New York appeals court hears Saudi Arabia arguments in 9/11 families lawsuit
A New York appeals court has heard arguments from lawyers for families of 9/11 victims and from Saudi Arabia over whether a long-running lawsuit can move to trial. The case centres on allegations that a Saudi government employee, Omar al-Bayoumi, supported two of the hijackers and had links to officials connected to the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The hearing took place as the court considers whether the families have met the legal threshold needed to continue their case.The attacks of 11 September 2001 killed almost 3,000 people after hijackers seized four US passenger jets and crashed them into the... [Continue Reading]
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Oil and stocks swing on renewed Iran war fears and Middle East supply concerns
Oil prices moved sharply on Wednesday as traders reacted to renewed fears of disruption to Middle East supply routes. Prices rose after reports that Iran appeared to be stepping up attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, then fell later in the session after officials signalled that more reserves could be released if needed. The swings also fed through to US financial markets, where stocks weakened and government bond yields climbed to their highest levels in more than two decades.The immediate trigger was a warning cited in the supplied material that tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz may... [Continue Reading]
US prosecutors weigh new torture charges against Maduro and Cilia Flores
US prosecutors are expected to bring new torture-related charges against ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over the alleged mistreatment of Americans held in Venezuelan government custody. The reported move would mark a further legal escalation against the pair, who already face separate drug trafficking and firearms charges in the United States. According to the reporting, the new case could be announced as soon as today.The allegations centre on the wrongful detention of more than a dozen US citizens in Venezuela during Maduro's rule. People familiar with the investigation were cited as saying prosecutors are also... [Continue Reading]
UK and Germany hold Berlin security talks on cyber threats and sabotage
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Thursday for talks focused on cyber-security threats, sabotage and wider cooperation against hybrid attacks. The meeting is Burnham's first official visit to Germany and comes as both governments say they are facing rising pressure from hostile activity. The talks are being framed around efforts to strengthen joint defences against threats linked to Russia.Downing Street said deeper cooperation in response to hybrid threats would be high on the agenda. Intelligence services in both countries have warned of growing risks, and German authorities last month accused Russia... [Continue Reading]
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EU-China trade talks in Beijing widen to deficit and rare earths
European Union trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic has arrived in Beijing for two days of talks with Chinese officials that now centre on the bloc's trade deficit and restrictions on rare earth exports. The meetings are taking place on Thursday and Friday, with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expected to be among the main counterparts. The discussions come after months of contact between the two sides and at a time of rising pressure inside the EU for a tougher trade stance.The talks are focused on the EU's trade deficit with China, which the source material says exceeds €1 billion a day,... [Continue Reading]
Thousands protest Flavio Bolsonaro in Rio as Brazil heads to runoff
Thousands of people marched in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday to protest against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of Brazil's October 25 presidential runoff. The demonstration was led by students and drew supporters of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who are trying to stop what they see as a possible return of the far right to power. The rally took place as the campaign for the second round gathered pace after Bolsonaro finished first in the opening vote.The supplied material says Bolsonaro won about 47% of valid votes in the first round, compared with Lula's 45%, after nearly 99%... [Continue Reading]
Trump distances himself from advisers reported to have worked for Republika Srpska government
Donald Trump has distanced himself from two senior political advisers after reports that they worked for the government of Republika Srpska, an autonomous entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a post on Truth Social, the US president said Chris LaCivita and James Blair were "outside consultants" and said he did not know who else they worked for. He added that he would ask whether there was a conflict and would terminate them immediately if there was one.The comments followed reporting that the pair travelled to Republika Srpska over the weekend to assist the government ahead of elections. According to the... [Continue Reading]
NSW Police unveils armed response unit after Bondi Beach attack
NSW Police has begun rolling out a new Armed Response Command in Sydney, with armed officers and specialist vehicles expected to be seen in public training in the coming days. The unit was created in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack and is intended to become a visible rapid-response presence across the city. Police say the force will eventually operate around the clock, with 250 officers assigned to the command.The public training phase follows months of work behind closed doors at dedicated facilities. According to the police account, officers carrying long rifles will start appearing around Sydney as the... [Continue Reading]
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Ultra-Orthodox rabbi's anti-Zionist remarks reignite Israel election row over conscription
A senior ultra-Orthodox rabbi's anti-Zionist remarks have returned to the centre of Israel's election campaign, intensifying debate over military service exemptions and the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in politics. The comments by Rabbi Dov Lando, the 96-year-old spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah, were broadcast in footage shown on Monday and have triggered a fresh political storm three weeks before the October 27 parliamentary election. They were made during a closed meeting at his home in Bnei Brak, a city closely associated with Israel's ultra-Orthodox community.In the footage, Lando said Jews may have been better off without a state and argued... [Continue Reading]
US pressure prompts EU, Canada and Lithuania to withdraw support from Vilnius disinformation conference
The Trump administration has pressured several governments to withdraw sponsorship from a major European conference on disinformation in Vilnius, according to people familiar with the matter. The event, #Disinfo2026, is taking place on Wednesday and Thursday and is described as the annual meeting of Europe's counter-disinformation community. It is being organised by the Brussels-based non-profit EU Disinfo Lab.Support from the Lithuanian ministry of foreign affairs, the European External Action Service and Global Affairs Canada was removed in the days before the conference, with their logos disappearing from the event website. Photos shared from the venue also show white stickers placed... [Continue Reading]
Rahul Gandhi detained for a third time in two days amid India voter-roll protest
Rahul Gandhi was detained again in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the third time in two days that the opposition leader has been taken into custody during protests over India's voter-list revision. Police apprehended Gandhi and other opposition lawmakers as they marched towards Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in the capital. A live feed from his party showed officers placing him in a vehicle and driving away.The protest is focused on demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom opposition parties accuse of overseeing a revision that has removed more than 130 million names from voter... [Continue Reading]
Witnesses report Eritrean troops inside northern Ethiopia as tensions flare
Witnesses have reported seeing Eritrean soldiers inside the northern Ethiopian town of Adigrat, in a development that could deepen already strained relations between the two neighbours. The accounts, if confirmed, would mark the first reported sighting of Eritrean forces inside Ethiopia since fighting resumed in the wider border region. Adigrat is about 25km south of the Eritrean border and lies in a sensitive area of Tigray.At least two witnesses told Reuters they saw dozens of Eritrean soldiers travelling through the town in two trucks on Wednesday. They said the troops were wearing off-white camouflage uniforms, which they used to identify... [Continue Reading]
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Saudi Arabia says Houthi airport attacks killed three foreign nationals as toll rises
Saudi Arabia says Houthi attacks on two airports killed three civilians and injured 36 people over two days, in the latest cross-border strikes linked to the Yemen conflict. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attacks hit Abha Airport and King Khalid International Airport, with casualties reported among foreign nationals and Saudi residents. The incidents add to a series of attacks on aviation infrastructure in the kingdom and underline the continuing reach of the conflict beyond Yemen's borders.According to the authority, the attack on Abha Airport killed two female residents, identified as a Moroccan and an Algerian, and... [Continue Reading]
France summons Iranian ambassador over disinformation row linked to student protests
France has summoned Iran's ambassador after accusing Tehran of running a disinformation campaign about student protests that have spread across the country. The French foreign ministry said the ambassador was called in on Wednesday over what it described as misleading content disseminated online by official Iranian accounts. The move came one day after Iran summoned the French ambassador over France's handling of the demonstrations.According to the French foreign ministry spokesperson, Pascal Confavreux, the material shared by Iranian official accounts was "absolutely unacceptable". He said the online messaging targeted France's student protest movement and added that such "undignified provocations must cease".... [Continue Reading]
