation. This encampment closure operation is posted for a duration of three weeks, and as we work through shelter limitations, we will be prioritizing removal of debris and stolen vehicles, and prioritizing individual closures where we observe life safety issues." Walker said he wanted to make it clear that the dumping problem goes far beyond the encampment. "Because they're dumping in the encampment, I think a lot of people assume that it's the unhoused people out here who are making that mess but it's mostly not. They contribute for sure, but a lot of the time it's car bumpers, it's couches, it's those sorts of things they simply don't own," he said. He adds that sweeps are not the solution, as the unhoused continue to bounce from one area to another. "These are their homes, and if you're not going to give them somewhere new to live, why are you taking their homes from them?" Walker said. He adds that many unhoused people say they are also worried for their safety in the shelters. "Many of the residents are scared to be in the shelters and don't feel safe because they have been attacked, assaulted, and had their personal belongings stolen in shelters, which has been horrible for their mental health and physical safety," he said. "They don't even have enough beds in general." As for Almendarez, she doesn't know where she's going to go next. "Other things that they could have taken, not my house. But they took it. I mean, they didn't care. They didn't give me anything, you know?" she said. But she hopes that she can soon find a home without the fear of being kicked out again.
New Indian Express
08-06-2025
- New Indian Express
RPF saves 23-year-old BTech student from suicide attempt near Secunderabad railway station
HYDERABAD: In a dramatic rescue on Friday evening, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) pulled a 23-year-old man back from the brink, both literally and figuratively. The youth, devastated by a recent heartbreak, was moments away from ending his life on the tracks between Secunderabad and Lalaguda railway stations when patrolling officers intervened. The man, identified as Raviri Jayavardhan Reddy, a BTech student, was spotted lying on the tracks during routine evening patrols by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) J Kamalakar Rao and HC P Dhanunjay. Trusting instinct and training, the officers rushed to his aid and prevented a tragedy from unfolding. In emotional distress Speaking to TNIE, an RPF official confirmed that the young man admitted he had been overwhelmed by emotional distress following a failed relationship. The incident is a powerful reminder of the human stories behind uniformed vigilance—and of the lifesaving impact of Operation Dignity, an RPF initiative focused on preventing suicides and supporting individuals in distress across the railway network, as per officials.
Libya Review
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Haftar Inaugurates Military City as Foundation for Libya's Army Reform
On Wednesday, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), affirmed that the newly inaugurated 'Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar Military City' represents a significant leap in Libya's military development, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone in building a modern, professional armed force. Haftar made these remarks during a high-level visit to the military city, located in eastern Libya, alongside House of Representatives Speaker Ageela Saleh, Libyan Government-designate Prime Minister Osama Hammad, and senior military officials. The inspection tour took place on the sidelines of a major military parade marking the 11th anniversary of Operation Dignity (Al Karama). According to the General Command's media office, the delegation toured multiple facilities, including advanced training centers, accommodation units, command buildings, and logistics hubs. The complex has been equipped with state-of-the-art systems and infrastructure designed to meet international military standards and support the long-term development of Libya's armed forces. Haftar praised Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff for Security Units, for his key role in overseeing the planning, execution, and supervision of the project. He emphasized that the outcome reflects a clear vision for a disciplined, well-trained army capable of protecting Libya's sovereignty and stability. 'This military city is not just a set of buildings; it is a message of our determination to build a unified, capable national force,' said Haftar. 'It is a model of organization and ambition, and it represents the future of Libya's defense strategy.' The city includes specialized centers for combat training, tactical simulations, medical services, and intensive military education, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the country. Haftar added that the military city aligns with his broader strategy to rebuild Libya's armed forces on solid institutional foundations, emphasizing professionalism, operational readiness, and advanced technical capabilities. Tags: benghazikhalifa haftarlibyaLibyan armyMilitary City
Libya Review
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Benghazi Welcomes Russian Delegation for Victory Event
Benghazi's University has hosted a major cultural exhibition titled 'From Benghazi to Stalingrad' to commemorate Russia's Victory Day and the anniversary of Libya's Operation Dignity triumph. The event was organised in collaboration with the Libyan Fund for Reconstruction and Development and under the patronage of Libya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. According to a statement by the Ministry, Dr. Adel Bakkar, Director of the European Affairs Department, warmly welcomed the Russian delegation and praised the steadily growing Libyan-Russian relations. The exhibition attracted wide diplomatic and cultural attention, featuring attendance by foreign consuls based in Benghazi, a Russian official delegation, members of the Russian Public Diplomacy Centre, and several notable Libyan academic and cultural figures. The event showcased shared historical narratives and highlighted deep-rooted cultural and humanitarian ties between Libya and Russia. It also aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations. Organisers emphasised that the exhibition reflects the Libyan government's commitment to promoting public diplomacy and supporting internationally themed cultural initiatives. It is seen as a significant step forward in advancing Libyan-Russian relations on both official and popular levels. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: benghazilibyaRussiaStalingrad
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
RPF Nagpur's timely action rescues man
Nagpur: In a swift and humane act under Operation Dignity , the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Nagpur Division, rescued a man who had climbed onto the engine of Train No. 12622 . The incident occurred on 30 April when a video alert reached the Divisional Security Commissioner, prompting immediate response. RPF personnel, in coordination with Overhead Equipment (OHE) staff, halted the train at Bharatwada at 12.43pm. The man was safely brought down and temporarily accommodated in the Divyangjan coach with assistance from alert passengers. The train resumed its journey at 12.53pm. Onboard inquiry revealed he had boarded the train from Ahmedabad enroute to Orai. A PAN card and mobile number helped identify him and trace his family, who confirmed he had been missing and was under mental health treatment . His family arrived at the RPF Post, Nagpur on 1 May at 8.45am with a valid ID. After due verification and execution of a formal surrender panchnama in the presence of witnesses, the man was reunited with his loved ones. The family expressed deep gratitude for the RPF's timely and compassionate action.
