Live: Israel calls for evacuations in Lebanon after strikes on Hezbollah
The Israeli military began striking Iran‑backed militant group Hezbollah across Lebanon on Monday, leading to mass evacuations. US and Israeli operations have targeted more than 1,000 Iranian sites, while President Donald Trump vowed strikes will continue until all objectives are met, calling on Iranians to revolt. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates. [Continue Reading]
Tens of Thousands of Lebanese Civilians Evacuate Beirut Amid Israeli Airstrikes and Rising Tensions
In a significant escalation of hostilities, tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians are reportedly evacuating from various neighborhoods in Beirut following a series of Israeli airstrikes and forced displacement orders. This crisis has unfolded amid heightened tensions, including a recent retaliatory attack on Israel by Hezbollah, a major political and military actor in Lebanon. Eyewitness reports from Al Jazeera indicate that heavy traffic has taken over the streets as residents attempt to flee the violence. Residents have described the atmosphere as tense, with many feeling compelled to leave their homes in fear of further attacks. Al Jazeera’s correspondence highlighted the... [Continue Reading]
UK Activates Emergency Evacuation Plans for Citizens Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
With rising tensions in the Middle East following recent US-Israeli military actions against Iranian interests, the UK Foreign Office has activated emergency evacuation plans for British citizens in the region. Approximately 200,000 British nationals are estimated to be currently present, including holidaymakers and business travelers, many of whom have become stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to closed airspace over Dubai. The UK government's decision to prepare an evacuation strategy underscores the volatility of the situation, amplifying the urgency for British citizens in the region to register their whereabouts. Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, has called for... [Continue Reading]
Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Bases and Military Assets in Persian Gulf Following Airstrikes
Following a recent wave of US and Israeli airstrikes aimed at Iran, the situation has dramatically escalated with Iranian missile attacks targeting several countries in the Persian Gulf region. Notably affected are the US military bases in Kuwait, where employees of the defense contractor V2X Inc have reported inadequate safety measures and communication issues regarding evacuation protocols, amidst growing fears for their safety. The Iranian retaliation took place recently, launching missiles not only at US bases in Kuwait but also against military assets in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. According to reports, these strikes followed a round... [Continue Reading]
US contractors in Kuwait decry meager bunkers and pay cuts amid Iran war: ‘We’re treated as expendable’
Employees say they have heard little from major defense contractor V2X Inc about safety and evacuation protocolsEmployees of major defense contractor V2X Inc on US military bases in Kuwait say they lack adequate bunker facilities and have had their pay reduced amid Iranian missile attacks across the Persian Gulf region, while receiving limited communication from their employer about safety and evacuation procedures.The Guardian interviewed three V2X employees on the US bases Camp Arifjan and Camp Buehring in Kuwait, following Iranian missile strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan on Saturday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Israel closes Gaza’s Rafah crossing amid attacks on Iran
The crossing with Egypt is considered vital for delivery of humanitarian aid and evacuation of critically ill patients. [Continue Reading]
Euronews journalists in Dubai report multiple drone attacks on residential areas
Euronews journalists in Dubai report explosions and missile strike on a residential area, with fires engulfing buildings and evacuations underway. Correspondent Jane Witherspoon says panic spread as people fled the Palm tourist district following the latest blasts. [Continue Reading]
US and Israel Launch Airstrikes Against Iran Amid Failed Diplomatic Negotiations
In a dramatic escalation of military tensions in the Middle East, the United States and Israel have initiated significant airstrikes against Iran following failed diplomatic negotiations. The strikes, which began recently, have sent shockwaves through the Iranian capital, Tehran, and raised alarms across the region about possible broader conflict. Initial reports indicate explosions were heard across central Tehran, including near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The current escalation is marked by a series of airstrikes performed jointly by US and Israeli forces, with the US President, Donald Trump, publicly announcing the commencement of "major combat operations"... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan Declares "Open War" Against Afghanistan Amid Escalating Border Violence
In a significant escalation of violence, Pakistan has declared an "open war" against Afghanistan, marking a troubling phase in relations between the two neighboring nations. The statement from Pakistan's Defense Minister comes amid ongoing exchanges of fire across the Durand Line, a border that has historically been contentious. This recent conflict highlights the deteriorating relations between the Pakistani government and the Taliban, which now governs Afghanistan. Reports indicate that sporadic cross-border shelling has resulted in civilian casualties on both sides, intensifying fears of a broader conflict. Local sources indicated that at least 15 confirmed casualties have been recorded, though the... [Continue Reading]
Israel's Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Government from Closing Aid Organizations in Gaza
