News Wrap: Unrest in Niger’s capital, deadly bombing at Pakistan rally

John Yang:

Northwest Pakistan, a powerful suicide blast at a political rally for a hardline religious leader killed at least 44 people and injured nearly 200 more some of them children, the clerics considered to be a Taliban ally. And eye witnessed describe the scene.

Man (through translator):

I don't know how and what exactly happened. I saw a spark and heard a big bang. After the blast, I saw hundreds of people lying on the ground, and people started firing in the air, a lot of firing.

John Yang:

No one's claimed responsibility for the attack. It took place across the border from an area of Afghanistan where Islamic State is active.

More unrest in Niger today along with mounting economic fallout and the threat of foreign intervention following last week's coup. In the capital, thousands took to the streets to praise the military for deposing the president. They denounced France which once controlled Niger as a colony. Some wave Russian flags as Moscow seeks greater influence in the region. The French embassy was a target of their anger protesters smashed windows and set an embassy door on fire. Some said change was necessary.

Man (through translator):

People are suffering in this country. Nigerians shouldn't be living like this. The people are coming out to support because they're here to bring balance to the country.

John Yang:

ECOWAS the economic union of 15 West African nations cut all ties today with Niger, one of the world's poorest countries. ECOWAS also authorized a peacekeeping force if democratic rule isn't restored within a week.

Earlier the European Union cut off its financial support. The United States is threatening to do the same.

And Russian officials say Ukrainian drones hit Moscow today taking the 18 month war to the heart of Russia. Two office buildings a few miles from the Kremlin were damaged. One person was reported to have been injured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was in St. Petersburg at the time. It was the third drone strike to hit Moscow in just this past week.

Still to come on PBS News Weekend, how climate change is causing a sense of despair for some about the planet's future. And what it's like living through an historic heatwave.