More than 20 students and teachers are feared dead in Thailand school trip bus fire

A bus carrying 45 students and teachers on a school trip caught fire in suburban Bangkok, leaving more than 20 feared dead. The bus, fueled by natural gas, caught fire around noon in Pathum Thani province. Rescuers were delayed in accessing the bus due to the risk of further explosions. Three teachers and 20 students remain missing. Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by … Continue reading More than 20 students and teachers are feared dead in Thailand school trip bus fire

Seven murdered in Jaffa terror shooting, many more wounded

Seven people were killed and dozens wounded in a terrorist shooting at a light rail station in Jaffa on Tuesday evening. Six victims were taken to Ichilov Medical Center, two in critical condition, while twelve others, including a child, were treated at Wolfson Medical Center, five in serious condition. Initially believed to be a criminal act due to recent shootings in the area, it was … Continue reading Seven murdered in Jaffa terror shooting, many more wounded

IDF vows ‘powerful airstrikes throughout Middle East’ after Iran missile attack

Following Iran’s launch of over 180 missiles at Israel, the IDF announced plans for extensive airstrikes across the Middle East. Israeli and U.S. defense systems intercepted most of the rockets, with the IDF emphasizing strong cooperation. Senior Israeli officials vowed severe retaliation, with one stating Israel now has full legitimacy for an unprecedented strike on Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the attack was in response … Continue reading IDF vows ‘powerful airstrikes throughout Middle East’ after Iran missile attack

Pope ends troubled Belgium visit by doubling down on abortion and women and praising abuse victims

Pope Francis concluded his contentious visit to Belgium by reaffirming his traditional views on women and abortion, and calling for Catholic bishops to stop protecting predator priests. During a press conference on his flight home, he praised the late King Baudouin for abdicating for a day in 1990 to avoid signing an abortion legalization law, describing his actions as courageous. Francis faced criticism for labeling … Continue reading Pope ends troubled Belgium visit by doubling down on abortion and women and praising abuse victims

Mexico counting dead from ‘zombie storm’ John

At least 15 people have died in Mexico due to Hurricane John, confirmed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The storm initially made landfall as a category three hurricane, weakened, and then regenerated, earning the term “zombie storm.” Heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding, cutting off residents and causing significant damage. Local media report death tolls of over 20, with some estimates as high as … Continue reading Mexico counting dead from ‘zombie storm’ John

Israel hits Yemen’s infrastructure again

The Israeli military has launched significant airstrikes on Yemen for the second time in over two months, targeting key ports and power stations operated by the Iran-backed Houthis. The latest attack on the Ras Isa and Hodeidah ports resulted in major explosions, killing at least four and injuring dozens. This escalation comes amid ongoing Israeli bombardments in Gaza and Lebanon, where over 41,000 Palestinians have … Continue reading Israel hits Yemen’s infrastructure again

Ukraine Says It Struck Cache of Iranian Missiles in Russia

Ukraine reported an overnight strike on a weapons stockpile in Russia’s Volgograd region, potentially targeting newly arrived missiles from Iran. The Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed to have hit the cache near Kotluban, with indications of fire and ammunition detonation observed at the site. Unverified social media footage showed a significant blaze. Russia’s defense ministry noted it faced a swarm of 125 Ukrainian drones but did … Continue reading Ukraine Says It Struck Cache of Iranian Missiles in Russia

Israeli Special Forces Launch Raids Into Lebanon Ahead of Possible Ground Incursion

Israeli commandos are currently conducting a raid in southern Lebanon, with indications that more forces may be deployed, according to a senior U.S. official. This follows earlier intelligence-gathering operations as Israel prepares for a potential limited ground offensive. However, U.S. officials believe Israel is not ready for a major ground incursion due to troop strain from ongoing operations in Gaza. Former Israeli military intelligence chief … Continue reading Israeli Special Forces Launch Raids Into Lebanon Ahead of Possible Ground Incursion

China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year, US officials say

China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, the first of its Zhou-class line, sank pierside in the spring, with the Chinese Navy attempting to conceal the incident, according to U.S. defense officials. The submarine, recognized by its X-shaped stern, disappeared from satellite images after March. The loss was first noticed due to unusual crane activity at the shipyard. China prioritizes the modernization of its navy, aiming to rival … Continue reading China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year, US officials say

Wrapping up mission, US troops leaving longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

The U.S. announced an agreement with Iraq to end its military mission against ISIS by 2025, with American troops leaving some long-held bases. Although details on troop numbers were not provided, U.S. forces will relocate to Erbil in northern Iraq during a two-phase transition. The Biden administration emphasized the shift to a bilateral security relationship by 2026, though some troops may remain at the request … Continue reading Wrapping up mission, US troops leaving longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

Coast Guard watching uptick in Russian, Chinese navy activity near Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard has observed increased Chinese and Russian naval activity around Alaska and the northern Pacific, according to Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson. While Russian and Chinese vessels sometimes enter the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, interactions have remained professional, with the Coast Guard monitoring and communicating with them. Tiongson noted the growing cooperation between the two navies in the region, NBC News has … Continue reading Coast Guard watching uptick in Russian, Chinese navy activity near Alaska

Saudi Arabia to expand controversial cloud seeding program

Saudi Arabia is expanding its cloud-seeding program to boost rainfall in its arid regions, according to Deputy Environment Minister Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Faqeeha said recent advances in AI, meteorology, and remote sensing have improved the program, which initially struggled in the early 2000s. The initiative aims to increase water supply and combat desertification, though cloud-seeding remains controversial due to … Continue reading Saudi Arabia to expand controversial cloud seeding program

