Today's best photos: From the Carabinieri's robotic dog to a pricey white buffalo

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

Carabinieri's first remote-controlled robotic dog, Saetta (L), and police's biological dog, Olimpia (R), are deployed after a bomb threat was reported at the Ministry of Culture building, in Rome, Italy, 19 March 2024. The Ministry of Culture was evacuated on 19 March due to a bomb threat. The robotic dog, assigned to Rome's bomb disposal squad, is used to help identify and defuse any explosive devices. EPA / FABIO CIMAGLIA

Somali soldiers stand at attention in Mogadishu. European instructors are conducting training sessions on a range of topics, including urban combat, the detection and disposal of explosive devices, and protective engineering techniques. AFP

Iraqi men take part in a clean-up operation after heavy rains in Dohuk, in Iraq's Kurdish region. AFP

Stumpy the mascot dances near 'Stumpy' the cherry tree at the tidal basin in Washington. The weakened tree is experiencing its last peak bloom before being removed for a renovation project that will rebuild seawalls around Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park. AP

The casket of late former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney lies in state in Ottawa, Ontario. Reuters

Demonstrators from Code Pink raise red-coloured hands as retired Gen Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, waits to appear before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to give evidence about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, in Washington. AP

A South Korean tank takes part in a river-crossing exercise during a joint drill with US forces in Yeoncheon, South Korea. EPA

Cardboard coffins are set up at Piazza del Popolo by the Italian Labour Union during a campaign to draw public attention to work-related deaths, in Rome. EPA

Politicians vote after the conclusion of the readings of the Article 23 National Security Law, in Hong Kong. The city's legislature unanimously passed a national security law on Tuesday that introduces penalties such as life imprisonment for crimes related to treason and insurrection, and up to 20 years' jail for the theft of state secrets. AFP

People pass by a giant Palestinian flag painted on stairs, in the centre of Nantes. AFP

Ko Muang Phet, a white buffalo sold for $500,000, is seen with his new owner Jintanat Limtongkul after a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and members of the Thai Buffalo Breeding Development Association at Government House in Bangkok. AFP

The National

More from the National:

Tuesday's best photos: From a crocodile zoo reopening to Banksy's new work - in pictures

Monday's best photos: From blossoms in Washington DC to St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin

Sunday's best photos: From volcano eruption in Iceland to carnival in Macedonia

Saturday's best photos: From an Ides of March re-enactment in Rome to a tornado in Ohio

Friday's best photos: From Russia's elections to Scotland's Stone of Destiny

Thursday's best photos: From Eid al-Khaliqah in Iraq to Greta Thunberg's removal

Updated: March 20, 2024, 12:05 PM