Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited Turkey to discuss building a pipeline to reduce Iraq’s dependence on Gulf oil routes and to talk about security, trade, and infrastructure projects. His visit follows recent trips to the U.S. and Iran and includes meetings with Turkey’s President Erdogan amid Turkey’s efforts to resolve conflict with Kurdish militants in northern Iraq.
Key Facts
Ali al-Zaidi is Iraq’s new prime minister and this is his third foreign visit since taking office.
The talks in Turkey focus on a pipeline from Iraq to Turkey to help safely export Iraqi oil.
Discussions also cover security, trade, energy, transportation, and water management between Iraq and Turkey.
After meeting President Trump, Iraq signed about $60 billion in deals with U.S. companies, including alternative oil shipping routes.
One proposed pipeline would connect southern Iraq (Basra) to western Iraq (Haditha) and then to ports in Turkey and Syria.
Turkey is working to end a long conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has operated mainly in northern Iraq.
The PKK announced disarmament last year and Turkey plans laws offering amnesty to some fighters to support the peace process.
The PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU and has been involved in a conflict costing tens of thousands of lives since 1984.
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South Korean officials briefly evacuated people near the Osan Air Base after a reported white phosphorus leak at the U.S. military base near Seoul. The evacuation order was lifted after cleanup work was completed, and no major injuries or accidents were reported.
Key Facts
The leak was reported around 5 p.m. at Osan Air Base, located near Seoul.
Residents close to the base were told to evacuate and avoid skin contact with the substance.
Authorities set up a safety perimeter 300 to 500 meters from the base and redirected traffic on nearby roads.
The evacuation order was lifted a few hours later after cleanup was finished.
The U.S. 51st Fighter Wing mentioned a “ground mishap” but did not confirm white phosphorus leakage.
U.S. Forces Korea emphasized they are handling the situation carefully and prioritizing safety.
White phosphorus is a chemical used in weapons that burns at very high temperatures and can cause serious harm.
No major disruptions or injuries have been reported so far.
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A huge wildfire near Madrid, Spain, has burned an area five times the size of Barcelona and forced 25,000 people to evacuate. Firefighters say this is the largest wildfire they have ever seen, and climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense.
Key Facts
The fire has burned 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) near Ávila, west of Madrid.
25,000 people had to leave their homes because of the fire.
Firefighters are changing their strategies to focus on saving lives and protecting homes rather than fighting the fire directly.
No deaths have been reported from this wildfire.
Spanish emergency wildfire brigades work in shifts, spending long hours trying to control the fire.
Spain’s large wildfires are becoming more common due to climate change causing longer heat waves and droughts.
Firefighters now face 30 to 40 days of extreme fire risk each year, compared to about 15 days before.
Recent large fires in Spain also include one in Guadalajara that burned 320 square kilometers (123 square miles).
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Gunmen killed a senior Taliban official, Zabihullah Amiri, in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province. The attackers were stopped by security guards, with one killed and the other captured, and an investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
Zabihullah Amiri was the director of information and culture in Badakhshan province.
He was shot by two gunmen while traveling from a local district to the provincial capital Faizabad.
Security guards fired back quickly, killing one attacker and capturing the other.
Targeted killings of senior Taliban officials have been rare since the Taliban took control in 2021.
In December 2024, the refugee minister Khalil Haqqani was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul.
In June 2023, Badakhshan’s deputy governor and his driver were killed in a car bomb; the Islamic State’s local group claimed responsibility.
Earlier in 2023, the governor of Balkh province was killed in a bomb attack on his office.
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A woman from Swansea named Emma Roberts has gained attention online for looking very similar to the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. She has embraced the comparison by changing her social media name to "Mandy Burnham" and has posted viral videos about the resemblance.
Key Facts
Emma Roberts is from Swansea and is a Quaker chaplain who usually shares religious content online.
People on TikTok noticed she looks like Prime Minister Andy Burnham, especially because of her eyebrows and glasses.
Her posts about the resemblance have gone viral, with some videos reaching around 250,000 views.
She has changed her social media name to "Mandy Burnham" after people suggested it.
Emma said the prime minister seems like a good communicator and a decent person, but joked about his tea-making skills.
Her partner calls her "Mandy," and even her mother agrees she looks very similar to Andy Burnham.
Emma hopes to meet the prime minister and possibly chat with him on TikTok someday.
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Wildfires in southwestern France and parts of Spain are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes. Horses were released from stables in France to escape the flames, and large areas of forest have burned in both countries as firefighters work to control the fires.
Key Facts
Western Europe had its hottest June on record, worsening wildfires in France and Spain.
About 330,000 people were evacuated due to the fires.
In Biscarrosse, France, stable staff released around 10 horses to let them escape on their own.
The stables’ fences, shelters, and storage were destroyed by the fire.
Around 42,000 hectares (about 104,000 acres) burned in the Gironde region of France in six days.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the fires near Bordeaux the toughest since World War II.
