Australia has launched its largest-ever military exercises with the Philippines, involving over 3,600 personnel in live-fire drills, maneuvers, and a beach assault near the disputed South China Sea. The drills, called Alon, feature fighter jets, a guided-missile destroyer, troop aircraft, anti-tank weapons, and special forces, and will run until August 29. Observers from the U.S., Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia are participating. … Continue reading Australian and Philippine forces launch largest military exercises near disputed South China Sea

Flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Chositi village, India-controlled Kashmir, have killed at least 56 people and left around 80 missing, while rescuers saved about 300 others. The floods and landslides destroyed homes, vehicles, and a community kitchen used by pilgrims, suspending the ongoing annual Hindu pilgrimage. Dozens of injured people are being treated in hospitals, and more heavy rains are forecasted. Rescue efforts … Continue reading Torrential rains trigger flash floods in Kashmir, killing at least 56 and leaving scores missing

A passenger train collided with a vehicle at a level crossing near Tinglev in southern Denmark on Friday, killing one person and injuring around 20 others. Several train carriages were derailed or overturned. Emergency services, including drones and search dogs, responded to the scene, according to Banedanmark, which operates Denmark’s rail network, the Associated Press has reported. Continue reading Train collides with vehicle in Denmark, killing one person and injuring about 20 others

Clashes between pro- and anti-government groups in Serbia have left dozens injured and nearly 50 arrested, marking the second consecutive night of street violence amid months of anti-corruption protests. The unrest, sparked by a deadly railway station collapse in Novi Sad last year, escalated after ruling party supporters attacked demonstrators in Vrbas. In Belgrade and Novi Sad, masked pro-government groups hurled projectiles at protesters, prompting … Continue reading Dozens injured in Serbia as protesters clash with pro-government supporters

Malian authorities have arrested two army generals, dozens of soldiers, civilians, and a suspected French intelligence agent over an alleged plot to destabilize the country. Security Minister Daoud Aly Mohammedine said the coup attempt, which began on August 1, involved foreign support and has been “completely foiled.” The French suspect, identified as Yann Christian Bernard Vezilier, is accused of working on behalf of France’s intelligence … Continue reading Mali’s military arrests generals, suspected French agent in overthrow plot

Wildfires fueled by hot, dry weather continued to burn across Spain, Portugal, and Greece on Friday, coinciding with major religious holidays in the region. Spain battled 14 major fires, including large blazes in Galicia that closed highways and suspended high-speed rail, with temperatures over 40°C expected through Monday. Portugal deployed nearly 4,000 firefighters to seven major fires under an extended state of alert. In Greece, … Continue reading Spain, Portugal, and Greece battle wildfires as heatwave is expected to last for days

Torrential rains have triggered flash floods in India and Pakistan, killing over 280 people and leaving many missing. Rescuers evacuated around 1,600 people from mountainous areas, while in Pakistan, a relief helicopter crashed in bad weather, killing all five aboard. In India, floods halted a major Hindu pilgrimage and forced thousands to evacuate, the Associated Press has reported. Experts link the surge in destructive cloudbursts … Continue reading Death toll from flash floods in northwest Pakistan has jumped to 157

Former U.S. Navy SEAL Erik Prince’s security firm, Vectus Global, plans to send about 200 contractors from multiple countries to Haiti under a one-year deal to combat gang violence and help reclaim territory from heavily armed gangs. The team will support Haiti’s National Police and a struggling U.N.-backed Kenyan-led mission, and later advise on restoring revenue collection. Critics warn the deployment may violate U.S. law … Continue reading Blackwater founder to deploy nearly 200 personnel to Haiti as gang violence soars