Germany orders pre-trial detention for former spy chief in espionage probe
A German court has ordered the pre-trial detention of former foreign intelligence chief August Hanning after his arrest on suspicion of treason and espionage on behalf of a foreign state. The decision came a day after prosecutors said he was detained in connection with allegations that he bought secret documents from a former colleague and used them to advise a foreign intelligence service. The case has drawn intense attention in Berlin because Hanning once led Germany's foreign intelligence service, the BND, from 1998 to 2005.Prosecutors say Hanning, 80, is accused of receiving about 2,000 documents from a former BND employee... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Ukraine toll rises as Middle East tensions, Iran pressure and global probes widen
Ukraine said at least 20 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes that spread across central and eastern parts of the country, with rescue work continuing after the attacks. đź”—In the Middle East, Yemen's conflict escalated again as Houthi missiles and drones targeted Aden International Airport, forcing a passenger flight diversion, while Saudi forces said they intercepted a missile near Riyadh and no casualties were reported. đź”— đź”— đź”—Yemen's internationally recognised government also said it had launched Operation Dawn of Yemen and pushed a renewed offensive on the Red Sea coast, including moves near Bab al Mandeb and an assault... [Continue Reading]
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Mali junta retakes Kidal after separatist withdrawal, marking symbolic gain
Malian forces have entered the strategic northern city of Kidal after Tuareg separatists announced their withdrawal as the army advanced. The move gives Mali's junta a symbolic gain in one of the country's most contested areas. It also marks a reversal in control of a city that separatists had held for about five months.According to the latest confirmed account, the separatists pulled back earlier on Tuesday before the army moved into the city. The development came after late-April attacks by JNIM-linked jihadists and separatist allies had weakened the junta's position in the north. The advance is being described as a... [Continue Reading]
Satellite images show attack jets at new Chinese military facility in Laos
Satellite images have shown eight light attack aircraft at a newly opened Chinese military facility at Ban Keun airport in Laos. The images also appear to show more than a dozen military vehicles lined up at the site, which opened on 29 September as a joint support and training centre. The development has drawn regional attention because it appears to give Beijing its first foothold in mainland south-east Asia.The commercial satellite images were taken a day after the announcement of the centre and show aircraft whose shape matches the Chinese-made Hongdu JL-8, a two-seat trainer that can also be used... [Continue Reading]
Iran parliament approves penalties for interviews with hostile foreign media
Iran's parliament has voted to criminalise interviews and participation with media outlets designated as hostile by the Intelligence Ministry. The vote took place on Tuesday and passed by 174 votes to six, according to the supporting material. The measure is part of a wider bill on countering the penetration of intelligence services and foreign governments or entities.The approved article bans Iranian nationals from giving interviews to, or taking part in discussions with, outlets that are either designated hostile or are owned, managed or funded by operatives linked to countries classed as adversaries of the Islamic Republic. It also sets out... [Continue Reading]
Russia faces pressure over reported second plague case in Siberia
The World Health Organization and Western governments are pressing Russia for clearer information after reports emerged of a second suspected plague case linked to a research institute in Siberia. The case centres on the death of a laboratory technician in the Irkutsk region last week, which has raised questions about possible exposure at the facility. Russian officials have rejected much of the reporting as false and say the cause of death has not been confirmed.WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that Moscow should clarify media reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause. The United States... [Continue Reading]
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Iran warns of pre-emptive strikes as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz
Iran's military has warned it is prepared to carry out pre-emptive operations as tensions with the United States intensify over the Strait of Hormuz. The comments came on Wednesday from a spokesman for Iran's regular army, who said the armed forces could act to prevent what he described as aggression or intrusion. Senior figures in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also said the strategic waterway was under Tehran's control.Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami-Nia said the army would conduct pre-emptive operations if circumstances required it, according to remarks carried by state media. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior IRGC adviser, said... [Continue Reading]
Okinawa governor presses Tokyo after US Marine arrest in killing of local woman
Okinawa's governor has urged Japan's central government to take stronger action after a US Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a local woman on the southern island. The case has renewed attention on long-running tensions over the heavy US military presence in Okinawa. It also prompted an immediate response from the US military, which announced temporary restrictions on troops.Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel and stealing her wallet and backpack. Japanese media reported that Ballard has denied... [Continue Reading]
Kosovo elects Justina Shiroka Pula president amid protests and political crisis
Kosovo's parliament has elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president, easing a political crisis that had been building around protests and a looming constitutional deadline. Lawmakers chose her in the first minutes of Wednesday, after ruling and opposition parties reached a compromise on her candidacy. The vote came as demonstrations continued over convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders and concerns grew that failure to elect a president could trigger early parliamentary elections.Pula secured 81 votes, one more than the two-thirds threshold of 80 required for election. The agreement that made the vote possible involved the Vetevendosje Movement and the Democratic... [Continue Reading]
Hardline Iranian MPs move to impeach foreign minister over UN talks
Hardline lawmakers in Iran have filed a motion to impeach Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month. The move has exposed a public split inside the Islamic Republic over whether to pursue negotiations with Washington. Parliamentary officials said the request has been registered, but it has not yet been referred for further consideration or placed on the agenda.The motion centres on a meeting held on 22 September, which the lawmakers behind it say took place without authorisation from Iran's top... [Continue Reading]
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Israel marks 7 October anniversary with nationwide moment of silence
Israelis observed a nationwide moment of silence on Wednesday to mark three years since the Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023. Families gathered at the Nova music festival site, road junctions and bomb shelters in southern Israel to remember those killed in the assault. The commemorations came as the country entered a new phase of mourning, with all hostages who survived now back home.The attack, which a UN inquiry confirmed killed 1,200 people and saw 252 taken hostage, remains the deadliest in Israel's history. Among those marking the day was Elkana Bohbot, 37, who was abducted from the Nova festival... [Continue Reading]
Meloni marks anniversary of 7 October Hamas attacks
President Giorgia Meloni issued a statement on the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, saying the assaults massacred men, women and children, targeted young people gathered to listen to music, and dragged innocent people into captivity. She said the victims and their loved ones, along with people who endured the horror of being held hostage, and the Israeli people, are being remembered again today. Meloni said the time that has passed does not diminish the gravity of the crimes and said no cause can justify the deliberate massacre of innocent people. She said remembering the attacks also means... [Continue Reading]
Myanmar leader arrives in Malaysia for repatriation talks as returns continue
Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing has arrived in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day visit focused on talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with the repatriation of Myanmar nationals from Malaysia at the centre of the agenda. State media images showed him landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 04:30 GMT on Wednesday. The visit is his first to Malaysia since the 2021 coup, and it comes as Kuala Lumpur continues to press ahead with returns despite criticism from the United Nations and rights groups.Both sides have framed the talks around the voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation of Myanmar nationals... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Russia widens strikes as Yemen front heats up and Sudan rejects talks
Russia carried out a wide overnight strike on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials confirming at least two deaths as Moscow described the assault as a massive strike. đź”—In Sudan, army chief Abdel Fattah al Burhan rejected negotiations and vowed to retake every area held by the Rapid Support Forces, as the conflict widened further. đź”—Yemen saw a sharp escalation on several fronts. The internationally recognised government said Houthi missiles and drones targeted Aden International Airport, forcing the diversion of a passenger flight, while another report said two missiles hit the airport early Wednesday with no casualties... [Continue Reading]
