The Malian leader described the attacks as part of a broader effort to destabilise the country, alleging support from both internal and external actors.

“These attacks are not isolated acts,” he stated. “They are part of a broader destabilisation plan designed and carried out by terrorist armed groups, with internal and external sponsors providing them with intelligence and logistical support.”

He declared that the country’s security situation is “under control”, stating that the military response dealt a “strong blow” to armed groups and also called on fellow Malians to trust in the security forces "now more than ever" as they are "engaged in a complex fight against terrorism".

"From Monday, April 27 at midnight, is declared throughout the entire national territory in tribute to General Sadio Camara... flags shall be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and edifices throughout the duration of the mourning period," Coulibaly said.

He explained that the incident occurred on the morning of April 25, 2026, when a vehicle carrying explosives targeted the minister’s residence.

"Following the cowardly terrorist incidents that took place on the morning of April 25, 2026, a booby-trapped vehicle driven by a suicide bomber targeted the residence of the Minister [...] He was wounded and then transported to the hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed," he added.

The attack led to the collapse of Camara’s residence in Kati. Several people were killed, and a nearby mosque was also destroyed, with additional fatalities reported.

Authorities confirmed that Camara will receive a state funeral, following a decision by Mali’s transitional leader, Assimi Goita.

Authorities in Guatemala discovered cell phones and illegal drugs during a security search at the women’s prison located in Zone 18 of Guatemala City. Prison officials carried out the operation as part of routine efforts to clamp down on contraband items that are often used by inmates to coordinate criminal activities outside prison walls. During the search , officers reportedly combed through several sections of the prison, inspecting personal belongings and shared spaces used by inmates. The operation resulted in the confiscation of multiple mobile devices and narcotics, which authorities say pose a significant security threat within the prison system. Officials noted that such items are frequently smuggled into facilities through illicit networks involving visitors or corrupt intermediaries.

Search at Pavoncito prison 

A separate security operation at Pavoncito prison led to the seizure of various illegal items, authorities reported. The search was conducted by prison officials aiming to reinforce order within the correctional facility and prevent inmates from maintaining criminal operations while behind bars. Such inspections have become increasingly frequent as authorities attempt to tighten control in Guatemala’s prison system. During the operation , officers searched cells and communal areas within the prison complex. Several items considered prohibited under prison regulations were confiscated, though officials did not immediately provide a full list of the materials recovered.

Pool tragedy in Sakerti

What began as a relaxing afternoon at a swimming pool in the Sakerti neighborhood of Zone 7 ended in tragedy after a fatal incident occurred at the site. Local reports indicate that the gathering was meant to be a casual recreational outing before the situation suddenly turned into an emergency. Authorities were called to the scene after the incident was reported. Emergency responders arrived and attempted to manage the situation, but the individual involved was later confirmed dead. Details surrounding the exact cause of the tragedy were not immediately clear, prompting officials to launch an investigation to determine what led to the fatal outcome. W

Armed attack leaves one police officer dead and another injured

An armed attack in Guatemala’s northern Petén region left one police officer dead and another injured, according to authorities. The assault occurred while officers were carrying out their duties. The injured officer was reportedly taken for medical treatment following the incident, while security forces quickly moved to secure the area. Authorities launched an investigation and began searching for those responsible for the attack. Police and other security agencies have since intensified operations in the area as part of efforts to track down suspects. Officials have also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for the fallen officer. 

Three men killed and a woman injured

Three men were killed and a woman injured after gunmen opened fire in a separate armed attack in Guatemala, according to local reports. The violent incident has added to concerns about crime and public safety in parts of the country where armed assaults continue to occur. The three male victims were confirmed dead, while the injured woman was transported to a medical facility for treatment. Officials have not yet released details about the identities of those involved or the possible motive behind the attack. Investigators have opened a case and are working to identify the suspects responsible for the shooting. Security forces say they are gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses as part of the inquiry.

Miadfar said the highest number of injuries had been recorded in Tehran, Kermanshah, West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan and Hormozgan provinces.

Three massive explosions were heard in central Tehran, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. The extent of the damage and possible casualties were not immediately clear.

The Israeli government declared the emergency as a precaution against potential counterstrikes.

Was the U.S. aware of it?

The strike came a day after the United States authorized some diplomatic staff and their families to leave Israel, citing unspecified “safety risks.”

In a February 27 advisory, the U.S. State Department allowed the departure of non-emergency government personnel and family members from its mission in Israel, saying the security situation could change rapidly.

“Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” the advisory said, noting that travel restrictions on U.S. personnel could be imposed without notice.

The U.S. government did not directly link the move to a possible Israeli strike on Iran, but the guidance warned of “increased regional tensions” and potential security incidents.

The evacuation authorization also came as Washington and Tehran were engaged in indirect talks over Iran’s nuclear program. 

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action if negotiations fail to produce a deal limiting Iran’s enrichment activities.

Kaduna state police commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, described the reports as “mere falsehood which is being peddled by conflict entrepreneurs who want to cause chaos.”

The initial reports alleged that over 100 people were kidnapped in coordinated attacks on three churches in Kurmin Wali and the Kajuru Local Government Area. Victims were said to include women and children, who were reportedly taken to an unknown location.

Rev. John Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states, confirmed the incident to local publication Vanguard . He said some people managed to escape while many others were still missing.

Similarly, a community leader from Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan'azumi Sarkin, also told the BBC that 177 people were kidnapped from three churches. He noted that 11 escaped, several were injured, and no deaths were recorded.

However, police commissioner Rabiu challenged the validity of the reports, saying, “Anyone [should] list the names of the kidnapped victims and other particulars.”

Dauda Madaki, chairman of Kajuru local government area, said security forces were sent to the area after the reports surfaced, but found no evidence of an attack. “I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack,” Madaki said.

Police also referenced comments from the state’s commissioner for internal security and home affairs, who said religious leaders visited the area. “They found out that what was pushed out to the public sphere was completely false,” he reportedly said.

Mass kidnappings are not new to northern Nigeria. In November 2025, coordinated abductions led to the closure of several schools. During that month, over 300 students and 38 church members were kidnapped between the 17th and 23rd.

Amid the November abductions, Nigerian officials linked the rise in kidnappings to the United States threatening military action over alleged “mass killing of Christians”, saying it may have provoked retaliation from armed groups.

On Christmas Day, the U.S. carried out airstrikes on two Islamist militant camps in north-western Nigeria. Earlier in the month, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of more strikes if attacks on Christians continued.

“The strike followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the capability of the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage.

“The operation underscores the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria’s borders,” Local media The Guardian quoted the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major-General Samaila Uba.

The U.S. military ’s Africa Command had said the strike was carried out in Sokoto state in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple ISIS militants.

This follows Trump’s post on Truth Social that said: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!”

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the BBC that the strike was a "joint operation" targeting "terrorists", and it "has nothing to do with a particular religion ".

Without naming ISIS specifically, Tuggar said the operation had been planned "for quite some time" and had used intelligence information provided by the Nigerian side, reports Reuters. He did not rule out further strikes, adding that this depended on "decisions to be taken by the leadership of the two countries".

The video captures a Jewish couple—Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61—stepping in to protect others during the early moments of the attack.

Gurman, a retired mechanic, is seen in the footage wearing a purple shirt, charging at an armed assailant in a black shirt, attempting to disarm him while his wife stood beside him. 

Witness accounts and the video suggest the attacker had another firearm, which was then used to fatally shoot the couple. Both Boris and Sofia were among the first victims of the incident, according to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

The Gurman family released a statement describing the couple's actions as instinctively selfless.

“While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were— people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”

The couple had been married for 34 years, with their 35th anniversary approaching in January.

