on al jazeera america >> this is the true definition of tough love attacking boko haram, chad and niger launch a joint offensive against the armed group in nigeria. hello, i am darren jordan welcome to the al jazerra news center here in doha. also ahead coalition air strikes against an isil held oil revine any in syria kills dozens, including many civilians. fighting for action i can freedom, students in myanmar protest against new education laws. and heading for the sun, take off for the world's first around the world solar-powered flight.

♪ ♪ welcome to the program. niger and its neighboring allies have launch aid joint offensive against boca huh ram in the northeastern part of the are country. it's niger's first major push in to nigerian territory. ahmed is respite has more from abuja the capital. >> reporter: for nigeria's neighbors the fight against boko haram has taken new urgency. operations against the group is underway. the objective is to push the fighters in to a corner ahead of the expected final onslaught this month. so far, more than 30 towns and villages have been liberated from the fighters since chad and niner joined effort by nigerian and cameroonian troop to his fight the group. for niger chad and cameroon defeating boko haram is crucial. five years of violence has cut off much of trade against

between in africa's biggest economy. the group if left up checked there is fear the group will be big become a bigger threat to the entire ying un. they say they are now in a position to fight them. >> we are now adequately he equipment. that is a real change. we have taken the liberty of the game changers and as promised by the force and a letter by the president himself. we have been taking the liberty of new equipment. one of which is what you are seeing right behind me there and we have. [ inaudible ] against boko haram. before the arrival of this weapon, it was a defensive operation, now we are on the offensive. >> reporter: the military had in february asked for six weeks to clear the northeast of boko haram to pave way for elections. but the coordinated offensive against boko haram has forced the group to result to the old tactic of suicide bombing. over the weekend attacks in

cities blamed on the group killed more than 50 and injured more than 100. just hours after the group's leader pledged allegiance to isil a move interpreted as a desperate attempt to draw isil in to its operations. on friday the african union endorsed the creation of a regional force of more than 8,000 troops to combat the group. this is expected to strengthen the effort of the multinational task force already taking on boko haram. mohamed is idris nigeria. iraqi forces are still fighting. they have imagined to move closer by liberating a town on the outskirts of tikrit. the battle for tikrit is crucial for iraqi forces in their advance towards mowsal, iraq's second city has been under isil control since june last year. the influential iraqi cleric says his militia will help in

the offensive to recapture mows ill from isil, his forces fought against the u.s. military after their invaded eye rook in 2003, but now his fighters may work with u.s. forces. the operation to liberate mosul is expected to supported by air strikes from the u.s.-led quo lungs. iraqi army, the peshmerga and sunni fighters will be involved in the operation. an expert on middle east history, he says sadder has requested the u.s. not to take part in the campaign. >> this is not unprecedented. the peace brigades as he now calls them, rather than the army have been involved in operations in the past last foul where u.s. gave close air support. but he suspended his militia operations in mid february, after the assassination of a sunni tribal leader in baghdad. apparently he's having some problems of discipline in these

militias. he's now announced that he wants to join the fight against mosul but he has called on the u.s. not to participate in that campaign. >> the u.s.-led coalition air strikes in syria have hit an isil-controlled oil refinery. it lies northeast of the town near the turkish border. 30 people are reported to have been killed in the strike. including refinery workers and isil fighters. a series of attacks targeting houthi fighters in yemen has killed at least 15 peoples. in the sen value province seven were killed, also two more houthis were killed when their car was hit as they were patrolling the city. further killings following an offensive launched by local tribes men. u.s. president barack obama is threatening to walkway from nuclear talks with iran if certain conditions aren't met. he wants assurances that iran is not trying to build nuclear weapons. >> if there is no deal, then we walk away. if we cannot verify that they

are not going to obtain a nuclear weapon, that there is a breakout period, so that even if they cheated, we would be able to have enough time to take action, if we don't have that kind of deal, then we are not going to take it. >> aa bowl a's efforts to clinch that deal is being undermined by some members of the u.s. congress kimberly how death reports. >> reporter: u.s. second john kerry and other world powers working hard to secure ideal this month with iran to limit its nuclear program. it's an effort made more challenging because of actions by top members of the united states congress. >> we cannot allow them to have a nuclear weapon. if that means military action, that's what it will take. we do not want an economically strong iran. >> reporter: that's why a top senate republican and democrat this week introduced legislation requiring the white house to sends details of a potential deal lifting iran's sanctions in exchange for limits to the

country's nuclear program to congress for review. >> the only way you are going to make sure that they are not developing a bomb is the intrusive and unexpected inspections. >> reporter: it's legislation now threatening to sabotage fragile newspaperses following an appeal this week in congress by israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu. he argued any agreement allowing iran to still en run of uranium is a threat to israel and i u.s. interests. >> i think there is a better deal the better deal is to increase the breakout time to immaterial lit iran's infrastructure. >> reporter: netanyahu is urging congress to reject an agreement that allows iran to retain et cetera a nuclear infrastructure it maintain is his for peaceful purposes. president obama says the u.s. would only sign off on an agreement that insures iran will not have the ability to quickly produce anatomic weapon.

