Cambodia has enacted a new conscription law requiring men aged 18 to 25 to serve two years in the military, with penalties for evasion of up to five years in prison. The law replaces a 2006 statute that was never enforced and includes provisions for voluntary service for women and exemptions for certain groups like monks and people with disabilities. It was signed into effect … Continue reading Cambodia’s new conscription law takes effect in wake of conflict with Thailand

Nineteen Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State group are returning from Syrian detention camps, with flights arriving in Sydney and Melbourne. Australian officials said some may face criminal charges, warning that anyone involved in crimes will face prosecution. The government stressed it provided no assistance for the return and has long-standing security plans to monitor and manage returnees. Earlier this month, several … Continue reading 19 Australian women and children linked to Islamic State group set to return from Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying Israel would continue and escalate its campaign despite a recent ceasefire extension. Soon after his statement, Israeli forces launched attacks on Hezbollah-related sites in the Bekaa Valley and other areas. The escalation reportedly triggered people to flee Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, while Lebanon was marking Liberation Day. … Continue reading Israel to intensify Lebanon offensive to ‘crush’ Hezbollah

Russia has warned it will carry out a “series of systematic strikes” on defense-related facilities in Kyiv in response to a Ukrainian drone attack in the occupied Luhansk region that reportedly killed at least 18 people. Moscow said the attack on Starobilsk was “the last straw” and accused Ukraine of targeting civilians and committing terrorism. Russian officials said the planned strikes will focus on sites … Continue reading Russia warns foreigners to leave Kyiv as it prepares ‘systematic strikes’

The U.S. military said it carried out limited “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying boats while maintaining restraint during an ongoing ceasefire. At the same time, President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were progressing and proposed that several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader peace agreement. The proposal has drawn … Continue reading US military says it carried out ‘self-defense’ strikes in Iran

Attacks on Ebola treatment facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are increasing as health officials warn the outbreak could worsen in both the DRC and Uganda. Several health centers and medical tents have been stormed or set on fire by angry residents, often sparked by disputes over the handling of bodies under strict burial protocols. Aid groups say the violence is driven by … Continue reading Attacks on Ebola centres intensify in eastern DRC amid outbreak fears

Turkish police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition CHP party on Sunday, using tear gas and rubber bullets against supporters gathered outside during a tense standoff. The raid followed a court decision that nullified the election of party leader Özgür Özel and sought to reinstate former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The CHP has rejected the ruling as politically motivated, saying it is part of a … Continue reading Turkish police storm offices of main opposition party, firing tear gas and rubber bullets

A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a railway track in Quetta, Pakistan, as a passenger train passed, killing at least 23 people and injuring more than 70. The blast overturned and set fire to two train cars and caused heavy damage to nearby buildings and vehicles in the area. Authorities said many of the wounded were in critical condition, and hospitals in Quetta … Continue reading Suicide bombing near a railway track in southwest Pakistan kills at least 23 people