Sweden will establish its first emergency grain stocks in the north, investing 575 million kronor ($60 million) to ensure food security in the event of a crisis or war. The reserves will be located in Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Västernorrland, and Jämtland, regions currently dependent on grain transported from the south. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasized that northern Sweden is strategically important for the military and … Continue reading Sweden to set up emergency grain reserves so it’s prepared for crisis

A fire broke out Tuesday at a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing at least 16 people and injuring others, with authorities warning the death toll could rise. The blaze began on the third floor of the four-story factory before spreading to the warehouse storing bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide. Fire officials said neither facility had approval or fire safety … Continue reading Garment factory fire kills 16 workers in Bangladesh

Ecuador has experienced multiple explosions targeting bridges, with authorities blaming the local gang Los Lobos and Colombian ex-FARC dissidents in retaliation for recent military operations against illegal miners. Transport Minister Roberto Luque described the attacks as “terrorism,” while Interior Minister John Reimberg said the blasts followed the destruction of illegal mining sites and the detention of ex-FARC members. No casualties have been reported from the … Continue reading Explosions hit Ecuador, local criminal gang and ex-FARC dissidents blamed

South Korea has issued a “code black” travel warning for parts of Cambodia, urging citizens to leave areas affected by employment scams and detention cases targeting Koreans. The ban covers border towns Poipet and Bavet, and the Bokor Mountain region, where a 22-year-old Korean student was allegedly tortured to death in August. Around 60 South Koreans remain detained after a crackdown on scam operations, with … Continue reading South Korea bans travel to parts of Cambodia amid deepening scam crisis that has left 80 missing

The United States denied that Hamas is violating the Gaza ceasefire, saying delays in returning the bodies of hostages were expected given difficult conditions. Trump advisers emphasized that all live hostages had been released in accordance with the agreement and outlined U.S. efforts with Israel to establish safe zones in Gaza for civilians fearing Hamas retribution. They acknowledged the complexity of demilitarizing the Strip but … Continue reading US denies Hamas violating deal, is aiming to set up safe zone for Gazans fleeing group

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire following some of the deadliest border clashes in years, which killed dozens and prompted evacuations. The truce, starting Wednesday at 6:00 pm Islamabad time, was claimed by both sides as requested by the other, with Pakistan emphasizing dialogue to resolve the dispute. The clashes erupted after the Taliban launched offensives along the southern Pakistani border, amid longstanding … Continue reading Afghanistan, Pakistan enter 48-hour truce after deadly border clashes

Hamas announced it has returned all the Israeli hostage remains it has been able to recover, but extensive efforts and special equipment are still needed to locate the rest. The Red Cross transferred two more coffins to Israel, where they are being sent to the National Centre for Forensic Medicine for identification. Under the Gaza peace plan, Hamas was to return 20 living hostages and … Continue reading Hamas says it has handed over all Israeli hostage remains it could recover

Doctors Without Borders announced it is permanently closing its emergency care center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, due to escalating gang violence, which now controls 90% of the city. The Turgeau facility, a key medical lifeline, had temporarily closed in March 2025 after armed men fired on evacuation vehicles, injuring some staff. Over 60% of the capital’s health facilities, including the main hospital, are now closed or … Continue reading Doctors Without Borders permanently closes its emergency center in Haiti’s capital

Israel received the remains of two additional hostages on Wednesday, hours after the military said one previously returned body was not that of a hostage, heightening tensions amid the fragile ceasefire. The coffins, transferred by the Red Cross from Hamas, were sent to a forensic lab in Tel Aviv for identification, which has not yet been confirmed. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry received 45 more Palestinian … Continue reading Israel receives remains of 2 more hostages

Sweden is preparing to fill its grain silos for the first time since the Cold War amid concerns over potential conflict with Russia. Following its 2024 NATO membership and the end of military non-alignment, the government plans to invest £45 million to build emergency grain reserves, particularly in northern regions vulnerable to isolation. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasized the strategic importance of northern Sweden … Continue reading Sweden to begin stockpiling food for first time since Cold War