Tanker and cargo vessel in fiery collision off England, triggering explosions

A U.S. fuel tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, collided with the Portugal-registered cargo ship Solong in the North Sea off the British coast near Hull on Monday, causing a fire and fuel spill. The Stena Immaculate, carrying U.S. Navy jet fuel, suffered a ruptured cargo tank, leading to multiple explosions. All crew members aboard the tanker evacuated safely, but one crew member from the Solong is missing. Emergency teams, … Continue reading Tanker and cargo vessel in fiery collision off England, triggering explosions

US orders nonemergency government staff to leave South Sudan as tension grows over fighting

The U.S. State Department ordered nonemergency personnel to leave South Sudan’s capital as tensions rise due to northern fighting. Clashes last week led to the arrests of key officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar, sparking concerns over the country’s fragile peace deal. A U.N. helicopter evacuation was attacked, prompting warnings from the U.N. that the escalating violence threatens to derail peace efforts, the Associated … Continue reading US orders nonemergency government staff to leave South Sudan as tension grows over fighting

Russia is advancing in Kursk, threatening Ukraine’s sole territorial gain

Ukraine’s hold on Russia’s Kursk region is weakening as Russian forces, supported by North Korean troops, intensify attacks. Moscow has reclaimed several settlements and is targeting Sudzha to cut off Ukrainian supply routes. Kyiv initially invaded Kursk in August to pressure Russia and gain leverage, but with U.S. support waning, its position has become precarious. Military bloggers warn Ukraine may soon withdraw, as poor road … Continue reading Russia is advancing in Kursk, threatening Ukraine’s sole territorial gain

Pope Francis pens prayer thanking hospital staff, as he shows ‘mild improvement’

Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized in Rome with a guarded prognosis after complications from bronchitis, including pneumonia and respiratory crises. Despite his illness, he released a Sunday prayer thanking healthcare workers for their care and urging compassion for those in hardship. The Vatican reports his condition is stable with no fever, though his recovery remains uncertain, NPR has reported. Francis also praised volunteers, calling their … Continue reading Pope Francis pens prayer thanking hospital staff, as he shows ‘mild improvement’

Syria descends into 48 hours of bloody carnage

Syria has descended into chaos, with over 1,000 killed in violent clashes between remnants of Bashar al-Assad’s forces and the new Islamist government, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Assad loyalists launched a surprise ambush, triggering days of bloodshed, including mass executions and revenge killings. Witnesses report horrifying atrocities, including women paraded naked before being shot and a boy forced to kill his family. The violence, centered … Continue reading Syria descends into 48 hours of bloody carnage

USA ‘to cease all future military exercises in Europe’

The U.S. has informed allies it will not participate in future military exercises in Europe beyond those already scheduled, marking another shift in Donald Trump’s approach to NATO. The move forces NATO countries to plan exercises without U.S. military involvement. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target and warned that the U.S. may not defend those who … Continue reading USA ‘to cease all future military exercises in Europe’

About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says

Around 20 countries, mainly from Europe and the Commonwealth, are interested in joining a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine, though not all may send troops. The plan, led by the UK and France, aims to uphold a ceasefire in Russia’s war on Ukraine. However, Russia’s foreign minister rejected the proposal, warning it could escalate NATO’s involvement. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized … Continue reading About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says

Teen armed with gun overpowered by passengers onboard plane

A 17-year-old was charged in Australia after boarding a plane with a shotgun and ammunition at Avalon Airport near Melbourne. The teenager, who breached a security fence, was tackled by passengers and crew before takeoff on a flight bound for Sydney. He faces eight charges, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft and endangering flight safety. No one was injured, though the incident caused distress … Continue reading Teen armed with gun overpowered by passengers onboard plane

Fighter jet accidentally bombs village, injuring 15, during South Korea military drill

South Korea’s air force apologized after a fighter jet accidentally dropped eight bombs outside a designated training range during a live-fire exercise on Thursday, injuring 15 civilians and damaging several buildings in the village of Nogok-ri, near the North Korean border. The bombs, each weighing 225kg, were released due to incorrect coordinates entered by the pilot. The incident occurred during preparations for joint South Korea-US … Continue reading Fighter jet accidentally bombs village, injuring 15, during South Korea military drill

Meloni Backs Giving Ukraine NATO Security Without Membership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed granting Ukraine the security of NATO’s collective defense under Article 5 without full membership. Speaking at a European Union leaders’ meeting, she emphasized the need for more sustainable solutions than European peacekeeping troops. Meloni suggested this extension of NATO protection would be more effective, Bloomberg has reported. While her stance may position her as a potential bridge between Europe … Continue reading Meloni Backs Giving Ukraine NATO Security Without Membership

Canada Eyes Arctic Military Expansion in Response to USA Demands

Canada is increasing its military presence in the Arctic, investing C$2.67 billion ($1.86 billion) over 20 years to enhance support hubs in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit. The plan aims to deter Chinese and Russian influence while addressing calls from the Trump administration for higher defense spending. The funding will improve airstrips, logistics, and equipment for military operations. This move comes as Canada’s defense spending remains … Continue reading Canada Eyes Arctic Military Expansion in Response to USA Demands

Floods in Indonesia’s capital displace thousands

Severe floods in Jakarta and surrounding areas have forced thousands to evacuate, submerging over 1,000 homes and roads. Governor Pramono Anung raised the alert level and ordered water pumps and weather modification efforts to mitigate the crisis. A hospital in Bekasi was also flooded, leading to patient evacuations and power outages. Rescuers used boats to assist trapped residents, while the government set up shelters and … Continue reading Floods in Indonesia’s capital displace thousands