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Yemen's Houthis attack Aden airport as Saudi forces intercept missile near Riyadh
Yemen's internationally recognised government says Houthi missiles and drones targeted Aden International Airport, forcing the diversion of a passenger flight from Cairo and the evacuation of the terminal. The airport, which serves as the main international gateway for areas outside Houthi control, was hit in an attack that the government said came close to causing a civilian disaster. Separately, Saudi Arabia said its forces intercepted a ballistic missile north of Riyadh.The Ministry of Transport said at least two ballistic missiles and several drones were used in the attack on the airport's runway and passenger terminal. It said one missile landed... [Continue Reading]
Libya parliament replaces longtime speaker Aguila Saleh after 12 years
Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives has elected a new speaker, ending Aguila Saleh's 12-year tenure at the head of the chamber. Lawmakers voted on Tuesday to replace him with Al-Salhin Abdelnabi al-Obeidi, according to the parliament's spokesperson. The move marks a significant leadership change inside one of Libya's main eastern institutions.The vote came one day after 98 members of the 170-seat House approved a new system limiting the speaker and deputy speakers to a single 12-month term. That change replaced an arrangement that had been in place since the chamber first chose its leadership in 2014. A lawmaker, Jebree Oheida,... [Continue Reading]
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UK military training sites face investigation over rape and abuse claims
An independent investigation is under way into 10 military training sites in England after allegations of rape and sexual assault at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. The inquiry is being led by the Armed Forces Commissioner, Polly Miller-Perkins, in her first investigation since taking up the role. The college in North Yorkshire trains teenage recruits, making the allegations particularly sensitive for the Ministry of Defence and the wider armed forces.The probe follows claims made by four young women in August, who said they had been sexually assaulted and harassed at the college. One of them said she had been... [Continue Reading]
Yemeni government forces launch offensive to retake strategic al-Waziiya district in Taiz
Forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government have launched an operation to capture the mountainous district of al-Waziiya in Taiz governorate from the Houthis. The fighting is part of a wider push to regain territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The district is seen as strategically important because of its position west of Taiz and east of the port of Mocha.The army media centre said the Homeland Shield Forces, a pro-government military faction, had begun a large-scale operation to retake al-Waziiya. It said government forces had secured strategic hills overlooking the al-Mansoura area and described... [Continue Reading]
Equinor warns UK could become 'uninvestable' if Rosebank and Jackdaw are not approved
Equinor has warned that the UK could become less attractive for future investment if the government does not give final approval to the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields. Anders Opedal, the chief executive of the Norwegian state-backed company, said the firm would have to take a hard view on its future spending in Britain if the projects were rejected. The warning comes as ministers prepare to decide whether to allow the developments to proceed.Opedal said the question for the company was whether the UK would remain investable in the future, adding that he hoped it would not come... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela power cuts fuel growing public anger and protests
Power cuts have intensified across Venezuela since the start of the year, disrupting homes, businesses and essential services and fuelling protests against the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez. In Valencia, in Carabobo state, one dialysis patient described how a clinic blackout stopped his treatment mid-session, leaving him unable to complete the care he needs several times a week. The outages have also affected daily life more broadly, with residents reporting that electricity can disappear for hours at a time and return unpredictably.The immediate impact is being felt most sharply in places where power failures have become routine. Onasis Munoz,... [Continue Reading]
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US redirects MQ-9 Reaper drones to Colombia and Ecuador for anti-narcotics operations
The United States has redirected MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to Colombia and Ecuador for counter-narcotics operations, according to reporting cited in the supplied material. The deployment marks a new use of the long-range drones in South America and comes amid broader US planning on how to confront drug trafficking networks in the region. No details were given on how many drones were sent to each country.The MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft that has been used in high-profile US military operations in the past, including the 2020 strike that killed Iranian commander Qassim Suleimani. The report says each... [Continue Reading]
Yemen launches Operation Dawn of Yemen as offensive begins on Red Sea coast
Yemen's internationally recognised government says it has launched Operation Dawn of Yemen and begun a renewed military offensive aimed at reversing Houthi gains. The first reported moves were on the southern Red Sea coast, with the operation described as an attempt to restore state authority across territory held by the Houthis. The latest development comes as the fighting remains focused on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic maritime chokepoint.According to the supplied material, the offensive was announced on Monday and was followed quickly by action on the ground. The government's stated aim is to reverse gains made by the Houthis... [Continue Reading]
Three Iranian men go on trial in London over alleged spying on journalists and attack plot
Three Iranian men have gone on trial in London accused of spying for Iran on UK-based journalists and preparing an attack on dissident media figures. The case is being heard at Woolwich Crown Court and centres on alleged surveillance of staff linked to Iran International, a London-based Persian-language channel critical of the government in Tehran. Prosecutors say the men's actions were part of conduct likely to assist Iran's foreign intelligence service.The defendants are Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57. They are charged under Britain's National Security Act with offences said to have taken... [Continue Reading]
UK counter-terror probe widens after seventh arrest linked to RAF Fairford
Police have arrested a 22-year-old British man on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with the investigation around RAF Fairford, extending a live counter-terrorism inquiry linked to the Gloucestershire airbase. The arrest is the seventh connected to the case, which began after activity near the base on 27 September and has remained largely unexplained. Counter Terrorism Police said the latest detention is part of an ongoing effort to examine the circumstances surrounding events close to the site.Senior national coordinator Vicki Evans said the investigation remains live and that specialist teams are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry. Earlier in the... [Continue Reading]
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Meloni meets Lithuanian president in Rome on EU, defence and Ukraine
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received Lithuanian President Gitanas NausÄ—da at Palazzo Chigi in Rome on Tuesday. According to the source, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the solidity of bilateral relations and agreed on the objective of further strengthening cooperation. The talks focused in particular on the strategic sectors of defence and energy. Both sides discussed key priorities on the EU agenda ahead of Lithuania's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, including the need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and industrial base and to structurally reduce energy costs for households and businesses. Meloni and NausÄ—da also addressed... [Continue Reading]
Kenya confirms first Ebola case as contact tracing expands after Nairobi death
Kenya has confirmed its first Ebola case after a Kenyan national died in Nairobi following travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health officials said the man had lived in the DRC for seven years and had been ill for about a month before making the journey to Kenya via Kampala, Uganda. The case has triggered contact tracing and isolation measures as authorities try to limit any further spread.Health Secretary Aden Duale told a news conference that 28 contacts had been identified, including family members and health workers who cared for the patient. Officials are also tracing 23 passengers who... [Continue Reading]
Yemen offensive advances near Bab al-Mandeb as coalition air support intensifies
Yemen's internationally recognised government says its counter-offensive has made further gains along the Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The operation, named Dawn of Yemen, is reported to have recaptured territory from the Houthis over the past two days, extending fighting across a strategically sensitive corridor in western Yemen. The latest claims suggest the campaign is moving beyond isolated local advances and into a broader attempt to reshape control of the coast.According to the supplied reporting, the Saudi-led coalition backing the government has deployed 100 fighter jets and has been flying round-the-clock support missions to help secure the... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Drone strikes, regional tensions and market swings dominate the day