“We were looking forward to celebrating Sofia’s 62nd birthday on Wednesday, 17 December,” the family added.

Witnesses have described Gurman as a hero. The woman who shared the dashcam footage told Reuters, “Mr Gurman did not run away—instead, he charged straight toward the danger, using all his strength trying to wrestle away the gun and fighting to the death.”

“Everyone needs to know what he tried, because it was right in the beginning. And he put himself in that face of danger. There were bullets flying already, and he put his self in the face of danger,” another witness told reporters.

The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah event, left at least 15 people dead and 22 others injured, nine critically. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, including a child, a rabbi, a former police officer, and a Holocaust survivor.

Authorities have classified the shooting as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community. Police identified the attackers as a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram. The father, aged 50, was killed by officers at the scene, while the 24-year-old son remains in hospital.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, calling it “An act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”

“This offensive of threats seeks to strip our people of their revolution, their power, and return us to the shadows of imperial domination,” Maduro said. “Whatever the threat may be, and whenever it comes, I always tell the people: nerves of steel . Calm, prudence, and maximum unity in action.”

The president also dismissed international criticism, labelling him a dictator, referencing his working-class roots in the barrios of Caracas and distancing himself from elites trained abroad. “I wasn’t trained at the School of the Americas, Harvard, or Langley,” he said. “I was trained in the high schools and neighbourhoods of Caracas - El Valle, 23 de Enero, Catia, Propatria, El Cementerio.”

Maduro concluded with a plea for de-escalation, calling on both regional leaders and the people of the United States to reject militarism and support peace. “Enough of threats, enough of militarism, enough of fascism. Respect the people’s right to peace,” he said. 

The United States has deployed warships and fighter jets in the region since August, citing efforts to combat transnational narcotics operations.

“It was a massacre with several premeditated killings, those where there is intent to kill,” said Alex Castro, a resident of the community. “Mothers have lost their children , wives their husbands, and children their parents. The only thing we ask for is peace.”

Neusa, another resident, expressed frustration at the state’s repeated use of violence while failing to invest in long-term solutions. “The State knows how to make us cry, because we are mothers. But the State doesn’t come with projects,” she said. “Everything that happened today should not have happened,” she said.

The community is still reeling, with reports that several bodies remain in the forested areas surrounding the favela. Residents have taken it upon themselves to organise searches, with some travelling by motorcycle deep into the woods to recover the dead.

Claudia, who witnessed one of the killings, described how a man who had already surrendered was executed. “He said, ‘I surrender.’ That’s what he did. And they shot him anyway,” she said. “Not even criminals should be killed. This shouldn’t be happening in our favela.” 

The operation has once again put Brazil’s militarised policing strategies under scrutiny, especially in poor, predominantly Black communities that say they are treated as enemy territory.

“They want to end violence in the favela, but who robs more?” asked resident Adailton. “They rob more than we, the poor. They even want to cancel our 13th salary, but instead of filtering their own thefts, they come to oppress us.”

So far, authorities have not released an official death toll or detailed account of the operation.

“Targeting the centre of community life on the holiest day of the year was not just an attack on British Jews, it was an attack on all of us. It was an attack on our humanity and on Britain’s values of freedom, compassion and respect,” Badenoch said.

She warned that anti-semitic hate and radical Islamist ideology had been “allowed to fester unchecked” in Britain’s streets for years, pointing to inflammatory slogans at protests and intimidation of Jewish communities.

“We have tolerated this in our country for too long,” she said. “You can think what you like and, within the law , say what you like, but you have no right to turn our streets into theatres of intimidation, and we will not let you do so anymore,” she warned.

She further urged the country to draw a “firm line” against importing values hostile to Britain’s democratic principles. She reassured Jewish communities that the government “stands with you shoulder to shoulder.”

A man believed to be Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin, was shot dead by police after launching an attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 55, were killed in the incident. Police confirmed that one of the victims died after being accidentally shot by officers attempting to stop the attacker. 

The remarks came a day after an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential compound in Doha, where members of Hamas’s politburo were staying. The strike killed Khalil al-Hayya’s son, his office manager, three aides, and a Qatari internal security officer. Hamas said its senior negotiators survived.

Netanyahu defended the attack, calling it a continuation of Israel’s campaign against those responsible for the October 7 massacre. “Yesterday, we acted along those lines. We went after the terrorist masterminds who committed the October 7th massacre,” he said.

The U.S. State Department condemned recent lethal Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and urged President Trump to assist Yemen’s legitimate government against the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists. Expert Walid Phares recommended assembling ground forces loyal to the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council to reclaim strategic territories. The situation escalates as Houthi attacks continue to threaten regional security, provoking responses from Israel and potential U.S. military action.

India supports Kerala nurse facing death penalty in Yemen

The Indian government has reaffirmed support for Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse whose execution in Yemen for murder has been temporarily halted. Diplomatic efforts and legal aid are ongoing as India seeks to negotiate a blood money arrangement to prevent the death penalty. Internal family disagreements of the victim's relatives complicate negotiations, while financial support is emerging from local benefactors to facilitate a resolution.

Yemeni Forces seize major Iranian weapons shipment targeting Houthis

Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF) intercepted a significant Iranian weapons shipment intended for Houthi militants, containing over 750 tons of munitions, including advanced missiles and military equipment. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the seizure, which aligns with UN Security Council regulations against arms transfers to the Houthis, highlighting ongoing regional security concerns.

Iran denies accusations of sending weapons to Yemen

Iran's Foreign Ministry refuted U.S. claims regarding military equipment being sent to Yemen, labelling the allegations as unfounded and a part of a negative media campaign against Tehran. This dismissal comes amidst rising tensions regarding Iran's alleged support for the Houthi movement.

Russian crew member from ship sunk by Houthis receives treatment in Yemen

Following an attack by Houthi militants, the Greek-flagged bulk carrier Sea Champion experienced a missile strike, resulting in the sinking of the vessel. A Russian crew member is currently undergoing medical treatment in Yemen, while ten other mariners were successfully rescued and moved to Saudi Arabia. This incident underscores the escalating maritime security challenges posed by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Could Botswana abandon death penalty to tackle gender-based violence?

President Duma Boko has called for a review of capital punishment’s role in addressing violent crime, especially gender-based violence (GBV), as such crimes continue to rise in Botswana despite decades of its enforcement. Read more here .

Massacre in Benue, relief in reforms: Can new tax laws ease Nigeria's security crisis?

Over 100 people were killed in a June 13, 2025 attack in Yelewata, Benue State, amid ongoing land conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, Amnesty International reports. With over 1,000 deaths since May 2023, violence persists. Meanwhile, President Tinubu's new tax reforms aim to ease the burden on low-income Nigerians by boosting disposable income. Read more here .

U.S. visa cuts on Africa—Is it really about reciprocity?

The U.S. has imposed new visa restrictions on Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, reducing student, tourist, and business visas to single-entry with three-month validity. The State Department cites its Global Reciprocity Realignment—but is reciprocity the real motive? Read more here .

Asia

Over 200 Chinese children poisoned after school used paint in food: summary

Over 200 kindergarten children in Tianshui, China, were hospitalized with lead poisoning after staff used industrial paint pigments to color food. Authorities say 233 of 251 children were affected. The school principal and others are in custody. Some food samples had lead levels over 2,000 times the legal limit. Read more here .

Key events in the Air India crash investigation

A preliminary report on last month’s Air India crash, which killed 260 people, reveals the engines were starved of fuel seconds after takeoff when fuel cutoff switches flipped to “off.” Read more here .

China, Malaysia agree on reciprocal visa-free entry for tourists and business travellers

China and Malaysia will launch a reciprocal visa-free travel deal on July 17, 2025, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit and 90 days within 180 days. It applies to Chinese official and ordinary passport holders and Malaysian ordinary passport holders. Read more here .

