A drone carrying explosives flew unnoticed into a German airport in August 2024 and struck a Ukrainian cargo plane without exploding. German officials suspect foreign involvement, and the incident is part of a wider pattern of drone attacks aimed at testing NATO’s defenses amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Key Facts
On August 4, 2024, a drone with plastic explosives hit a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany but did not explode.
The drone was found four hours later on the airport tarmac by a bus driver.
DNA evidence linked the drone to a previous firebomb attack at the same airport in July 2024.
Germany’s Interior Minister said the attack showed a new level of threat and required professional skills, implying state involvement.
U.S. intelligence believes the drone was Russian-made and part of a military strategy.
The drone attack was likely a test of NATO’s cooperative defense strength.
Baltic countries and Poland have increased security after similar drone incidents.
Experts say Russia has been sending drones to many NATO countries since 2024 to test their air defenses and spread fear.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, called UNIFIL, is set to end its mission at the end of this year. There is uncertainty about whether a new peacekeeping force will replace it, especially as negotiations continue between Lebanon and Israel to manage the region’s security without UNIFIL’s full involvement.
Key Facts
UNIFIL has been in southern Lebanon since 1978 to help keep peace during and after conflicts.
The current mission ends at the end of the year and may not be renewed or could be replaced by a smaller force.
UNIFIL’s main tasks have been monitoring ceasefires and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, not enforcing peace agreements by force.
UN Resolution 1701 from 2006 calls for Israeli troops to withdraw, Lebanese forces to take control, and Hezbollah’s disarmament, but UNIFIL has limited power to enforce this.
Recent talks led to a “framework agreement” for “pilot zones” where Israeli troops pull back and Lebanese forces take charge without UNIFIL’s involvement.
The United States and Israel have pressured to limit UNIFIL’s role, reflecting doubts about its effectiveness in stopping Hezbollah.
UNIFIL’s removal could affect its ability to prevent clashes between Lebanese and Israeli forces.
Analysts say lasting peace depends on Lebanon’s government control, Israeli withdrawal, and Iran’s non-interference in Lebanon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel has refused a US-backed plan to withdraw its army from Gaza until the group Hamas is fully disarmed. Despite this rejection, there have been fewer deaths in Gaza recently and some limited rebuilding efforts have begun. Violence continues in Gaza and Israeli forces have also conducted major operations in the West Bank.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will not leave Gaza until Hamas is disarmed.
Hamas supports the US plan but wants guarantees on ceasefire, aid, and Israeli withdrawal.
The US envoy stated a gradual Israeli pullback would happen with international forces replacing Israel.
Palestinian casualties in Gaza dropped from 47 in one week to 8 the next, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel secretly approved rebuilding basic infrastructure in eastern Rafah, allowing screened Palestinian workers.
The rebuilding project relates to a temporary housing plan called “Green Rafah.”
Violence continues with Israelis killing and wounding Palestinians in Gaza.
A large number of Palestinians have been killed or wounded since October 2023.
Israel also launched a multi-day military operation in the West Bank refugee camp near East Jerusalem.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man was shot and died in Clapham, south London. Police arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of murder, who is currently in hospital with a gunshot wound.
Key Facts
The shooting happened near The Landor Pub on Willington Road just before 10 p.m. on Monday.
The victim was a 25-year-old man who died at the scene.
A 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound went to the hospital and was arrested.
Police are investigating and have increased their presence in the area.
Authorities ask anyone with information to contact them.
The local police commander expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.
The Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia, causing severe damage and loss of life. So far, 132 people have died, many are still missing, and thousands of buildings have been destroyed.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.4 in magnitude.
It struck western Colombia on Monday.
At least 132 people have died due to the quake.
Hundreds of people remain missing under the rubble.
Thousands of buildings were destroyed by the earthquake.
Rescuers are searching for survivors, including a baby who was rescued.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction in the affected area.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A fight between rebels and police in northern Nigeria left 10 police officers, 2 civilians, and 17 rebels dead. The battle happened in Kebbi state near Zamfara, where armed groups often attack towns.
Key Facts
The clash took place on Monday in Sakaba council area, Kebbi state, Nigeria.
10 police officers were killed and 2 were injured.
Two civilians also died during the gunbattle.
17 rebels died in the encounter with police.
The rebels were heavily armed and riding motorcycles.
They were near the border with Zamfara state, a region known for frequent armed raids on towns.
Police spokesperson Bashir Usman provided the official statement about the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing severe damage and killing at least 132 people. Rescue workers, volunteers, and the military are searching for survivors amid collapsed buildings, while many families remain worried about missing loved ones.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit Colombia's western region early Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. local time.
At least 132 people have died and over 570 were injured so far.
More than 2,700 people have been reported missing.
About 1,600 buildings were damaged or collapsed due to the quake.
The city of Pereira experienced severe damage and power outages, described as a "zombie city" by a resident.
Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, declared a state of emergency and deployed military and police for rescue efforts.
Families are using social media to find lost relatives and gather information.
The U.S. government and humanitarian groups are monitoring the situation and preparing to provide aid.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia is increasing missile attacks on Ukraine's cities and boosting production of powerful long-range weapons. Ukrainian officials say Russia may also add thousands of North Korean soldiers, suggesting Moscow might plan a new phase or escalation of the war.
