United News of Bangladesh

Russian strikes killed eight civilians and wounded dozens in Ukraine on Saturday as President Vladimir Putin warned that deploying European troops would mean “a war with Russia.” Two people were killed and one wounded in Zaporizhzhia, while one died and three were wounded in Kryvyi Rih, officials said. In Odesa, 35 people were wounded in a “massive attack,” regional head Oleh Kiper said. A residential high-rise was hit, destroying its upper floors. Three people were killed when drones struck cars in Kramatorsk, while two others died in an attack on a grocery store in Zhytomyr region. Ukraine faces an intensifying Russian air campaign involving ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, including attacks on its power grid ahead of winter. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck chemical facilities in Russia’s Samara and Perm regions. Russian officials did not immediately comment, while Astra reported drone attacks on plants there. Putin, speaking at the BRICS summit in India, denied threatening Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of Russian provocations after attacks near Ukrainian border crossings with Moldova and Poland. Zelenskyy said he would meet Putin at December’s G20 summit in Miami if both were invited. Putin adviser Yuri Ushakov said attendance had not been discussed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Zelenskyy could meet Putin in Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow remains ready for negotiations but would not suspend its “special military operation” during talks.

Irish President Catherine Connolly met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Dublin on Saturday, emphasizing the Irish people's "strong commitment" to international relations, the United Nations and their pride in "Ireland’s contribution to UN peacekeeping since 1958". In a statement released following her meeting with the U.S. president, Connolly said she "conveyed the strong view of the Irish people that the normalisation of war and genocide can never be accepted". "As a country which has suffered famine, colonisation and the violence of the Troubles, but also the importance of the long and challenging road to peace, I emphasised the unique insight which Irish people can bring to the resolution of conflict," she said. She told Trump that Ireland would "strongly support all those who have the strength to build a shared peace in all those parts of the world currently suffering from such horrific war and violence". With inputs from Al Jazeera

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Saturday that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become the world's most influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. When addressing the Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, saying that over the past two decades, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and expand, and has demonstrated remarkable vitality and dynamism. Xi said it has been 20 years of self-reliance and self-strengthening, adding that BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of self-strengthening through unity among emerging markets and developing countries. This has also been 20 years of standing together through thick and thin, Xi noted. BRICS countries, Xi said, have worked together to tackle challenges ranging from the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change. The group has remained steadfast in safeguarding the common interests of the Global South, while providing the world with stability and positive momentum, he said. Xi also hailed the past 20 years of BRICS cooperation as fruitful, saying that BRICS countries have undergone a historic expansion, established a comprehensive, multi-tiered framework for cooperation, and ushered in a new stage of high-quality development for greater BRICS cooperation. Xi stressed that the world is undergoing accelerated transformation unseen in a century, the Global South is rapidly growing in strength, and the trend toward a multipolar world is unstoppable. Meanwhile, countercurrents of unilateralism and power politics are surging, multilateralism and the international order are coming under strain, and deficits in peace, development, security and governance continue to widen, he added. He said that BRICS countries should firmly stand on the right side of history, strive to be a pioneer of the times, steer the international order toward greater justice and equity, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Xi called on BRICS to pioneer in advancing innovation-driven development. BRICS countries, he said, should firmly seize the initiative, strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, encourage open-source development, openness, cooperation and sharing, and push practical cooperation into new areas and to new heights. BRICS countries are welcome to actively participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, he said. China proposed an initiative to promote new industrialization through artificial intelligence among BRICS countries, and is willing to work with all parties to deliver more outcomes in research, development and application, and deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, he said. Xi called on BRICS to be a pioneer in upholding peace and stability. BRICS countries should uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, oppose the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, reject violations of other countries' sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs, and play a constructive role in resolving hotspot issues, making a distinctive BRICS contribution to finding solutions that address both symptoms and root causes, he said. Noting that the situation in the Middle East remains complex and fluid, Xi said this war has inflicted serious losses on the people of all countries in the region, and it is against the common interests of the international community. Xi said he has set out four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, which are aimed at de-escalation, ending hostilities and promoting peace. Xi urged relevant parties to keep to the direction of political settlement, and work for a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire. China will work with fellow BRICS members to play a due role in bringing peace and tranquility to the Middle East, he said. Xi called on BRICS to be a pioneer in facilitating mutual learning between civilizations. The countries, he said, should champion the common values of humanity and advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations as well as harmonious coexistence. They should ensure the success of the BRICS forum on people-to-people and cultural exchanges, share experience in state governance, and build positive momentum for the steady development of relations between countries, Xi added. Xi advocated efforts to deepen cooperation in culture, tourism and education, strengthen youth exchanges, and promote more frequent interactions and closer bonds among the peoples. Xi called on BRICS to be a pioneer in reforming and improving global governance. He urged the group to keep pace with the trend toward greater democracy in international relations, promote a more just and equitable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations. Xi said BRICS should support a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, and reject all forms of protectionist measures. The grouping should lead global governance in emerging domains such as cyberspace, outer space and the deep sea, and amplify the voice of Global South countries, he added. Over an extraordinary two-decade journey, solidarity and cooperation have remained the driving force behind the BRICS cause, Xi stressed. Xi called on BRICS members to remain sincere and candid with one another, seek common ground while respecting differences, and respect each other's core concerns. He also urged the group to deepen mutual understanding through communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, and ensure that BRICS cooperation continues to move forward steadily. China, Xi said, will take over as the rotating chair of the BRICS and host the 19th summit next year. The Chinese side stands ready to work with all parties to build consensus, create a better future, and embark on BRICS' third "golden decade," jointly opening up a bright future of prosperity and progress, he added. At the summit, all parties spoke highly of the development achievements made by BRICS over the past 20 years, noting that the BRICS mechanism has broad representation and great potential for development. In the face of escalating geopolitical conflicts and the rise of unilateralism, BRICS countries have a responsibility to speak up for the Global South, uphold multilateralism, support the central role of the United Nations, uphold the sovereign equality of all countries, abide by international law, oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries, support free trade, and jointly address global challenges, they said. All parties should uphold the BRICS spirit, deepen cooperation across various fields, enhance economic resilience, promote a more just and inclusive international order, and build a secure and prosperous multipolar world, they added. All parties appreciated China's important contribution to the development and expansion of the BRICS mechanism and supported China, as next year's BRICS chair, in successfully hosting the 19th BRICS Summit, so as to jointly bring BRICS cooperation to a new level. The leaders also adopted a joint declaration at the summit.