Latin America

Adriano Baracho: Covering climate, communities, and change in Brazil

Adriano, a one-man journalist for TV10 in rural São Paulo, has spent a decade covering local stories solo. Originally from the Amazon’s Pará region, he also documents climate change, deforestation, and Indigenous struggles from remote areas often overlooked by the media. Read more here .

Why Colombia is celebrating its independence day in another country

Colombia will celebrate its Independence Day in the Czech Republic for the first time this July 2025, as part of efforts to deepen cultural ties abroad. Organised by the Colombian Embassy and ASOCOLCZ, the event will be held on Saturday, July 19, at Betlémské náměstí in the heart of Prague. Read more here .

Trump intensifies trade war with threat of 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico

President Donald Trump has threatened a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting August 1, after trade talks stalled. Announced via letters posted on Truth Social, the move escalates tensions with key U.S. partners. Both Mexico and the EU criticised the tariffs as unfair but vowed to keep negotiating. Read more here .

The US government has imposed sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other top officials, marking the anniversary of the July 2021 protests. According to the US Department of State, the sanctions include visa restrictions for officials associated with the regime's violent response to the protests, which resulted in widespread detentions and abuses. The US continues to advocate for human rights in Cuba and prohibits funding to properties linked to the regime.

Human rights abuses identified in Cuban prisons

Human Rights Watch reports significant abuses against protesters detained following the July 2021 demonstrations in Cuba. The organisation highlights arbitrary arrests and deplorable prison conditions, including overcrowding and lack of medical care. Former detainees have reported brutal treatment and punitive measures against those who complained. HRW calls for international support for human rights promotion in Cuba amidst an ongoing economic crisis.

Cuban national arrested for driving offence

Yordano Herrera, a 34-year-old native of Cuba, was arrested for driving with a suspended licence, following a DUI conviction. Law enforcement officials in Sumter County discovered his vehicle registration was expired, leading to a check of his driving history, which revealed multiple suspensions. He was charged with expired registration and driving on a suspended licence. Herrera was later released on bail after his arrest.

OFAC fines U.S. firm $600,000 for Cuba shipments

Key Holding, LLC, a Delaware-based logistics firm, will pay a $608,825 fine to the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC for potential violations of Cuba sanctions . Between Jan 2022 and Jul 2023, its Colombian subsidiary coordinated 36 shipments to Cuba worth over $3 million. OFAC found 33 shipments unauthorised under its rules, including food, machinery parts, and goods bound for Cuban state-owned entities. At the time, neither Key Holding nor its subsidiary had an OFAC compliance program in place, leading to unintentional breaches of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.

He appealed for this during a visit with German Minister of Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, to the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Saar emphasised that such actions constitute clear violations of international law, stating, "We see here the results of the barbaric Iranian regime's strategy to hit, shamelessly and deliberately, civilian population centres with ballistic missiles. This is clearly a war crime ."

He further highlighted that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had openly acknowledged targeting civilian areas.

The Foreign Minister also raised concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions, noting the country's recent decision to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"We see Iran's decision to stop the oversight, the inspection of the IAEA on its nuclear programme. They continue to deceive, they continue to mock the international community," urging global powers to take necessary steps to address the threat posed by Iran's nuclear programme.

The recent conflict, marked by a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, saw significant casualties on both sides. Iran reported over 600 civilian deaths, while Israel suffered 28 fatalities. The hostilities culminated in a ceasefire mediated by the United States, with President Donald Trump announcing forthcoming talks between U.S. and Iranian officials.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Iran's parliament has approved a bill to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA , effectively halting inspections and oversight of its nuclear facilities. This move has drawn international criticism, with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warning that Iran could potentially resume uranium enrichment within months.

According to officials, a DNA test has confirmed the identity of the last victim of the Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, bringing the death toll to 260. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board and 19 others on the ground, with one survivor reported. Previous estimates had pegged the death toll higher, but 240 bodies were identified before this confirmation. Medical authorities indicated that the DNA matching process was complex due to severe damage to many bodies.

Mahaa News office vandalised in Hyderabad, allegations against BRS

Reports confirm that unidentified assailants attacked the office of Mahaa News in Hyderabad, vandalising vehicles and property on June 28. Congress MLC Venkat Balmoor has condemned the incident, attributing responsibility to BRS party leaders. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is scheduled to visit the affected channel's office as authorities continue to investigate the attack.

Saquib Nachan, alleged ISIS leader, dies in Delhi Hospital

Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan, alleged chief of ISIS India , has died in a Delhi hospital following complications from a brain haemorrhage. Nachan, previously convicted for his involvement in the 2002-03 Mumbai blasts, was under medical care after being admitted from Tihar Jail. His death raises concerns over the ongoing investigations into terrorism in India.

India's unvaccinated children: Global ranking reevaluated

India has been reported to have the second highest number of unvaccinated children globally, with 1.4 million behind Nigeria's 2.5 million, according to The Lancet. However, analysis suggests that these figures may not accurately reflect India's vaccination efforts due to its large population. Experts highlight the need for more nuanced comparisons to understand the context of vaccination rates in such a populous nation.

Air India flight returns to Mumbai due to cabin emergency

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai made a precautionary return on June 27 after a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and provided support to passengers affected by the disruption. This incident follows other recent reports concerning aircraft safety and security measures within the airline.

Among the deceased are Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces; IRGC Commander Hossein Salami; and Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, who had recently assumed command of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

The funerals, held in Tehran, drew large crowds of mourners paying their respects to these prominent figures.

The Iranian Ministry of Health reported 610 deaths and 4,746 injuries resulting from Israeli airstrikes.

However, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates higher figures, citing 974 deaths and 3,458 injuries, including both military personnel and civilians.

Israel reported 29 fatalities and over 3,200 injuries due to Iranian missile and drone attacks. The Israeli military targeted over 900 sites in Iran, aiming to dismantle its nuclear capabilities and missile production infrastructure.

The conflict concluded with a ceasefire mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian officials.

The agreement stipulated that both nations would cease hostilities, with the understanding that any further aggression would nullify the truce.

While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, tensions remain high . Iranian citizens have expressed both hope for lasting peace and concern over potential future conflicts. The Iranian government faces internal criticism for its handling of the situation, and the international community continues to monitor the region closely.

Powerful explosions rocked Tehran on Monday as Israel launched strikes on what it described as “regime targets” in the Iranian capital, heightening tensions just one day after U.S. air raids on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure .

In a swift and fierce response, Iran fired multiple missile salvos at Israel and pledged to retaliate against the United States, escalating the confrontation as the conflict entered its 11th day.

According to Iranian state media, Israeli forces targeted the Fordo nuclear enrichment facility, a heavily fortified site located deep in the mountains south of Tehran. The attack came on the heels of a U.S. strike over the weekend using "bunker buster" munitions to hit the same facility in a show of support for its ally, Israel.

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military was "carrying out strikes of unprecedented force against regime targets and agencies of government oppression in the heart of Tehran."

Spearheaded by civil society groups like “Brothers and Sisters in Arms,” the initiative aims to ensure "that everybody will be safe".

According to a social activist, Shula Keshet, the abandoned bus station is "the only place in Israel that has a shelter against atomic bombs. It's in a very terrible place, by the way."

The shelter, originally opened during the Gulf War in 1991, can accommodate up to 16,000 people.

"Surrounding this place, [are] citizens and people, families, Israelis or non-Israelis, immigrant workers, asylum seekers, etc., [who] did not have any place to go," Shula Keshet added.

