Congolese negotiators have dropped their demand for an immediate Rwandan troop withdrawal from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, clearing the way for a U.S.-brokered peace deal expected to be signed in Washington on Friday. Rwanda has at least 7,000 troops in eastern Congo backing M23 rebels, though it denies direct involvement and says it’s acting in self-defense against Congo-based groups like the FDLR. The revised … Continue reading Congo drops demand for immediate Rwandan troop pullout

At least 29 students died in a stampede during baccalaureate exams at a high school in Bangui, Central African Republic, after an electrical transformer exploded and caused panic. Sixteen of the victims were girls. Over 260 others were injured. President Faustin Archange Touadera declared three days of national mourning and promised support for victims’ families, the DW has reported. Authorities are investigating the incident, and … Continue reading Dozens killed in Central African Republic school stampede

A large wildfire near Athens swept through the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, destroying at least 20 homes and forcing over 1,000 evacuations as Greece faced its first summer heatwave with temperatures reaching 40 °C. Strong winds spread flames quickly from low vegetation into residential areas. Firefighters, residents, and aircraft battled the blaze, while coast guard teams rescued trapped beachgoers, the BBC has reported. … Continue reading Homes burn in Greece as wildfire sweeps through coastal towns

North Korea is opening its long-delayed Wonsan Kalma beach resort to domestic tourists on 1 July, hoping to boost tourism despite sanctions and economic struggles. Built on the east coast, the resort can reportedly host 20,000 visitors along a 4 km beach, though its features remain unverified. Leader Kim Jong Un, who grew up in Wonsan, wants to transform the area. Foreign tourism remains limited, mainly … Continue reading North Korea to open beach resort as Kim bets on tourism

At least 16 people have died in Kenya after nationwide protests on Wednesday against police brutality and poor governance, according to the human rights commission. Demonstrations spread to 23 of 47 counties, with protesters calling for President William Ruto’s resignation. Property was destroyed, police stations were burned, and shops in Nairobi were looted. The unrest was fueled by anger over the death of a blogger … Continue reading Death toll from Kenya’s anti-government protests rises to 16

Japan has executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the “Twitter killer,” for murdering and dismembering nine people, mostly women, after luring them via social media by promising to help them die. The 34-year-old was hanged in Tokyo in the country’s first execution since 2022. Arrested in 2017, Shiraishi pleaded guilty in 2020, admitting he killed to satisfy sexual desires. His crimes shocked Japan and raised concerns … Continue reading Japan executes ‘Twitter killer’ who murdered and dismembered nine people

Czech authorities have detained five teenagers, most under 18, for being radicalized online by the Islamic State and promoting hate against minorities, Jews, and the LGBTQ+ community. Two have been charged with terror-related crimes after attempting to set fire to a synagogue in Brno in January 2024. The group was also involved in online efforts to recruit fighters for ISIS. Weapons were seized during raids … Continue reading Czech authorities detain 5 teens over online radicalization by IS and charge 2 with terror plot

Seven Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza when a Palestinian militant detonated a bomb on their armored vehicle, one of the deadliest incidents for Israel in Gaza in months. The attack in Khan Younis came just after a ceasefire ended Israel’s brief war with Iran. Fighting in Gaza has continued since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and … Continue reading Bomb attached to their armored vehicle kills 7 Israeli soldiers in Gaza

Families of inmates at Tehran’s Evin Prison are sharing accounts of damage and casualties after an Israeli airstrike hit the facility on Monday. The strike, part of Israel’s broader offensive against Iran, was confirmed by the IDF, which called the prison a “symbol of oppression.” Iranian media reported damage to the prison and the death of a doctor, though full casualty details remain unclear. Evin, … Continue reading Israeli strike damages Tehran’s Evin Prison, families report chaos

The UK will purchase 12 U.S.-made F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, strengthening its nuclear posture and joining NATO’s dual-capable aircraft mission. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce the move at the NATO summit, urging allies to boost support for the alliance. The decision also reinforces the UK’s commitment to NATO and is expected to support 20,000 UK jobs, with Britain contributing 15% … Continue reading UK to buy 12 nuclear-carrying F-35A jets from the United States and join NATO nuclear mission

NATO leaders met in The Hague to discuss increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP, amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s leadership, saying the U.S. would no longer shoulder the burden alone. Most members support the new targets, though Spain and Slovakia voiced concerns. Spain is aiming for just 2.1%, calling the percentage debate “misguided.” The summit also … Continue reading Nato set to agree big spike in defence spending at ‘historic summit’

Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, 26, was found dead after falling from a cliff near the crater of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia. She survived the initial fall during a group hike but could not be reached for days due to dangerous terrain and poor weather. Despite being spotted alive on Saturday, rescuers lost track of her amid thick fog and were only able … Continue reading Brazilian tourist who fell off Indonesian volcano found dead

