7 police officers killed in attacks in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs

Guatemala’s interior minister said gangs killed seven police officers in retaliation for the government’s refusal to move gang leaders to lower-security prisons. The attacks followed prison uprisings in which gang inmates took 46 hostages at three facilities, one of which authorities regained control of on Sunday. Officials said gang violence has intensified since mid-2025 as inmates demand fewer restrictions for their leaders. Guatemala continues to … Continue reading 7 police officers killed in attacks in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs

At least 5,000 dead in Iran unrest, official says

At least 5,000 people have been killed in nationwide protests in Iran since late December, including about 500 security personnel, according to an Iranian regional official. The unrest, sparked by economic hardship and escalating into calls to end clerical rule, represents the deadliest turmoil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, blamed the deaths on “terrorists and rioters” allegedly … Continue reading At least 5,000 dead in Iran unrest, official says

Chilean president declares state of catastrophe as wildfires kill at least 18

Wildfires fueled by extreme heat have killed at least 18 people in central and southern Chile, burning thousands of hectares of forest and destroying hundreds of homes. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, allowing greater military involvement as more than two dozen fires spread and forced about 50,000 people to evacuate. Strong winds and temperatures above 38°C … Continue reading Chilean president declares state of catastrophe as wildfires kill at least 18

High-speed train crash in southern Spain leaves at least 21 dead

At least 21 people were killed and around 100 injured when two trains collided and derailed in southern Spain on Sunday night, according to authorities. An Iryo train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz and crossed onto an adjacent track, hitting a Madrid-to-Huelva train, which also derailed. Emergency services reported passengers trapped, overturned carriages, and evacuations carried out in darkness, with some injuries … Continue reading High-speed train crash in southern Spain leaves at least 21 dead

Syria announces ceasefire agreement with Kurd-led SDF after heavy fighting

The Syrian government announced a ceasefire agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including the SDF’s withdrawal from areas west of the Euphrates River and their integration into the Syrian military. The deal follows days of clashes over strategic positions and oilfields in northeastern Syria and allows Syrian state institutions to re-enter al-Hasakah, Deir Az Zor, and Raqqa. Under the agreement, the SDF’s administration … Continue reading Syria announces ceasefire agreement with Kurd-led SDF after heavy fighting

Spanish police seize record 10 tons of cocaine hidden in cargo of salt

Spanish police made their largest-ever cocaine seizure at sea, intercepting a vessel carrying nearly 10 metric tons of the drug hidden in a shipment of salt from Brazil to Europe. Thirteen people on board were arrested, and the vessel, which ran out of fuel, was towed to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Officers recovered 294 bales of cocaine and a handgun, using … Continue reading Spanish police seize record 10 tons of cocaine hidden in cargo of salt

Explosion in the Netherlands injures at least four and causes widespread damage

A massive explosion and fire hit central Utrecht on Thursday, causing several buildings to collapse and injuring at least four people. Emergency services rushed to the scene, urging residents to stay away while assessing the damage and searching for anyone who might be trapped under the rubble. TV footage showed smoke rising above the historic city center and debris scattered across the streets. The cause … Continue reading Explosion in the Netherlands injures at least four and causes widespread damage

Two dead in Thailand after another crane collapses, crushing cars

A crane collapse near Bangkok killed two people on Thursday, a day after a similar accident in northeastern Thailand derailed a train and killed 32 passengers. Thai officials said both incidents involved construction firm Italian-Thai Development, intensifying scrutiny of the company. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the cancellation of two state contracts with the firm, vowed legal action, and directed authorities to blacklist the contractor. … Continue reading Two dead in Thailand after another crane collapses, crushing cars

US warns Iran that ‘all options are on the table’ in emergency UN meeting

U.S. and Iranian officials confronted each other at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting as Washington renewed threats against Tehran despite President Donald Trump signaling possible de-escalation. The U.S., joined by Iranian dissidents, condemned Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests that activists say killed at least 2,677 people. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz warned that “all options are on the table,” while Iran accused Washington of … Continue reading US warns Iran that ‘all options are on the table’ in emergency UN meeting

Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

European troops from several NATO countries began arriving in Greenland as a show of unity after President Donald Trump reiterated his goal of U.S. acquisition of the territory, dismissing European objections. European leaders expanded their military presence in the Arctic to counter Trump’s claims that U.S. control is necessary for security against China and Russia, despite Washington saying the deployments would not affect its stance. … Continue reading Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

Pope Leo’s mosaic portrait ready for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

The Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of Saint Peter has completed a mosaic medallion honoring Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See announced. Following tradition, the mosaic was finished just over eight months after his election and will be installed in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, near the portrait of Pope Francis. The 137-centimeter roundel was crafted with glass enamels and gold … Continue reading Pope Leo’s mosaic portrait ready for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Yulia Tymoshenko reportedly accused of scheming to bribe Ukrainian MPs

Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have accused former Prime Minister and opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko of orchestrating a scheme to bribe MPs, including some from President Zelenskyy’s party, to influence parliamentary votes. Tymoshenko’s Fatherland party offices were raided, and cash was seized, but she denies the allegations, calling the investigation politically motivated ahead of possible elections. The accusations reportedly involve payments to secure votes on dismissals of … Continue reading Yulia Tymoshenko reportedly accused of scheming to bribe Ukrainian MPs

US announces next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan, committee is formed