Russia said Ukraine launched a massive overnight drone assault on Moscow and nearby areas, with 290 drones aimed at the capital region and damage reports widening as the attack disrupted the city and its outskirts. đź”—In the Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz, shipping security deteriorated further, with a Panama flagged tanker reporting 12 injured crew members after fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and Bulgarian officials saying a merchant ship had sunk after a drone strike, while a second grain vessel was also hit and its crew went missing. đź”— đź”—Israel kept Gaza forces on high alert ahead... [Continue Reading]
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Israel's deadline to close UK East Jerusalem consulate nears after sanctions row
Israel's deadline for the United Kingdom to close its East Jerusalem consulate is approaching, with Thursday marking 30 days since the order was issued. The move has intensified an already strained relationship between London and Jerusalem, following a new wave of British sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The dispute has also drawn attention to the status of the consulate in East Jerusalem, a city whose final status remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Former British consul general to Jerusalem Sir Vincent Fean said the order was unlawful and described it as "not the... [Continue Reading]
UK and Israel in last-ditch diplomatic standoff over East Jerusalem consulate
The United Kingdom is making a last-ditch effort to stop Israel from closing its consulate in East Jerusalem later this week. Israel said in September that it would shut the mission in retaliation for British sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The dispute has become a sharp diplomatic standoff, with both sides weighing further steps if no agreement is reached.The Israeli government has said the consulate will close within 30 days of the UK sanctions announcement, which would mean a shutdown on Thursday unless there is a breakthrough. The British government has not commented on reports... [Continue Reading]
Russia stages major nuclear disaster drill at Beloyarsk plant near strategic bunker
Russia is carrying out a large-scale nuclear disaster drill at the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant in the Sverdlovsk region, with more than 1,000 people taking part. The exercise is testing how emergency services would respond to a simultaneous accident at two reactors, according to the information provided by the state nuclear corporation. The scenario includes possible nuclear explosions or leaks, and the drill is taking place over two days.The exercise involves rescue workers, medical personnel, police, troops from Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Forces, and government officials. The state nuclear corporation said the scenario is based on a highly... [Continue Reading]
Ireland to reduce carbon tax on home heating oil and gas
Ireland's finance minister has said the carbon tax on home heating oil and gas will be reduced, with no further increase planned for the rest of the current government's term. Simon Harris said the change applies to kerosene and natural gas, which he said have become a heavy burden for many families facing higher heating costs and limited alternatives. He said the decision was being taken in response to those pressures, adding that the government could not fully absorb the impact of the Middle East conflict.The current rate on both fuels is €63.50 per tonne of carbon dioxide, and it... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan and Turkiye move to support Saudi deterrence against Houthis as pact takes effect
The defence arrangement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye has now been activated, with the three countries agreeing to move agreed forces and capabilities into Saudi Arabia. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Monday, according to a joint statement shared by Pakistan's Foreign Office. The statement said the committee had decided to begin practical implementation of collective-defence commitments and to ensure rapid deployment in line with approved arrangements and national legislation.The latest reporting adds that the pact, signed in August and sometimes referred to as the Mecca pact, is now in force for the first... [Continue Reading]
Lithuania moves to lift ban on storing nuclear weapons as Russia warns of retaliation
Lithuania's parliament has taken a preliminary step toward suspending a ban on storing nuclear weapons on its territory, in a move that has drawn a sharp warning from Russia. Lawmakers in the Seimas backed the proposal on Tuesday in Vilnius, but the change is not yet final. A second vote is scheduled for 12 January, and only then could the constitutional prohibition be removed.The measure passed with 106 votes in favour out of 141 possible, according to the parliamentary tally. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in July that political parties had agreed on a plan to suspend the ban, describing... [Continue Reading]
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Palestinian reporters' work under fire as Gaza toll on journalists reaches about 250
Palestinian journalists have been at the centre of renewed scrutiny over the conduct of reporting during Israel's war on Gaza, after a new analysis said about 250 journalists have been killed since the conflict began on 7 October 2023. The material describes the killings as part of a wider pattern of pressure on reporters in Gaza and elsewhere, and says the scale of the deaths has changed how journalism is being discussed in the conflict. It also argues that Palestinian reporters have continued working despite severe personal risk and repeated losses among their profession.The supporting material cites the Committee to... [Continue Reading]
Argentina says it will block Falklands offshore oil exploitation in sovereignty dispute
Argentina's foreign minister has said the government will try to stop the Falkland Islands from exploiting offshore oilfields, framing the move as part of a peaceful strategy to assert sovereignty over the territory. Pablo Quirno made the remarks at a thinktank event in Buenos Aires attended by the British ambassador to Argentina. The comments add a fresh diplomatic edge to a long-running dispute over the islands and their surrounding waters.Quirno said President Javier Milei's government had a strategy for the "peaceful" assertion of Argentine sovereignty. He accused the British government of refusing to enter negotiations over the islands and of... [Continue Reading]
United States and China negotiate mutual visits to nuclear facilities
The United States and China are negotiating reciprocal visits to each other's nuclear facilities, according to reporting cited by US officials. The talks were revealed on Tuesday and come days after Xi Jinping's visit to the White House. They also come amid renewed concern about a possible new nuclear arms race between major powers.The reported discussions were disclosed by officials in the US government, according to the account. No details were given on which facilities could be included, how the visits would be arranged, or whether a timetable has been set. The reporting links the talks to recent diplomacy between... [Continue Reading]
Conservatives to unveil Britannia Shield plan for UK missile and drone defence
The Conservative Party is set to unveil a plan for a new missile and drone defence system called Britannia Shield at its conference in Birmingham. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge is expected to outline the proposal in a speech later today. The party says the scheme would be designed to protect critical national infrastructure and military bases from airborne threats.According to the Conservatives, the plan would include new radar systems and more interceptor missiles, with a proposed investment of up to ÂŁ10 billion over 10 years. The party has described the project as a British version of Israel's Iron Dome,... [Continue Reading]
Pentagon approves firing-squad execution for Fort Hood attacker Nidal Hasan
The Pentagon has confirmed that former US Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan is to be executed by firing squad, after President Donald Trump approved the method for the man convicted over the 2009 Fort Hood attack in Texas. The decision marks a significant new step in a long-running military justice case that has remained under close scrutiny for years. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding dozens more in one of the deadliest attacks ever carried out on a US military base.Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the execution method was recommended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and approved by... [Continue Reading]
Police clash with Kosovo protesters over bid to curb Hague war crimes court as unrest continues in Pristina
Police in Kosovo used tear gas and water cannon as protesters clashed with officers outside parliament in Pristina on Monday, after lawmakers advanced amendments aimed at limiting the powers of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. The unrest also spread around government buildings, where demonstrators blocked exits in an effort to stop lawmakers from leaving. Fires were reported in the streets, and several people were detained during the confrontation.The latest violence followed parliament's first reading of the proposed changes, which still require a second reading and final approval. According to the supporting report, the amendments would cap prison sentences at 15 years,... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Ukraine drone strike on Moscow, FlyDubai probe and Gaza ceasefire push dominate briefing
Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow and the surrounding region overnight, killing one man and prompting Russian officials to report widespread disruption. The strike came as the war continued to spill into energy and transport routes, with a Russian drone attack also sinking a grain ship in Romania’s Black Sea waters, according to the supplied reports. 🔗 🔗In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates said it is investigating a serious incident on a FlyDubai passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, after reports that the co pilot tried to seize control and allegedly planned to... [Continue Reading]
Israeli ambassador in Australia calls for reset in ties on October 7 anniversary eve