The BRICS group of emerging economies on Saturday expressed concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and condemned the use of sanctions not authorized by the U.N., as the leaders met in New Delhi to strengthen their position in global affairs seen as dominated by the West. The meeting, which included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, voiced concern over “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under the U.N. atomic energy agency's safeguards, saying nuclear safety and security must be protected during armed conflicts. The statement was seen as indirect criticism of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The leaders also took aim at unilateral sanctions not authorized by the U.N. Security Council. They did not name any countries, but Russia, one of the founding members of BRICS, has faced Western sanctions following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the U.N. Charter,” the joint statement said. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East challenge BRICS unity BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It has since expanded to 11 members, representing about half the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output. The group has increasingly called for greater representation for developing countries in global institutions. It has sought to raise its profile by promoting alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions and positioning itself as the voice of developing nations and emerging economies. India is hosting this year's summit, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pezeshkian and counterparts from the other eight BRICS members. Concerns have grown that the Iran war, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, may expand as fighting escalated between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising U.S.-China tensions, are also testing the bloc’s ability to find common ground among countries with competing geopolitical interests. Modi stresses BRICS is not a counter to West In his address, Modi sought to ease concerns that BRICS was intended to counter Western-led alliances. “BRICS is not against anyone,” he said, adding that the bloc had reached a “coming of age” moment in which the Global South must evolve into a “rule-shaper” in global governance. “It is time for us to translate our unity and consensus in BRICS into concrete outcomes,” he said. Modi also proposed a BRICS seafarers’ network to strengthen the safety and welfare of maritime workers, particularly as disruptions to maritime trade from the war in Iran have heightened risks for mariners. Russia and China seek to expand influence China and Russia see BRICS as a way to reduce Western dominance, particularly that of the United States, while strengthening cooperation among developing economies. Putin called for expanding the U.N. Security Council to give greater representation to Asia, Africa and Latin America, saying it would improve the body’s effectiveness, Russian state news agency Interfax reported Saturday. Speaking at the summit, Putin said the shift toward a multipolar world was facing resistance from countries “accustomed to thinking in colonial categories,” accusing them of using tariffs, sanctions and “brute force” to contain rising competitors. He said the tensions were undermining the international system but stressed that Russia still viewed the U.N. Charter as the foundation of international law. Iran has also pushed for mechanisms that could reduce the bloc’s reliance on Western financial systems and shield members from economic pressure, as Tehran faces sweeping sanctions and a U.S. blockade. “One of the most important steps is to expand the use of national currencies in trade among the members,” Pezeshkian told reporters on Friday. China, meanwhile, is leveraging the grouping to deepen its influence within the bloc and position it as a counterweight to U.S. power. Speaking at the summit, Xi said China will work with BRICS members in playing its “due role” to forge peace in the Middle East, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. BRICS countries should “serve as vanguards for maintaining peace and stability” and “oppose violations of other countries’ sovereignty,” Xi said. India balances strategic partnerships For India, the summit highlights its effort to maintain strategic ties with Russia and Iran while deepening relations with the U.S. and Europe. New Delhi has sought to balance its longstanding partnerships with Moscow and Tehran with efforts to expand economic, defense and technology ties with Washington and other Western nations. India has maintained close ties with both Moscow and Tehran despite the war in Ukraine and tensions between Iran and the U.S., while calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. Modi met Putin and Pezeshkian separately in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the summit. India is also hoping the forum will help ease its longstanding strained ties with China. Modi and Xi are expected to hold talks later Saturday, a meeting that could help consolidate a diplomatic thaw between the two countries after border tensions escalated in 2020. In May, BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement over the Iran war, forcing India to issue a chair’s summary instead.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It has since expanded to 11 members, representing about half the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output. The group has increasingly called for greater representation for developing countries in global institutions. It has sought to raise its profile by promoting alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions and positioning itself as the voice of developing nations and emerging economies. India is hosting this year's summit, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pezeshkian and counterparts from the other eight BRICS members. Concerns have grown that the Iran war, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, may expand as fighting escalated between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising U.S.-China tensions, are also testing the bloc’s ability to find common ground among countries with competing geopolitical interests.    