Key Facts
The war in Ukraine has lasted over four years, with fighting mainly in eastern Ukraine.
Russia is launching many ballistic and hypersonic missiles, which are very hard for Ukraine to defend against.
Russia fired nearly 200 such missiles at Ukraine in July, the highest number this year.
Ukraine has intercepted only a small number of Russian missile attacks this August.
Russia may plan a major missile strike on Kyiv, aimed at damaging Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Moscow could increase forces by recruiting tens of thousands of North Korean soldiers.
Some experts say the escalation could happen soon, but others think it might wait until after Russia’s parliamentary elections in September.
Possible escalation actions include more missile strikes rather than large-scale drafts or use of nuclear weapons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large warehouse fire near St Albans caused the M25 motorway to close between junctions 21A and 22 due to the risk of an explosion. Firefighters and emergency teams are working on the scene, and nearby roads are also closed with delays reported.
Key Facts
The fire started at 09:21 BST in a warehouse at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street.
Both directions of the M25 between junctions 21A and 22 are closed due to the risk of a secondary explosion and smoke.
Fifteen fire crews are attending the blaze to control the situation.
People near the fire were advised to keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area.
National Highways reported delays of about 60 minutes on surrounding roads and advised drivers to find alternative routes.
The warehouse is near a railway line, so Network Rail is involved to ensure safety.
Police closed additional local roads including Colney Street and Old Parkbury Lane.
Firefighters received many emergency calls and are working hard to bring the fire under control.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Severe droughts and water shortages are affecting many parts of the world, including Puerto Rico, Europe, and the United States. These problems are mostly caused by human-driven climate change and poor management of water resources, leading to conflicts and risks to health and the environment.
Key Facts
Puerto Rico is facing a major water crisis due to a severe drought.
Rivers like the Rhine, Po, and Danube are at historically low levels, impacting power plants and ecosystems.
The Colorado River’s water supplies are critically low, causing disputes among seven US states.
Water systems in the US have been targeted by hackers, and Middle East desalination plants have been bombed in conflict zones.
The strongest El Niño ever recorded is worsening global weather and water conditions.
Climate change and lack of investment in water management have caused these extreme water problems.
The Trump administration has reduced regulations on water pollution and cut funding for water and climate research.
Solutions include better water efficiency, international cooperation on shared water sources, and improved wastewater treatment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Korean police arrested two former Chinese military members for alleged spying. One intercepted communications at a joint South Korean-U.S. air base, and the other gathered information on U.S. military activities near Seoul.
Key Facts
Two ex-Chinese military personnel were arrested in South Korea on spying charges.
One suspect, in his 60s, used a device to intercept fighter jet communications at a joint air base.
This air base is used by both South Korean and U.S. air forces.
The man claimed listening to these communications was a hobby.
The other suspect, in his 40s, collected information on U.S.-South Korean military drills and weapon movements.
He allegedly paid a South Korean woman working at the U.S. command for some information.
Both suspects were charged with breaking South Korean laws related to aiding enemies and protecting military secrets.
The arrests happened just before large military exercises between South Korea and the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanon’s parliament voted to end the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment combined with hard labor. This makes Lebanon the first Arab country to officially abolish capital punishment. The decision was supported by most members except for Hezbollah.
Key Facts
Lebanon has not carried out executions since 2004, despite some death sentences being given but later stopped or changed.
The new punishment is life imprisonment with “aggravated hard labor,” though details on how hard labor will be applied are unclear.
Lebanon’s parliament has 128 members; most voted to abolish the death penalty except Hezbollah’s group.
The change is seen as a major step by the Justice Minister and human rights organizations.
Lebanon is also debating a general amnesty law that could reduce or cancel some prison sentences.
Families of victims of militant attacks have protested, wanting death sentences instead of shorter punishments.
Different religious courts in Lebanon still allow the death penalty in their own legal systems.
Hezbollah and religious leaders have not made official statements about the vote yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 2,000 people have died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the outbreak began less than three months ago. The virus is spreading very quickly, with over 4,300 cases confirmed across five provinces, and no approved vaccine or treatment is yet available for the strain causing this outbreak.
Key Facts
Over 2,000 deaths have been reported since the Ebola outbreak started in the DRC.
At least 1,000 deaths occurred in the last three weeks alone.
There are 4,381 confirmed Ebola cases across five DRC provinces.
This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and second largest in Africa after the 2014–2016 outbreak.
Challenges include unpaid health workers striking, misinformation, and cultural burial practices that may spread the virus.
The Ebola strain involved is the Bundibugyo type, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Vaccine trials are underway but results will take months.
The virus first appeared in the DRC in February, months before the outbreak was officially declared in May.
Israel is monitoring a possible Ebola case after one of its citizens returned from the DRC and is awaiting test results.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hotel prices in several European cities have risen sharply as many tourists travel to see the first total solar eclipse visible in Europe this century on August 12. Spain and Iceland are among the most popular viewing spots, prompting concerns about increased fire risks and heavy traffic in some areas.
