US pressures Europe over diesel reserves as Trump threatens export ban
President Donald Trump has said he may ask European countries to release some of their diesel reserves as Washington considers a ban on US exports of the fuel. The comments came as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European partners to make additional supplies available immediately, saying they should not leave US farmers, truckers and businesses carrying the burden of higher prices. The move has intensified a transatlantic dispute over how to respond to a global diesel shortage.The latest remarks follow talks already held with European partners about possible reserve releases, including a call involving UK and European officials on Thursday.... [Continue Reading]
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Ethiopia and Eritrea sever ties as northern fighting intensifies
More than 50 people have been killed since heavy fighting resumed in northern Ethiopia last week, according to the supplied report, as tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea escalated into a formal diplomatic break. Ethiopia said it was closing its embassy in Asmara and expelling 10 Eritrean diplomats within 48 hours, accusing them of activities that threatened national security. Eritrea then announced that it was severing diplomatic relations, saying Ethiopia's move left it with no choice but to respond in kind.The rupture came after powerful explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa, including near Ethiopia's military headquarters, adding to concern that... [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens Iran over flydubai attack link as UAE probe widens
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be hit very hard if it is found to be linked to the attack on a flydubai flight to Israel. He made the comments as investigators in the United Arab Emirates continued to examine whether the incident involved terrorism, after passengers helped stop the aircraft from crashing and it made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight later carried its mostly Israeli passengers on to Israel.Trump told reporters at the White House that, based on what he was hearing, the answer to whether Iran was involved was yes, while stressing... [Continue Reading]
Russia strikes Kyiv bridge and civilian sites as death toll rises
Russian airstrikes hit Kyiv's Southern Bridge on Friday, according to the city's mayor, in a renewed wave of attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Officials also said a school and apartment buildings were targeted, with fires reported in the city. At least one person was killed and two others were injured in a strike on an apartment building, authorities said.The bridge strike added to disruption across the capital, with traffic on the Southern Bridge and the Paton Bridge closed in both directions while authorities redirected transport along alternative routes. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian drones had also struck a school, and... [Continue Reading]
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South Korea threatens further action over Ukraine POW disclosure row
President Lee Jae Myung has threatened unspecified further action if Ukraine does not issue a public apology over the disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war had been sent to South Korea. The dispute centres on remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly last week, which Seoul says should have remained confidential. South Korean officials say the revelation has created a diplomatic row over the handling of the prisoners and the safety of their families.Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, has described the matter as a diplomatic misunderstanding and said Kyiv is working to resolve... [Continue Reading]
US unblocks $320 million in military aid to Egypt amid regional security concerns
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has waived a restriction on $320 million in military aid to Egypt, unlocking funds that had been withheld over human rights concerns. The decision was announced by the US State Department on Thursday and was described as being in the interest of US national security. The waiver covers foreign military financing within Washington's annual assistance package to Cairo.The department said the determination reflected Egypt's importance to US national security interests and the concrete security cooperation it provides. In a letter to lawmakers, Rubio cited Egypt's helpful role in dealing with Iran since the conflict... [Continue Reading]
Iran urges Iraq to lift flight restrictions amid US sanctions pressure
Iran has called on Iraq to remove remaining flight restrictions affecting travel between the two countries, saying the curbs are linked to US sanctions and are disrupting air transport. The appeal came after services partially resumed at Najaf airport earlier in the week, while flights remained suspended at Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah airports. The dispute has affected passenger movement, including pilgrim travel between Shia-majority areas in both countries.In a statement on Thursday, Iran's Foreign Ministry described Washington's sanctions enforcement as illegal and inhumane, and said the restrictions were being imposed through extraterritorial pressure on aviation and trade. It urged Baghdad... [Continue Reading]
US sends third aircraft carrier toward Iran amid wider military buildup
The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier toward waters around Iran as part of a broader military buildup in the Middle East. A US official said the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group left San Diego on Sunday and was followed a day later by the Makin Island Marine Expeditionary Force. The deployment comes as Washington keeps military options open while also leaving room for diplomacy.The official said the Makin Island force is carrying more than 2,000 Marines. By the end of November, three aircraft carriers and two amphibious landing groups are expected to be positioned around Iran,... [Continue Reading]
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Chagos sovereignty deal stalls amid fears of further delays
Renewed talks over the stalled UK-Mauritius agreement on the Chagos archipelago have revived hopes of eventual resettlement, but many displaced Chagossians say time is running out. In Mauritius, campaigners described the delay as deeply painful for older islanders who fear they may never return to their homeland. The treaty, signed in May 2025, has still not entered into force.The agreement would transfer sovereignty over the archipelago to Mauritius while allowing the United Kingdom to retain rights over the Diego Garcia military base for an initial 99-year period. It also provides for the resettlement of Chagossians on islands other than Diego... [Continue Reading]
Israeli drone strike in southern Gaza and settler shooting near Ramallah kill two Palestinians
An Israeli drone strike in southern Gaza and a settler shooting in the occupied West Bank have killed two Palestinians, according to medical and official Palestinian statements. The Gaza strike hit a tent sheltering displaced people in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, while the West Bank killing took place in the village of Yasuf, north of Ramallah. The incidents came as violence continued across both territories on Thursday.In Gaza, the body of Tamer al-Hamayda, 42, and three wounded people were taken to Nasser Medical Complex after the drone strike, medical personnel said. The strike hit a tent used by displaced... [Continue Reading]
Flydubai flight makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after cockpit assault
A Flydubai passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in northwestern Saudi Arabia after an altercation in the cockpit, according to Saudi authorities. The aircraft was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk on Wednesday, where it landed safely. Saudi officials later said the captain had been assaulted by the co-pilot and that both men were injured.Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry said the plane arrived at 9:45am local time with 174 passengers and eight crew members on board. The ministry said the emergency landing followed a preliminary investigation into the incident, which involved a... [Continue Reading]
Putin rules out ceasefire on long-range strikes and renews Kaliningrad nuclear warning
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out a ceasefire on long-range strikes with Ukraine and renewed his warning that Russia could use nuclear weapons if needed to defend Kaliningrad. He made the remarks at the Valdai political forum in Moscow, where he also said Russia preferred to end the war through talks and wanted Ukraine to be neutral after hostilities end. The comments come as Moscow intensifies aerial attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.Putin dismissed the idea of a reciprocal pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, calling it "ridiculous" in comments reported from the forum. He said Ukrainian... [Continue Reading]
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ICC ends insurer contract amid looming US sanctions pressure
The International Criminal Court has ended its contract with French insurer Axa with immediate effect, as the court faces mounting pressure linked to possible United States sanctions. The move means the Hague-based court will switch to another health insurance provider. It comes after weeks of growing concern that financial restrictions could affect the court's operations.The decision was first reported on Thursday and was later confirmed by an ICC spokesperson, who said the court and Axa had agreed by mutual consent to terminate the relationship. According to the supplied report, the two sides had spent months in talks but were unable... [Continue Reading]
Drumcree parade dispute intensifies as talks resume and US politicians urge intervention
Talks have resumed at Hillsborough Castle between representatives of the Orange Order and residents linked to Garvaghy Road as the long-running Drumcree parade dispute enters another tense phase. The discussions come after the march was blocked and amid renewed political pressure over whether the parade should be allowed to proceed. A separate legal challenge by residents has also been delayed, adding to the uncertainty around the immediate next steps.A bipartisan group of members of the US Congress has written to Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant, urging him to stop the Orange Order march on Garvaghy Road. In their letter, the... [Continue Reading]
Saudi-led coalition says power station attacked in Medina, blames Houthis