Protests erupted in Tehran and several other cities following Friday prayers, with demonstrators voicing support for their leaders, as broadcast by state television. One protester's banner read, “I will sacrifice my life for my leader,” about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Israeli authorities, 25 people have been killed in Israel due to Iranian missile strikes since June 13. In response, Iran reported on Sunday, June 15, that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 224 deaths, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

Tensions between Iran and Israel soured as the two rivals engaged in a rare and the most intense confrontation in decades.

The conflict ignited on Friday, June 13, when Israel launched a large-scale air assault, just days ahead of a planned sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States .

Iran, in a fierce response, launched successive waves of drone and missile attacks, with nighttime strikes illuminating the skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

After an overnight missile attack launched by Iran on Israel from Saturday night (June 14) through to Sunday morning (June 15), 10 people were reported dead.

Iran's government, however, has confirmed the death of 78 people and 320 others battered with injured during the initial stage of Israel's attack.

In northern Israel, four women were killed late Saturday, June 14, when a missile brought down a three-storey home in Tamra, raising the total Israeli death toll to 13 since the conflict reignited on Friday , June 13.

Meanwhile, Israel responded with a massive aerial offensive, targeting what it described as key military and nuclear sites inside Iran. Among the sites hit were fuel depots near Tehran, the defence ministry headquarters, and facilities linked to the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).

A large fire was seen at a depot in Shahran, while explosions echoed across Iran’s capital in the early hours of Sunday.

The Iranian government confirmed that 78 people had died and over 320 were wounded during the initial wave of Israeli strikes. While no updated figures were provided on Sunday, Tehran claimed the attacks had killed high-ranking officials, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Among them were General Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guard leader Hossein Salami.

Tensions soared further as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of breaching international law by attacking nuclear facilities and claimed Tehran had “conclusive evidence” of U.S. involvement. Washington, however, distanced itself from the hostilities.

President Donald Trump stated the U.S. had “nothing to do” with Israel’s bombing campaign but warned Iran of severe consequences if U.S. interests were harmed.

As fuel shortages loomed, Iranians queued at gas stations across the country, fearing broader economic fallout. The Iranian oil ministry confirmed Israeli strikes on two fuel storage sites.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued retaliation, pledging to strike “every pillar of the ayatollah regime.” In turn, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of an even more forceful counterattack should Israeli aggression persist.

Amid international appeals for restraint, Israeli forces urged Iranian civilians to evacuate areas near suspected weapons facilities. The conflict, rooted in decades of hostility and proxy warfare, has now entered a volatile new phase, raising fears of a regional war that could engulf the broader Middle East.

According to the report, 41 LGBTQ+ individuals have been murdered so far in 2025, representing a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The data reflects rising homicide rates but also points to an alarming consistency in the timeline: e very 48 hours, an LGBTQ+ person is killed in Colombia.

“The report presents heartbreaking figures that constitute an urgent call to eradicate the dynamics of prejudice in the country,” said Iris Marín Ortiz, Colombia’s Ombudswoman, at the report’s presentation in Bogotá.

"Every two days, according to this report, one person is murdered, an LGBTQ+ person, and every two days, one person from this population has been a victim of sexual violence. The report presents heartbreaking figures that constitute an urgent call to eradicate the dynamics of prejudice in the country," Iris added.

But homicides are only part of the picture. The NGO also recorded that, on average, an LGBTQ+ person is sexually assaulted every two days, painting a broader picture of entrenched violence, discrimination, and systemic neglect.

At the heart of the plea was Yehuda Cohen, father of Nimrod Cohen, who has been held hostage in Gaza for nearly two years. In an emotional statement, he appealed directly to Trump and his allies:

"Mr. Donald Trump, Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Adam Boehler, please continue the job. Please remember, Netanyahu is deceiving you. Netanyahu is lying to you. Same as Netanyahu is betraying us. He's betraying us. He's betraying the hostages for his personal purpose."

Cohen accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately prolonging the war for political survival rather than working toward a deal that could bring the hostages home:

"We all know that Netanyahu is working on stalling and prolonging the war on the blood, on the blood of Israeli civilians and Israeli soldiers. Please continue what you started. Please make Netanyahu, force Netanyahu, push Netanyahu to go for a hostage deal. End the war and a hostage deal. This is the only way," he added.

The emotional gravity of the moment was compounded by Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan Zangauker, who has spent 584 days in Hamas captivity. Speaking in Hebrew, she described her son's fragile condition:

"My Matan is being held captive, together with Edan Alexander, who is being released today, and my heart, my heart is torn from the knowledge that my child will rot under torture and loneliness in Hamas captivity, alone. My Matan will not survive there alone with his muscular dystrophy."

Her appeal to Trump was filled with urgency and desperation as she said, "Mr President, sir, all of the Israeli people are behind you, end this war. Bring them all home. The coming week will determine the fate of the hostages. The coming week will determine the fate of my Matan, life or death."

India has ordered X to block over 8,000 accounts, including those of Pakistani politicians, celebrities, and media outlets, amid rising tensions with Pakistan. X said Thursday, May 9, it is reluctantly complying with what it called government-imposed censorship, warning that noncompliance could lead to heavy fines or jail time for local staff. The platform noted many orders lacked clear justification or evidence and argued that blocking entire accounts suppresses free speech. AFP reports that the move follows a similar request to Meta, which removed a major Muslim news page from Instagram in India. "Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech," the statement said.

US to not get involved in India-Pakistan tensions

The U.S. says it won’t intervene in the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, calling it "fundamentally none of our business," Vice President JD Vance said Thursday. While the U.S. can’t control the nuclear-armed neighbours, it urges de-escalation, echoing calls from President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Look, we're concerned about any time nuclear powers collide and have a major conflict," Vance responded to a question on how concerned the Trump administration is about a potential nuclear war between the two countries, ABP reported.

China raises concern over escalating India-Pakistan tensions

China has expressed concern over rising India-Pakistan tensions and urged restraint, following Pakistani drone attacks and shelling along the Line of Control on Thursday, May 9. Indian forces shot down the drones as air raid sirens triggered blackouts across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the escalating situation, stating, “We’ve shared China’s position yesterday on the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan. China is concerned over the current developments.” ABP added that He emphasised the importance of regional stability, adding, “India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbours. They’re both China’s neighbours as well. China opposes all forms of terrorism. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, observe international law, including the UN Charter, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”

Pakistan shoots down more than two dozen drones launched by India

India launched multiple Israeli-made Harop drones targeting Pakistan overnight and into Thursday, May 9, damaging a military site and wounding four soldiers, according to Pakistani army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif. Pakistani forces shot down 25 drones, he told The Associated Press. Debris from one downed drone in Sindh province killed a civilian and injured another. One drone struck a military site near Lahore, injuring four soldiers, while another crashed in Rawalpindi near the capital, he added. "The armed forces are neutralising them as we speak," Sharif said on the state-run Pakistan Television, according to Fox News .

India strikes suspected militant group headquarters deep inside Pakistan

Video from early Wednesday, May 8, shows a bright flash at a residential Islamic seminary near Bahawalpur in central Pakistan, struck by India in retaliation for the killing of Indian tourists in Kashmir. The seminary had been evacuated amid speculation of a potential attack, but the family of Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar remained, the group said. According to the Pakistani military, 13 people were killed, including 10 of Azhar’s relatives, among them women and children. Thousands gathered for their funerals at a local stadium, chanting “Allah Akbar” and other religious slogans, as reported by USA Today.

Russia is preparing to hold a military parade on May 9 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat—an event President Vladimir Putin aims to use as a demonstration of national strength.

Some residents welcomed any temporary lull in fighting as a chance to seek safety, reconnect with family, or access basic supplies.

"Today, at least I slept. The night before last, no. I think today was calmer," Nastya, a resident, told AFP.