Key Facts
Hotel prices in Reykjavík, Iceland, have nearly doubled, reaching about $793 per night.
Spain expects around 460,000 foreign tourists for the eclipse, with significant price hikes in cities like A Coruña, Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, and Bilbao.
Small towns in the eclipse path have been fully booked for months, and some US travelers are doing house exchanges with locals in Spain’s Castilla y León region.
Spanish authorities are concerned about fire risks due to very dry conditions and expect 1.5 million extra car trips on the eclipse day.
Spain has banned parking near dry vegetation, barbecues, and fireworks, and has closed some natural parks to reduce fire danger.
About 200,000 hectares have burned in Spain this year from wildfires, six times the amount from the same time last year.
Spain plans to deploy 35,000 police officers to help manage safety and traffic during the eclipse.
NASA set up telescopes in Villalibado, Spain, to live stream the eclipse to over 10 million people worldwide.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Anne Hathaway showed her pregnant belly at a recent film premiere, which led to some people online saying it looked fake. She responded by posting on Instagram to confirm her bump was real and joked about having fake hair instead.
Key Facts
Anne Hathaway is pregnant with her third child.
She wore a custom crop top that showed her belly at the Los Angeles premiere of The End of Oak Street.
Some social media users said her baby bump looked fake, while others defended her.
Hathaway posted a video saying, "Fake hair, real bump."
The outfit included a sculptural halter top, low-rise jeans, and red high heels.
The look sparked mixed opinions, with some calling it body positive.
Hathaway has been promoting another film called The Odyssey this summer.
Her maternity style has drawn media attention and inspired nail trends like "coconut water" nails.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Peter Smith suffered permanent eye damage after watching the 1999 solar eclipse without proper protection. He warns people to use safe glasses or indirect methods to watch the upcoming eclipse to avoid serious eye injuries.
Key Facts
Peter Smith damaged both his retinas after viewing the 1999 solar eclipse using a borrowed welder’s mask.
His eye damage causes lasting effects, including flashing dots and headaches.
Optometrist Sarah Farrant warns that even a partial eclipse can harm the retina and central vision.
Viewing the sun without certified eclipse glasses or indirect methods can cause a "solar burn" to the eye.
Safe viewing options include glasses meeting ISO 12312-2 safety standards or indirect viewing like using a kitchen colander to project the eclipse’s shape.
Looking directly at the sun with naked eyes, sunglasses, unfiltered cameras, binoculars, or telescopes is dangerous.
The next solar eclipse in the UK is happening soon, increasing the risk of people watching without proper protection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria's civil war. Both fled to Russia after being removed from power in a 2024 rebel offensive. The court also sentenced Assad's cousin, Atef Najib, to death for torture related to protests that started the war.
Key Facts
Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher were sentenced to death in absentia (without being present) for crimes during the 14-year Syrian civil war.
The charges include murder, torture, arbitrary arrests, and crimes against humanity.
Both men escaped to Moscow after rebels overthrew Assad’s government in December 2024.
Atef Najib, Assad’s cousin and former political security chief, was sentenced to death for torturing boys who protested in 2011.
Russian officials have refused to extradite Assad and his allies to Syria for trial.
Since Assad’s fall, Syria has seen continued violence, including sectarian killings targeting different communities.
Syrian authorities have started efforts toward transitional justice by arresting former officials and forming committees.
Assad became president in 2000 after his brother died; his rule was known for harsh repression despite initial hopes of reform.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck parts of Colombia on August 10, 2026. Rescue teams are working to find survivors, and the death toll is already in the hundreds and may rise.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4.
It hit parts of Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026.
An eyewitness video showing the earthquake is shared on social media.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing.
The death toll is in the hundreds and could increase.
Authorities are actively searching for survivors.
The event caused widespread damage in the affected areas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Courts in England and Wales have banned Meta glasses because they can secretly record videos, which is not allowed in courtrooms. People who try to enter courts wearing these glasses will have them taken away and returned when they leave.
Key Facts
Meta glasses can record video while being worn and have raised privacy concerns.
Courts in England and Wales have prohibited wearing Meta glasses inside judicial buildings.
If someone brings Meta glasses into court, the glasses will be taken and given back after leaving.
Recording images or videos in UK courts without permission is illegal and can lead to punishment.
Smartphones are allowed in courts but cannot be used to record court activities.
A judge previously accused a man of using smart glasses to get help during a court case, though he denied it.
Courts in New York have also banned smart glasses for secret recording risks.
Meta sold 7 million pairs of these glasses last year, priced between £269 and £469.
Some UK restaurants, theatres, and pubs have also banned Meta glasses over worries about privacy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In July 2026, about 95% of mainland France experienced drought conditions due to a record dry spell. This drought was part of a wider pattern affecting many parts of Europe during successive heatwaves.
Key Facts
Almost all of mainland France had drought conditions in July 2026.
The drought is linked to ongoing heatwaves hitting Europe.
These heatwaves caused very low water levels and dry soil in France.
The drought affected agriculture, water supplies, and natural environments.
Such drought conditions are unusual due to their scale and intensity.
This situation reflects a broader environmental challenge across multiple European countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