The Saudi-led coalition has accused Yemen's Houthis of attacking an electricity facility in Medina, in western Saudi Arabia. The coalition said the power distribution station supplies electricity to the Masjid an-Nabawi, one of Islam's holiest sites. It said the incident took place on Tuesday and that one transformer was taken out of service, but the wider electricity network was not affected.According to the coalition, an investigation and examination of drone wreckage pointed to Houthi planning and execution. The Houthis denied the accusation, with a military source quoted by a Houthi-run outlet calling it a lie. The same source said the... [Continue Reading]
UK counter-terror police arrest dual UK-Iranian man as RAF Fairford inquiry widens
Counter-terrorism police in the United Kingdom have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of the investigation into the security incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Officers said the man was detained on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. A second British man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution.Police said the latest arrest forms part of a wider inquiry that began after a major response near the air base over the weekend. Five men in their twenties were previously arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosive offences and later released on police bail. Senior counter-terrorism coordinator Vicki... [Continue Reading]
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FlyDubai flight bound for Israel plunges after in-flight stabbing, landing safely in Saudi Arabia
A FlyDubai aircraft carrying 174 people was forced into an emergency situation after the copilot allegedly stabbed the pilot while the plane was flying near Israel. The aircraft, which had departed Dubai and was heading to Tel Aviv, reportedly dropped about 4,300 metres in 30 seconds before the situation was brought under control. It later landed safely in Saudi Arabia.According to the supplied material, the attack took place when the plane was already close to Israel and flying over Jordan. Israeli authorities said the copilot tried to take control of the aircraft and intended to bring it down, while the... [Continue Reading]
Musk to co-lead Pentagon Project Meridian study on the future of warfare
The Pentagon has announced a new study on the future of warfare called Project Meridian, with Elon Musk named as one of its co-leaders. The announcement was made by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth at Quantico military base on Wednesday. Hegseth said the project would bring together America's innovators, senior leaders and technologists to examine how warfare may evolve.Musk will co-lead the effort with Palmer Luckey, the co-founder of defence technology company Anduril Industries, and Newt Gingrich, the former Republican House speaker. The Pentagon described the initiative as a study rather than an operational programme, but gave no further detail on... [Continue Reading]
China-aligned hackers impersonate AI experts to target US and Japan policy minds
A China-aligned hacking group has been posing as artificial intelligence experts and former US officials in a phishing campaign aimed at policy specialists in the United States and Japan. Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint said the group, known as TA419, used the impersonations to try to draw victims to fake login pages and steal their credentials. The campaign has been active since April 2025, according to the report.Proofpoint said the hackers sent emails that appeared harmless at first, including invitations to join an "AI Policy Advisory Committee". Once a target replied, the attackers redirected them to a fraudulent sign-in page designed to... [Continue Reading]
Russia plans record 2027 military spending increase amid NATO tensions
Russian government documents reportedly show that Moscow is planning a sharp rise in defence spending in 2027, with 17.1 trillion roubles earmarked for the military. That would be a 27% increase on the 13.5 trillion roubles originally budgeted, according to the documents seen by Reuters. The reported plan comes as Russian officials continue to warn of heightened tensions with NATO and what they describe as hostile activity against Europe.The documents also indicate that defence spending over the next three years would total 50 trillion roubles. In the same reporting, Moscow accused NATO of taking a "dangerous and reckless course" that... [Continue Reading]
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Finland probes suspected break-ins at MPs' homes as possible foreign interference
Finnish police are investigating multiple reports of suspected break-ins at the homes of members of parliament in the Helsinki area. The incidents are said to have taken place over the past year, and investigators say nothing was stolen. Officials have described the case as a possible national security concern because of the people targeted and the pattern of the alleged intrusions.Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said a foreign power could be responsible, calling that possibility "very possible" and saying the matter would be taken seriously by both police and the government. He linked the issue to the risk of election interference,... [Continue Reading]
Blasts heard in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia conflict widens northward
Three diplomatic sources said explosions were heard overnight in Addis Ababa, after the capital had already imposed a ban on drone flying in the city and surrounding areas. A source linked to the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival said the coalition carried out several drone strikes in the capital, including some aimed near military headquarters. There has been no independent confirmation of the cause of the blasts, and officials have not publicly confirmed any damage or casualties.The reported strikes come as fighting in northern Ethiopia continues to intensify, with government forces said to be advancing toward Mekelle, the regional... [Continue Reading]
WA Police ban at least six protesters from Perth defence expo security zone
Western Australian police have barred at least six people from protesting inside the security zone for next week's Land Forces defence expo in Perth. The event is due to open on Tuesday at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and is expected to draw about 20,000 delegates. The bans were issued before the expo begins, as police start using new temporary powers granted under legislation passed last month.The people affected have received letters from police telling them they are excluded from the security area. A letter seen by the ABC warned that entering the zone could lead to arrest, a... [Continue Reading]
OpenAI reviews report of failed hacking attempt against Canada's national archives agency
OpenAI says it is reviewing a report of a failed hacking attempt against Canada's national archives agency, after a separate research lab said it had identified related rudimentary attempts against Canadian and US government-related targets. The company said it had already provided an initial briefing to Canadian officials. The incident has added to concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in cyber operations.A spokesperson for the San Francisco-based company said much of the activity under review involved routine research tasks, including accessing public web content. Canada's government-run Cyber Centre said earlier this week that there were no indications government systems... [Continue Reading]
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Gaza prepares burial of remains of 105 people killed in 2023 Israeli strike
Palestinians in Gaza are preparing to bury the remains of 105 people recovered from the site of a devastating Israeli attack in Gaza City in October 2023. Coffins containing the remains are due to be carried in a funeral procession involving family members before burial in Sheikh Radwan cemetery, northwest of Gaza City. The recovery and burial process is taking place more than two years after the strike on the Yarmouk Square neighbourhood.The victims were killed in a series of Israeli air strikes on the afternoon of 25 October 2023, when at least 20 bombs levelled the seven-storey Al Taj... [Continue Reading]
Russia continues strikes on Ukraine's energy grid as Zelenskyy visits frontline
Russia continued overnight attacks on Ukraine, with damage reported in Kyiv and Odesa and other areas hit in what officials described as a heavy combined strike on energy sites. The latest assault was reported as part of an air campaign against Ukraine's power grid and other infrastructure. It comes amid renewed pressure on the country's energy system as colder months approach.The supporting report said infrastructure damage was reported overnight in Kyiv and Odesa, with power facilities and other sites around Kyiv and in other regions affected. It described the attack as the heaviest combined strike on energy sites in months.... [Continue Reading]
Two Riverside County men charged in Oceanside Pier hate crime attacks; third suspect pleads guilty
A federal indictment unsealed in San Diego charges two alleged white supremacists from Riverside County with hate crimes tied to racially motivated attacks at the Oceanside pier in June 2025. The case involves attacks on two U.S. The defendants are identified as Austin Yohe and Daniel Burns. They are also charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to Riverside court personnel, local law enforcement officers in Oceanside, and FBI agents about their roles in the assault. The FBI arrested Yohe yesterday afternoon in Riverside, California. At approximately the same time, Burns was taken into custody at an associate's home... [Continue Reading]
French school protests spread nationwide as detentions and injuries rise
French school protests have widened across the country, with security forces detaining 625 people on Wednesday during blockades and clashes outside high schools. The unrest, which began last week in the Paris region, has now spread to cities including Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Lille. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the movement had expanded and condemned what he described as an escalation of violence outside some schools.Officials said 83 police officers and gendarmes were wounded on Wednesday, while the Education Minister, Edouard Geffray, said 119 students and staff members have been injured since the unrest began. The protests affected 356 schools,... [Continue Reading]
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Deadly landslides and heavy rain in Nepal strand trekkers and destroy infrastructure