When the BRICS cooperation mechanism was formally launched in 2006, it opened a new chapter for cooperation among major emerging economies. Two decades on, BRICS has, through the ebbs and flows of the global economy, expanded through multiple rounds of enlargement and broadened the scope of its cooperation. This evolution has ushered in a new era of greater BRICS cooperation, better reflecting the growing weight and aspirations of the Global South. When BRICS leaders prepare to gather for this year's summit in New Delhi, India, the mechanism is playing a greater role in amplifying the collective voice of emerging economies, and expanding practical cooperation amid a changing international landscape beset by raging protectionism and economic fragmentation. Its growing weight is reflected in its economic and demographic scale. BRICS countries now account for approximately 40 percent of global GDP at purchasing power parity and nearly half of the world's population. Data released by the UN Trade and Development in March showed that the intra-BRICS merchandise trade has expanded more than 13-fold since 2003, and exports reached 1.17 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024. BRICS, however, is more than an economic force. Its growing significance lies in how countries with different development paths are pooling their strengths in resources, industry and technology to advance shared development. A prominent area is financing. For many developing economies, access to affordable, long-term funding remains critical to turning development ambitions into reality. The New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai, has helped provide such an option by mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. Figures released by the bank showed that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the NDB had approved 42.9 billion dollars in financing for 140 projects. Covering such areas as infrastructure, clean energy and digital transformation, these projects address the pressing development needs of Global South countries while echoing the priorities highlighted by the theme of the forthcoming BRICS Summit, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The ever-evolving BRICS cooperation is also helping developing countries gain new growth momentum. In recent years, BRICS cooperation has been expanding into areas like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, scientific and technological innovation. A case in point is the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center in Xiamen, which was established in 2020 to provide a platform for cooperation in digitalization, advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. These efforts point to the broader value of BRICS: it is not simply giving the Global South a stronger voice, but creating practical opportunities for countries to access financing, technology and cooperation suited to their development needs. Such collaboration helps explain BRICS' growing appeal to countries seeking greater opportunities to participate and cooperate. As a founding member, China has contributed not only by building platforms for practical cooperation, but also by supporting greater openness and broader participation to promote high-quality cooperation within an expanded BRICS. Some in the West portray BRICS as a rival bloc seeking to build a parallel order. Yet this claim bears little resemblance to reality. BRICS stands for openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit, not confrontation or exclusion. That is fundamentally different from the exclusive blocs championed by some Western countries, and a key reason behind the growing vitality of BRICS. Looking ahead, BRICS is poised to embark on its third "golden decade" after 20 years of growth and transformation. By rising up to the challenges of the times, BRICS countries can help shape a more equal and orderly multipolar world and a more universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and, in doing so, write a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation across the Global South.  

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday that as the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region continues to evolve, the war there has caused serious losses to people across the region and does not serve the common interests of the international community. He also urged BRICS to play pioneering role in maintaining peace and development. Earlier in the day, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.  

