U.S executes two robbery convict using lethal injection

The U.S. carried out two executions on Thursday, one by lethal injection in Oklahoma and another using nitrogen gas in Alabama, raising the total number of executions in the country this year to 18.

In Oklahoma, Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, was executed by lethal injection for his role in the 1992 murder of Kenneth Meers during a convenience store robbery.

Although Littlejohn admitted to being present, he denied being the shooter, with both he and his accomplice blaming each other.

Despite a recommendation for clemency, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt denied the request, and the execution proceeded.

In Alabama, Alan Miller, 59, was executed by nitrogen gas for a 1999 workplace shooting spree that left three people dead.

This marks only the second time the controversial nitrogen hypoxia method has been used in the U.S., with critics likening it to torture.

The method, first used in January, has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, civil liberties groups, and the White House.

While 23 states have abolished the death penalty, Alabama and Oklahoma continue to carry out executions, even amid concerns about the methods used.