Another wave of landslides and heavy rain has killed about 30 people in Nepal, as the Himalayan country continues to deal with the effects of severe flooding earlier this year. The latest weather-related disaster has hit mountain districts and transport links, leaving roads, buildings and bridges swept away in several areas. Hundreds of trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit have also been forced to cut short their journeys and move to safety.Nepal's national disaster management authority says more than 1,900 families have been affected since late last week, with more than 240 homes damaged. The worst-hit districts mentioned in the report... [Continue Reading]
Mexico-born Utah Business Owner Admits Laundering Over $17M in Drug Proceeds
An illegal alien from Mexico and former Salt Lake County business owner and operator of Multiservicios Lokos, LLC, admitted to involvement in laundering over $17 million in drug proceeds. The admission was announced in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of a Homeland Security Task Force-led investigation. The source identifies the woman only as an illegal alien from Mexico and a former business owner and operator of Multiservicios Lokos, LLC. It says the case concerns laundering activity tied to drug proceeds exceeding $17 million. No additional facts are provided on the timing of the admission, any court filing, sentencing exposure,... [Continue Reading]
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Norway parliament opens probe into 11 senior officials over Epstein-linked files and grants
Norway's parliament has opened an investigation into 11 current and former senior officials over alleged ties and state grants linked to Jeffrey Epstein-related files. The hearing began on Wednesday and includes Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who has denied any wrongdoing. The case has drawn attention because it involves both senior political figures and public funding decisions.The inquiry centres on reports that the Foreign Ministry allocated more than 130 million kroner, or about $13.5 million, to the International Peace Institute between 1997 and 2018. The institute was led from 2005 to 2020 by Terje Rod-Larsen, a prominent Norwegian diplomat and... [Continue Reading]
Trump to announce $200bn in South Korean energy investments, including Alaska LNG project
United States President Donald Trump is expected to announce $200bn in investments from South Korea, with $54bn earmarked for a liquefied natural gas project in Alaska. The announcement is due to be made at the White House on Wednesday, according to the supplied material. It comes as Trump seeks to highlight his administration's economic record during a heated midterm election season.A White House spokeswoman said the president will announce major energy infrastructure investments that, in her words, deliver on his promises to expand American energy production, unlock Alaska's resource potential and accelerate a nuclear energy push. The Alaska project is... [Continue Reading]
United States removes Syria from arms export ban list
The United States has removed Syria from its list of countries barred from buying or importing US weapons, marking another step in Washington's easing of restrictions on the country. The change means defence articles and defence services can now be reviewed for Syria on a case-by-case basis. The move was set out in an amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, published on Wednesday.According to the notice, the Secretary of State approved a new defence trade policy for Syria on 19 August 2026. That policy allows the review of transfers of defence articles and services to Syria... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes kill at least seven in Gaza as ceasefire tensions deepen
Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least seven Palestinians in separate attacks across the enclave, according to health officials and medics cited in the supplied material. The latest incidents were reported in Gaza City, Khan Younis and near Qarara, adding to a series of deadly strikes during the ongoing conflict. Among those killed was a local journalist, Mohammad Al-Najar, who died near a mosque in Khan Younis.In Gaza City, medics said an airstrike on an apartment killed one woman and wounded her husband and several others. Another strike on a vehicle in the Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood killed at least... [Continue Reading]
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Hundreds of Israelis enter Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Sukkot amid access restrictions
Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on the fifth day of Sukkot, according to the supplied report. The visits took place under police protection and came during a period of heightened tension at one of the most sensitive religious sites in the city. Palestinian Muslim access remained restricted during the holiday period, the report said.Jerusalem's Islamic Waqf Department said about 700 Israelis entered the compound on Wednesday, including former lawmaker Moshe Feiglin. The report said some participants performed Jewish religious rituals and sang inside the compound, which it described as a violation of the... [Continue Reading]
Pentagon says US troop withdrawal from Iraq is complete
The Pentagon has said the final United States and coalition troops deployed to Iraq for the anti-ISIL mission have left the country. The departure was described as an orderly exit from Erbil Airbase in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. The announcement marks the end of a long withdrawal process and a further step in Iraq's security transition.Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell said the remaining US troops, other international coalition forces and equipment had all departed from Erbil. He said the move represented the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIL as an organised military threat in Iraq and across the... [Continue Reading]
Department of Justice indicts ten defendants in Minnesota voter fraud case
Attorney General Todd Blanche, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that a federal grand jury indicted ten defendants separately on September 24, 2026, for voter fraud in Minnesota. The announcement said all ten defendants have already made their initial appearances in federal court. No further details on the alleged conduct, court locations, or any additional charges were provided in the source text. The case is a federal voting-fraud prosecution involving ten separately indicted defendants. The source does not identify the defendants, describe the factual basis for the indictments, or state any... [Continue Reading]
MI5 warns UK universities over China-linked research funding and espionage risk
MI5 has issued a public warning to UK universities and academics over a China-linked organisation it says has funded research that may be feeding Beijing's intelligence services. The security service said more than 100 academics linked to British institutions had contributed to projects connected to the group, which it identified as China General Technology Research Institute, also known as the China Academy of General Technology. It said continuing ties could expose institutions and individuals to criminal liability for helping a foreign state.Security minister Dan Jarvis said the warning showed attempts by Chinese intelligence agencies to use British academic research to... [Continue Reading]
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Oil flows through Strait of Hormuz recover as Iran-US talks continue
Crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz have recovered to nearly 80% of pre-war levels, according to the latest tanker-tracking data cited in the supplied report. The improvement comes as Iran and the United States, with mediators, continue efforts to end seven months of hostilities. Even so, the waterway remains far from normal, with tanker insurance costs and wider geopolitical risk still elevated.The report says Middle East crude exports reached an estimated 16.328 million barrels per day in September, the highest level since the war began in late February. Flows through the Strait of Hormuz itself were expected to reach... [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu faces fresh October 7 warning allegations as election pressure builds
A fresh report has intensified scrutiny of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over claims that he was warned before the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack. According to the latest account, Egypt's intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, is said to have phoned Netanyahu days before the assault, adding to earlier media reports that the United Arab Emirates also issued a warning in the week before the attack. The allegations have emerged as Israel heads towards a parliamentary election on October 27, keeping the issue of security failures at the centre of the campaign.The report says Kamel had also travelled to Israel in... [Continue Reading]
South Korea demands apology over DMZ blasts as North Korea denies planting mines
South Korea has demanded a formal apology from North Korea over landmine explosions in the Demilitarised Zone that injured three soldiers earlier this month. The latest exchange centres on the western section of the border buffer zone, where the blasts took place on 21 September near the military demarcation line. Seoul says the incident was a clear violation of the armistice that ended active fighting in the Korean War.Kang Hyunwoo, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff's director of operations, said the military strongly urged Pyongyang to apologise and take responsible measures to prevent a repeat. Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul... [Continue Reading]
Hurricane Polo Brings Flooding and Structural Damage After Category 3 Landfall in Mexico
Flooding and damage have been reported in parts of Mexico after Hurricane Polo made landfall as a Category 3 storm. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to affected areas, with streets submerged in water in some locations. Images from the scene also showed residents clearing fallen branches and debris from their properties.Several buildings were damaged, including roofs that collapsed under the force of the storm. The available reports do not give a full count of affected homes or businesses, but the visual evidence points to widespread disruption in the areas hit by the system. The storm's impact was... [Continue Reading]
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Tokyo closes mixed as Nikkei extends gains while commodities and risk assets retreat