Kateryna, on the other hand, shared, "They say we have a ceasefire, like, 'we’re not firing heavy weapons,' but at the crossing zone, everything is the same as it was. They are inconsistent in their actions. It seems that no one is paying attention to this — we are. After the other day, when we had 12 Shahed drones , I even thought about boarding up my windows. Those are the kinds of thoughts I have. I’m not even thinking about a ceasefire."

The order, which is expected to last from May 8 to May 10 , is met with suspicion by many Ukrainians who recall previous truces being violated or used as cover for repositioning troops.

For Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, "The Kremlin's proposal for a three-day truce is not about peace , but about safely holding the parade in Moscow. This is political manipulation."

The remarks, made by senior Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim, came after Israel reportedly approved a military strategy that includes the long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to an Israeli official.

The ongoing conflict , triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents at least once.

A two-month blockade, in place since early March, has significantly deepened the humanitarian crisis.

“There is no point in discussing ceasefire proposals while the hunger and extermination war persists in Gaza,” Naim told AFP.

The attacks began early May 3 morning and have turned Port Sudan, Sudan’s de facto capital and the current seat of the government into a conflict zone. While the RSF has not claimed responsibility, the Sudanese army claims the drones used in the attacks match those previously purchased by the UAE. The UAE, meanwhile, has denied involvement and condemned the violence.

The first wave of attacks targeted Port Sudan’s international airport, damaging its roof and forcing a shutdown. Although briefly reopened on May 4, the airport was closed again after renewed strikes the following day. The nearby Osman Digna air base was also hit.

The assault continued with drone strikes on a major fuel depot 20 kilometres outside the city. The resulting fire remained active as of Tuesday, and further drone attacks ignited the port’s fuel storage facility. Port workers said the southern terminal, its container terminal, has shut down completely.

Port Sudan’s main power station was also struck, leaving the entire city without electricity. One of the blasts damaged the Marina Hotel, which hosts foreign diplomats and is near the offices of army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The attacks have brought daily life in Port Sudan to a halt. Most schools are closed, long queues have formed for fuel, and bakeries have shut down due to the lack of power and supplies. The city is currently hosting around 500,000 displaced people who have fled violence elsewhere in the country.

Government officials said that damage to fuel infrastructure alone is estimated at more than $500 million.

The Sudanese Security and Defence Council announced on May 6 that the country was cutting diplomatic ties with the UAE, one day after the International Court of Justice dismissed Sudan’s case accusing the UAE of genocide complicity.

Human rights advocates criticized the court’s decision. Mutasim Ali of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights said the ruling failed to stop what he described as an ongoing genocide, warning that both the RSF and its alleged foreign backers would now act with even greater impunity.

“While there remains hope in exploring alternative accountability strategies, the RSF and the UAE will now continue to commit egregious atrocities, without the immediate prospect of intervention," Mutasim said.

Pakistan has cancelled all flights to and from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as tensions with India escalate following a terrorist attack in Jammu that killed 26 tourists. The precautionary measure, reported by NDTV World , is aimed at securing airspace amidst fears of military action by India. Officials are investigating the efficacy of the hotel’s fire safety mechanisms, as the tragedy unfolded with many guests trapped, leading to tragic fatalities.

Probiotic Dairy Market on the Rise in India

India’s gut-friendly dairy segment is experiencing significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 25% by 2032, as reported by Just Food . Reports indicate that health consciousness and rising disposable incomes are key drivers behind the increasing consumer interest in probiotic products, which include yogurt and buttermilk. Major Indian dairy brands are investing in marketing these products as they cater to a health-savvy consumer demographic, particularly urban youth.

Hotel Blaze in Kolkata Causes Tragic Loss of Life

A devastating fire at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals, including two children. The fire, is reported by NBC News to have originated near the kitchen on the first floor, spread quickly, engulfing the building where many guests were present. The incident has prompted an inquiry into the hotel’s firefighting measures and safety protocols, as gross negligence in fire safety may have contributed to the fatalities.

India to Conduct Caste Census for the First Time in Decades

In a historic decision, India’s government has announced it will conduct the first official caste census since independence, aiming for comprehensive representation of the nation’s varied social demographics. This move, according to France 24 is expected to impact affirmative action policies significantly, as over two-thirds of India's population belongs to lower caste groups historically subjected to discrimination. With careful planning and execution, this census will reveal vital data to address societal disparities.

Air India Fleet Modernisation: Retrofit Programme Gains Momentum

Air India has surpassed the 50% mark in its $400 million cabin retrofit programme, enhancing passenger experiences across its fleet. This initiative, a key component of the airline’s five-year transformation strategy, is aimed at modernising both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Despite industry-wide supply chain challenges, Air India is committed to completing the extensive upgrades by 2027, marking its integration with Vistara’s fleet, which adds complexity but potential for increased market competitiveness, reports Aviation A2Z .

Thai police arrested five suspects during a crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency trading in Bangkok and tourist provinces, as reported by Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jaruphat. The operation , named ‘Crypto Phantom’, discovered currency exchange firms aiding money laundering for illegal activities, leading to the seizure of documents and electronic devices.

Entry-Level divers face new photography restrictions

The Thai government's new regulations, effective 22 April, ban entry-level divers from using cameras underwater without advanced certification or sufficient logged dives to prevent damage to coral reefs, as reported in a recent policy announcement. Additional rules limit group sizes and prohibit harmful activities to marine life.

Subsidised flights to boost Chinese tourism

To counter a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, the Association of Thai Travel Agents has proposed a budget of 320 million baht for subsidised charter flights from China. As reported , Thailand has dropped from fourth to seventh in Chinese travel preferences, necessitating urgent measures to revive its tourism sector.

Tragic insurgency attack

In a tragic incident on Tuesday, ethnic Malay Muslim insurgents from the National Revolutionary Front (BRN) shot and killed 16-year-old Buddhist novice Pongkorn Chumapan and injured 12-year-old Pokanit Morasin in Songkhla province's Sabayoi district while they were collecting alms. This attack, which reflects the ongoing separatist conflict in southern Thailand responsible for over 7,000 civilian deaths since 2004, highlights the increasing targeting of children amid the violence. Reports indicate a broader pattern of violence against civilians, with both BRN insurgents and Thai security forces committing serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Record-breaking export growth

Thailand's exports surged by 17.8% in March 2025, reaching a record-high of US$29.5 billion, according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The first quarter of 2025 saw a cumulative export value of US$81.5 billion, reflecting sustained growth driven by proactive economic policies under newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The minister attributed this positive trend to collaborative efforts with the private sector despite challenges posed by US tariff policies. Notably, the export growth encapsulates a diverse range of industries, indicating resilience and a promising trajectory for Thailand's economy.

The siege at Toulon involved armed individuals who fired upon the prison's entrance, with reports confirming the attackers displayed the acronym "DDPF," potentially linking the violence to prisoner rights activism or organized crime. Jessy Zagari from the FO Justice union provided information about the incident, underlining the serious risk to prison personnel and security within facilities.

The attack on Toulon was accompanied by incidents at other establishments such as Villepinte, Nanterre, Valence, and Aix-Luynes, where vehicle fires and vandalism occurred. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin pledged a robust government response, connecting the violence to ongoing anti-drug initiatives. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau echoed this declaration, committing to an unyielding approach to address these threats, as the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office investigates potential ties to organized crime and anarchist entities.

In light of these events, prison unions have intensified calls for enhanced security protocols to protect staff and facilities. The FO Justice union advocated for prison guards to have designated parking within prison grounds, indicating a pressing need for strategic measures in response to the potential destabilization of the prison system. The orchestrated nature of these attacks necessitates a reassessment of current security frameworks.

