Burkina Faso’s military government arrested eight staff members of the Dutch humanitarian group INSO, accusing them of spying and treason. The detainees, including French, Czech, Malian, and Burkinabe nationals, were alleged to have collected sensitive security information after the organisation was banned for three months. INSO “categorically” rejected the allegations, stating that its information-gathering is solely for the safety of humanitarians and largely public. The … Continue reading Burkina Faso’s military gov’t arrests European NGO workers for ‘spying’

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged Friday to accelerate the development of the “T-Dome” air defense system in response to threats from China. The system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, aims to provide high-level detection and effective interception of incoming attacks. Speaking at a National Day celebration, Lai also committed to increasing Taiwan’s defense spending to more than 3% of GDP, with a goal of reaching … Continue reading Taiwan’s president pledges to accelerate the building of air defense system

Myanmar’s military carried out a motorized paraglider strike on Bon To village in the central Sagaing region, killing at least 20 people—including children—and wounding over 50 during a Buddhist festival and rally for political prisoners. The attack targeted civilians gathered at the village’s primary school for an oil lamp ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent. Witnesses reported that bombs were dropped twice, with the … Continue reading Myanmar’s military strikes village in glider raid, killing at least 20 people

Israel approved a framework for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, both living and deceased, following a deal signed with Hamas in Egypt. The agreement, described as the “first phase” of ending the two-year war in Gaza, aims to bring home dozens of remaining Israeli hostages. President Trump indicated the hostages could be released as early as Monday or Tuesday under the deal. … Continue reading Israeli government approves hostage and ceasefire deal

Indian police arrested G. Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharma, after a cough syrup produced at his plant was linked to the deaths of at least 21 children under five in Madhya Pradesh. The syrup, sold as Coldrif, was found to be contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical. Authorities have banned the product in multiple states, while the World Health Organization has sought … Continue reading Police arrest owner of drug company linked to deaths of 21 children in India

A former Warsaw city council employee, identified as Tomasz L., was charged with espionage for allegedly providing Russia with false identities for its spies. Authorities say he copied civil registry records from 2017 to 2022 while working in the archives of births, marriages, and deaths. The stolen information reportedly allowed Russian intelligence to create fake identity papers for agents abroad. Tomasz L. was detained in … Continue reading Poland charges former registry office employee with providing false identities for Russian spies

Morocco’s youth-led “Gen Z 212” movement returned to the streets Thursday, demanding the dismissal of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and broader reforms to tackle corruption and improve public services. The protests, sparked by the deaths of eight women in a public hospital in Agadir, criticize government spending on infrastructure over healthcare and education. Demonstrators, organized via social media, called on King Mohammed VI to intervene, … Continue reading Protesters rally across Morocco in final push for reforms before king’s expected address

Kyiv was hit early Friday by a “massive attack” from Russia, targeting critical infrastructure and causing widespread power and water outages, fires in high-rise apartments, and nine injuries. Ukrainian officials reported drone and missile strikes, while the energy ministry said experts were working to minimize damage and restore services. Russia also struck Zaporizhzhia, killing a seven-year-old and injuring others, while Ukraine retaliated with drone and … Continue reading Russia strikes Kyiv apartments, energy sites in major attack

South Korean authorities indicted Hak Ja Han, 82, leader of the Unification Church, over allegations she instructed church officials to bribe the wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol and a conservative lawmaker. Han and her former chief secretary face charges including bribery, embezzlement, violations of political funding laws, and instructing the destruction of evidence. Investigators claim the church offered luxury goods and cash … Continue reading South Korean prosecutor indicts Unification Church leader in probe linked to ex-first lady

Russia’s lower house of parliament approved withdrawing from the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) with the United States, which aimed to dispose of at least 34 tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium from Cold War stockpiles. The agreement, signed in 2000 and in force since 2011, sought to convert plutonium into safer forms like MOX fuel or irradiate it in reactors for electricity production. Russia cited … Continue reading Russia moves to withdraw from plutonium agreement with the United States

A 7.4-magnitude offshore earthquake struck Friday morning near Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines, centered about 62 kilometers southeast of Manay town. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers due to movement along a fault. Authorities warned of potential damage and aftershocks in the affected area, ABC News has reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous waves could occur within … Continue reading 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes offshore from southern Philippines

The United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to help monitor and support the ceasefire deal in Gaza, working alongside partner nations, NGOs, and private-sector teams. The troops, part of U.S. Central Command, will establish a civil-military coordination center to facilitate humanitarian aid, logistics, and security support, though no Americans will enter Gaza. Forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE will join … Continue reading US sending 200 troops to Israel to support and monitor Gaza ceasefire deal