An ex-Syrian general and a former senior police officer went on trial in Vienna on Monday, accused of ordering or allowing torture of protestors during the early years of Syria’s civil war. Austrian courts are hearing the case because the defendants live in Vienna and the law allows jurisdiction over certain crimes committed abroad. Prosecutors say the alleged abuses took place in Raqqa between 2011 … Continue reading Syrian officials accused of torture during al-Assad era go on trial in Austria

Five people were killed and two others injured after an explosion and fire at a rocket propellant production line operated by Hanwha Aerospace in Daejeon, South Korea. Officials said the blast likely occurred during the cleaning of explosive materials from rocket-making tools, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The victims’ bodies were severely damaged, making identification difficult, while two survivors escaped on their own, … Continue reading Five dead, two injured after blast at Hanwha Aerospace plant in South Korea

An Israeli soldier was killed and three others were wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon overnight, according to the military. The soldier was identified as Staff Sgt. Adam Tzarfati, 20, of the Maglan Unit in the Commando Brigade. The explosive drone struck an Israeli position near Beaufort Castle in the town of Yohmor around 1 a.m. Tzarfati was killed and another soldier … Continue reading IDF soldier killed, three others wounded in Hezbollah drone attack

Typhoon Jangmi moved north toward Japan’s Kyushu island on Tuesday after striking Okinawa, causing minor injuries and widespread disruptions. Nine people were reported injured in Okinawa, while more than 300 flights, mainly involving Kyushu, were canceled. The storm, with winds reaching 126 kph, was located near Yakushima Island and moving northeast at about 35 kph. Power outages affected around 48,000 households in Kagoshima and Okinawa … Continue reading Typhoon moves north toward Kyushu after battering Okinawa

Russian air attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv killed at least nine people and injured more than 60 early Tuesday, following warnings of a major assault by Moscow. In Dnipro, missile and drone strikes killed five people and wounded 25, damaging homes, vehicles, and a children’s playground. In Kyiv, at least four people died and 51 were injured, including children, as strikes … Continue reading Nine dead, dozens wounded as Russia launches major attack across Ukraine

A suspected World War II shell exploded beneath a stilt house in Indonesia’s Papua region, killing five people and injuring nearly 20 others. The powerful blast destroyed nine homes, sent flames and smoke into the air, and left three people missing. Police believe the explosion was caused by an old bomb or mortar left over from World War II, though investigations are ongoing. Authorities are … Continue reading Suspected World War II bomb explodes in Indonesia, killing 5 people

Rescue teams in Laos are searching for two people believed trapped in a flooded cave for nearly two weeks after heavy rain blocked the main entrance. Five of the seven originally trapped villagers have already been rescued, while efforts continue in Xaisomboun province. Teams from Laos, Thailand, and several other countries are pumping water out and searching for alternative entrances, including dry passages and air … Continue reading Rescuers search for alternative route to reach 2 missing in a flooded Laos cave

The French Navy boarded an oil tanker suspected of violating international sanctions while sailing from Russia in the Atlantic Ocean. French President Emmanuel Macron said the operation, supported by partners including the United Kingdom, followed international maritime law. Authorities said the vessel was suspected of flying a false flag, and document checks confirmed irregularities. Acting at the request of prosecutors, the ship was diverted after … Continue reading France’s Macron says French Navy boarded Russia-linked oil tanker

The United States said it bombed Iranian radar and drone sites after Iran shot down an American drone, prompting Iran to claim it launched a retaliatory strike while Kuwait reported incoming fire. Although a ceasefire remains in place, repeated attacks between the two sides continue to threaten peace efforts. Officials from both countries are still negotiating, but uncertainty remains over how close they are to … Continue reading US bombs Iranian military sites and Kuwait is hit by drone and missile fire

A pirate-themed party boat sank in Akvaryum Bay, Türkiye, shortly after leaving Marmaris on Friday. The vessel, Big Boss Diamond, was carrying 148 people, including 20 children, when it began taking on water and started leaning to one side. Passengers were forced to jump into the sea and wait for rescue crews as nearby tourists captured the incident on video. Rescue teams safely brought all … Continue reading Pirate-themed party boat sinks, forcing passengers, including children, to jump into sea