Thomas Watkins

AFP's Kabul bureau chief.

More civilians now killed by US, Afghan forces than by insurgents — UN

Article Thomas Watkins - 24 Apr 2019

The bloody milestone comes as the US steps up its air campaign in Afghanistan while pushing for a peace deal with the Taliban

US Army unfurls miles of fencing along border with Mexico

Article Thomas Watkins - 19 Nov 2018

The military deployment is set to wrap up December 15 and it is not clear what will become of the wire fencing

NASA wants people on Mars within 25 years

Article Thomas Watkins - 14 Nov 2018

With today's rocket technology, it would take an astronaut up to nine months to reach Mars

US to impose ‘strongest sanctions in history’ on Iran

Article Francesco Fontemaggi & Thomas Watkins - 22 May 2018

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismissed the threats, saying the rest of the world no longer accepts Washington making decisions on their behalf

Trump, allies praise Syria strikes as Moscow seethes

Article Thomas Watkins - 15 Apr 2018

The US and its allies have called for the enforcement of a ceasefire and demanded Syria engage in UN-led peace talks

US-led strikes steer clear of Russian military

Article Anna Malpas & Thomas Watkins - 14 Apr 2018

Pentagon planners are taking pains to avoid hitting Russian military assets.

‘Watershed’ moment for drone regulation

Article Thomas Watkins - 24 Jun 2016

New legislation eases drone use, but unmanned craft cannot hover over groups of bystanders and must remain within clear sight of operator.

Nine dead as white gunman opens fire on black US church

Article Thomas Watkins - 18 Jun 2015

A white gunman is still at large after he shot and killed several people at a historic black church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

US blasts ICC war crimes probe of Israel as ‘tragic irony’

Article Thomas Watkins & Jan Hennop - 17 Jan 2015

The US has criticised the ICC's preliminary probe into war crimes allegedly committed by Israel in Gaza as "counterproductive to the cause of peace".

Press Releases

Special Reports

Itec serves up high-tech integrated surveillance system for family food company

special reports - 27 Oct 2020

The system includes facial recognition software and a thermal screening solution that will provide instant temperature screening of all employees

Special Reports

Transport Month

[email protected] - 23 Oct 2020

An infrastructure-led recovery will help to stimulate demand in the South African economy, which is vital post the Covid-19 pandemic

Special Reports

Limpopo’s Economic Recovery Plan to fight Covid-19 impact

special reports - 23 Oct 2020

Billions have been set aside to help farmers and industries get back on their feet as part of the Limpopo Socio-Economic Recovery Plan

Special Reports

Disrupt the corrupt

special reports - 22 Oct 2020

Whistle-blowers should be seen as real heroes in the fight against corruption and we need a change in culture for this to happen

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'