The United States has announced the start of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, alongside the formation of a technocratic committee to govern the territory. This phase focuses on demilitarization, reconstruction, and transitional governance, though major details remain unresolved. The move comes despite Israeli opposition, particularly over Hamas’ disarmament and the continued holding of a hostage’s remains, prompting Israel to keep the Rafah … Continue reading US announces next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan, committee is formed

Zelensky declares energy emergency as biting cold persists

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly affecting Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes leave thousands without power, heat, or water during severe winter conditions. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to exploit freezing temperatures, which have dropped to around -20°C in the capital. The announcement comes amid comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Ukraine … Continue reading Zelensky declares energy emergency as biting cold persists

European troops arrive in Greenland to boost the Arctic island’s security

Troops from several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, are deploying to Greenland to strengthen security as tensions rise between the United States and its European allies. The move follows talks in Washington between Danish, Greenlandic and U.S. officials that revealed a “fundamental disagreement” over President Donald Trump’s stated desire to take control of Greenland. Denmark plans to expand its military presence on … Continue reading European troops arrive in Greenland to boost the Arctic island’s security

At least 19 killed after crane falls on train in Thailand

A train derailed in northeastern Thailand after a construction crane fell onto three of its carriages, killing at least 19 people and injuring around 80. The accident occurred in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, on a train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities said more bodies may still be trapped in the wreckage, as shifting debris has made recovery dangerous. The crane was part … Continue reading At least 19 killed after crane falls on train in Thailand

Former Corsican separatist leader Orsoni assassinated at mother’s funeral

Former Corsican separatist leader Alain Orsoni, 71, was shot dead during his mother’s funeral in Vero, near Ajaccio, on Monday. Prosecutors said he was killed by a long-range shot, and an investigation into murder by an organised gang has been opened. Orsoni led the Corsican Movement for Self-Determination, considered by French authorities as the political wing of the armed Corsican National Liberation Front-Traditional Wing. He … Continue reading Former Corsican separatist leader Orsoni assassinated at mother’s funeral

France pushes to block Ukraine from buying US weapons

France is pushing to restrict Ukraine from using a €90bn EU loan to buy American weapons, insisting the funds support European defence industries instead. President Emmanuel Macron argues this would strengthen Europe’s arms sector and reduce reliance on the US, but Germany and the Netherlands warn it would hinder Kyiv’s access to essential systems like Patriot missiles, F-16s, and Himars launchers. EU leaders agreed the … Continue reading France pushes to block Ukraine from buying US weapons

US slams Russia’s ‘dangerous escalation’ in Ukraine amid new deadly strikes

The United States has accused Russia of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” in its war on Ukraine, citing the recent use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile and raising concerns at an emergency UN Security Council meeting. US officials warned that Russia’s actions risk intensifying the conflict at a time when President Donald Trump is pushing for peace negotiations. Despite the warning, Russia launched fresh … Continue reading US slams Russia’s ‘dangerous escalation’ in Ukraine amid new deadly strikes

Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

Forest officials in India are searching for a rogue elephant responsible for killing 22 people in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district since early January. The single-tusked male elephant, believed to have become violent after being separated from its herd, has carried out mostly nighttime attacks in villages, killing entire families and a forest official. Authorities have placed nearby districts on high alert, warned residents to stay … Continue reading Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests

Information emerging from Iran suggests the government’s crackdown on more than two weeks of anti-government protests may have been far deadlier than previously reported. Sources speaking to CBS News, including one inside Iran, claim activist groups believe at least 12,000 people—and possibly up to 20,000—have been killed, though these figures cannot be independently verified. Britain’s foreign secretary said the U.K. believes deaths exceed 2,000 and … Continue reading Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests

Elephant kills 20 in Indian state as rescue efforts continue

At least 20 people have been killed by a wild elephant over nine days in Jharkhand, eastern India, with the animal still at large. The attacks occurred mostly at night in the Chaibasa and Kolhan forest areas, part of one of Asia’s largest Sal forests, as residents guarded crops. Officials said the elephant is young, highly mobile, and may be in a mating phase, which … Continue reading Elephant kills 20 in Indian state as rescue efforts continue

USS Abraham Lincoln engages in live-fire exercises in South China Sea

The U.S. Navy said the USS Abraham Lincoln conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea during its Indo-Pacific deployment. The aircraft carrier, escorted by several destroyers, used systems such as the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System to demonstrate defensive capabilities. U.S. officials said the drills aim to deter aggression, strengthen alliances, and promote regional stability. The exercises come amid heightened global tensions, including recent U.S. … Continue reading USS Abraham Lincoln engages in live-fire exercises in South China Sea

Israel launches new strikes in southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation order

The Israeli army carried out multiple airstrikes on southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation warnings, killing one person, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel said it targeted a Hezbollah militant and infrastructure in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations. The strikes came despite Lebanon’s announcement that it had completed the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, a move Israel says … Continue reading Israel launches new strikes in southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation order

UN’s top court opens landmark Myanmar Rohingya genocide case

The United Nations’ top court has opened a landmark genocide case against Myanmar over alleged crimes against its mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. The Gambia told the International Court of Justice that Myanmar’s military deliberately targeted the Rohingya with the intent to destroy the group. The case stems from a 2017 military offensive that forced about 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, with refugees reporting mass … Continue reading UN’s top court opens landmark Myanmar Rohingya genocide case