These critical incidents elevate the discourse surrounding prison safety in France and raise essential inquiries regarding the efficacy of criminal justice strategies. The outcomes of the investigations will significantly influence future security protocols and governmental actions against organized crime , making the upcoming weeks vital in shaping the trajectory of the French penal system.

The message comes amid heightened global tensions and ongoing concerns about Russia’s military ambitions , particularly in Eastern Europe.

"If anyone were to miscalculate and think they can get away with an attack on Poland or on any other ally, they will be met with the full force of this fierce alliance. Our reaction will be devastating. This has to be very clear to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and anyone else who wants to attack us," NATO chief, Mark Rutte, warned in Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, March 26.

“I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands,” Kiir stated.

The attack occurred as a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) team attempted to evacuate soldiers from clashes in Upper Nile State. The helicopter came under fire, leaving one crew member dead and two others seriously injured. A South Sudanese army general and several officers were also killed, with UNMISS stating the incident could constitute a war crime.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks due to clashes between forces aligned with Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, straining their fragile power-sharing agreement. Kiir’s allies have accused Machar’s forces of inciting unrest in Upper Nile State alongside the White Army, an armed Nuer youth group linked to the vice president’s ethnic community.

South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation; it ended a five-year civil war in 2018 with a peace deal between Kiir and Machar.

The recent attack on the Afghan Ministry of Refugees has drawn international condemnation, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which expressed its sorrow over the assassination of Refugee Minister Khalil Rahman Haqqani. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explicitly denounced the violence, extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing for a swift recovery for the injured, Dubaieye reports.

Killed minister buried

In a notable escalation of violence attributed to IS-Khorasan (IS-K), Khalil-Ur-Rahman Haqqani's funeral has underscored the attack's significance, marking an alarming challenge for the Taliban’s governance. Haqqani, known for his leadership role in the Haqqani network and with a bounty of $5 million on his head, was targeted in a suicide bombing that inflicted casualties among ministry personnel. According to the VOA , Global entities such as the UN and EU have joined the condemnation, stressing the persistent threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban’s assertions of weakening IS-K capabilities.

UN condemns minister’s death

The UN has also voiced its disapproval of this heinous act, underscoring that such terrorism undermines the quest for stability in Afghanistan, Barrons reports. The attack that claimed Haqqani’s life took place at the ministry during an official meeting and represents the first assault on a minister since the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, despite a general trend of reduced violence in recent months. Furthermore, Haqqani’s historical ties to the Haqqani network, alongside existing US and UN sanctions against him, highlight the complexities entwined with leadership in the region.

ISIS claims responsibility

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed Afghanistan’s minister for refugees at his office in Kabul, AFP reports. Taliban authorities had already blamed Isis for the “cowardly attack”, which a government official said had killed minister Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani and a number of his colleagues on Wednesday. The explosion – the first attack targeting a minister since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 – was caused by a suicide blast.

US withdrawal from Afghanistan

Amidst the backdrop of these tragic events, the political landscape surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan remains contentious,  CBS News reports. During a recent House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the administration's decision, arguing that it was essential for reallocating resources and preventing advantages for adversaries like Russia. However, a partisan divide was evident, with Republican lawmakers, spearheaded by Chairman Michael McCaul, criticising the withdrawal's execution and citing the loss of American lives as a harrowing consequence. The current political discourse has become increasingly fragmented, with former President Trump promising accountability for what he characterises as mismanagement of the withdrawal, showcasing the ongoing ramifications of this geopolitical decision across various fronts.

“I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself,” Starmer said. “ I am equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint.”

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's commitment to working with international allies to help de-escalate the situation and maintain stability in the region.

"We still think that there is a tiny bit of hope on the diplomatic front. Because Lebanon is bombed every day, Beirut is bombed every day, every night, for 24 hours. The Bekaa in Lebanon, the south, we're afraid we're turning into a new Gaza in Lebanon," he told AFP.

Commenting on the deaths of Hezbollah leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah, he said: "It's a criminal attitude, he (Benyamin Netanyahu) murdered Ismail Haniyeh while he was negotiating a ceasefire, and he murdered Hassan Nasrallah while he was negotiating a ceasefire, so he knew what was going to happen. We find what has happened unacceptable, and it has dragged a country and perhaps an entire region into a war that will never end."

The situation in Lebanon has been increasingly volatile , with frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. This conflict has intensified since Israel's military operations in Gaza began, drawing parallels between the two regions.

The fear is that Lebanon could face a similar fate to Gaza, which has been subjected to severe blockades and military actions for years.

According to a report by Aljazeera , more than 2000 people have been killed in Lebanon from Israeli strikes.

Maha Al-Asali, speaking from the Jabalia camp in Gaza, recounted how she learned of her husband's death. “My brother’s wife told me I will tell you something bad, but you have to be strong. So, I knew that he died. Praise be to God [anyway], he is a martyr,” she told AFP.

Having not seen her husband for over a year, Maha expressed her sorrow, saying, "I hadn't seen him for a year and a month. If only I could see him for a moment. May God have mercy on his soul."

A neighbour also shared the community’s reaction to Sameh Al-Asali's death. "Yesterday after nine o'clock in the evening, we received the news of his martyrdom. It was shocking and sad for everyone."

According to the Israeli military, most of the missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, though some did strike central and southern Israel.

The IRGC said the attack was a response to what it described as a "violation of Iran's sovereignty" and the death of Haniyeh in Tehran. Iranian officials blamed Israel for the explosion that killed Haniyeh, although Israel did not claim responsibility.

A senior Iranian official revealed to Reuters that the missile strikes were personally ordered by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that the missile attack was ordered by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is reportedly staying in a secure location.

The missile strike followed Israel's announcement earlier on Tuesday of a ground offensive into Lebanon.

Iran's response comes after Israeli airstrikes killed top Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, the group's leader of 30 years. Nasrallah died in a deadly airstrike on Beirut on Friday, September 27.

He however sustained very minimal injuries.

The president was seen in video footage from the presidency, arriving with a bandage on the left side of his forehead, ahead of a Council of Ministers meeting in the capital Moroni some six days after his attack.

The president was captured smiling as he got into a car and when he arrived at the presidential compound.

He interacted with members of the council before sitting at the end of the cabinet table to begin proceedings.

President Azali first came to power through a military coup in 1999.

After ten years out of office, he came to power in 2016, in an election that was highly disputed.

He was again re-elected in January 2024 in another contested election which was marred by allegations of ballot stuffing and was followed by two days of deadly protests.

Mr Azali has been accused of growing authoritarianism.

Abiad commended the hospitals' quick response to the crisis, stating, "The hospitals did a great job yesterday. A lot of them, including this one, cancelled surgeries to provide care for the patients. The patients, as I see today, are receiving the best medical care."

Joel Khadrajit, an ER doctor at Hotel-Dieu, described the severity of the injuries: "The injuries were mainly to the eyes and hands, which caused finger amputations, shrapnel in the eyes—some people lost their sight."

She added that the hospital received 80 injured patients. "About twenty of them were admitted to the ICU immediately and were put on ventilators to prevent suffocation due to swelling in their faces. The rest are going one after the other to the operating room. Today, we have 55 surgeries."

The explosions overwhelmed hospitals in areas controlled by Hezbollah, with dozens of casualties reported. According to Health Minister Abiad, the death toll has reached at least a dozen, including children, while nearly 300 others remain critically injured.

In the aftermath of the explosions, Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, although Israel has yet to comment on the incident. Earlier, Israel had announced plans to expand its military objectives in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, as AFP reported.

The incident occurred in Salimani-Itsandra, a suburb of the capital city of Moroni, during the funeral of a prominent religious leader. Witnesses reported that the assailant, dressed in a traditional boubou, was standing in the room with the religious leader's body when he lunged at the president, injuring his hand. A fellow mourner swiftly intervened and subdued the attacker, the AFP reports.