Largest wildfire in decades rages in Japan as authorities warn it could spread

Japan’s largest wildfire in decades continues to spread in Ofunato, forcing over 1,000 residents to evacuate and damaging 84 homes. The blaze, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, has burned 2,100 hectares despite efforts from 2,000 firefighters and SDF troops. Authorities fear further spread, while Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged full support. A man’s death may be linked to the fire. Relief could … Continue reading Largest wildfire in decades rages in Japan as authorities warn it could spread

$840 Billion Plan To ‘Rearm Europe’ Announced

The EU will allocate $840 billion for defense under the “Rearm Europe” plan, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced. The move follows President Trump’s suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, widening the gap between Washington and Kyiv. The plan includes €150 billion in defense loans and allows EU nations to increase military spending without breaching budget rules. With concerns over NATO’s limited … Continue reading $840 Billion Plan To ‘Rearm Europe’ Announced

US designates Yemen’s Houthis as ‘foreign terrorist’ organisation

The U.S. has re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, as a “foreign terrorist” organization, imposing sanctions on those providing support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited threats to U.S. personnel, regional partners, and global trade. The move reverses a decision by former President Joe Biden, who had lifted the designation over humanitarian concerns, Al-Jazeera has reported. The White House blamed Biden’s policy for increased Houthi … Continue reading US designates Yemen’s Houthis as ‘foreign terrorist’ organisation

Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast

Millions in eastern Australia are bracing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the most southerly cyclone to threaten the region in over 50 years. Expected to make landfall near Brisbane early Friday, the storm could bring major flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion from Queensland’s Gold Coast to northern New South Wales. Authorities warn that up to 20,000 properties in Brisbane may be affected, and evacuations have … Continue reading Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast

Dozens found alive in metal containers after India avalanche

An avalanche in India’s Uttarakhand state buried 54 construction workers in metal containers, killing eight and trapping others for nearly two days. Rescuers saved 46 workers, who survived due to sufficient oxygen in the containers. The 60-hour rescue operation, conducted in freezing temperatures, involved the Indian army and disaster response teams using helicopters and drones. Many of the rescued workers are receiving treatment, the BBC … Continue reading Dozens found alive in metal containers after India avalanche

Terror attack in Haifa, Israel leaves 1 dead, 4 wounded

A stabbing attack in Haifa, Israel, left one dead and four injured on Monday. Authorities are treating it as a militant attack. The attacker, an Arab Israeli recently returned from abroad, was killed by a security guard and a civilian. The victim was a 70-year-old man, while a 15-year-old boy was among the wounded. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility, Fox News … Continue reading Terror attack in Haifa, Israel leaves 1 dead, 4 wounded

UK orders $2 billion worth of air-defense missiles for Ukraine

The U.K. has placed a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) order with Thales for over 5,000 air defense missiles to support Ukraine. The deal, announced after a European leaders’ meeting in London, aims to counter increased Russian missile and drone attacks. The missiles will be produced in Belfast, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 more. Funded through UK Export Finance, the contract is the largest ever … Continue reading UK orders $2 billion worth of air-defense missiles for Ukraine

Two killed, 11 injured after car rams crowd in German city of Mannheim

A deliberate car-ramming attack in Mannheim, Germany, killed two people and injured 11 others on Monday. Authorities ruled out political or religious motives, citing the suspect’s psychological illness. The attacker, a 40-year-old German national, struck people at high speed before being arrested. The incident follows a series of similar attacks in Germany, raising security concerns, CNN has reported. Officials, including CDU leader Friedrich Merz, condemned … Continue reading Two killed, 11 injured after car rams crowd in German city of Mannheim

Pope ‘alert’ after respiratory failure

Pope Francis, 88, suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, requiring medical intervention to clear mucus from his lungs. He has resumed using an oxygen mask and ventilator but remains alert. This marks the third serious downturn since his hospitalization for pneumonia 18 days ago. His illness has prevented him from delivering the Angelus prayer in person for three weeks, and he will … Continue reading Pope ‘alert’ after respiratory failure

US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea after North Korea test-fired missiles

The USS Carl Vinson arrived in South Korea to reinforce the U.S.-South Korea military alliance after North Korea’s recent cruise missile test. This marks the first U.S. aircraft carrier visit to South Korea since June. North Korea, which sees such deployments as threats, has previously responded with missile tests. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un remains focused on supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and is unlikely to … Continue reading US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea after North Korea test-fired missiles

Haiti police raid gang leader’s stronghold in capital

Haitian police launched a major operation in a gang-controlled shantytown, killing several gang members in Lower Delmas, Port-au-Prince. The assault targets Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, leader of the powerful Viv Ansam gang coalition. Reports suggest military drones with explosives are being used. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé praised the newly formed special task force behind the operation. It is unclear if Kenyan police, deployed to combat gangs, are … Continue reading Haiti police raid gang leader’s stronghold in capital

Kurdish militant group PKK declares ceasefire after decades of conflict with Turkey

The Kurdish militant group PKK has declared a ceasefire after its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called on fighters to disarm. The move, seen as a potential political gain for Turkish President Erdoğan, follows years of conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in the 1980s. Analysts remain skeptical about the ceasefire’s long-term viability, as divisions exist within the PKK and Erdoğan’s government continues to pressure … Continue reading Kurdish militant group PKK declares ceasefire after decades of conflict with Turkey

Pope Francis off mechanical ventilator, has no fever or signs of infection: Vatican

Pope Francis, 88, remains stable in the hospital as he recovers from double pneumonia but continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy. The Vatican confirmed he no longer requires mechanical ventilation and has no fever or signs of infection. Despite his condition, he attended Mass, met with Vatican officials, and issued a written Sunday blessing, reflecting on frailty, faith, and the absurdity of war. His prognosis … Continue reading Pope Francis off mechanical ventilator, has no fever or signs of infection: Vatican