Conflict

World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an end to attacks on Gaza hospitals, stating that medical facilities have "once again become battlegrounds" and the health system faces severe threats. His appeal follows the Israeli military's raid and evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning facility in northern Gaza. The military claims the hospital was a Hamas "stronghold," reporting they killed approximately 20 "terrorists" and detained 240 others. The hospital's director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, was among those detained, with Israeli forces alleging he was a Hamas operative - claims Hamas denies. MedGlobal, a US-based organization, condemned Dr. Abu Safiya's detention as a violation of international humanitarian law. His family expressed concerns about his health, noting his recent injuries and exposure to cold after being forced to remove his clothing. Additional attacks were reported at […]

Trinidad and Tobago has entered a state of emergency following escalating gang violence and record-breaking homicide rates. President Christine Carla Kangaloo made the declaration upon Prime Minister Keith Rowley's recommendation as the nation grapples with growing security concerns. The Caribbean nation, with a population of 1.5 million, has recorded over 620 murders this year, placing it among the highest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. Most killings are attributed to organized crime groups involved in international drug trafficking. The country's location near Venezuela and its direct transportation routes to Europe and North America make it particularly vulnerable to narcotics trans-shipment, according to the US State Department. A recent incident in the Laventille area saw five men shot dead in a shop, which police believe was retaliation for a gang member's murder the previous day. While specific details of […]

The crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 that killed 38 people in Kazakhstan is under investigation, with sources suggesting the potential involvement of Russian air defense systems. On Thursday, four sources familiar with Azerbaijan's investigation shared these preliminary findings with Reuters. The Embraer passenger aircraft crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday after deviating from its planned route over southern Russia. The flight departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, heading for Grozny, Chechnya, but veered significantly off course across the Caspian Sea before the incident. Russia's aviation authority suggested an emergency, possibly involving a bird strike, caused the crash. However, they did not explain the aircraft's substantial route deviation. Notably, Makhachkala airport, which lay along the original flight path, was closed Wednesday morning. According to Azerbaijani sources, preliminary findings indicate the aircraft may have been struck by a Pantsir-S air defense system, with […]

Syria's new government reports that forces loyal to former President Assad killed 14 interior ministry troops and wounded 10 others in an ambush near Tartous. The incident occurred as security forces attempted to arrest a former officer connected to the Saydnaya prison, marking the first major challenge to new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa's authority. The state news agency Sana reports that security forces have launched operations to "restore security" in Tartous province, claiming to have "neutralized" some pro-Assad militants while pursuing others. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed three additional casualties among unidentified armed men during the clash. Tensions are particularly high in Alawite-majority regions, including Tartous, Latakia, and Assad's hometown Qardaha. The Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam to which many former regime officials belonged, fears retribution for alleged war crimes committed under Assad's rule. Some former officers […]

Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a facility in Maputo, Mozambique, during political unrest following disputed election results. Police Chief Bernardino Rafael reported that 33 people died and 15 were injured during confrontations with guards, with approximately 150 escapees subsequently recaptured. The incident occurred Wednesday when anti-government protesters approached the prison. According to Rafael, inmates took advantage of the situation to breach a wall and escape. The unrest began after Mozambique's constitutional court confirmed the ruling Frelimo party's victory in October's presidential elections, though with revised figures showing Daniel Chapo winning 65% of the vote compared to opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane's 24%. The capital city Maputo has experienced significant disruption, with businesses closed and residents staying home during what observers describe as the worst unrest since Frelimo came to power in 1975. Violence has spread across the country, with Frelimo offices, […]