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific trading ended with a split tone, as the Nikkei 225 and Nikkei-linked ETF advanced while Hong Kong and Seoul fell. The session also featured a sharp drop in commodities, including gold, silver, crude oil and natural gas, alongside a firmer yen and a softer USD/CNY. The move points to a market that is still rotating across regions and asset classes rather than moving in one clear direction. [Continue Reading]
G20 trade ministers meet in Milwaukee amid tariff tensions and limited breakthrough hopes
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended Washington's trade approach in Milwaukee on Tuesday, saying the administration is "not anti-trade." He said countries are facing similar challenges linked to global overcapacity and what he described as non-market policies. The comments came as G20 trade ministers opened two days of talks in the city, with tariffs and trade frictions expected to dominate the discussions. The meeting brings together officials from the Group of 20 major economies, including China, India, Russia, Japan, Germany and France, as well as the European Union and the African Union.Analysts quoted ahead of the talks said they did... [Continue Reading]
Malaysia begins repatriating Myanmar nationals amid UN and rights warnings
Malaysia has begun sending back about 1,500 Myanmar nationals from detention centres, according to the supplied material, as it launches a wider repatriation plan covering 5,000 people. The first group was processed at Lumut naval base before boarding buses under police escort to the Majlis Perbandaran Manjung stadium, where the operation was under way on Tuesday. The move has prompted renewed concern from the UN and rights groups, who say some of those returned could face danger in Myanmar.The interior ministry said the repatriations were part of a government plan to resolve what it called a long-standing "legacy issue" involving... [Continue Reading]
Iran urges US voters to reject Trump allies as troops leave Iraq
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stepped up its political messaging to Americans as United States forces were due to withdraw from their remaining bases in neighbouring Iraq. In a 26-page letter published on Monday, the force urged US voters to remove President Donald Trump's allies from Congress and reject support for Israel and military intervention abroad. The intervention came as Qatar continued shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the seven-month war between Iran and the United States.The letter, which was published by Iranian media, called on Americans to use their political power to change the direction of US policy. It... [Continue Reading]
Zaporizhzhia steelworks shut indefinitely after repeated Russian missile strikes
Ukraine's Zaporizhstal steelworks has been shut down indefinitely after four waves of Russian missile attacks in August and September, according to the company. The plant, in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, was hit repeatedly despite efforts to restart operations after earlier damage. The attacks have left the site severely damaged and raised fresh concerns about the future of one of Ukraine's most important industrial employers.The company said Russia fired a total of 17 missiles at the steelworks. Eight workers were killed and 31 others were wounded in the strikes, according to Oleksandr Myronenko, chief operating officer of the plant's owner,... [Continue Reading]
UN extends Haiti gang suppression force mandate until March 2027
The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti until 31 March 2027. The decision comes as armed criminal groups continue to control much of Port-au-Prince and violence remains stubbornly high. China, Russia and Pakistan abstained from the vote.The force is currently operating at about 30% of its intended size, with around 1,500 troops on the ground and a further 4,000 expected in the coming months, according to the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, who co-sponsored the resolution. Waltz said the council was trying to do something "genuinely different"... [Continue Reading]
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US sanctions 10 entities over alleged support for Iran's military procurement
The United States has sanctioned 10 individuals and companies across China, Pakistan, Turkiye, Iran and Saudi Arabia, accusing them of helping procure weapons and parts for Iran's military. The action was announced by the US Treasury on Tuesday and is part of a wider campaign to restrict Tehran's access to global markets. Officials said the measures are intended to make it harder for Iran to rebuild weapons programmes.The Treasury said the sanctioned network included representatives and technology firms based in China, Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, while three of the designated entities were in Iran. It said the group had... [Continue Reading]
Last US troops leave Iraq after more than two decades
The last remaining US troops have left Iraq, bringing to an end a military presence that began in 2003. The withdrawal marks the close of more than two decades of deployment in a country that has faced repeated instability since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Iraqi officials now face the task of managing future security challenges without the same direct US military footprint.The departure was confirmed in a report published on 29 September 2026, which said the US military presence in Iraq had come to an end. The deployment began when US forces entered Iraq in 2003 to remove Saddam... [Continue Reading]
Trump rejects AI safety cooperation with China after Xi summit
Donald Trump has rejected calls for the United States to work with China on artificial intelligence governance, saying such cooperation would help Chinese firms catch up. He made the comments in Washington while speaking at an event to launch an AI-powered government website, shortly before hosting a lunch with AI industry leaders at the White House. The remarks came after he said he had discussed AI with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit last week.Trump said he did not want to do much on the issue with Beijing, arguing that a joint approach would give China access to knowledge... [Continue Reading]
Russian Tu-95 bomber crashes in Amur region during training flight, killing six crew members
A Russian military Tu-95 bomber crashed in the far eastern Amur region on Tuesday during a training flight, killing six crew members and injuring one other person. The aircraft went down in an uninhabited area, according to the Russian defence ministry. Officials said the plane was not carrying ammunition at the time of the crash.The ministry said the injured crew member was evacuated to a medical facility. It added that preliminary assessments point to a technical malfunction as the likely cause. Authorities have opened a criminal case, and an investigative commission from Russia's Aerospace Forces has been sent to the... [Continue Reading]
EU warns of very high winter energy prices amid war-driven market pressure
The European Union's energy commissioner has warned that the bloc is heading into a difficult winter with very high oil and gas prices. Dan Jorgensen made the comments after an informal meeting of EU energy ministers in Dublin, where he said the outlook was being shaped by the war between the United States and Iran and by the conflict in Ukraine. He said there was no forecast of security of supply problems, but described the price environment as challenging.Jorgensen said the EU had already paid an extra €100bn for energy this year without receiving any additional gas or oil. He... [Continue Reading]
Estonia says Russia ordered arson attack on defence firm Milrem Robotics
Estonia has said an August arson attack on the defence company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn was ordered by Russian special services, in a case that has sharpened tensions between Moscow and NATO's Baltic flank. The company supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine, placing it at the centre of Estonia's support for Kyiv. The Kremlin has rejected the allegation.Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said investigators had concluded with certainty that the fire was an act of sabotage ordered by the Russian Federation's special services. He said the perpetrators had been apprehended and no longer posed a threat, and that Estonia had... [Continue Reading]
Iranians stock up on food and medicine as fears grow over US embargo and renewed fighting
People in Tehran are stocking up on food and medicine as fears rise that tighter US pressure on Iran could disrupt imports and trigger shortages. Shoppers in the capital have been watching shelves closely as anxiety grows over the prospect of renewed fighting and further restrictions on trade. The concern comes as the war enters its eighth month and diplomatic prospects appear to be fading.The reported pressure includes a US naval blockade, a move toward stricter sanctions and a ban on Iranian airlines worldwide. The United States is also pressing other countries to cut trade ties with Iran, according to... [Continue Reading]
Israeli ministers launch West Bank settlement as election campaign hardens
Israeli ministers have launched a new illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank in an event that doubled as a campaign rally ahead of the October 27 election. The ceremony took place at Metzoke Eretz, where senior politicians used the occasion to project a hard line on settlement expansion. The move comes amid a broader escalation in election rhetoric, with leading figures seeking to appeal to voters through displays of toughness.According to the supplied report, the settlement launch took place on September 23 and was attended by ministers and members of parliament. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was among those present,... [Continue Reading]
Sabotage halts gas flow on Syria pipeline near Deir ez-Zor
A fire broke out on Monday evening after an explosion on a gas pipeline between the Al-Shoula area and Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria, halting gas flow to power stations. Syrian authorities said the blast was caused by sabotage. The incident affected a pipeline linked to the Al-Jabsah plant, one of the country's main gas processing facilities.The official news agency quoted a Syrian Petroleum Company official as saying the fire stopped gas flow from the Al-Jabsah plant to power stations. Authorities did not immediately say who was responsible. The report said the explosion involved a sectional valve on the pipeline,... [Continue Reading]
UAE confirms Netanyahu met Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi amid regional tensions
