Iraqi authorities have begun excavating a suspected Islamic State mass grave at Khasfa, near Mosul, believed to contain thousands of victims, including Iraqi security forces, Yazidis, and Shiites. The effort, launched August 9 by Iraq’s Martyrs’ Foundation, is in its early phase—collecting visible remains and surface evidence while preparing for full exhumation, which requires international support due to site hazards like sulfur water and unexploded … Continue reading Iraq starts excavation of large mass grave left by Islamic State

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis joined nationwide protests and a strike on Sunday, with organizers estimating over one million participants throughout the day. The demonstrations, centered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, demanded the government secure the release of 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The protests coincided with the release of a video of captive Matan Zangauker, intensifying public pressure on leaders. Families of hostages, … Continue reading Protesters in Israel demand hostage deal in one of the largest demonstrations since war

A hiker in his 20s was killed by a brown bear on Mount Rausu in Hokkaido, northern Japan, after being dragged into the forest on Thursday. Authorities found his body and personal items near the scene on Friday, and hunters killed a bear nearby; DNA tests will confirm if it was responsible. Hokkaido’s brown bear population has slightly declined, but human-bear encounters are rising, with … Continue reading Hiker’s body found after bear drags him from trail into forest in Japan

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