Israel strike targets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut

The IDF targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on the group’s headquarters in Beirut. Multiple explosions were heard, and extensive damage was reported. Israeli officials believe it is unlikely Nasrallah survived the strike, though Hezbollah sources claim he is alive. Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the attack, consulting with senior defense officials beforehand. Following the strike, Israel emphasized its readiness for further operations. Hezbollah … Continue reading Israel strike targets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut

‘Zombie’ storm Hurricane John regains strength as it returns to coastal Mexico

Hurricane John has strengthened again, bringing heavy rain to Mexico’s southwestern coast, affecting ports and tourist areas already soaked by the slow-moving storm. Since Monday, John has caused significant disruptions, including airport closures and mudslides that claimed at least five lives. Meteorologists describe John as a “zombie” storm, reviving after weakening. With 75 mph winds, the storm is stationary near the coast, threatening further flash … Continue reading ‘Zombie’ storm Hurricane John regains strength as it returns to coastal Mexico

Japan flexes in Taiwan Strait, sending warship through disputed waters

The Japanese destroyer Sazanami passed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time on Wednesday, marking a significant move amid rising tensions with China, which opposes foreign warships in the area. The transit, ahead of multinational naval drills, aligns Japan with the U.S. and its allies in asserting that the strait is international waters with freedom of navigation. Japan’s action reflects its growing military assertiveness in response … Continue reading Japan flexes in Taiwan Strait, sending warship through disputed waters

Sudan’s army launches major offensive on Khartoum

Sudan’s army launched a major offensive in Khartoum to regain territory from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with air raids and artillery targeting RSF positions. The army has retaken key bridges and advanced toward the presidential palace, but heavy fighting continues. At least four people were killed in RSF shelling. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF … Continue reading Sudan’s army launches major offensive on Khartoum

Taiwan prosecutors say 4 questioned so far over exploding pagers linked to Hezbollah

Taiwanese prosecutors have questioned four people, including current and former employees, in their investigation of a Taiwanese company linked to pagers used in deadly explosions in Lebanon, allegedly targeting Hezbollah. Israel is suspected of being behind the attack, though it has not confirmed this. Taiwan-based Gold Apollo denies manufacturing the devices, which were traced to a Hungary-based company. The investigation is ongoing, with Taiwan working … Continue reading Taiwan prosecutors say 4 questioned so far over exploding pagers linked to Hezbollah

Kremlin says changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine are intended as a warning to the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, aiming to deter Western support for Ukrainian attacks on Russia. The revisions imply that any conventional attack on Russia backed by a nuclear power would be considered a joint strike, potentially lowering the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons. The U.S. and EU condemned Putin’s statements as “irresponsible.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken … Continue reading Kremlin says changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine are intended as a warning to the West

Pentagon has recommends giving white phosphorus shells to Ukraine

Senior Pentagon officials recommended providing Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions for use in battlefield illumination and smoke screens, but the White House has repeatedly rejected the idea due to concerns over civilian harm. White phosphorus is not illegal, but its use carries significant risks, including severe burns and respiratory damage. The Pentagon’s recommendation aimed to supply Ukraine with these shells for non-lethal purposes, but the … Continue reading Pentagon has recommends giving white phosphorus shells to Ukraine

NATO plans for large-scale transport of wounded troops in case of Russia war

NATO is preparing to transport large numbers of wounded troops during a potential war with Russia, possibly using hospital trains due to likely challenges with air evacuations. Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank, NATO’s logistics commander, noted that medical evacuations in a Russia conflict would involve a larger war zone and more casualties compared to recent wars. Russian air defenses would complicate air evacuations, making trains a viable … Continue reading NATO plans for large-scale transport of wounded troops in case of Russia war

China fires ICBM into Pacific

China test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, raising regional security concerns amid its rivalry with the U.S. The ICBM carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area, with China stating the test was part of routine training and not directed at any nation. This marked the first such long-range test in 44 years, the Associated Press has reported. Analysts … Continue reading China fires ICBM into Pacific

IDF commander urges readiness for possible Lebanon invasion amid Hezbollah conflict

IDF Northern Commander Maj. Gen. Uri Gordon told troops they must be ready to invade Lebanon, as tensions with Hezbollah escalate. He emphasized the need to improve security for 60,000 northern residents displaced for nearly a year. Gordon highlighted that the conflict has entered a new phase, with Operation Northern Arrows targeting Hezbollah’s firepower and leadership, The Jerusalem Post has reported. While airstrikes continue, former … Continue reading IDF commander urges readiness for possible Lebanon invasion amid Hezbollah conflict

Israel widens air strikes after Hezbollah fires at Tel Aviv

Israel’s top general, Maj Gen Herzi Halevi, stated that the country is preparing for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon as airstrikes continue to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure. The Israeli military is calling up reserves and readying troops for operations in response to Hezbollah’s missile attacks, including a failed strike on Tel Aviv. Amid growing international pressure for a ceasefire, the US warned of the risk … Continue reading Israel widens air strikes after Hezbollah fires at Tel Aviv

Sunken superyacht believed to contain watertight safes with sensitive intelligence data

Specialist divers surveying the wreck of the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off Sicily in August, killing seven people, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, have requested heightened security. Concerns have arisen over sensitive data possibly stored in encrypted hard drives on board, which may interest foreign governments. Lynch, linked to British and American intelligence services, founded the cybersecurity company Darktrace. Italian prosecutors are investigating manslaughter … Continue reading Sunken superyacht believed to contain watertight safes with sensitive intelligence data

A New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesia’s Papua region

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, held hostage by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region for over a year, was freed on Saturday. Mehrtens, who worked for Susi Air, was abducted in February 2023. His release followed extensive negotiations involving local leaders and church officials. No demands were made in return. Mehrtens’ family expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for prioritizing peaceful negotiations, the Associated Press … Continue reading A New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesia’s Papua region