The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed that President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The acknowledgement came from the UAE state news agency and appeared to be the first public confirmation from Abu Dhabi that the meeting took place. Israel later said Netanyahu had travelled to the UAE to discuss the war with Iran and wider regional issues.According to the brief official statement, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Israel and ways to strengthen and develop them. Netanyahu's office said the visit focused on strengthening... [Continue Reading]
Israeli settlers torch two homes in Jalud village in occupied West Bank
Israeli settlers attacked two homes in Jalud, a village south of Nablus in the northern West Bank, and set them on fire, according to local sources cited in the supplied material. The homes belonged to the Al-Tubasi family. The attack took place hours after the family had returned under an Israeli court decision following nearly two months of forced displacement.The fires caused extensive damage to both homes, the sources said. The report also said Israeli forces were present in the area and provided protection to the settlers. Additional military reinforcements were sent to Jalud during the incident, according to the... [Continue Reading]
Putin signs decree adding 15,500 troops to Russian army
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the authorised size of the Russian armed forces by 15,500 personnel. The order is the fourth expansion decree issued this year and raises the official strength of the army to 2,441,630 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel. The move comes as Russia's war in Ukraine continues and battlefield conditions remain fluid.The decree follows earlier orders in March, June and July, bringing the combined increase since March to 47,860 soldiers. The president did not give a public explanation for the decision. The timing is notable because it comes amid reports of rising losses... [Continue Reading]
Australia raises interest rates to 15-year high amid inflation pressure
Australia's central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate to a 15-year high, increasing borrowing costs for households and businesses across the country. The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6%, the highest level since 2011. The move comes as policymakers continue to confront persistent inflation and renewed pressure on energy prices.The bank said inflation remained elevated and that previously identified upside risks had materialised. In a statement, its monetary board said there were heightened uncertainties about domestic economic activity and inflation. It added that the unresolved Middle East conflict and global oil... [Continue Reading]
Myanmar airstrike kills at least 49 near market in Rakhine state
The death toll from an airstrike near a market in Myanmar's Rakhine state has risen to at least 49, according to the Arakan Army and a senior rescue official. The attack took place in Kyauktaw township, in territory controlled by the armed group, and injured 58 others. The strike hit a busy civilian area around noon local time, according to the accounts provided.The Arakan Army said a fighter jet dropped two bombs near the local market, killing vendors, shoppers and pedestrians. Wai Hun Aung, a senior rescue official in Rakhine, confirmed the casualties and said the market was the region's... [Continue Reading]
US import ban on Canadian alcohol, dairy and motorcycles takes effect amid trade dispute
A US ban on several Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, has come into force, marking a new step in the trade dispute between the two countries. The measure affects goods shipped from Canada to the United States and follows a breakdown in trade talks earlier this month. It comes after the Trump administration announced the restrictions in executive orders signed on 8 September.The latest action is being enforced in response to Canada's tariffs on a range of US goods. According to the supporting material, the US says the move is tied to what it describes as continued... [Continue Reading]
Italian court convicts three Egyptian security officials in Giulio Regeni kidnapping case
An Italian court has convicted three Egyptian security officials in absentia over the kidnapping of Giulio Regeni, the Italian student whose death in Egypt in 2016 triggered years of diplomatic tension. The men were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated kidnapping, while a fourth defendant was acquitted. The ruling was delivered on Monday in Rome and marks a major new step in a case that has remained unresolved for a decade.Regeni, a postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge, disappeared in Cairo in January 2016 while researching union activity among street vendors. His body was later found... [Continue Reading]
India releases American Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainians after months in jail
India has temporarily released American Matthew VanDyke on bail and freed six Ukrainian nationals after more than six months in detention over allegations linked to weapons and drone smuggling. VanDyke returned to the United States on Saturday morning and reunited with his family, according to a family spokesperson. The releases mark a significant development in a case that had drawn attention in both India and the United States.VanDyke, 47, was detained in March by Indian authorities along with the six Ukrainians. Prosecutors earlier this month declined to bring terrorism charges against him and the others, instead formally accusing them of... [Continue Reading]
Trump backs possible US diesel export ban as fuel prices surge
US President Donald Trump has said he would back a ban on diesel producers selling overseas, as fuel prices remain near record highs and governments assess the possible fallout. The proposal comes amid tight global supplies and concern that any restriction on exports from the United States could ripple through transport and food supply chains. Diesel is a key fuel for freight trucks, farm machinery and cargo trains, making it especially sensitive for both consumers and businesses.Average US diesel prices are hovering around $6.45 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association, with some reports putting the figure above $6.50.... [Continue Reading]
North Korea opens first road bridge to Russia as China link nears completion
North Korea has opened its first road bridge to Russia, with trucks already using the crossing to move cargo between the two countries. The bridge spans the Tumen River and is about 1 kilometre long, according to the supplied report. A second bridge linking North Korea and China is also nearing completion, adding to a small but strategically significant expansion of cross-border infrastructure.The Russia bridge was opened on 7 September, and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin described it as a "powerful impetus" for trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation. He also called the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang "unprecedented".... [Continue Reading]
Iran protests US aviation sanctions as Najaf-Iran flights resume
Iran has filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization over US aviation sanctions, while Iraqi Airways has resumed commercial flights between Najaf and Iranian airports. The developments came on Monday after Najaf and three other Iraqi airports temporarily suspended flights because of fears that aviation services linked to Tehran could trigger secondary sanctions. The resumption restores at least one regional route that had been disrupted by the sanctions pressure.According to Iran's civil aviation authorities, the complaint was lodged earlier in the day and coordinated with the foreign ministry. The head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, Abuzar Shiroudi,... [Continue Reading]
France declares Gironde megafire extinguished after 69 days
France has declared the massive wildfire in Gironde extinguished after burning for 69 days in the southwest of the country. The fire began in July near the village of Saumos and spread across a wide area of forest land before being brought under control on 1 August. Authorities said the blaze is now out after continuing to smoulder underground for weeks.State services said the Saumos forest fire burned 42,000 hectares this summer, including 37,296 hectares that were destroyed. They also said no deaths were reported. The fire forced the evacuation of around 224,000 people and sent a thick plume of... [Continue Reading]
Somali army clashes with local forces in Baidoa as civilians are stranded
Intense fighting has broken out in the Somali city of Baidoa between government forces and fighters loyal to the ousted regional president. The clashes were reported on Monday in South West State, with fighter jets and drones also seen during the violence. Civilians were left stranded as they tried to flee or reach hospitals, according to accounts from the city.A senior army commander said the national army confronted the fighters, inflicted heavy casualties and drove them out of the city. He said the local fighters had vehicles loaded with explosives and explosive drones. The commander's account was given as the... [Continue Reading]
Iran claims attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz as US warships move farther offshore
Iran has claimed that attacks on ships, including US Navy vessels, near the Strait of Hormuz have pushed US warships farther from the Iranian coast. The claim comes amid continuing tension in one of the world's most sensitive maritime chokepoints, where shipping routes and military movements remain closely watched. The latest statements also follow reports that US vessels have shifted position into deeper waters in the central Arabian Sea.The immediate trigger for the renewed focus is reporting that eight US Marines suffered smoke inhalation and possible traumatic brain injuries after an Iranian antiship cruise missile strike on 14 September. US... [Continue Reading]
North Korea envoy speaks at UN General Assembly wearing Kim family brooch
North Korea's vice foreign minister, Kim Son Gyong, addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday while wearing a brooch featuring the faces of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung. The appearance drew attention because the two former leaders are treated in North Korea as eternal leaders and their images are commonly used in official settings. Kim used the speech to restate Pyongyang's position that its nuclear status is permanent.During the address, Kim said North Korea's nuclear status cannot be reversed and argued that the country's arsenal is necessary to protect sovereignty and security. He... [Continue Reading]
DRC politician beaten to death after Ebola radio appearance in Butembo
