Colombia says 34 soldiers have been “kidnapped” by villagers under orders from a rebel group in Guaviare province after a clash that killed 10 FARC holdouts. The villagers are reportedly demanding the return of a slain rebel’s body. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to use all resources to secure the soldiers’ release and offered a $5,000 reward for information on the rebel commanders behind the … Continue reading Colombia says villagers taking orders from rebel groups kidnapped 34 soldiers

Pakistan has begun evacuating tens of thousands of people after India released water from overflowing dams, raising the risk of cross-border flooding amid ongoing heavy monsoon rains. Over 100,000 residents in Punjab province have been moved to safer areas as authorities warn rivers could swell further. The alert was communicated diplomatically rather than through the usual Indus Waters Commission, amid strained ties following a deadly … Continue reading Pakistan evacuates thousands as India releases water from swollen rivers

Two men in Indonesia’s Aceh province were publicly caned for hugging and kissing, acts deemed violations of Shariah law that can lead to banned sexual relations. Sentenced to 80 lashes each, the men were whipped in a city park in Banda Aceh, witnessed by about 100 people. Aceh is the only Indonesian province enforcing Shariah law, which also punishes adultery, gambling, and other moral offenses, … Continue reading 2 men publicly caned for hugging and kissing in Indonesia

Australian police are conducting a massive manhunt for Dezi Freeman, 56, suspected of killing two officers and injuring a third in Porepunkah, Victoria. Officers were fired upon while executing a warrant for alleged sexual offences. Freeman remains at large in dense bushland near his home, with authorities using helicopters, armoured vehicles, and local expertise to track him. Police confirmed Freeman’s family is safe and warned … Continue reading Australia police shooting suspect named as manhunt continues

An 18th-century portrait stolen by the Nazis, Portrait of a Lady by Giuseppe Vittore Ghislandi, may have resurfaced in a surprising location: hanging above a sofa in a coastal Argentinian home, discovered via a real estate listing rather than official channels. The painting once belonged to Dutch-Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker, whose collection was looted during WWII. Investigative journalists from the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad traced the artwork through … Continue reading Painting stolen by Nazis during WWII believed discovered in Argentine real estate listing

Israelis staged nationwide protests Tuesday demanding the release of hostages and an end to the Gaza war, blocking roads and planning a mass rally in Tel Aviv. Families of hostages accused the government of waging a war without clear objectives. Meanwhile, Israeli shelling hit Gaza City and nearby towns overnight, forcing more residents to flee as Israel prepares a new offensive. Local health officials said … Continue reading Israeli protesters hold day of disruption to demand Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal

Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador and three officials, giving them seven days to leave, after accusing Tehran of directing antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incidents, linked by intelligence to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), “dangerous acts of aggression” aimed at sowing discord. Australia has withdrawn its diplomats from Tehran, suspended embassy operations, and warned citizens against … Continue reading Australia accuses Iran of directing antisemitic attacks on cafe and synagogue

Venezuela has deployed 15,000 troops, along with drones, aircraft, and river security, to its border with Colombia to combat drug trafficking, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced, citing the seizure of 53 tonnes of drugs this year. The move follows U.S. accusations that President Nicolás Maduro and Cabello are tied to drug cartels, with Washington offering rewards of up to $50 million for Maduro’s capture. Maduro … Continue reading Venezuela Sends 15,000 Troops to Border as US Warships Approach