In a significant ruling, Israel's Supreme Court has intervened in a crucial humanitarian issue by temporarily blocking the government from closing down operations of numerous aid organizations in Gaza. This decision comes amid tensions between local and international bodies over new Israeli regulations that mandate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to disclose the identities of their Palestinian staff. The court's ruling will allow these NGOs, including established entities such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the Norwegian Refugee Council, to continue their operations in Gaza while the matter is under judicial review. The conflict stems from a directive issued in December, mandating 37... [Continue Reading]
China Urges Citizens to Evacuate Iran Amid Heightened Security Risks
In response to increasing security risks in Iran, China has urged its citizens to evacuate the country "as soon as possible." This warning comes as tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened, particularly following the collapse of negotiations surrounding Tehran's nuclear programme. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has highlighted a "significant increase in external security risks," prompting this decisive call to action. The official communication was disseminated through a social media post by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which emphasizes the importance of safety measures for those already in Iran. The ministry stated that "Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar Amid Escalating Military Tensions with Afghanistan
Heightened tensions have escalated into military actions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Pakistan conducting airstrikes in the Afghan capital of Kabul and in Kandahar, recognized as a stronghold of the Taliban leadership. Pakistani officials characterized the conflict as an "open war," an assertion made by Pakistan's Defence Minister following these operations. As reported on Friday, these airstrikes come as retaliatory measures against earlier attacks initiated from Afghan territory against Pakistan. According to reports from both nations, the situation remains highly volatile, particularly along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where ongoing clashes have been noted. Eyewitness accounts from correspondents indicate that these confrontations... [Continue Reading]
Severe flooding in Greater Sydney leaves over 3,000 homes without power and prompts 40 emergency rescues by SES
Greater Sydney has been struck by severe flooding following intense rainfall overnight, which left more than 3,000 homes without power. This calamity resulted from heavy rain that caused substantial flooding across the city, culminating in numerous emergency rescues and the significant disruption of utilities. The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) reported 40 flood rescues were carried out in just three hours, responding to a total of 495 emergency calls. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that weather conditions are set to improve, advising that its severe weather warning has been lifted. The flash floods primarily impacted areas in... [Continue Reading]
Volcano erupts near San Juan de Uraba, Colombia, affecting local water treatment plant and raising community concerns
In a significant geological event, a volcano has erupted near the town of San Juan de Uraba in northern Colombia. The eruption was reported by local firefighters who released images showing volcanic activity affecting a water treatment plant in the area. This unexpected eruption has sent tremors of concern throughout the local population and has raised questions about potential impacts on the surrounding environment and communities. Although specific details regarding the eruption, including precise timings, volcanic activity levels, and the extent of ash fall, have yet to be disclosed, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Experts from the National Unit... [Continue Reading]
Russia Launches Coordinated Drone and Missile Strike on Ukraine's Energy and Railway Infrastructure
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched a coordinated drone and missile strike against Ukraine's energy sector and railway infrastructure. This attack has resulted in numerous injuries, damage to residential buildings, and triggered several fires across affected areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on social media that the assault involved an extensive arsenal, including 420 drones and 39 missiles, among which were 11 ballistic missiles. This incident exemplifies a continuing trend of targeted assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aimed at crippling power supply and prolonging blackouts throughout the nation. The assault unfolded as tensions escalated ahead of crucial... [Continue Reading]
Prime Minister Albanese evacuated from The Lodge following bomb threat reports received by Australian Federal Police
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese experienced a security scare on a recent Tuesday night, leading to his evacuation from The Lodge, the official prime ministerial residence in Canberra. The incident began shortly before 6pm when the Australian Federal Police (AFP) received reports of a bomb threat, prompting immediate action from law enforcement authorities. Prime Minister Albanese was relocated from The Lodge to a secure alternative location shortly after the threat was reported. Authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation over the following hours. The AFP confirmed that the police operation was initiated due to an "alleged security incident" involving a potential explosive device.... [Continue Reading]
Bus crash in central Nepal kills 19, including a British man, after vehicle plunges into Trishuli River gorge
A devastating bus crash in central Nepal has resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, among them a 24-year-old British man. The accident occurred as the bus was en route to the capital, Kathmandu, from the popular tourist destination of Pokhara. Early reports indicate that the vehicle lost control and plunged approximately 200 meters into the Trishuli River gorge in the Dhading district around early Monday morning. The ill-fated bus was carrying a total of 44 passengers, including the driver. Initial investigations by Nepalese authorities revealed that 25 people sustained injuries, with reports confirming that some victims included a Chinese... [Continue Reading]