A senior figure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ruling party has been beaten to death in Butembo after appearing on a radio programme about Ebola prevention, according to a party statement. Marie-Celestin Karondwa, who served as acting president of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress federal executive committee in the city, was attacked on Sunday after speaking publicly about measures to limit the spread of the disease. The party said the attackers also stole his belongings and set his house on fire.The UDPS federation in Butembo said Karondwa later died from his injuries. It said he had... [Continue Reading]
Ben-Gvir joins hundreds of Israelis at Al-Aqsa compound as holiday restrictions tighten
Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday under police protection, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir among those taking part. The incursion took place on the third day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a period that has repeatedly seen heightened restrictions and tensions around the site. Streets and intersections around the Old City were closed as the visit unfolded, according to the Jerusalem governorate.The governorate said about 900 people entered the compound in the morning, and reported that some danced in circles and sang inside the courtyards. Ben-Gvir said: "We are the... [Continue Reading]
UK diesel prices hit record high amid Middle East war spillover
Diesel prices in the United Kingdom have reached an all-time high of 199.18p per litre, according to the motoring organisation RAC. Petrol prices are also continuing to rise, with a litre now costing 174.13p. The increase comes as the war in the Middle East continues to disrupt oil production and transport across the region.RAC said the latest diesel figure puts prices in "uncharted territory" and is a reminder of how exposed the UK is to events far beyond its borders. The organisation said the conflict has severely disrupted the production and transportation of wholesale oil over the past seven months.... [Continue Reading]
At least 62 killed in northern India flooding as rain eases
At least 62 people have been killed after days of heavy rain and flooding in Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, officials said. The flooding affected several districts after three days of intense rainfall, and the state government said 46 people were injured. More than 1,000 houses were damaged, while schools were closed in parts of the state, including the capital, Lucknow.Rescue teams were moved into flooded areas to help shift residents to safer locations. Authorities also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged areas and to stay away from fast-flowing rivers, streams and drains. A senior scientist at the... [Continue Reading]
Bangkok flooding continues as disaster declaration covers all 50 districts
Parts of Bangkok remained under water on Monday after days of heavy rain overwhelmed the city's drainage system. The flooding has affected streets, homes and transport links across the capital, with some areas still difficult to access. In Bang Kapi, residents were seen wading through knee- and waist-deep water to collect essential supplies, while small boats were used to reach shops.Officials said some parts of the city recorded more than 30 centimetres of rain, with around 300 millimetres falling in 48 hours in sections of the capital. Authorities declared a disaster across all 50 districts and made Monday and Tuesday... [Continue Reading]
At least 28 killed in separate mass shootings in South Africa
Twenty-eight people have now been confirmed dead in two separate mass shootings hours apart in South Africa, according to police. The attacks took place in the Johannesburg area on Saturday evening and near Cape Town in the early hours of Sunday, leaving 25 others injured. No arrests had been made by Sunday morning, and investigators said the motives remained unconfirmed.In the Johannesburg attack, eight gunmen stormed a bar close to the city and opened fire on customers outside before continuing the assault inside. Police said 18 people were killed there and 14 more were injured, while the attackers also torched... [Continue Reading]
Trump-Xi Taiwan arms row deepens after ambassador says China was asked about buying US weapons
US President Donald Trump reportedly asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether China would be interested in buying American weapons during their meeting in Washington last week, according to remarks attributed to US ambassador to China David Perdue. The claim adds a new layer to an already sensitive dispute over Taiwan, where Washington has been weighing a delayed arms package worth $14bn. It also comes as Beijing continues to oppose US arms sales to the island.Perdue said Trump raised the idea while discussing US weapons sales more broadly, telling Fox News that the president asked Xi whether China would like to... [Continue Reading]
Venezuelan opposition rallies for Maria Corina Machado's return and elections
Hundreds of supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado have rallied in Caracas and several state capitals to demand her safe return and the holding of presidential elections. The demonstrations took place on Sunday, with activists riding motorcycles through the capital's main avenues and waving Venezuelan flags. Similar gatherings were reported in Valencia, Maracaibo and Merida.Participants wore sky blue shirts, the colour associated with Machado's Vente Venezuela party. One activist in Caracas, Flavio Valentini, told the crowd that the movement was not about parties or politics, but about the people. Another party figure, Anthony Romero, said the transition process... [Continue Reading]
Northern Ireland Drumcree parade blocked by protesters in Portadown
Hundreds of protesters blocked a road in Portadown, County Armagh, on Sunday, preventing a contentious Orange Order parade from going ahead. The Drumcree procession had been due to proceed for the first time in 30 years after late legal challenges, but the route remained blocked as police vehicles stood nearby. The scene drew in senior political figures and revived one of Northern Ireland's most sensitive parade disputes.Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill joined the protesters, while Orange Order members and Democratic Unionist Party politicians gathered about a mile away waiting for the road to clear. The supplied report says most... [Continue Reading]
Powerful nor'easter floods US Northeast as outages rise and storm lingers
The nor'easter continued to flood low-lying areas in New Jersey and New York City on Sunday, while strong winds and heavy rain left tens of thousands of homes without power across the Northeast. Tidal surges swamped coastal neighbourhoods in New Jersey, and streets in Howard Beach in Queens were inundated as the slow-moving storm pressed on into a second day. The weather system was expected to linger through Sunday, with impacts extending into New England.Officials and weather forecasters said the storm had already produced more than 10cm, or 4 inches, of rain in some parts of New Jersey since Friday.... [Continue Reading]
Israel revokes Dutch diplomats' status as settlement goods ban takes effect
Israel has said it will revoke the diplomatic accreditation of Dutch officials based in the occupied West Bank after the Netherlands began enforcing a ban on goods from Israeli settlements. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the officials have seven days to surrender their Israeli-issued diplomatic papers. After that period, he said, the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to them by Israel will expire.The move follows the Dutch government's decision to start enforcing restrictions from September 22 on goods imported from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. According to the supplied material, the Dutch measures... [Continue Reading]
Explosive-laden drones found at Leipzig Airport in suspected Russian hybrid attack
German authorities say a drone attack at Leipzig Airport involved explosive-laden drones striking a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft after it had been refuelled. Police later found additional drones carrying explosives, raising concern that the incident could have caused a major fire or mass casualties. The airport is one of Europe's busiest cargo hubs and the aircraft was parked in an area used for night operations.According to the supplied account, a bus driver ferrying pilots on the night shift first noticed drone debris near the aircraft almost midnight on a warm August evening. The driver approached the wreckage and saw what appeared... [Continue Reading]
Giant pandas arrive in Atlanta under new 10-year US-China agreement
Two giant pandas have arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, after a 16-hour charter flight from southwestern China, marking the latest step in a new agreement between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, landed shortly before 7:00am local time after departing Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport early on Sunday. The arrival places Atlanta among three zoos in the United States that now house giant pandas.The transfer was finalised in April, but the timing of the arrival was only confirmed publicly this week. According to the supplied report, the pandas were announced as part of... [Continue Reading]
Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed in Nuristan border clash with Pakistan-linked accusations
Afghanistan says its forces killed 28 fighters in the eastern province of Nuristan after cross-border fighting with a group it says had entered from Pakistan. The Taliban-run Ministry of Defence said the clash took place on Sunday and was confirmed in a statement posted online. Pakistan rejected the allegations and denied any role in the incident.The Afghan defence ministry said the fighters crossed the border from Pakistan before the confrontation. It also alleged that most of those killed were former Afghan government security personnel recruited by Pakistan's intelligence services with promises of asylum and paid work abroad. The ministry further... [Continue Reading]
New revelations over October 7 warnings intensify pressure on Netanyahu
Fresh revelations about warnings allegedly received before Hamas's 7 October attack have intensified political pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports published over the weekend said additional foreign and intelligence alerts reached him before the assault, adding to an already volatile debate over responsibility for the security failures that preceded the war. The disclosures have landed during Israel's election campaign and shortly after Netanyahu used a speech at the United Nations to defend his record.According to the reports, the New York Times confirmed an earlier account that United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed secretly warned Netanyahu about the... [Continue Reading]