>> if we cannot verify that never not going to obtain a weapon. that there is a breakout period even if they cheated we would have enough time to take action. if we don't have that kind of then we are not going to take it. >> reporter: the capitol hill lawmakers are insisting the president send details of any deal to congress for the a least five days of review. the proposed legislation would also require a two-month delay before sanctions are lifted. president obama has threatens to veto any law which it attempts to scuttle ideal with iran, but that veto could prove difficult if two-thirds of the senate that allows for congress to weigh in, it key potentially override any effort to secure an agreement with iran by the white house kimberly halkett, al jazerra washington. european union finance ministers are due to meet in belgium for the first time since agreement was reached to extend the greek bailout. the greek finance minister has

sent seven reform proposals for discussion, they include a pan plan for nonprofessional inspectors including tourists to crack down on tax dodge he they are warning a referendum may be held if proposals are reject. a russian judge says one of the men accused of killing opposition figure boris nemtsov has confessed for murder. investigators suspect five people were involved in the shooting that occurred just over a week ago. >> reporter: one of the two men charged with the murder, being led in to court in moscow. amid heavy security, he appeared in a sage on sunday. here he says i love the profit mohamed, peace be upon him. a judge says that he has confirmed his involvement in the killing of nemtsov a leading opposition figure. state media says he served in a battalion of entire year ministry troops in chechnya. another man of chev knee honor gin is also chargeed with the murder he feel reportedly worked

for a private security firm in moscow. three other suspects have also appeared in court including a brother. although there had been no announce to him their did he tinges, local reports say they have maintained their innocence. this undated video shows his mother saying he's brave and courageous, he's always ready to help everyone. the two main suspects were reportedly arrested in a republic next to chechnya following the assassination of 55-year-old boris nemtsov near the kremlin. never is off had been highly critical of russia's involvement in the war in ukraine. president putin has condemned the killing and promise today deliver justice. but as thousands turned out for his funeral a week ago many of the mourners accuse the kremlin of silencing one of its most vocal opponents. al jazerra. still to come here on al jazerra, seeing is believing. we'll meet some kids in bangladesh with big ideas for new gadgets. and why property prices are

going throughout floor in china. more on that, stay with us.

>> every sunday night. >> i lived that character. >> go one on one with america's movers and shakers. >> we will be able to see change. >> gripping... inspiring... entertaining. "talk to al jazeera". sunday, 6:30 eastern. only on al jazeera america. ♪ ♪ welcome back. the top stories here on al jazerra. niger and chad have launched a joint offensive against boko haram in nigeria. it comes off the armed group pledged allegiance to ice ill in an audience message posted on line. u.s. led coalition air strikes in syria have hit an isil-controlled oil refinery near the turk irrelevant border. 30 people reported to be killed include refinery workers and isil fighters. now, students in myanmar have been protesting against a

newly-introduced law which they say restricts academic freedom. as florence louie reports the response of the semi civilian government is seen as a test of its democratic principles. >> reporter: it's a small gathering on the outskirts of the town, attracting more on lookers than demonstrators. it's in solidarity with a sit-in protest by students in another calling for amendments to the recently passed education law. fearful of being arrested for demonstrating without a permit. they disburse after 10 minutes. >> translator: education is not just related to students, it concerns the younger generation. 50 million people in the new generations to come are subject to the education system. so it needs to be better. and more democratic. this is why we support the protest. >> reporter: for the past few days activists have been trying toy straight please, holding protests at difference places announcing the locations just a day before the protests and sometimes telling them hours later to give security the slip.