The Comorian Minister of Energy Aboubacar Said Anli, reassured the public that President Assoumani's life was not in danger. "The president was the victim of an attack that we describe as undignified and barbaric. And the president is doing very well, his health is not in danger. He was admitted to the military health service, he was treated and is doing well, he is at home," Anli said.

A government statement confirmed that the president's injuries were minor and that the security services were handling the situation.

On Monday, September 9, a bomb attack on a polio vaccination team injured nine people, an incident claimed by the Islamic State group.

Additionally, at least two police officers and one polio worker have been shot dead in separate attacks since the start of the latest vaccination drive.

These attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence targeting polio workers and their security escorts, primarily in the restive border areas near Afghanistan.

" "We are boycotting (providing security for) the polio campaign. We demand that the killer of our martyred policemen be arrested before more policemen are killed in the future. We demand the arrest of all the killers," said Habib Ullah Wazir, a Bannu Policeman.

The strike and ongoing violence pose a significant challenge to Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic, despite extensive vaccination campaigns. This year, Pakistan has recorded 17 polio cases, a sharp increase from six cases in 2023.

Health officials had aimed to vaccinate 30 million children in a week-long campaign, but the strike and security concerns have disrupted these plans.

At precisely 9:53 local time (12:53 GMT), the exact moment when the attack took place in Buenos Aires three decades ago, sirens echoed throughout the city.

As the sirens wailed, friends and families of the victims held up pictures, a silent tribute to their loved ones.

In a ceremony held last year at the site where the AMIA headquarters once stood, demands were made for the perpetrators of the terrorist attack to be brought to justice. This call for justice has been a recurring theme every year on the 18th of July for the last three decades.

Argentina's President Javier Milei said in an address on July 17, "Today we chose to speak out, not stay silent."

"We're raising our voices, not folding our arms. We choose life because anything else makes a game out of death," he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has advocated for the expansion of trade, investment, and connectivity with Tajikistan. In a joint press conference with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, he highlighted the need to deepen collaboration across various sectors, such as agriculture, education, health, and commerce. Sharif announced that a series of Memorandums of Understanding was executed today, which will contribute positively to the bilateral ties. He underscored the significance of strategic partnership agreements, reports Dunya . He extended his congratulations to the Tajik authorities for their agreement, which promises to strengthen fraternal bonds and broaden the scope of cooperation for the future.

Christians protest blasphemy

Activists advocating for minority rights in Pakistan staged protests on Tuesday (July 2) in response to the capital punishment verdict given to a Christian individual accused of disseminating a blasphemous post on TikTok. The incident has ignited widespread indignation and underscored the persistent worries over the exploitation of blasphemy statutes in the nation. As reported by WION , the dispute originated in August following the extensive distribution of a graphic that implicated two Christian siblings in the defilement of a sacred scripture. The ensuing commotion prompted an assault by a crowd on a Christian community, resulting in the devastation of more than 80 residences and 19 places of worship.

‘Weakened’ SGPC

Sikhs in Pakistan have voiced concerns that recent events concerning the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Indian Punjab could potentially undermine a party that supports them politically in this region and an institution that serves as their customary source of religious direction beyond the Akal Takht. According to Times of India , Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ramesh Singh Arora, Pakistani Punjab's first Sikh minister, who holds the minority affairs portfolio, said: “Sikhs worldwide, for whom the SGPC is faith’s supreme body, are disappointed at the allegations that dissident Akalis have laid against its leadership. Pakistani Sikhs want a stronger, influential SGPC to represent them ably across the globe. A weakened SGPC is concerning news for us.”

Militant attacks in Pakistan

According to a report by a local think tank, Pakistan experienced a reduction in militant activities in June, leading to a decrease in casualties. The country witnessed 69 militant incidents that month, resulting in the loss of 60 lives, including 33 members of the security forces, 26 civilians, and one insurgent, as per the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Additionally, the report indicated that 65 individuals sustained injuries, including 33 civilians and 31 security personnel. Compared to the previous month, there was a 20% drop in attacks, a 33% reduction in deaths, and a 25% decrease in injuries. The first half of the year saw Pakistan enduring 478 attacks, which caused 474 fatalities and 539 injuries, the Peoples Gazette reports.

Pakistan criticises UN

Pakistan has rejected a UN report's characterisation of the detention of its former prime minister, Imran Khan, as "arbitrary" and contrary to international law. The Pakistani authorities maintain that the arrest and legal proceedings involving the ex-cricketer and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party are domestic issues. Imran has been incarcerated since August of the previous year after being found guilty in the Toshakhana case. The Election Commission of Pakistan also barred him from holding political office for five years, just before the national elections in February. He is currently facing legal action in both the cipher and Iddat cases. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva expressed in a recent statement that Imran's imprisonment lacked a legal foundation and seemed aimed at preventing his political candidacy, adds Times of India .

Rohingya minority face danger as rebels attack Maungdaw town in western Myanmar. Residents report armed drones, injuries, and worsening conditions. Thousands of Rohingya are trapped in the town with limited access to food and healthcare. The ongoing conflict has forced some Rohingya to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh, according to the Indian Express . Myanmar's military junta and armed rebel groups have been clashing in the area, leaving the local population in fear for their lives.

Floods force thousands to flee homes

Floods in northern Myanmar have displaced 10,000 people, with many trapped on their roofs as rivers burst their banks. Heavy rain in Kachin state has caused widespread flooding, forcing residents to seek shelter in monasteries and evacuation facilities. The flooding has also affected camps for people displaced by fighting between insurgent groups and junta forces. According to reports , there are concerns that the flood will reach other river-side communities in the region.

Surge in violence in Shan state

Myanmar's Shan state has seen a surge in violence over 10 days, resulting in casualties and displacement. Rebels attacked military battalions, and airstrikes have caused extensive damage. The fighting has affected the operations of humanitarian groups. The upsurge has also led to unrest in other regions, including Rakhine and Chin states, UCA News reports.

Japanese leader arrested for price inflation

Myanmar's military junta has arrested a Japanese supermarket executive for allegedly inflating prices of basic necessities in response to public discontent over rising prices. The arrest comes amid a deepening economic crisis, with the World Bank forecasting minimal economic growth and persistent inflation due to civil conflicts and supply chain disruptions. The country's economy remains smaller than before the military coup, with shortages of essential imported components and electricity supply disruptions posing significant challenges for businesses, Agenzia Nova reports

Central command chief sacked after shooting monk

Myanmar junta has replaced its Central Command chief Major General Kyi Khaing after the shooting of  78-year-old Buddhist monk Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa. Kyi Khaing was replaced by Major General Aung Khaing Win. The regime's forces were responsible for the killing of the senior monk. Aung Khaing Win previously led the Triangle Region Command. His transfer comes amid fighting with armed groups in the Mandalay Region. Kyi Khaing is the first Central Command chief to be dismissed since the 2021 coup, local media The Irrawaddy reported.

The Brazilian Institute of Space Research (INPE) has disclosed figures indicating a surge in wildfires, with approximately 1,700 incidents recorded from the beginning of the month. This area, known for its rich and diverse wildlife populations, is experiencing a frequency of fires that surpasses the previous high for June by over fourfold—a record that has stood for nearly twenty years, as reported by RFI . "This resurgence of fires in the Pantanal even before the dry season (which usually begins in the second half of the year) is extremely worrying," Claudio Angelo, a member of the Climate Observatory collective, told AFP.