Israel's ambassador to Australia has said the third anniversary of the October 7 attack is an opportunity to restore what he called the countries' traditional friendship. Hillel Newman said he hoped for a "reset" in relations, while acknowledging that ties between the two governments have become strained since 2023. His comments came ahead of commemorations on Wednesday marking the anniversary of Hamas's attack.Newman said he had come with "a lot of goodwill" and wanted to make a positive change in the relationship. He said both sides should be able to disagree without allowing those differences to dominate the wider bilateral... [Continue Reading]
Pacific leaders press to keep fossil-fuel transition pledge intact ahead of Cop31 in Tuvalu
Pacific island leaders have urged that a global pledge to transition away from fossil fuels should not be reopened for renegotiation as they gathered in Tuvalu ahead of Cop31. The meeting brought together about 50 dignitaries, including 14 national heads, climate ministers and leaders of international agencies. It was held in the low-lying atoll nation as part of efforts to build momentum before the climate summit next month in Turkey.The gathering included Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who was among the visiting leaders on the three-hour trip to Funafuti. The visit had been promised by the Australian government last year... [Continue Reading]
Tigray fighting deepens as forced recruitment claims emerge
Renewed fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region has intensified, with witnesses describing forced recruitment of men and boys as the conflict spreads. The latest reports say civilians have been rounded up on streets by armed groups linked to the Tigray conflict, adding to fears of a fresh humanitarian crisis. The violence began again on 23 September after months of rising tension and has further destabilised a region already scarred by years of war.According to the reports, the renewed clashes have shattered the Pretoria peace agreement signed in November 2022 between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, which... [Continue Reading]
Samoa prime minister apologises after 2007 Nazi salute video emerges
Samoa's prime minister has apologised after a video surfaced showing him giving a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler" at a family gathering in 2007. The seven-second clip shows Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt leading about a dozen people in the gesture. The footage was first reported by a local newspaper and has triggered a political controversy around the country's leader.Schmidt said the words and gesture were "inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt". He said the clip was recorded at a private gathering and was "not intended for the public". In a statement published on Facebook, he also said: "I... [Continue Reading]
Mexico seeks evidence after alleged border shooting prompts US troop deployment
Mexico has asked the United States to provide evidence after Washington said shots were fired from the Mexican side of the border at US security personnel. The dispute centres on an alleged incident near Texas, opposite the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, in late September. The claim has triggered a visible military response on both sides of the frontier and renewed friction over border security cooperation.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in her daily news conference that her government had received a report of shots coming from the Mexican border, but that Mexico had found no evidence to support the allegation. She... [Continue Reading]
FlyDubai co-pilot allegedly planned to crash aircraft into Tel Aviv airport, reports say
The co-pilot of a FlyDubai flight is now reported to have planned to crash the aircraft into Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport, according to multiple reports citing people close to the investigation. In the first public comments from Emirati investigators, UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said the co-pilot of flight FZ1073 "attempted to carry out a terrorist attack" when he attacked the captain with an axe and tried to take control of the aircraft. The flight was bound for Israel and carried more than 180 passengers, according to the supplied material.The reports say the suspect, identified by multiple sources as... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Russia escalates strikes in Ukraine and Black Sea as Brazil heads to runoff
Romanian authorities said a commercial vessel carrying corn sank in the Black Sea after a fire caused by a Russian drone attack, leaving two people dead and underlining the danger to shipping in the corridor. 🔗In Ukraine, Russian strikes intensified again as a missile hit Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, injuring two people and forcing traffic to stop, while Germany’s foreign intelligence chief warned that Europe could be drawn into violent conflict with Russia amid shadow war concerns. 🔗 🔗In the Middle East, Yemen’s military said it had launched more than 1,000 strikes against Houthi targets in a bid to retake territory,... [Continue Reading]
Pentagon stops using Anthropic AI tools after national-security review
The US Department of Defense has stopped using Anthropic's AI tools, according to an official statement cited in a current report. The move comes months after the company was designated a supply-chain risk on national security grounds. It also follows a period in which the Pentagon had still been using the tools for research, analysis, intelligence gathering and military operations.A department official said the Pentagon has "ceased the use of Anthropic products". Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth labelled Anthropic a supply-chain risk in February and said the department would stop using it by late August. People familiar with the matter said... [Continue Reading]
Bosnia election points to nationalist political realignment
Bosnia and Herzegovina's general election has produced gains for nationalist and conservative parties, according to analysts assessing the results on Sunday. The vote did not deliver major surprises in turnout patterns, but it did reinforce ethnic voting lines across the country. In Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats again swept aside its rivals.In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Darijana Filipovic of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina won the state presidency seat. The result marks a setback for civic-oriented politics that had gained some momentum in the previous election cycle. Analysts said many voters... [Continue Reading]
Germany intelligence chief warns of possible violent conflict with Russia amid shadow war concerns
Germany's foreign intelligence chief has warned that the country could be drawn into a violent conflict with Russia as tensions rise over what he described as a shadow war against European democracies. Martin Jaeger, who heads the Bundesnachrichtendienst, said the confrontation with Moscow had taken on a new and more dangerous dimension. He made the remarks during the annual public hearing of intelligence chiefs in parliament.Jaeger said the threat of attacks on targets in Germany remained real and imminent. He pointed to the attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport in August as one example of the risks facing the country.... [Continue Reading]
US military strike on alleged drug boat kills four in the Caribbean
The United States has carried out another military strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing four people, according to the US military. The attack is the latest in a widening campaign of maritime strikes across the region. It comes amid a broader counter-narcotics operation that US officials say is aimed at disrupting trafficking routes.US Southern Command said late on Sunday that it struck alleged drug traffickers operating along established trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean. The latest strike brings the reported death toll from US maritime attacks to at least 235 across 70... [Continue Reading]
Australian leaders condemn planned pro-Palestinian vigils as Jewish communities mark 7 October anniversary
Jewish communities across Australia are holding commemorations for the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks, while state Labor governments have condemned planned pro-Palestinian vigils on the same day. The events come amid heightened sensitivity over safety, with community groups keeping some ceremony locations private. Organisers say the commemorations are taking place in capital cities and are intended to mark the anniversary of the attacks that triggered the wider Israel-Gaza war.According to the supplied material, the 2023 attack killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 others taken hostage. The same source says the subsequent war has left 74,000... [Continue Reading]
Iran oil transit speculation grows as exports through Hormuz stay elevated
A new report has added to speculation over how oil continues to move through the Strait of Hormuz despite persistent security risks. Provisional data from maritime tracking firm Kpler suggests crude exports from the wider Middle East exceeded pre-war levels on four days in the final week of September, reaching between 19.5 million and 22.5 million barrels per day. The figures come as analysts continue to weigh whether the flow of tankers is being sustained by military escort, ship-to-ship transfers, or some form of payment to secure passage.The latest discussion was prompted by comments from Michelle Brohard, Kpler's head of... [Continue Reading]
US Marine arrest in Okinawa killing sparks protests as Japan presses Washington
Protests have continued in Okinawa and Tokyo after the arrest of a 20-year-old US Marine in connection with the killing of a 39-year-old woman in Naha. Japanese police said the suspect was sent to prosecutors on Monday after being arrested on Sunday, and he has denied the charge. The case has intensified public anger in Japan and renewed scrutiny of the conduct of US military personnel stationed in the country.Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that the killing was a "heinous crime" and urged the United States to "thoroughly enforce discipline" among its forces. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said... [Continue Reading]
Euro falls to 17-month low as French debt fears and Spain election add to eurozone uncertainty