the main protest is three hours drive. some 150 students have been camped out there since february. they are unhappy with the new education law which doesn't allow them to form unions and leaves little scope for decision making to universities. they want to bring their protest to the former capital and main commercial hub but are unable to do so because of the heavy security presence. police however haven't been able to stop other protests in support of the students from popping up in the city. there are signs the government is losing patience. activists say police used vigilantes to break up a frost last week and arrest protesters. use of aville vinnie force a civilian force is a lands under the law. the government says it's listening to the students'

demands. they are holding consultations on the matter. >> translator: the reform process and hearing is being held because of the students strike. it's a result of talks between students, advocates and lawmakers. >> reporter: how the government handles the protests will be closely watched. it transitioned from military rule to a semi civilian one for you are years ago and will hold elections later this year. already there are calls for it to allow its citizens the right to peaceful assembly as part of a democratic society. florence looi, al jazerra,. china's prime minister is looking at ways to stabilize the product market after a major slump in prices lead to go emergence of virtual ghost cities as harry fawcett reports. >> reporter: there is not much construction going on at the construction site. a state agent says it's a seasonal pause while the ground is frozen but she admits they

have decided not to put any apartments up for sale yet. >> a few years ago some developers ran away with their investor's money so that's why people are nervous. our boss is a local man, he wants to finish everything before selling to try to reassure buyers. >> reporter: this is how it's going to look, homes for government workers perhaps when the local government moves here. but for now, there is little more life on the streets than there is in the model. as of three years ago the government was already having to cover $1.6 billion in bad dead as developments failed. if the present is the few he should then there can't be much prospect of getting that money back. so it's sunday afternoon in the main park and what do you know, i've got the place entirely to myself. across china local government have his been bet on grand projects just like this one across china, ghost towns just like this one have been emerging as a result. since al jazerra was last here in the summer the national

government has been trying to tackle the problem of over supply and falling property prices. two interest rate cuts later. selling property hasn't got any easier. in the bustling old town there is little appetite for a move to the empty skyscrapers up the road. >> translator: the new town is not as sraoeupt and busy as here in the old town. >> i want to live in the old town, there it's more convenient here, it's in the city. the new town is too far away. >> reporter: in fact, it's here that you find a successful mega project. one of china's biggest developers is spending nearly a billion dollars on a mall, offers and apartment complex. 900 apartments sold already. the management say they would never have invested here if they believed the government were really going to relocate. if the government stays put. then the new town looks consigned to its fate. its creation was approved by china's premier when he was provincial governor here, now his task is to stop its collapse

being repeat ahead cross china's vital but shaky property sector, harry fawcett, al jazerra china. thousands of protesters have marched through tokyo demanding that japan end its use of nuclear power. march 11 will mark the fourth anniversary of the fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown. japan's nuclear reactors were shutdown after the incidents the government is planning to restart a few of them to help boost the economy. the families of two australians facing execution in indonesia are visiting them on death row. >> you know, we are looking forward to seeing him giving him a hug. >> it's the first time the families have seen the men since they have been trans ford a islands prison where they are due to be shot. they were sentenced in to death in 2006 for attempting to snuggle heroin, i understand near's presidentmind year a'spresident will not stop

executions. >> we are continuing to work with the indonesian government to try to get them to appreciate that it's in their best interest and it's in accordance with their best values. not to kill these two aiyegbeni australians who are an asset in the fight against drug crime. they have been doing very good work in the indonesian prison system to try to turn other prisoners against a life of drug crime. so we are continuing to do what we can. >> it's the biggest drug problem facing the united states the trade in heroin and most it have comes from mexico. with demands mexican farmers are planting more poppy fields than ever before n our three-part city adam raney has followed the traffic route in mexico to the united states. he begins his report here. >> reporter: the mountains, a lawless land where the heroin corridor from mexico to the united states begins.

in the folds of these mountains we immediate a woman who leads to us her family plot. a rare glimpse of what people here call their gardens. her husband tends the crop. colorful poppies thousands of them. the key source for heroin. >> reporter: the demand north of the border is why farms like this exist. and there are more and more of them. mexico sees five times as much poppy paste in 2014 compared to the year before. southern guerrero state is a leading producer of raw poppy sap. once collected it's processed in to high-grade heroin. it's delicate time-consuming work but the pay off is higher than for legal crops like avocado. arriving at these beautiful fields of flowers it's easy to forget that these poppies are at

the root of an increasingly lucrative and violent industry. the farmers who asked to us hide their identities, face threats from drug traffickers but also from authorities. >> reporter: the farmers we met say men show up three times a year to buy the poppy sap and they have to agree to whatever price is set. asking for more would be suicide suicide. >> reporter: poppy farmers can earns hundreds of dollars a day in the high season. community leaders say they would prefer to grow fruits and vegetables but need good roads to get them to market.

