China’s coastguard seized Sandy Cay, a disputed reef near the Philippines’ key outpost in the South China Sea, raising tensions during U.S.-Philippines military exercises. China planted its flag on the reef, claiming sovereignty for the first time in years. Although no permanent occupation is reported yet, the move heightens fears of future Chinese expansion. The U.S. called the action “deeply concerning,” warning it threatens regional … Continue reading China seizes disputed reef in the South China Sea

A massive explosion and fire at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port on Saturday killed 25 people and injured around 800, reportedly linked to a shipment of missile fuel chemicals. The blast occurred as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks took place in Oman. Although Iranian officials denied missile fuel was involved, reports suggest the fire stemmed from mishandling solid rocket propellant, the Associated Press has reported. The fire was … Continue reading Massive explosion at Iran port linked to missile fuel shipment

Michael Gloss, 21, the son of CIA deputy director Julianne Gallina Gloss and Navy veteran Larry Gloss, was killed in April 2024 while secretly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a fact only recently revealed by an iStories investigation. His parents, unaware he had joined the Russian military, described him as a “peacenik” struggling with mental health issues. After traveling through Italy, Turkey, and Georgia, Michael … Continue reading CIA deputy director’s son died fighting for RUSSIA in Ukraine

A student was killed and at least three others injured in a stabbing at the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides school in Nantes, western France, on Thursday. The attacker, reportedly restrained by a teacher, was arrested at the scene. The school, which has around 2,000 students, was evacuated, and a heavy police and emergency presence was deployed. Officials including France’s education and interior ministers are visiting the site. Local … Continue reading Student killed in French school stabbing attack, reports say

Benin’s government has confirmed that 54 soldiers were killed in a jihadist attack last week near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, far higher than the previously reported toll of eight. The al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), based in Mali, claimed responsibility. This marks the deadliest attack in northern Benin since insurgents began operating there, the BBC has reported. Benin vowed … Continue reading Benin admits that 54 soldiers killed in attack by al-Qaeda group

During recent nuclear talks in Rome, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that reaching a final deal on President Trump’s tight 60-day timetable may not be realistic, suggesting an interim deal instead. While Iran’s UN mission denied the proposal, sources confirmed Araghchi raised the idea. Witkoff declined to consider an interim deal for now, focusing instead on completing a full agreement. … Continue reading Iran raised possible interim nuclear deal with U.S., sources say

At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in a massive overnight Russian attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, involving nearly 70 missiles and 150 drones. Amid growing international pressure for a peace deal, Donald Trump publicly urged Vladimir Putin to stop the strikes, calling them “very bad timing.” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is cutting his Africa trip short to return home. Meanwhile, U.S. … Continue reading ‘Vladimir, STOP!’ Trump says to Putin after deadliest Russian strike on Kyiv in months

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 tourists. India blamed the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba and identified three suspects, two of them Pakistani. Pakistan denied involvement and criticized India’s lack of evidence. In response to the accusations and diplomatic actions by India—including border closures and visa suspensions—Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats, suspended trade, and closed its airspace … Continue reading Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists

Russia is escalating hybrid attacks targeting the Netherlands and its European allies, including cyberattacks and potential sabotage, according to Dutch military intelligence (MIVD). The agency reported a Russian cyberattack on a Dutch public service and attempts to compromise critical infrastructure, possibly in preparation for sabotage. These hybrid threats include espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation aimed at destabilizing society. The MIVD also warned of Russian surveillance of … Continue reading Russia is upping hybrid attacks against Europe, Dutch intelligence says

Israeli police are searching for a swimmer feared to have been attacked by a shark off the coast near Hadera. The area, known for its population of endangered dusky and sandbar sharks, draws crowds who often swim near or even interact with the sharks, despite repeated warnings from conservation groups. The missing man reportedly entered the water to swim with the sharks during a busy … Continue reading Suspected shark attack closes Israeli beach as police search for swimmer

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine is ready for peace talks with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire is in place. The Financial Times reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to halt the war along current front lines, potentially backing off some territorial claims. Talks are ongoing, with U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials set to meet in London. Meanwhile, the U.S. reportedly … Continue reading Ukraine presses for ceasefire as Russia reported to offer concession

Twenty-six people were killed and 17 injured when suspected militants opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, a popular destination in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory, in the deadliest civilian attack since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The victims included 25 Indians and one Nepalese national. A little-known group called “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility, citing anger over demographic changes in the region. Prime Minister Modi cut short … Continue reading Attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir kills 26, injures 17, police say