Ireland sees higher energy, fuel and mortgage costs after Iran war escalation
Irish consumers are paying more for fuel, energy and mortgage repayments after the escalation of the war involving Iran, according to a report published on Sunday. The article says the latest conflict in the Middle East has continued for nearly seven months and is still feeding through to household costs in Ireland. It links the increases to the period after the United States began launching strikes on Iran at the end of February.The report says diesel and petrol prices in Ireland were around €1.70 a litre at the end of February, before the escalation intensified. It says diesel is now... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela frees 39 political prisoners after second round of post-Maduro talks
Venezuela has released 39 political dissidents following a second round of negotiations between the interim government and the opposition. The releases took place between Friday and Saturday and were reported from several prisons across the country. The development comes amid a broader post-Maduro transition and continued pressure over remaining detentions.Human rights group Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon said the freed detainees included eight women accused of "narco-terrorism" in 2021 and six people accused of working with the United States in a 2020 attempt to overthrow former President Nicolas Maduro. The group said it would remain vigilant and continue to demand full... [Continue Reading]
Six dead as Athens Plaka apartment block explosion remains under investigation
Emergency teams in Athens have recovered the bodies of six people after an explosion caused a two-storey apartment block in the historic Plaka district to collapse in seconds. The blast happened early on Friday in one of the Greek capital's most visited areas, close to the Acropolis, and left the building in rubble. Authorities are still trying to determine what caused the explosion.The victims included four American tourists, according to the supplied report, as well as a British man and his Greek wife, both in their late 70s, who lived in a flat on the upper floor. The city's vice-mayor,... [Continue Reading]
At least 12 killed in suicide bombing at police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan
At least 12 people were killed and 30 wounded in a suicide bombing at a roadside police checkpoint in Pakistan's northwestern Dera Ismail Khan district, according to police. The blast hit near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday. Police said most of those killed and injured were security personnel, with passersby also among the casualties.Local police chief Safdar Baloch said the injured included police officers, customs personnel and two civilians. Rescue 1122 said teams from the Darazinda station reached the scene and began relief work, including medical assistance and transfers to hospital. No group... [Continue Reading]
Iran says it no longer trusts talks with Washington amid war and sanctions dispute
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran no longer trusts negotiations with the United States, as Iran waits for a response to a new proposal aimed at ending the war and easing pressure on its economy. In remarks aired on Saturday, he said Iran does not know on what basis an understanding can be reached with Washington after previous rounds of talks were followed by attacks and sanctions. He also said Qatar and Pakistan are relaying Iran's messages to the United States.Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in the United States this week for the United Nations gathering of... [Continue Reading]
US and China open AI incident channel as trade truce is extended to January
The United States and China have agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel for artificial intelligence incidents after a summit in Washington, according to the White House. The announcement came after a three-day state visit and talks between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping that also covered trade and other disputes. There was no immediate comment from Beijing on the White House statement.The AI channel was one of the clearest new outcomes from the meeting, which the White House said also produced an extension of the trade truce from November to January. The move gives both sides more time... [Continue Reading]
Iraq says oil revenue losses and trade disruption deepen economic strain after Iran war spillover
Iraq says the war involving Iran has triggered a sharp economic shock, cutting oil revenues and disrupting trade routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The government says the impact has been felt in exports, imports and transport costs, adding pressure to an economy that depends heavily on oil income. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has described the country as facing extraordinary economic challenges.According to the supplied report, Iraq says it has lost about $60bn in oil revenues since the conflict began. Officials say that, for a period, the country was unable to export about 90% of its oil through... [Continue Reading]
Saudi coalition intercepts Houthi drones and missiles aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait
Saudi Arabia's coalition said on Saturday that it intercepted two drones launched towards the Riyadh area and two ballistic missiles targeting Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The announcement came as the coalition said it was monitoring and tracking missile and drone threats directed at the kingdom. The incident adds to a series of cross-border attacks linked to the Yemen conflict.Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Maliki said air defences shot down the drones and missiles before they reached their targets. The supporting material does not say whether any damage or casualties were caused. It also does not give details on the launch... [Continue Reading]
Gaza families shelter in damaged buildings at risk of collapse
Families in Gaza City are living inside damaged buildings that local rescue teams say could collapse, as repeated displacement leaves many with nowhere safer to go. One family is sheltering in a partially collapsed apartment near Palestine Square, where a tent has been pitched beneath a roof broken open by concrete and exposed steel. The case highlights the wider housing crisis across Gaza after years of war and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.The family's situation became more urgent after the Palestinian Red Crescent and Civil Defence visited last week and warned them to leave the building. The apartment belongs... [Continue Reading]
India election commission legitimacy under scrutiny amid internal divisions
India's election commission is facing fresh scrutiny after reporting said internal disagreements emerged over changes to the voter database. The allegations have intensified a wider political dispute over whether the country's electoral system remains impartial and credible. The issue is now being discussed not only as an administrative matter, but as a test of confidence in one of India's most important democratic institutions.According to the reporting, the chief election commissioner repeatedly overruled concerns raised by the two other commissioners about the integrity of ongoing voter-roll changes. The claims were published after an investigation based on internal documents and interviews, and... [Continue Reading]
Yemen leader calls for mobilisation and offers amnesty to Houthi defectors as fighting shifts toward Bab al-Mandeb
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council chair Rashad al-Alimi has called on people to mobilise and join the government-aligned armed forces as the conflict shifts toward the western Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb strait. In a recorded speech on Friday, he also pledged amnesty for any Houthi fighter who defects to government forces. The appeal came after government losses on the western Red Sea coast and as the Houthis pressed advances toward the strategic waterway.Al-Alimi said Yemenis should rally around the armed and security forces and enlist through official channels. He said the amnesty would take effect immediately for those... [Continue Reading]
Fire on Greek cargo ship near Mykonos prompts evacuation
A fire broke out on the deck of a truck ferry sailing north of Mykonos on 25 September, prompting an emergency response at sea. The vessel was carrying 28 staff and one passenger, all of whom were evacuated safely using lifeboats. Authorities said the blaze required an extensive firefighting operation.The Hellenic Coastguard said it was not yet clear how the fire started. The incident was reported while the ferry was underway north of the island, which lies in the Aegean Sea and is one of Greece's busiest maritime areas. No injuries were reported among those on board, according to the... [Continue Reading]
At least 13 killed as military plane crashes near homes in Kenge, DR Congo
At least 13 people have been killed after a military aircraft crashed near homes in Kenge, in the southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The plane was travelling towards the capital, Kinshasa, from Kikwit when it suffered a technical malfunction. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft came down in a residential plot and burst into flames.Officials said the aircraft was carrying military personnel and civilians, including senior officers. Remy Saki Bokinda, the province vice governor, said there was no landing strip available in Kenge, which contributed to the crash site being in a populated area. He said... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan warns Houthi attack on Mecca or Medina would cross red line as Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani chiefs meet
Pakistan's prime minister has said any Houthi threat to Mecca or Medina would cross a red line, as military chiefs from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye met in Riyadh to discuss closer defence coordination. Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. He said an attack on the Muslim holy cities would be a line that "must never be crossed".Sharif described the attacks as "deplorable" and said the group's alleged targeting of Mecca had "outraged Muslims across the globe". The Houthis, who... [Continue Reading]
UN expands database of firms linked to Israeli settlements