>> reporter: no support they say, but there is punishment. in recent years mexico's government has stepped up fumigation. the result a whole harvest of poppies lost. some times neighboring legal fields are damaged too. but the flowers continue to flourish. and mexican cartels are now the main source of the heroin found in the united states. and with american users demanding more of the deadly drug the difficult journey out of these mountains is well worth it for the traffickers. adam raney, al jazerra in mexico sierra madre mountains. and in the next part of our series, we spend a day with u.s. border agents who say they are seizing record levels of heroin from smugglers who do almost anything to get their drugs inside the country.

a march for life rally has been held in colombia to support peace talks between the government and fork farq rebels. it they are trying to move land mines. the demining agreement has been declared by both sides as an important step in end being the 50-year civil war. thousands of people have walked across the bridge in selma, alabama to commemorate bloody sunday. 50 years ago demonstrators march of the to demand voting rights for african americans. a peaceful protest that ended in a brutal beating by the police. rob reynolds has more. >> reporter: the day began with prayer and song. giving thanks for freedoms won remembering the cost in lives blood, and broken bones. thousands marched across the

span that made selma a synonym for oppression half a century ago when black demonstrators demanding the right to vote were clubbed down by police. a few blocks away from the speeches and celebrations they enjoyed a quiet family gathering. he remember that his day in 1965. >> when they charged us with the horses and their -- in this -- and their tear gas and they were beating us with sticks and the cattle products and sticking us with cattle products. one of my teachers, they hit her in the head and we was coming back across the bridge and i had to grab her and, you know, escort her back across the bridge. >> reporter: people traveled from around the country to be in selma this day. >> i don't have to face that hostility or that level of oppression. and so i feel that as an african american woman i need to be mindful of the struggles. >> reporter: but amid the chorus

of celebration calls for change. many people in this crowd say they are frustrated by police shootings of unarmed african americans the mass incarceration of black men and the persistence of economic inequality along racial lines. >> we have this black life matters, or black lives matter it's a reminder that there is a system working against us and it is minimizing and all extra sizing a group of people and basically murdering them. >> police brutality is an institutionalized events. it's like mcdonald's on every corner they are killing kids left and right. >> reporter: in selma, run down and abandoned buildings testify to a deep economic decline. jobs are scarce. unemployment is twice the national rate. 42% of people here live below the federal poverty line. still, clem he clemens chappelle has faith in progress.

i am hopeful it will come back. >> reporter: unlike the march across the bridge, the long march to racial justice may never come to an end rob reynolds, al jazerra selma alabama. to bang los bangladesh now where progress has been made in building primary schools for all children. but it's lagging behind when it comes to science and technology. for some kids with clever ideas a tech school is a welcome addition in the capital. we have been to take a look. >> reporter: he says most of his friends probably think he's a little weird. while they tend to spends lunch breaks playing cricket or football he gravitates more towards playing around with wires and circuits. >> my classmates just talk about socker and this and that, i am like the -- i am like the black sheep in the herd you can know. >> reporter: that's why he feels at home at the tech school.

it's just a room with some monitors and a mess of gadgets. but for these youngsters, it's a place to unleash the tech geek inside them. compared to the tech school's bustle bangladesh's schools are maybe catch up. >> in the past years we had to go to the class without any electronic device, just we were the devices, we were the first tech[technical difficulties ] knowledge. we had to use our brain. nothing else. >> reporter: still it's it's things are improving. these days she has a soft spot for teaching using musical presentations. up until about 10 years ago there were hard there any computers to be found in public schools in bangladesh. today that's no longer the case. burr the teachers say just having the computers isn't enough and more knees to be done

done. they just report learning to use computers they are building things. >> they are learning technology at an early age but the technology is not really happening over here. so we want to let these kids to be developers instead of just consumers. >> reporter: their show piece is the batman's gadgets a device that uses sonar to detect obstacles ahead. a tool they hope could one day help the blind. like the school itself. the wrote poe type has a long way to go. but that's not stopping these children from thinking big, al jazerra,. finally, two swiss pilots have embarked on an attempt to fly around the world in a plane powered only by the sun. the flight has never been done in a solar plane. it took off from abu dhabi and will cover a distance of 35,000-kilometers over the course of five months.

the plane weighs about the same as a family car. and is built with 17,000 solar panels. the project hopes to take clean renewable energy to new heights. reminders that you can keep up-to-date with all the news on our website there it is on your screen, the address aljazerra.com. the numbers don't lie, women in america earn less than men, is america short changing women, you meet the men and the women. one of the foremost economists says she has the secret to closing the gap. i'm ali velshi, this is "real money".