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. The Vatican also reported he had acute respiratory failure from double pneumonia, as well as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Public viewing will begin Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. He will be … Continue reading Pope Francis’s body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday, Vatican says

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and progressive stance on issues like capitalism and climate change, died Monday at age 88. Bells tolled around the world as tributes poured in. Suffering from chronic lung issues, he had been hospitalized with double pneumonia in February and made his final appearance on Easter Sunday. Elected in 2013, Francis … Continue reading Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile and blessing thousands as he continues recovering from a near-fatal case of double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope, recently discharged from a five-week hospital stay, appeared energized, greeting pilgrims and blessing babies. Though he delegated Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Francis gave the traditional apostolic blessing from the … Continue reading Pope Francis emerges on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour

U.S. airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, killed 12 people and wounded 30, according to Houthi rebels, who said a market in the Farwa neighborhood was hit. The strikes are part of an intensified U.S. campaign targeting the Houthis over their attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel. Recent airstrikes also hit other Yemeni regions and followed earlier attacks that killed at least 74 people. The … Continue reading US airstrikes killed 12 people in Yemen’s capital, the Houthi rebels say

German police are searching for the suspect or suspects behind the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old man and his 28-year-old son-in-law, both Turkish nationals, in Bad Nauheim on Saturday. The victims had no prior police records, and a personal motive is suspected. Special forces and helicopters joined the manhunt, though two initial arrests were later dismissed. Authorities say there is no public danger but advised … Continue reading Germany: Police launch manhunt over Bad Nauheim killing

An Israeli military investigation found “professional failures” led to the March killing of 15 paramedics and first responders in Gaza, most of whom were with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The IDF cited a series of mistakes and breaches of orders but maintained there were no ethical violations. The deputy commander who ordered and took part in the attack was dismissed, while another officer was … Continue reading ‘Professional failures’ led to killing of Palestinian medics in Gaza, says Israeli military

Just hours after Moscow’s 30-hour “Easter truce” ended, Ukraine reported Russian drone and rocket attacks across several regions, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson. Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych confirmed explosions in Mykolaiv, but casualties are unknown. Ukraine said Russia launched over 1,800 shelling incidents during the truce, which President Zelensky dismissed as a PR stunt. Both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with Russia claiming … Continue reading Ukraine reports many Russian drone attacks after truce ends

Russia has warned Germany that supplying Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine would be seen as direct German involvement in the war. The missiles could strike deep into Russian territory, targeting key infrastructure. Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is open to the idea if coordinated with EU partners, though his potential coalition partner, the SPD, strongly opposes it to avoid escalation. The SPD and current … Continue reading Russia warns Germany against giving Ukraine Taurus missiles

Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire offer, demanding a comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent end to the war, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and no disarmament. The Israeli proposal had called for a 45-day truce, phased hostage exchanges, and Gaza’s disarmament, but did not guarantee an end to the conflict. In response, far-right Israeli ministers called for an escalation, with continued military operations and … Continue reading Hamas rejects ceasefire offer as far-right Israeli lawmakers call for escalation in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian and European officials in Paris Thursday to discuss ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The talks were described as productive, with support for a ceasefire and lasting peace. Despite Trump’s claim a truce could be reached quickly, hopes for an Easter ceasefire appear to be fading as Russia intensifies attacks. Concerns were … Continue reading US, Ukraine and European officials hold ‘excellent exchange’ in Paris

A 49-year-old U.S. national, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, was fatally shot after attempting to hijack a Tropic Air flight in Belize with a knife on Thursday. He injured several passengers before being shot by another passenger, whom officials called a hero. The plane, carrying 14 passengers and two crew, circled the airport for over an hour before safely landing. A state of emergency was declared, and … Continue reading American fatally shot after attempting to hijack plane in Belize

A Chinese satellite company with military ties, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co Ltd (CGSTL), is allegedly providing Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with satellite imagery to target U.S. and international ships in the Red Sea, according to U.S. officials. Despite repeated warnings from the Trump and Biden administrations, China has not acted against the company. CGSTL, which is closely linked to the People’s Liberation Army, … Continue reading USA says Chinese firm helping Houthis target American warships

Israel announced it has completed a new security corridor, the Morag Axis, cutting off Rafah from the rest of Gaza and claiming full control of the southern city. The move aims to divide Hamas forces and expand Israeli control, with operations expected to grow across Gaza. Over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire ended in March, bringing the total to nearly 51,000 since … Continue reading Israel takes control of Rafah, creating new ‘security corridor’ in Gaza