The United Nations human rights office has added 61 companies to its database of businesses linked to activities connected with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The latest update brings the total number of firms on the list to 214, spread across 11 countries. The office said the database is intended to identify companies involved in activities that may contribute to adverse human rights impacts in the occupied territory.The UN published an 18-page report explaining the rationale for the additions and removals. It said 126 businesses were assessed in the latest review, and that five companies... [Continue Reading]
US Army reviews support units for possible Cuba-related operation, report says
The United States Army is reportedly making preparatory checks for a possible operation involving Cuba, according to a report that cites an internal Army message and US officials familiar with the planning. The document reviewed by the report asks whether the Army Reserve could provide support units within a 90- to 120-day window. No deployment order has been issued, and the message does not explicitly name Cuba.The request reportedly covers six types of units that could be placed under the authority of US Southern Command. Those include logistics, transport, maintenance, fuel and supply units, as well as an engineer battalion,... [Continue Reading]
Trump and Xi end Washington summit with limited progress and tariff truce extension
President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have ended a Washington summit with no major breakthroughs, but with an agreement to extend a tariff truce for two months. The talks concluded after a three-day state visit marked by formal ceremonies, a state banquet and a final stop at the National Archives. The visit also included tea at the White House and a series of public appearances designed to project momentum in the relationship.The clearest confirmed outcome was the tariff pause, which both sides said would continue for two more months. Trump and Xi also said they would meet again... [Continue Reading]
US appeals court upholds Pentagon blacklisting of Anthropic
A United States appeals court has upheld the Defense Department's decision to exclude Anthropic from its supply chain. The ruling keeps in place a procurement restriction imposed after the company refused to remove safeguards from its Claude model. The dispute centres on whether those safeguards should remain in place for uses involving fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance.According to the confirmed record, the conflict began in February when Anthropic declined a Pentagon demand to strip out restrictions on Claude. The supply-chain risk designation followed in March and led to the cancellation of military contracts. It also barred other Defense... [Continue Reading]
Israeli shelling continues in southern Lebanon as PM demands withdrawal at UN
Lebanon's prime minister has called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and for the ceasefire to be fully enforced, as shelling, demolitions and an air strike were reported on the ground. Nawaf Salam made the appeal in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. His remarks came as fresh explosions and fires were reported in several areas of southern Lebanon.According to the supplied report, a large explosion was heard near Taybeh and Deir Siryan, while an Israeli air strike hit a valley between Froun and Ghandourieh and triggered a large... [Continue Reading]
US Supreme Court revives federal SAVE database for citizenship checks
The US Supreme Court has lifted restrictions on the Trump administration's use of a federal database for checking whether voters are citizens. The decision reopens access to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, known as SAVE, after lower courts had blocked the revamped system. The ruling is a significant development in a dispute over how far the federal government can go in using sensitive personal data in election administration.The database is run by the Department of Homeland Security and is used to verify whether people on voter rolls are eligible to vote. According to the court record described in the... [Continue Reading]
Canada's Carney says he has examined remote risk of US military attack amid tensions with Washington
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he examined the possibility of a US military attack against Canada, describing it as an extreme tail risk. His comments were made in an interview published on Wednesday and come as trade and sovereignty tensions between Ottawa and Washington continue to deepen. The remarks place an unusual national-security question inside a broader dispute that has already been shaped by tariffs, collapsed trade talks and repeated political rhetoric about Canada's future.Carney said the scenario was so unlikely that it should still be considered in risk planning, but not as a forecast of war. He... [Continue Reading]
Sudanese refugee arrivals surge into eastern Chad as UN warns of funding shortfall
More than 55,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad this year, with arrivals into the country's eastern border areas rising sharply in recent days, according to the UN refugee agency. The agency said about 400 people a day are now entering via Adre and Tine, around 20 times the rate seen in previous months. It said the increase is adding pressure to an already strained humanitarian response in eastern Chad.UNHCR said the surge has accelerated over the past week and is outpacing available support. The agency said the Tine transit centre is under severe pressure and is currently hosting more... [Continue Reading]
Kazakh officials detained after Caspian Sea training deaths as investigation widens
Five senior military officials have been detained in Kazakhstan after 14 service members died when they were swept into the Caspian Sea during a combat training mission, authorities said. The detentions came as investigators examined decisions made during the organisation and execution of the exercise, including whether safety requirements were followed and whether weather conditions were properly taken into account. Officials said the incident happened some 43km from Aktau in south-western Kazakhstan.Those detained include the chief of staff and first deputy commander of Kazakhstan's Naval Forces, two military unit commanders, and the commanders of a marine company and a boat.... [Continue Reading]
Hawaii warns of catastrophic flash flooding as Hurricane Nolo nears Big Island
Authorities in Hawaii have warned of catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding on the Big Island as Hurricane Nolo moves close to the island. The alert comes as the storm strengthens and tracks near one of the state's most populated islands. Officials say the main risks now include extreme rainfall, mudslides and dangerous flooding in steep terrain.The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued an alert for possible catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding this weekend. The National Hurricane Center said Nolo could bring as much as three feet of rain, with maximum sustained winds of up to 80 mph. The... [Continue Reading]
Taiwan rebukes Xi after Trump meeting over Taiwan remarks
Taiwan has sharply rebuked Chinese President Xi Jinping after his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, saying Beijing was distorting the facts about the island. In a statement on Friday, Taipei said China was the party disturbing peace and stability in the region. The response came one day after Xi and Trump held a bilateral meeting at the White House.Taiwan's government said Xi's comments reflected China's consistent approach to presenting its position unilaterally. It reiterated that Taiwan's sovereignty and future belong only to its people. Taipei also said it continues to rely on the United States and other... [Continue Reading]
Trump rally shooting victim James Copenhaver dies from complications, Pennsylvania attorney general says
James Copenhaver, one of the people wounded in the 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania rally shooting, has died from complications stemming from those injuries, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. The development adds a delayed fatality to the attack that took place during a campaign event for Donald Trump and has remained a major case in the wider debate over political violence and security at public rallies. Trump responded with a tribute on social media, calling Copenhaver a "true American patriot" and describing his death as a tremendous loss.Sunday said Copenhaver had been gravely wounded in the shooting and died on... [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu delivers defiant UN speech amid protests and walkouts in New York
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to mount a forceful defence of Israel's conduct in Gaza and its campaign against Iran. The speech came as planned protests took place outside the venue and dozens of delegates walked out of the hall as he approached the podium. Netanyahu, who is preparing for Israel's legislative elections in October, turned the appearance into a broad attack on critics at home and abroad.During the speech, Netanyahu accused opponents of Israel's war in Gaza of moral failure and criticised media outlets and international partners.... [Continue Reading]
Dubai Property Market Faces Litmus Test as Nakheel Waterfront Investors Await Final Judicial Verdict
Hundreds of international and local investors who purchased land plots in Nakheel’s massive "Waterfront" project nearly two decades ago are holding their breath. Following the official cancellation of the project by the Dubai Land Department and its integration under Dubai Holding, a special judicial committee appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been tasked with resolving the liquidation and settling investor claims. ​Because the decisions of this specialized committee are legally binding and final, with no avenue for appeal, the upcoming rulings are being viewed as a critical turning point for the regulatory reputation of Dubai's... [Continue Reading]
The Unspoken Stats: Who is Raping Europe?
Answering this question requires a direct look at the empirical data so, below is the comprehensive, data-verified draft for my article, formatted to analyse the relationship between immigration demographics and police-recorded sexual offense figures across Europe. Data vs. Perception: An Asymmetric Analysis of Migration and Sexual Offence Statistics in Europe While my primary field of research is rooted in macro-geopolitics, the responsibilities of independent journalism often demand transitioning from international balance-of-power metrics to domestic social realities. A recent high-profile criminal incident in England involving the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by four Afghani nationals where one of them is... [Continue Reading]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]






