Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships have arrived off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, for a week-long joint naval exercise amid rising geopolitical tensions. The drills, held under the BRICS framework, aim to practice maritime safety, anti-piracy operations, and improve cooperation among participating navies. Their arrival coincides with heightened tensions following U.S. military action in Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers, which … Continue reading Chinese, Russian and Iranian warships arrive for drills in South Africa

An avalanche of garbage at a landfill in Binaliw, Cebu City, Philippines, buried workers in low-lying buildings, killing one person, injuring a dozen, and leaving 38 others missing. Rescuers recovered 13 survivors overnight, but search efforts continued for those still trapped under the debris. One rescued worker died en route to the hospital, while others sustained injuries, and some narrowly escaped by crawling through the … Continue reading Mound of garbage collapses at Philippine landfill, burying and trapping 38 people

North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones into its airspace, claiming it downed two drones using electronic warfare and warning of consequences for what it called provocative acts. South Korea denied the allegations, saying it did not operate drones on the dates cited and ordered an investigation. The incident is expected to further strain relations and complicate South Korea’s liberal government’s efforts to revive … Continue reading North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across border

Yemen’s main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced it would dissolve its institutions following weeks of unrest and the flight of its leader to the United Arab Emirates. The group’s secretary-general cited internal disputes and regional pressure, though the decision was disputed by an STC spokesman, underscoring deep divisions within the movement. The turmoil followed STC military advances into oil-rich southern regions, … Continue reading Separatist group in south Yemen announces dissolution after leader flees to UAE

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine using 242 drones and 36 missiles, including a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile, Ukraine’s air force said Friday. Ukrainian defenses intercepted most of the weapons, but strikes from missiles and drones hit 19 locations, causing widespread damage. Kyiv was among the hardest-hit, with dozens of buildings damaged and at least four people killed and 25 injured, while several … Continue reading Russia uses nuclear-capable missile in ‘massive strike’ on Ukraine

Evgeny Safronov, a 38-year-old Russian journalist who had fled Putin’s regime, died after falling from the seventh floor of his apartment in Meudon, France. Before his death, he left a note claiming his phone and accounts had been hacked, insisting he had never worked for Russian interests. Friends reported that Safronov had been experiencing paranoia and severe distress in the days leading up to his … Continue reading Russian journalist who fled to Paris dies in plunge from apartment

Protests in Iran have continued for a 12th day, with new videos appearing online that appear to show demonstrators in multiple cities despite fears of a government crackdown. Unverified footage from Tehran showed a building described as a government facility on fire, with crowds chanting “Long live the Shah,” while other clips showed street fires and clashes with security forces. Demonstrations were also reported in … Continue reading Tehran on fire as furious protesters ‘burn Iranian regime building down’

The Trump Administration escalated its Venezuela oil blockade by seizing two tankers in the Atlantic and Caribbean, asserting control over how Venezuelan oil reaches global markets. One vessel, a Russian-flagged tanker renamed Marinera, was pursued for weeks before being boarded in international waters for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions, while a second stateless tanker, the M Sophia, was also intercepted for illicit activity. Secretary of State … Continue reading U.S. Seizes 2 Tankers Linked to Venezuela

A far-left extremist group, the “Vulkan Group,” claimed responsibility for an arson attack on Berlin’s high-voltage power cables, causing a blackout that affected 45,000 households. German federal prosecutors opened a terrorism investigation, charging suspects with arson, sabotage, disruption of public services, and membership in a terrorist organization. Repairs to the 300-meter damaged section are expected to be completed by Thursday, while emergency measures—including shelters, hotels, … Continue reading German prosecutors launch terrorism probe into far-left attack behind Berlin blackout

The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes in Yemen’s Dhale governorate targeting secessionist forces after STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi failed to board a plane for peace talks in Riyadh. The coalition said al-Zubaidi mobilized armed forces in Aden and Dhale, prompting preemptive strikes to prevent escalation. The Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, called for the strikes to stop and said al-Zubaidi remained in Aden overseeing … Continue reading Saudi-led coalition strikes Yemen, says STC leader al-Zubaidi has fled

The U.K. and France signed a declaration committing troops to Ukraine under a future peace deal, with security guarantees backed by the U.S. and allied partners. Adopted in Paris by the Coalition of the Willing, the agreement outlines a framework for lasting peace grounded in international law and the U.N. Charter. It affirms that Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-defense are non-negotiable and critical to … Continue reading UK, France strike new Ukraine security pact

Protesters staged a sit-in at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, prompting security forces to fire tear gas and disperse demonstrators as the market shut down. The demonstration highlights ongoing unrest as Iran’s rial hit a record low, signaling continued economic and political tensions. Violence linked to the protests has already killed at least 35 people and led to more than 1,200 detentions, according to activists. Economic pressures … Continue reading Iran protesters clash with security forces in Grand Bazaar