Leaders of the BRICS countries gathered in New Delhi on Saturday for a summit focused on trade, investment and major global conflicts, as the group seeks to strengthen its influence in international affairs and promote the interests of emerging and developing nations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and leaders from the other eight BRICS member states. The summit is taking place amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as growing tensions between the United States and China. The developments are testing the bloc's ability to reach consensus among members with different geopolitical interests and foreign policy positions. Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across New Delhi, particularly around the summit venue. Traffic restrictions and diversions have also been introduced in several areas of the capital. BRICS was established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined the group in 2010. The bloc has since expanded to 11 members, collectively representing about half of the world's population and a substantial portion of the global economy. It has increasingly demanded greater representation for developing countries in major international institutions. The leaders are expected to address economic cooperation, investment, energy, food security, technology, supply chains and reforms to global institutions. Another major issue will be reducing dependence on the US dollar, with member states encouraging the use of national currencies for trade and payments and seeking alternatives to financial institutions dominated by Western countries. For India, the summit provides an opportunity to demonstrate its strategy of maintaining strong relations with Russia and Iran while simultaneously strengthening ties with the United States and Europe. New Delhi has sought to preserve its longstanding partnerships with Moscow and Tehran while expanding cooperation with Washington and other Western countries in areas including trade, defence and technology. India has continued to maintain close relations with Russia and Iran despite the Ukraine war and tensions between Tehran and Washington. At the same time, it has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve international conflicts. Modi held separate meetings with Putin and Pezeshkian in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the summit. The summit is also taking place as Iran, one of the expanded BRICS members, remains directly involved in the Middle East conflict. This has created another challenge for the group's unity as member countries hold differing views on the war and on their relationships with the United States. A major challenge for India as the summit host will be securing a joint declaration from all participating leaders. Differences within the bloc were already visible in May, when BRICS foreign ministers failed to reach agreement on a joint statement concerning the Iran war.    

Saudi Arabia announced Friday that it had temporarily suspended operations on a major oil pipeline after it was targeted by drones. The move came a day after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized a strategically important island near the southern entrance to the Red Sea, according to two officials. The developments have added a new dimension to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The Houthis have made their most significant territorial advance in several years near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital international shipping route. Their growing presence in the area could support Iran’s efforts to push global oil and gas prices higher and increase pressure on the United States. Saudi Arabia said it stopped the East-West pipeline as a safety precaution following the drone attack. The country’s Ministry of Energy described the decision as a preventive step. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said several drones involved in the attack had originated from Iraq. In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, Riyadh said it would refrain from retaliating to allow the Iraqi government time to take appropriate action. Iraq condemned the attack and announced an investigation. Saudi Arabia and the United States previously carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq in July after accusing them of launching drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. The Houthi rebels had claimed responsibility for some of those attacks. Regional officials told The Associated Press that the Houthis had assisted Iraqi militias in organizing and carrying out the operations. East-West Pipeline Has Been Important Since the 1980sConstructed during the 1980s, the East-West pipeline has become increasingly important to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom looks for ways to transport its oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has attacked ships during the war. By early June, Saudi oil shipments through the Red Sea port connected to the pipeline had risen to more than 5 million barrels a day, more than twice the previous level, according to the International Energy Agency. The Houthis also seized Mayun, a small volcanic island located inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The island, also known as Perim, is strategically positioned along one of the world's major maritime routes. The capture was confirmed by a senior official from Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Houthi representative. Both officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has increasingly depended on Red Sea routes to transport crude as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. However, Houthi attempts to restrict traffic through the 28-kilometer (17-mile) Bab el-Mandeb passage have complicated those efforts. In a statement Friday, Houthi forces celebrated their advances along the coast but did not specifically mention Mayun, Mokha or the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They promised to respond to Saudi actions with further escalation and said maritime traffic would remain safe for all companies except Saudi vessels. The developments have caused concern in global markets. Analysts consider the Houthis difficult to predict, and oil prices once again climbed above $100 per barrel this week, potentially strengthening Iran's position in future negotiations. Yemen Government Criticizes Saudi ResponseThe Houthis have attacked Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea since announcing a blockade in July. They have also targeted oil facilities inside Saudi Arabia, saying their actions are retaliation for Saudi Arabia's long-running blockade of areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen. After the Houthis captured the port city of Mokha on Thursday, Saudi forces reportedly carried out an airstrike on its airport, according to a Houthi media outlet. No casualties or significant damage were immediately reported. A senior official from Yemen's internationally recognized government told the AP that officials were surprised Saudi aircraft had not prevented the Houthi takeover of Mokha, which lies roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The official suggested Saudi Arabia may not have received approval from Washington to launch a major air campaign. The official also pointed to poor coordination among Yemen's government forces and allied militias, saying the lack of cooperation gave the Houthis a major strategic advantage. Shipping traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has dropped by around 60% since the Houthis began attacking selected vessels in late 2023 in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Traffic increased this year as Saudi Arabia searched for alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, but renewed Houthi threats have reduced that activity, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. Saudi Arabia has therefore been forced to consider another route, transporting oil northward through the Red Sea and then toward the Mediterranean, either through the Suez Canal or via a pipeline crossing Egypt. Both options create a considerably longer journey for Saudi customers in Asia. The Houthis have also threatened these routes and attacked a Saudi ship in the northern Red Sea in late August. Iran Urges Renewed Saudi-Houthi Negotiations Iranian authorities on Friday called on Saudi Arabia to end its blockade of Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, signaling continued support for the Houthis. Tehran also urged both sides to resume negotiations. The Houthis' significance to Iran was further highlighted Wednesday when a spokesperson for Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said any agreement reached between Iran and the United States should also address Yemen. It was the first clear statement from Iran linking Yemen to the negotiations. Saudi Arabia said it had consistently provided opportunities for dialogue but maintained that it had the right to protect itself. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia spoke Thursday about diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring regional stability. Escalation Raises Fears of Renewed Civil War As Houthi fighters advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government appealed to the international community for assistance. In a statement issued Friday following a meeting the previous day, Yemen's National Defense Council said the country was at the forefront of efforts to protect freedom of navigation. It also condemned the Houthis' renewed attacks against Saudi Arabia. The latest escalation threatens to undermine a fragile truce that has largely kept Yemen's civil war under control since 2022. The conflict has already had devastating consequences for Yemen's population of about 40 million, killing an estimated 150,000 people and leaving millions at risk of famine. The recent increase in violence has also caused a major displacement crisis. More than 46,000 people fled their homes during the past week, according to the U.N. migration agency. Abdusattor Esoev, the International Organization for Migration's mission chief in Yemen, said displaced families were leaving with only whatever possessions they could quickly carry. He noted that the number of displaced people had more than doubled during the week and could increase substantially. “You see the fears in their eyes, and people are scared,” Esoev said. Medical professionals were among those forced to flee. Lou Cormack, Yemen coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, said the organization was working to keep Mokha's hospital functioning after most of its staff had departed. The Houthis have been fighting Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014, when they took control of large parts of northern and central Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. Saudi Arabia intervened the following year to support the Yemeni government.