The euro fell to its lowest level against the dollar in 17 months on Monday, as investors grew more concerned about France's debt position and wider political uncertainty in the eurozone. The single currency dropped as much as 0.8% in early trading to below $1.12, its weakest point since May 2025, before recovering slightly. French shares also came under pressure, with the Cac 40 index falling 1% even as some other major European markets were steadier or higher.Market moves were driven by worries that France's rising borrowing costs could make it harder for the government to manage its stretched public... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Black Sea ship hit as Yemen widens offensive and Spain calls snap election
A cargo ship carrying grain was hit by a suspected drone in the Black Sea, leaving 13 sailors missing and injuring the captain, in the latest sign of the conflict spilling into vital shipping lanes. The vessel, Royad Mammadov, was struck on Monday and the search for the missing crew continued. đź”—In Yemen, the government said it had launched more than 1,000 strikes against Houthi targets as it tries to retake territory lost in a September offensive. Officials said the campaign is aimed at reversing battlefield gains made by the Houthis and restoring control in contested areas. đź”—The same offensive... [Continue Reading]
Spain calls snap general election after housing defeat, with vote set for 29 November
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has confirmed that Spain will hold a general election on 29 November after his minority government failed to pass housing reforms in the Spanish Congress. The announcement follows a parliamentary defeat that has deepened pressure on the centre-left leader and brought forward the national political timetable. Sanchez said the vote comes at a time when Spain should stand against what he described as an "extreme-right wave" seen in other countries.The election call comes as polls show Sanchez's Socialist party trailing the conservative People's Party, which many expect could seek support from the far-right Vox if it... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Russia war pressure rises as Brazil heads to runoff and Asia markets rally
Russia and Ukraine remained at the centre of the news, with Kyiv hit again by a Russian missile that struck the Northern Bridge, injured two people and forced traffic to stop, while Ukraine said it was ready for US backed trilateral talks with Russia this month. Separately, a suspected pneumonic plague death in Russia's Irkutsk region is being watched closely by health authorities in Russia and the United States. đź”— đź”— đź”—In the Middle East, Yemen's internationally recognised president said government forces had launched military operations to retake territory still held by the Houthis, as fresh strikes continued. Oil markets... [Continue Reading]
Trump creates new AI oversight task force to coordinate federal policy
US President Donald Trump has announced a new federal task force focused on artificial intelligence, saying it will be called the Super Intelligence Force. The group is intended to coordinate the government's engagement with the public and with industry as the administration seeks to keep the United States at the forefront of AI development. Trump said the task force will report directly to him and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.The task force will be led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, according to Trump's post. He also named Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson, Undersecretary of Defense... [Continue Reading]
Brazil election heads to runoff after Bolsonaro outperforms Lula in first round
Brazil's presidential election has moved to a runoff after Senator Flavio Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round. The result, announced after voting on Sunday, defied opinion polls that had put Lula in front and sets up a second-round contest in three weeks. Bolsonaro won about 47% of the vote, compared with 45% for Lula, according to the figures in the supplied reports.The outcome also brought gains for the right in parliament, adding to the setback for Lula's camp. Lula, who is seeking a fourth term at almost 81, described the race as... [Continue Reading]
Nicaragua says it will withdraw from Central American Parliament amid renewed rights criticism
Nicaragua has announced that it will immediately withdraw from the Central American Parliament, a regional body made up of six countries. The government said the move was being taken in the "full exercise of its sovereignty". The decision comes as President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo continue to tighten their control over the country's political system.The Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the exit would take effect at once. The announcement followed a resolution passed on Friday by the Organization of American States, which called on Nicaragua to restore civil rights and release political prisoners. The government did not... [Continue Reading]
Japan moves to build new centralised spy agency amid regional tensions
Japan is moving ahead with plans to create a new centralised intelligence agency, in what would be the country's first such body since World War II. The proposal comes as Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae says stronger intelligence capabilities are urgently needed amid rising regional tensions. The move is being framed in Tokyo as part of a broader effort to respond to foreign interference, cyber threats and disinformation.Takaichi has described strengthening intelligence capabilities as "a matter of the utmost urgency", citing geopolitical shifts across the region. She has also raised concerns about the unauthorised leakage of advanced technology involving foreign intelligence... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan PTI launches mass rally toward Islamabad after talks fail
Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have begun a protest march from northwest Pakistan toward Islamabad after talks with the government failed. The rally was launched on Sunday and is being organised by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. More than 5,000 people were reported to have joined the march as it set off from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.The march had originally been planned for September 27 but was postponed until October 4 to allow negotiations between the government and PTI leadership. According to the supplied report, two rounds of talks over the weekend did not break the deadlock. Interior Minister... [Continue Reading]
Kyiv bridge hit again as Russian strikes intensify, injuring two
A Russian missile struck Kyiv's Northern Bridge on Sunday, injuring two people and forcing traffic to be suspended, according to the city's mayor. The strike damaged the road surface and trolleybus cables, adding to disruption on one of the Ukrainian capital's key crossings over the Dnipro River. It was the second time the bridge had been hit in as many days.The attack came amid a broader escalation in strikes on Kyiv's transport infrastructure. The Southern Bridge was hit five times in less than 24 hours on Friday, and officials have already restricted or suspended traffic on several of the city's... [Continue Reading]
Former diplomats say Iran conflict is likely to worsen in coming weeks
Former Iranian and US diplomats have said the war on Iran is likely to get worse in the coming weeks, with no sign of an imminent peace deal. The discussion centred on the positions of Washington and Tehran and on whether the conflict could move toward any durable pause. The assessment was presented as a warning that the current trajectory remains unstable.Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian diplomat, said Iranian leaders do not believe US claims that the war is about nuclear weapons rather than oil. Alan Eyre, a former US diplomat, said the conflict is not heading toward a peace... [Continue Reading]
Latvia's United List wins parliamentary election as populists gain ground
Latvia's centre-right United List has won the country's parliamentary election, according to preliminary results released after almost all votes were counted. The party led with 35.4% of the vote and secured 42 seats in the 100-seat parliament, a record for the post-independence era. The result points to a continued pro-European and pro-Ukrainian course for the Baltic state, which borders Russia and has made security a central political issue.Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, who took office in May, said the outcome was stronger than expected and in line with exit polls. He said the result showed that people wanted change and linked... [Continue Reading]
Spain housing protests intensify after parliament rejects rent and eviction measures
Tens of thousands of people rallied across Spain on Saturday after parliament rejected two government decrees aimed at easing the country's housing crisis. Demonstrations were reported in Madrid and dozens of other cities, as protesters called for affordable housing measures and a general strike. The protests followed a parliamentary vote on Friday that blocked the measures proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority left-wing coalition.The rejected decrees were designed to protect renters and make housing speculation harder. One would have sought to stop evictions of vulnerable people, tighten restrictions on short-term leases, and offer tax incentives for renting and new... [Continue Reading]
Houthis consolidate control in Mocha as civilians remain trapped
Houthi forces have taken control of the Red Sea city of Mocha, leaving thousands of civilians still in the district as conditions deteriorate, according to residents and local accounts. The city lies on Yemen's western coast, close to the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a major shipping chokepoint. People in and around Mocha say the takeover has changed daily life quickly and has deepened fears among families who did not flee.Residents said Houthi forces entered Mocha on 10 September, after which fighting shifted along the coast and some families moved towards Aden, Taiz and Lahij. One resident, Nabil, said he watched displaced... [Continue Reading]
Saudi-led coalition rejects Houthi claim of Riyadh attack as fighting intensifies
