Malek Fouda
USA
US military strikes another alleged drug boat killing three people
The US military said it targeted a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean late on Friday which its intelligence identified as a drug-trafficking vessel, killing three people on board. The US Southern Command said the boat was using known narco-trafficking maritime routes.
South Korea
Former President Yoon handed life sentence for imposing martial law
A court in Seoul sentenced South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk-yeol to life in prison after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection. The court ruled his short imposition of martial law amounted to a “rebellion” and aimed to establish unchecked power for a “considerable time”.
Germany
Hundreds of thousands protest against Iranian government in Munich
Hundreds of thousands gathered in Munich to stage a major demonstration against the brutalities of the Iranian government amid ongoing nationwide protests. The protest comes as world leaders convene in the southern German city for a conference on global security.
USA
Washington announces $6 million aid to Cuba amid diplomatic rift
The US has extended aid to Cuba for people still reeling from Hurricane Melissa in the island’s eastern regions. The aid comes despite a diplomatic rift, as Washington continues to urge Cuba to negotiate a deal to end tensions “before it is too late”.
USA
US and Russia agree to resume military dialogue after Abu Dhabi talks
The US and Russia have agreed to resume military communications hotlines following talks in Abu Dhabi. The move comes as Washington continues to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, nearing its fourth anniversary.
China
China's Xi Jinping holds video call with Russia's Vladimir Putin
China’s Xi Jinping held a video call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and exchange strategies and views on current geopolitical tensions. The call between the two allies came just before President Xi held a wide-ranging phone call with US President Donald Trump.
USA
Trump pushes Beijing to break from Tehran in phone call with Xi
Trump said he held an “excellent” phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday where the pair discussed many things, from trade to the war in Ukraine. Topping the agenda of their talks was the situation in Iran, as Washington continues to urge countries to isolate Tehran.
USA
Mexico agrees to make more predictable water deliveries to the US
The US has reached a deal which guarantees an annual minimum of water deliveries from Mexico, replacing the old system under which Mexico had to fulfil a quota on a five-year cycle. Washington says the deal is set to help farmers in southern states, particularly in Texas.
Iran
Iran seeks 'fair and equitable' talks with the US to ease tensions
Iran’s President says he has instructed the country’s foreign minister to pursue constructive negotiations to ease tensions and a looming threat of conflict with the US. The move signals a shift in approach for Tehran, who for weeks has countered with its own threats against Washington.
Libya
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi killed by masked gunmen in his home in Zintan
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, son to late long-time Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed on Tuesday in his home in the western town of Zintan in western Libya. Sources close to him say four masked gunmen stormed his home to carry out the “heinous crime”.
Bangladesh
Former PM Sheikh Hasina and UK lawmaker niece sentenced in graft case
A special court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison, and her UK lawmaker niece, Tulip Siddiq to four, over corruption charges. Hasina is accused of misusing power to illegally secure plots of land in a government project to distribute to her family.
USA
Trump urges quick House vote to end partial government shutdown
Trump has implored lawmakers to quicky end the partial government shutdown, promising to “work in good faith” on raised issues and concerns. The shutdown comes as Democratic lawmakers demand changes to immigration operations after the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis in January.
USA
Clintons agree to testify in House investigation into Epstein
An attorney for the Clintons said the pair had agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee on matters related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It comes after months of political wrangling and as Republican lawmakers advanced contempt proceedings against Bill and Hillary.