Fears of a civil war in Venezuela are rising as heavily armed far-left militias known as collectivos control streets in Caracas while parts of the military appear to be abandoning their posts. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez faces a precarious balancing act between hardline factions within the regime and the risk of further U.S. intervention. Gunfire near the presidential palace has heightened tensions, with authorities claiming … Continue reading Civil war fears grow as heavily armed militias take over streets of Caracas

Widespread protests have shaken Iran for more than a week, spreading from economic grievances in Tehran to broader anti-government demonstrations across multiple provinces and triggering deadly clashes with security forces. President Donald Trump warned the U.S. could intervene if Iran violently suppresses protesters, prompting sharp reactions from Iranian officials who accused Washington and Israel of fueling unrest. The protests come amid deep economic hardship, including … Continue reading Growing Iran protests rattle leaders as Trump threatens to intervene

Israel carried out airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday and early Tuesday, including an unannounced strike that destroyed a three-story commercial building in the coastal city of Sidon. The building was uninhabited, at least one person was taken to hospital, and there were no confirmed deaths. Israel said earlier strikes targeted Hezbollah and Hamas infrastructure, following public evacuation warnings, while Lebanon reported minimal … Continue reading Israel strikes multiple sites in Lebanon ahead of a key disarmament meeting

Multiple earthquakes struck western Japan late Tuesday morning, including a magnitude 6.2 quake centered in Shimane and neighboring Tottori prefectures. The main tremor at 10:18 a.m. JST was shallow and caused strong, long-lasting shaking, followed shortly by a magnitude 5.1 aftershock and continued aftershocks. The Japan Meteorological Agency said there is no tsunami risk but warned that strong earthquakes could continue for about a week, … Continue reading 6.2 magnitude earthquake detected in Japan, no tsunami warning issued

British and French warplanes carried out a joint airstrike on an underground facility used by Islamic State militants to store weapons and explosives in central Syria, the U.K. Ministry of Defence said. The strike occurred Saturday night in a mountainous area north of Palmyra, with RAF Typhoon jets and French aircraft targeting access tunnels using precision-guided bombs. Initial assessments indicate the site was successfully hit, … Continue reading UK confirms joint airstrike targeting suspected ISIS weapons facility in Syria

German leftwing militants have claimed responsibility for an arson attack that damaged high-voltage cables in Berlin, cutting power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. The group, calling itself Vulkangruppe, said it targeted wealthy districts to protest climate change, fossil fuel use, and the energy demands of AI data centres. Up to 45,000 households initially lost electricity and heat during freezing weather, affecting hospitals, … Continue reading Leftwing militants claim responsibility for arson attack on Berlin power grid

At least 30 villagers were killed and several others are missing after gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji village in northern Nigeria’s Niger state, setting fire to homes and the local market. Residents and church officials say the death toll may exceed 40, with children among those abducted, though exact numbers remain unclear. Locals reported that the attack lasted several hours and said security forces had not yet … Continue reading Gunmen kill at least 30 villagers and abduct others during raid in northern Nigeria

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured in a U.S. military operation in Caracas and flown to New York, where they are being held ahead of a federal court appearance on Monday. They face U.S. charges related to drug trafficking and alleged ties to gangs designated as terrorist organizations, which Maduro denies. President Trump said the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela during … Continue reading Trump says U.S. is “in charge” of Venezuela, Maduro expected in court Monday

Denmark has become the first country to shut down its state-run postal letter service after a 90 percent drop in letter sending over the past 25 years. The final letter was delivered this week, ending a 401-year-old service operated by PostNord. Letter volumes fell from nearly 1.5 billion in 2000 to just 110 million last year, while high costs made the service economically unviable. PostNord … Continue reading Denmark ends its postal service after 401 years

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring 12 others. The epicenter was near Acapulco in Guerrero, which sustained moderate damage, while Mexico City experienced structural impacts and power outages affecting most of the city. Authorities are inspecting dozens of buildings and homes for safety, and landslides have been reported on Guerrero highways. Mexico’s Seismic … Continue reading Two people killed in magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Mexico

North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, South Korea’s military reported, with Japan confirming it has likely already landed. This follows the country’s last missile test in November. Leader Kim Jong Un has called for more than doubling the production of tactical guided weapons during a recent factory visit. He has also inspected a nuclear-powered submarine and overseen several … Continue reading North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan

Saudi warplanes struck southern separatist positions in Yemen’s port city of Mukalla and surrounding areas as Saudi-backed forces moved to retake the city. The airstrikes targeted the Barshid Brigade camp in Hadramout, one of two governorates recently seized by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC had declared a constitution for an independent South Yemen and advanced into oil-rich regions, prompting Saudi intervention. The … Continue reading More Saudi airstrikes hit separatist positions in Yemeni port city

Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the managers of a bar where a New Year’s Eve fire killed 40 people and injured over 100. The managers face possible charges of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire, as investigators examine all leads. The fire reportedly started when sparklers on Champagne bottles ignited the bar’s ceiling around 1:30 a.m., prompting scrutiny of safety … Continue reading Swiss officials open investigation into managers of bar where fire killed 40