The Saudi-led coalition has dismissed Houthi claims that they targeted Riyadh with missiles and drones, saying the allegations were misleading. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the group was trying to divert attention from its losses and growing public anger, according to the supplied report. The exchange comes as fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government forces has intensified.The Houthis said they had struck an Aramco oil facility near Riyadh and claimed the attack caused large fires. The coalition did not confirm that account in the supplied material, and no independent verification of damage or casualties was provided. In... [Continue Reading]
Australia investigates Flydubai co-pilot links as probe widens after in-flight attack
Australian authorities are investigating the links to the country of a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain with a crash axe during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia after passengers managed to overpower the co-pilot and regain control of the plane. The UAE prosecutor is also investigating the incident and any possible motives.The Australian Federal Police said it is examining the man's links to Australia, with state police and the country's security agency involved. Sources familiar with the case have said the co-pilot was issued a student visa in 2014 and... [Continue Reading]
Vucic launches campaign for prime minister ahead of Serbia's October 25 snap election
Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has launched a campaign to become prime minister ahead of Serbia's snap parliamentary election on October 25. Thousands of supporters gathered at Belgrade Arena on Saturday for a rally that marked the start of his push to extend his influence after stepping down as president on September 27. The event took place in the capital and was presented by Vucic as the opening of a campaign for what he described as a comprehensive victory.Supporters filled the largest indoor arena in Belgrade, while dozens of buses from across Serbia brought people into the city for the... [Continue Reading]
French defence files may advance Italy's Ustica crash investigation
French authorities' decision to share defence documents with the Italian judiciary has reopened attention on one of Italy's longest-running aviation mysteries. The move has raised hopes of a possible breakthrough in the investigation into the 1980 crash of Itavia Flight 870 near the island of Ustica, although sceptics say the material may still fall short of identifying what happened. Prosecutors in Italy had been preparing to shelve the latest inquiry before the new development prompted them to keep it open.The aircraft, a DC-9 operated by the now-defunct Itavia carrier, was flying from Bologna to Palermo on 27 June 1980 when... [Continue Reading]
IEA says 325 million barrels released as G7 adds new diesel and crude drawdown
The International Energy Agency said member countries have now released about 325 million barrels of oil and oil-derived products from strategic reserves since March. That is more than 80% of the 400 million barrels originally pledged in the agency's collective action. The update came as G7 leaders agreed to immediately release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil in response to supply concerns.The agency said the 325 million barrels represented the amount released so far under the March commitment, leaving 75 million barrels still outstanding. The G7 did not say whether its new 100 million-barrel plan includes that remaining... [Continue Reading]
Libya unity talks disrupted after allegations link Haftar's son to drone attacks on fuel sites
Allegations that Saddam Haftar oversaw a group behind drone attacks on fuel storage facilities and power stations in western Libya have thrown the country's latest unity talks into doubt. The claims have deepened tensions between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and the eastern camp led by Khalifa Haftar. They also come as the United States has been trying to push Libya's rival institutions towards a single political and security framework.According to the reported allegations, Saddam Haftar, who is deputy commander of the Libyan National Army, was linked to what was described as a "terror cell" behind the strikes. The... [Continue Reading]
UK energy suppliers press government over winter bill rises
Energy suppliers in the United Kingdom are pressing the government to act immediately as households face another rise in energy costs this winter. The trade body Energy UK said higher domestic gas prices and forecasts of a sharp increase in January mean delay could deepen the pressure on consumers. The warning comes as millions of households on variable tariffs remain exposed to the regulator's price cap.The latest figures cited by the industry point to a 4% increase in bills at the start of October for households in England, Scotland and Wales on Ofgem's capped tariffs. That rise was described as... [Continue Reading]
Latin America poll finds China viewed more positively than the United States for first time since 1995
A new regional survey has found that China is now viewed more positively than the United States as a global influence across Latin America. The 2026 Latinobarometro poll, published on Friday, marks the first time since the survey began in 1995 that China has ranked ahead of the US on this measure. The findings cover 17 countries and point to a notable shift in public attitudes across the region.The survey said 65% of respondents saw China as a positive influence, compared with 57% for the United States. Support for China has risen sharply since 2020, when 48% of respondents viewed... [Continue Reading]
US suspends consular services in Brasilia as Brazil election tensions deepen
Washington has suspended consular services in Brasilia over security concerns, adding a diplomatic disruption to Brazil's tightly contested election campaign. Australia also closed its embassy for the same reason, although neither government gave details about the threat. The move comes as the race between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro remains deadlocked.The timing has drawn attention because the campaign is already under intense scrutiny, with US President Donald Trump said to be watching the contest closely. Lula's Workers' Party said the US decision made no sense and suggested it could be an... [Continue Reading]
Iraq allows Iranian airlines to resume up to 40 daily Najaf flights after US exemption
Iraq has agreed to let Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, operate up to 40 flights a day to and from Najaf International Airport after Washington granted an exemption from sanctions. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's office on Friday, following talks between Baghdad and Washington. The move restores a key air link that had been disrupted after US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector last month.The office said al-Zaidi welcomed the "positive response shown by the US government to Iraq's efforts and its cooperation in granting the necessary exemption." Iraq's foreign minister, Fuad Hussein, also said the return... [Continue Reading]
Ethiopia conflict fears spread across the Horn of Africa as ties with Eritrea severed
Addis Ababa has accused Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan of backing armed groups as renewed fighting involving the Ethiopian military and an opposition coalition raises fears of a wider regional spillover. The latest tensions come within days of fresh confrontations and follow the collapse of an agreement that had ended the previous war between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and Tigrayan forces nearly four years ago. Eritrea and Ethiopia have since severed diplomatic ties after reciprocal moves, deepening an already fragile regional picture.Khartoum and Cairo have denied involvement in the conflict, according to the reporting, while the Ethiopian government has maintained... [Continue Reading]
DR Congo Ebola outbreak worsens amid conflict and attacks on health response
Official figures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo now put the Ebola death toll at 4,018, from 8,300 cases, as violence and displacement continue to disrupt the response. The outbreak, first detected in mid-May, has spread across seven provinces in the north and east. Health workers are still trying to contain transmission in unstable areas where access remains limited.The latest data also show 2,162 recoveries, leaving the fatality rate at 48.4 percent. In North Kivu, authorities recorded four deaths among six cases in areas controlled by the anti-government group M23. In Ituri, more than 5,000 people have been displaced... [Continue Reading]
Nepal plans to drain four glacial lakes after deadly flood disaster
Nepal is preparing a multi-year project to drain four high-altitude glacial lakes after a deadly flood disaster in the Nepal-Tibet border region. Officials say the work is intended to reduce the risk of lake breaches and limit the chance of further downstream flooding. The lakes named for the first phase of the project are Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu II.The plan will use gated structures to release water in a controlled way into nearby rivers, but only after detailed studies are completed. Authorities said design work and technical assessments are due to begin in the fiscal year running... [Continue Reading]
French school protests spread as about 400 schools close amid clashes and fires
At least 400 of France's 3,700 high schools were closed on Friday as a student protest movement spread nationwide and triggered clashes with police, fires and mass detentions. The Ministry of National Education said 560 schools reported protests or disruptions, while fire damaged the entrances of two high schools in Paris. The unrest began in the Paris area last week and has since widened across the country.Education Minister Edouard Geffray said students were "in danger" and urged parents to keep them away from the demonstrations. He said at least 170 students and 65 school staff members, including 40 principals, had... [Continue Reading]
Ethiopia fighting intensifies in Tigray as pro-government forces claim advances toward Mekelle
An armed group aligned with Ethiopia's government has said it is close to taking full control of the northern Tigray region, as residents reported federal forces moving closer to the regional capital, Mekelle. The claim was made by the commander of the Tigray Peace Forces late on Thursday and could not be independently verified. It comes amid renewed fighting that has spread across parts of northern Ethiopia after weeks of rising tension.The commander said Tigray People's Liberation Front forces had been wiped out, while the TPLF chairperson, Debretsion Gebremichael, acknowledged that federal forces had occupied some parts of the region.... [Continue Reading]