Armed attacks

In the early hours of Thursday, June 20, a tragic incident occurred in the town square of Vicosa do Ceara, located in Brazil's northeastern state of Ceara, where a group of armed individuals launched an attack during a public gathering. The Military Police have verified the incident, which resulted in the death of seven individuals and injuries to two others. Surveillance footage from the area displayed multiple vehicles arriving at the location, from which the attackers emerged and coerced several attendees into a submissive posture with hands on their heads. Reports from Xinhua and accounts from eyewitnesses indicate that a barrage of gunfire, estimated to be around 50 shots, was heard, culminating in the fatality of both male and female victims. The injured parties were promptly transported to the local hospital for treatment. While the authorities are still investigating the motive behind this heinous act, they have disclosed that one of the deceased was found to be wearing a monitoring device on their ankle, a device commonly used for individuals on parole or under judicial supervision awaiting trial proceedings.

Employee strike

Shell's local unit leader, Cristiano Pinto da Costa, voiced concerns on Thursday, June 20, regarding a strike by Ibama employees that is disrupting licensing operations in Brazil. While Shell has not experienced direct repercussions from the strike, the potential impact on future licensing—particularly related to their partnership with Petrobras in the Mero oilfield—remains a source of unease. HR World has highlighted that Ibama has deliberately delayed license issuance since January amid a dispute over salaries and working conditions. The strike, which gained approval in no fewer than 14 states last week, is reportedly diminishing Brazil's oil production by approximately 80,000 barrels daily, per the oil lobby group IBP.

Assassination of politician

Following a complex six-year investigation, the Supreme Court has charged several prominent individuals with serious offences. Among those indicted are Federal Deputy Chiquinho Brazao, his sibling Domingos Brazao of the Rio State Court of Accounts, and Rivaldo Barbosa, the ex-chief of the local judicial police. They stand accused of orchestrating a political assassination. Reports from Brasil de Fato suggest that these men purportedly contracted Ronnie Lessa, an ex-police officer, to carry out the hit on a young progressive politician who was interfering with their illicit activities in areas dominated by militias. The attack, which took place in March 2018, also resulted in the death of the politician's driver, Anderson Gomes.

Sailing-Brazil to join SailGP

Brazil will join SailGP with backing from an Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, becoming the first South American team in the league of foiling 50-foot catamarans. The Mubadala-owned Brazil SailGP team will partner with Brazilian sports and entertainment firm IMM, led by ex-Brazilian Olympic sailor Alan Adler. SailGP's CEO Russell Coutts is excited to develop Brazil's fan base. The team will start racing in SailGP's fifth season, beginning in November. The announcement was made on the eve of SailGP's New York Grand Prix, reports CNA

However, the lead-up to these elections has been marred by escalating violence. Civic Data, a watchdog group, reported that "2023 was the most violent year in our database. And everything suggests that 2024 will be worse."

Past elections

Mexico's criminal organisations have historically resorted to targeted violence to boost their political influence and safeguard their illicit operations. From 2018 to March 2024, 1,709 attacks, murders, assassinations, and threats have been recorded against individuals involved in politics or government, as well as against government or party facilities.

In past elections, approximately half of the political violence was directly linked to organized crime, with political figures being targeted at a rate of one per week leading up to the 2018 elections. Similarly, in the 2021 nationwide election, around three dozen candidates fell victim to violence.

Build-up to the 2024 elections

The build-up to the 2024 elections has been marked by a disturbing surge in attacks against politicians. More than 170 such incidents have been reported, with two mayoral candidates in Maravatio, Mexico, falling victim to fatal shootings within hours of each other. Over the past year, approximately 30 candidates have been assassinated.

Regionally, the violence is concentrated in the west and centre of the country, with Guerrero, Michoacán, and Morelos bearing the brunt of the attacks. Julian Lopez, a coordinator for the Citizen Movement party in Guerrero, was abducted, beaten, and abandoned.

Since September 2023, reports indicate 300 instances of political violence, involving 399 victims, averaging 1.8 victims per day. With a little over 60 days remaining until the election, the current electoral process spanning 2023-2024 is witnessing the highest levels of violence in Mexico's modern history.

Candidates or aspirants account for 31.8% of the attacks , while 24.1% target current or former public officials and 22.1% are aimed at politicians or former politicians. The remaining victims include family members and collaterals. During this period, 161 murders, 100 threats, and 85 attacks have been recorded . The remaining incidents include kidnappings, disappearances, and various other forms of violence, posing a grave threat to Mexico's democracy.

This assault against the nation's democracy has resulted in candidates withdrawing from races due to personal threats, with estimates suggesting that up to four times as many candidates may have bowed out than officially reported. Additionally, voter turnout may suffer, with studies indicating a 1.3 per cent decrease per attack on a candidate.

The pervasive threat of violence, fueled by organised crime and systemic deficiencies, casts a shadow over the democratic process and raises fears of unprecedented bloodshed in what is expected to be the biggest elections in the nation's history.

Indonesia has been ranked third among Asia's most competitive countries , based on research by the financial and investment site, Insider Monkey 2024. The ranking is based on factors such as GDP growth rate, GDP per capita growth rate, and competitiveness score. Indonesia ranks below India and the Philippines but remains competitive in attracting investors.

Indonesia calls for restraint following Iran’s attack on Israel

Indonesia has called for restraint and urged UN action following Iran's missile attack on Israel on April 13. "Indonesia urges the UN Security Council to act immediately to de-escalate tensions and continue working towards lasting peace in the Middle East," Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its social media on April 14. According to the Southeast Asian nation, conflict escalation in the Middle East needs to be prevented, with a focus on ending the illegal occupation of Palestine and achieving a two-state solution. The renewed hostility between Iran and Israel was triggered by an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, resulting in retaliatory strikes and damage to an Israeli airbase. Two prominent generals were among the seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders killed in the attack on Iran, Antara News Agency reported.

Landslide hits Indonesia's Sulawesi island

At least 18 people were killed by landslides on Indonesia's Sulawesi island, the world's 11th-largest island with two still missing. The landslides were caused by torrential rain, and rescuers faced challenges due to bad weather and difficult terrain. Seasonal downpours frequently lead to landslides and floods in Indonesia. Chief of the Disaster Management Agency located in the Tana Toraja district a landlocked regency of South Sulawesi disclosed to reporters on April 15 that a search and rescue team are still trying to locate the two victims.

Longest elevated railway

Indonesia's longest elevated railway at the Joglo intersection in Solo, Central Java will be completed by September, according to Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. "Based on our review, the construction has been making the expected progress. God Willing, all works will be complete in September," the minister said after a recent inspection of the project. The 1.8-kilometer railway aims to alleviate traffic congestion at the Joglo intersection and improve traffic safety. According to state media Antara , the design will showcase Solo City's icons, and the project is expected to replace the level crossing and reduce accidents.

Rare Javan rhino calf spotted

A rare Javan rhino calf has been spotted in Indonesia's Ujung Kulon National Park, located in south-western Java giving hope for the conservation of the endangered species. The calf, estimated to be between three and five months old, was seen with its mother in footage captured by camera traps. "Praise God, this is good news and proves that Javan rhinos, which only exist in Ujung Kulon, can breed properly," senior environment ministry official Satyawan Pudyatmoko said. There are now believed to be 82 rare rhinos in the park, which is their last remaining wild habitat. The species has been hard hit by poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.

The decision made by the Ministry of Agriculture aims to address the increasing number of dog attacks in the country. These attacks have resulted in severe injuries, amputations, and even fatalities, reports the BBC .

In the first half of 2023, Mozambique reported around 9,000 instances of dog attacks which is a reduction of 21% from 2022.

However, certain exceptions are in place. Dogs used by public security agencies, private security firms, and those involved in rescue and emergency services are exempt from the ban.

The ministry has also mandated that all banned breeds already present in the country, as well as their crossed breeds, must be registered with authorities within 60 days.

Guide dogs and companion animals for individuals with disabilities are also not affected by the ban.