European police have dismantled a major synthetic drug manufacturing network operating illegal labs across several EU countries. Polish authorities said more than 9.3 tonnes of drugs were seized, over 100 suspects arrested, and 24 large-scale laboratories shut down. The yearlong operation, coordinated by Europol, involved police from six countries and targeted a network centred in Poland. Investigators also seized around 1,000 tonnes of chemicals imported … Continue reading Europol busts Europe-wide drug ring in ‘largest-ever’ operation

U.S. forces seized a seventh oil tanker connected to Venezuela, the Liberian-flagged Motor Vessel Sagitta, as part of efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports. The tanker was taken “without incident” after allegedly violating a U.S.-declared quarantine on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. The Sagitta had been sanctioned under a U.S. executive order and was reported to have carried Venezuelan oil. This seizure follows a series … Continue reading US forces seize seventh sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela

A Japanese court has sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami to life in prison for the 2022 assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, a killing that stunned the nation. Yamagami pleaded guilty to shooting Abe with a homemade weapon during an election speech in Nara, an act prosecutors described as unprecedented in postwar Japan. He said the attack was motivated by anger over Abe’s ties to the … Continue reading Shinzo Abe’s killer sentenced to life in prison over shooting of Japanese former PM

A commuter train struck a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona, killing the driver and injuring 37 people, four of them critically. The accident occurred in Gelida after the wall fell onto the tracks, likely due to heavy rainfall in the region. Emergency services deployed dozens of firefighters and ambulances, and authorities confirmed no passengers remained trapped in the carriages. The incident came just two days … Continue reading Commuter train near Barcelona hits collapsed wall killing driver and injuring nearly 40

An explosion struck a Chinese-run restaurant inside a hotel in Kabul’s heavily guarded Shahr-e-Naw district, killing one Chinese national and six Afghans, officials said. The blast, which occurred near the kitchen, also injured several people, including a child. Afghan police said the restaurant served the local Chinese Muslim community and was jointly run by Chinese and Afghan partners. The Afghan branch of ISIL (ISIS) later … Continue reading Blast kills seven people at hotel restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul

Denmark and Greenland are discussing the possibility of establishing a NATO mission in Greenland and the wider Arctic, according to Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. The talks come amid renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has reiterated interest in asserting U.S. control over Greenland. Poulsen made the comments after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in … Continue reading Denmark, Greenland suggest Arctic NATO mission, Danish defence minister says

At least 40 people were killed in a high-speed rail crash in southern Spain after part of one train derailed and struck another traveling in the opposite direction. The collision occurred Sunday evening in Andalusia when a train from Malaga to Madrid jumped the track and slammed into an oncoming train bound for Huelva. The impact derailed the lead carriages of the second train, sending … Continue reading Death toll in Spanish train collision rises to 40 as authorities fear more bodies could be found

A widely shared image of abandoned shoes from Iran’s city of Rasht has drawn international attention after reports that security forces trapped protesters inside a historic bazaar, set it on fire, and shot those trying to escape on Jan. 8. Eyewitnesses and human rights groups allege the victims had surrendered before being killed, with footage showing the burned remains of the marketplace. Journalists and activists … Continue reading Haunting image shows pile of abandoned shoes after Iran burns protesters to death

Iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation announced, passing away peacefully at his home in Rome. Born in 1932, Valentino built one of the most influential fashion houses in the world, becoming internationally renowned for his elegant designs and signature “Valentino red.” He founded his fashion house in 1957, with a major turning point coming through his … Continue reading Fashion designer Valentino has died

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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