The number of people killed in a fire aboard a passenger ferry in the Philippines has increased to at least 35 after rescuers recovered additional bodies. Survivors described scenes of chaos as the flames spread rapidly, leaving some passengers unable to reach life jackets. The blaze broke out Wednesday night near Palawan province, and 54 people remain unaccounted for. Forty-three passengers and crew members survived. Coast guard photographs showed the severely burned interior of the vessel, with what appeared to be human remains, ashes, twisted metal and a damaged vehicle. Survivor Arnulfo Nokki Villanueva said the fire moved through the ferry so quickly that he had little time to react. Speaking in a video aired by News5, he said his back was burned after he fell to the floor and that he eventually escaped by jumping through a window. He explained that he tried to obtain a life jacket but could not because frightened passengers were stepping over him in the panic. Search teams faced difficult conditions Thursday as intense heat and thick smoke prevented them from entering parts of the vessel. The recovery operation continued into Friday, when officials confirmed that the death toll had reached 35. The ferry had departed from Manila and was approximately 7.4 kilometers (4.5 miles) from Turda village, near its destination of Coron, when the fire was reported. Authorities have not yet established what caused the blaze. At a rescue center in Turda, Lira Daco anxiously waited for information about her 20-year-old daughter, Cyriel, who remained missing. She said it was heartbreaking to imagine that her daughter may have been calling for help as the fire spread. Daco also expressed anguish over the difficulty of identifying the recovered remains, saying that even recovering her daughter's body after drowning would have allowed the family to provide a proper burial. The ship's manifest listed 134 people aboard, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The 53-meter (174-foot) ferry was designed to accommodate up to 306 passengers and 27 crew. The coast guard said two people listed on the manifest later told authorities that they had never boarded the vessel. Two Chilean tourists were among the survivors, according to Rachel Conserman, an employee of the ferry's operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. Both were receiving treatment for their injuries at a hospital in Coron. She said there were no reports of any other foreign nationals aboard. Coron is a well-known tourist destination, famous for its clear waters, limestone cliffs and striking rock formations. Ferries are an important part of transportation across the Philippine islands. However, maritime accidents remain a recurring problem, with storms, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding and inadequate enforcement of safety standards contributing to the risks, particularly in remote areas. One of the country's worst maritime disasters occurred in 1987, when the ferry Dona Paz collided with a fuel tanker and sank. More than 4,300 people died, making it the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in recorded history.