British paratrooper died in Ukraine explosion, coroner rules
A British paratrooper died after an explosion while assisting Ukrainian troops in the war with Russia, a coroner has ruled. An inquest into the death of L/Cpl George Hooley found he sustained multiple injuries in the blast on 6 December 2025. Hooley, 28, died in a hospital in Kyiv three days later.Senior coroner Darren Salter said he had been given limited evidence about the circumstances of the explosion. He said the death was not suspicious, and the location of the blast remains unknown beyond the fact that it was away from the front line. The inquest was conducted partly in... [Continue Reading]
Hegseth creates Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs reporting directly to him
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the creation of a new Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs, a move that will place the office directly under his authority. The announcement was made in a speech on Wednesday and described as part of a wider set of faith-related reforms at the Department of Defense. According to the Pentagon, the office will support chaplains and religious services while reporting at the highest level of the department.Hegseth said the office would help provide what he called "first-class religious support" and framed the initiative in explicitly religious language. He told the audience that the... [Continue Reading]
Putin renews nuclear warning over Kaliningrad as NATO drills continue
Vladimir Putin has renewed his warning that Russia could use all weapons in its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if Kaliningrad or other Russian territory comes under direct attack. He said the issue would arise if there were a direct strike on the Russian Federation, and linked the warning to what he described as escalating statements about the Baltic enclave. The comments come as NATO continues military drills near Kaliningrad, which the alliance has described as defensive exercises.The warning sharpens an already tense standoff over the Russian exclave, which lies between Poland and Lithuania. Putin said Moscow would face retaliation if... [Continue Reading]
Malaysia deports nearly 1,500 Myanmar refugees amid stepped-up raids
Malaysia has deported nearly 1,500 refugees to Myanmar, according to details provided on Tuesday, as authorities intensify raids and detentions targeting refugee communities across the country. The move is part of a stated plan to send back at least 5,000 refugees under an agreement with Myanmar's military government. It has deepened fear among tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees still living in Malaysia, many of whom are now asking who may be next.The deportation came as immigration officials increased operations against refugee communities, with more than 50,000 refugees detained this year alone, according to the supplied report. Malaysia's home affairs... [Continue Reading]
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]
Brazil probes alleged US funding plan amid election sovereignty row
Brazil's attorney general has ordered police to investigate allegations that the Trump administration planned to use government funds to support far-right causes in the country. The move comes as Brazil heads into a presidential election in which sovereignty and foreign interference have become central campaign themes. Officials said the complaint was prompted by a report alleging that $1 million could have been directed to civil society groups opposing Brazil's Supreme Court.Attorney General Jorge Messias said the claims raised a serious warning for Brazilian sovereignty and could not be tolerated. In a statement, his office said the report was especially serious... [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]
Algeria lower house approves death-penalty bill for forest arsonists after deadly wildfires
Algeria's lower house has approved a penal-code amendment that would allow the death penalty for certain arson-related offences, following deadly wildfires in the country's north-east. Members of the National People's Assembly voted to back the change on Thursday, according to the supplied material. The measure now moves to the upper house, the Council of the Nation, before any final ratification by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.The amendment would apply to anyone convicted of acts seen as undermining public security and order, national unity, or economic and environmental stability. Tebboune called for the change in September after wildfires killed at least 12 people,... [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]
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]
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]
India hardens tone toward Trump administration amid tariff and terrorism disputes
India is taking a more openly critical line toward the Trump administration as tensions rise over trade, terrorism concerns and Washington's approach to Pakistan. The shift has been marked by unusually direct public remarks from Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and a more restrained description by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his latest call with Donald Trump. The developments come as domestic pressure grows on Modi over how he is handling relations with Washington.Jaishankar spoke at an event in New York this week and said Washington had been an insensitive partner to India's concerns over terrorism, had warmed to Pakistan... [Continue Reading]
Iraq marks end of US-led anti-ISIS coalition mission as withdrawal completes
The US-led coalition has formally ended its anti-Islamic State mission in Iraq after more than a decade, with the final phase of the withdrawal now complete. The move was marked in Baghdad as a sovereignty milestone, while also prompting concern that armed groups aligned with Iran could gain more room to operate. The coalition had deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014, when Islamic State seized large areas of territory and triggered a wider regional security crisis.The end of the mission follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to wind down the coalition in stages. US troops had already... [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 Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
Is the Italian Prime Minister the Visionary Leader Europe Needs? An Analysis of Executive Decisiveness, National Security, and the Contrast in European Integration Policies
A Continent in Institutional Deadlock While the rest of Europe remains entangled in a web of bureaucratic deadlock and human rights litigation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has quietly established herself as a leader operating far ahead of her continental peers. For years, European leaders have debated how to handle radicalism and unchecked migration, often waiting for institutional consensus that arrives too late. Meloni, conversely, has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize state security over political correctness, offering a blueprint for a continent facing asymmetric threats. The Contrast in European Legislative Approvals The contrast between Italy’s swift, executive decisiveness and the... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [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]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [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]
The Mirage of the Umbrella: The Shifting Sands of the U.S.-Israel-GCC Alliance
As I sat in a recent debate at the historic Carlton Club in London, listening to Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, I felt a tangible shift in the room, not because a new fact had been revealed, but because an old illusion had finally lost its last breath. The old-world order has not merely changed, it has evaporated, leaving the Gulf to realize it is no longer watching a distant fire from the safety of marble towers and air-conditioned ministries, but is instead standing directly inside the smoke. The GCC today is caught in a lethal crossfire between... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
WAR CRIMES OR HUMANITY ON LIFE SUPPORT?
The Thin, Bloody Line Between Justice and Jungle Rule IS KILLING WITHOUT MERCY NOW LEGAL? By Anthony Sterling In September 2025, the United States military launched what became known as Operation Southern Spear, a lethal campaign targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters. The stated objective was to combat narco trafficking networks operating beyond territorial jurisdiction. The ethical shock came on 2 September 2025, when a double strike in the Caribbean left survivors clinging to wreckage for nearly an hour. Drone footage reportedly showed two individuals waving from debris after the first impact. Instead of rescue, three additional munitions... [Continue Reading]
The role of community policing in nurturing acceptance
In a highly polarized world and a highly volatile situation, many wars are perturbing the lives of many, forcing governments to take real measures to protect their citizens. Away from the geopolitical analysis and speculation, I would like to highlight one of many important aspects related to war preparation, which is the protocol of living in community shelters, historically comparable to the use of air raid shelters during major conflicts. During the war in Lebanon in the mid-eighties, I published an article about this protocol, and it seems very relevant to these days. 1- This is not your house: A... [Continue Reading]
Navigating the Perils of Information in a Global Age
Navigating the Perils of Information in a Global Age In today’s world, where information flows ceaselessly and unchecked, the stakes for migrants have never been higher. Critical thinking is not just a skill, it’s a lifeline. The ability to sift fact from fiction, especially in matters as consequential as migration, is essential for individuals, communities, and the institutions that serve them. The migration landscape is uniquely vulnerable to the hazards of mis-, dis-, and mal-information, collectively known as MDM. The consequences of inaccurate or misleading information can ripple far beyond the individual, affecting entire communities and the systems that govern... [Continue Reading]