Two young bears, Mish and Lucy, escaped their enclosure at Wildwood Devon wildlife park in the UK and devoured a week’s supply of honey and snacks before falling asleep. The incident, which lasted about an hour, posed no threat to the public, though visitors were briefly moved to a secure area. Keepers safely returned the bears using recall training. The park blamed the escape on … Continue reading 2 bears escape wildlife park enclosure, eat a 7-day supply of honey, then fall asleep

In one of the deadliest 48-hour periods in months, Russian attacks killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, just as NATO allies gathered for a key meeting. On Tuesday, a missile strike on Dnipro killed 15 people and injured over 170, causing unprecedented destruction to homes, schools, and hospitals. A day earlier, nine were killed in a Kyiv apartment … Continue reading Russian attacks kill dozens of Ukrainians as Kyiv’s allies gather for a key NATO summit

A stark new UK Government security strategy warns that the public must “actively prepare” for potential war on home soil amid rising global threats. The document highlights growing nuclear risks, including from Iran, and warns that arms control has failed to keep pace. It cites increased aggression from powers like China, Russia, and North Korea, who are collaborating in cyber, space, and underwater warfare, and … Continue reading Brits must ‘actively prepare’ for war on UK soil, govt warns

At least 43 Palestinians were killed Monday in ongoing Israeli attacks across Gaza, bringing the war’s death toll to over 56,000, with more than 131,000 wounded. Among the dead were 20 people seeking food at aid centers run by the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which the UN has condemned for allegedly weaponizing aid. Critics describe the sites as “human slaughterhouses” amid worsening famine … Continue reading Israel kills at least 43 Palestinians in Gaza, including aid seekers

Iran has claimed responsibility for Monday’s missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Doha, calling it retaliation for recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The attack marks a significant escalation in regional tensions following the U.S. intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict. Qatar condemned the assault on Al Udeid Air Base but confirmed that its defense systems intercepted the missiles, preventing any casualties, France 24 … Continue reading  Iran claims attack on US base in Doha, Qatar says missiles intercepted

Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace after the U.S. and U.K. advised their citizens in the country to shelter in place, following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s threats of retaliation. While the Qatari government said there are no specific threats and that the security situation remains stable, the move was taken as a precaution. Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in … Continue reading Qatar closes airspace as UK and US tell citizens to shelter in place

Around 145 people, mostly teenage girls, were stabbed with syringes during France’s nationwide Fête de la Musique festival, sparking fears of chemical injections. Victims reported feeling unwell and were hospitalized for toxicology tests. Attacks occurred across the country, with 13 in Paris and 50 in Angoulême. Authorities have arrested 12 suspects, including one man in Metz identified via CCTV. It’s unclear if the syringes contained … Continue reading 145 revellers stabbed with syringes in wave of attacks at music festival

Pope Leo XIV issued a passionate plea for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer, urging global diplomatic efforts amid escalating Middle East tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Condemning war’s human toll, the pope stressed that “no armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers” and called for diplomacy over violence. He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning … Continue reading Pope Leo warns of ‘irreparable abyss’ in war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the target of a foiled assassination plot by a Polish pensioner with longstanding Soviet ties, according to Ukraine’s security chief. The man was allegedly activated by Russia to kill Zelensky at a Polish airport using a sniper rifle or drone. The plot was uncovered through joint efforts by Ukrainian and Polish intelligence. This comes amid ongoing threats against Zelensky, who … Continue reading Zelensky narrowly escapes assassination attempt by Russian sniper

Iran’s parliament has voted to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes, potentially blocking $1 billion in daily oil shipments and driving prices higher. The closure awaits approval from Iran’s Supreme Council. The narrow strait is vulnerable to disruption through naval mines, missile attacks, and small boat swarms, tactics Iran may use based … Continue reading Iran orders closure of Strait of Hormuz

Russia is prepared to assist Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, but Tehran must first specify its needs, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. He confirmed that Russian President Putin will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss possible support and hear Iran’s proposals. This comes after U.S. airstrikes targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions and drawing the U.S. directly into the conflict … Continue reading Russia ready to help Iran: Kremlin spokesman

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced he will travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin following recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Araghchi condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and warned Iran would respond in self-defense. The US, under President Trump, justified the attacks as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev … Continue reading Russia: Many Nations Willing To Supply Iran With Nuclear Warheads

At sunrise on the summer solstice, around 25,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to witness the sun align with the ancient monument’s Heel Stone, marking the longest day of the year. Visitors were allowed to walk among the stones for the rare event, while over 400,000 watched online. Temperatures soared across the U.K., prompting the first amber heat alert since 2023. Built around 2,500 B.C., Stonehenge … Continue reading Sunrise at Stonehenge draws druids and pagans to celebrate summer solstice