Spain declared a national emergency for wildfires for the first time.
Fires in Spain have burned 590 square miles this year, six times more than last year.
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A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan near Kashima town, causing the collapse of a floor in the Aeon shopping mall. Many people died or were trapped inside, and emergency services are responding to rescue victims. The quake also caused injuries, damaged houses, and disrupted train services, but there were no reports of issues at nearby nuclear power plants.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.
The Aeon shopping mall’s second floor collapsed, trapping many people inside.
At least 50 people were taken to hospitals with injuries.
Twelve houses collapsed, with several people trapped inside.
A tsunami advisory was issued but later lifted, with no widespread tsunami threat.
Train services, including the high-speed Shinkansen, were suspended after the quake.
There were no irregularities reported at the Sendai and Genkai nuclear power stations.
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes and is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region active with earthquakes and volcanoes.
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President Donald Trump said there is a good chance to reach an agreement with Iran to end the ongoing war. This statement followed a recent pause in airstrikes against Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed optimism about a possible deal with Iran to stop the war.
Airstrikes on Iran were paused over the past weekend.
The talks aim to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The situation involves US-Iran relations and military actions in the Middle East.
This update comes amid ongoing violence and tensions in the broader region.
The news report was released on July 28, 2026.
Additional related conflicts and tensions continue nearby, including in the West Bank and Red Sea.
The report is part of ongoing coverage of Middle East issues.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded strongly on Instagram to criticism of his handling of the World Cup. He denied that U.S. President Donald Trump influenced decisions regarding player Folarin Balogun and faces a U.S. House investigation over his ties with Trump.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino is the president of FIFA, the international soccer governing body.
Infantino posted a lengthy message on Instagram defending the World Cup against critics.
He apologized to fans who missed the event and challenged those spreading hate or false rumors.
Infantino denied that President Trump influenced FIFA’s decision about player Folarin Balogun’s participation.
A House judiciary committee Democrat has opened an investigation into Infantino’s relationship with President Trump.
Infantino’s public response is seen as part of a trend where leaders and founders actively engage with audiences through social media.
The article discusses how modern leaders often spend significant time posting online to stay visible.
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Large wildfires in southwest France are creating heavy smoke that is harmful to people's lungs. Many people in cities near the fires are buying face masks, so the French government is sending more masks to places like Bordeaux and giving them for free.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning in the countryside of southwest France.
These fires are producing thick smoke that may be toxic.
The smoke is causing health concerns, especially for breathing.
People in nearby cities are buying many face masks to protect themselves.
FFP2 masks, which filter small particles well, are in high demand.
French pharmacies are running low on these masks.
The government is quickly sending extra face masks to affected areas.
Masks are being distributed free of charge in places like Bordeaux.
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Firefighters in southern France are using a red chemical fire retardant dropped from planes to slow down wildfires. While this chemical helps control fires, it can also harm nature and people.
Key Facts
The red fire retardant is a chemical used to stop or slow forest fires.
Planes drop the retardant over burning or at-risk forest areas.
Firefighters consider it an important tool against fast-spreading wildfires.
The retardant can have negative effects on the environment and human health.
These wildfires are occurring amid a heatwave in southern France.
French authorities are also working to protect evacuated areas from theft during the fires.
The fires have sparked conversations about how forests in France are managed.
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Large wildfires are burning in southwest France, destroying 42,000 hectares of land. Many people have been evacuated, and firefighters are still working to control the fires. Police are also trying to stop burglaries in the empty homes.
Key Facts
Wildfires are ongoing in the Gironde area of southwest France.
About 42,000 hectares (over 100,000 acres) have been damaged by the fires.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated from affected areas.
Some fire zones have been stabilized, but the danger remains.
French police are guarding evacuated areas to prevent burglaries.
Firefighters continue their efforts to put out the fires.
The situation is linked to a heatwave causing dry and hot conditions.
Local volunteers are helping fire crews in some affected towns.
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Archaeologists discovered the remains of about 12 Roman buildings on land behind a woman’s home in Brough, East Yorkshire. The site is thought to be the location of a Roman trading port connected to the town of Petuaria, an important settlement during Roman times.
Key Facts
The land owner, Melanie Stanford, was surprised by the size of the Roman settlement found on her property.
The buildings were likely used to store goods brought ashore from ships.
The site lies near the Humber estuary and was well placed for trade with York and mainland Europe.
The town of Brough is believed to be the ancient Roman town of Petuaria, capital of the local Parisi tribe.
The dig is part of the Petuaria ReVisited Project, which started in 2018 to learn more about the Roman history of the area.
Archaeologists have also found Roman pottery, animal bones, oyster shells, a forum, and a theatre nearby.
Ground-penetrating radar helped locate the buildings before excavation began.
University archaeology students and local volunteers have joined the dig to explore the site.
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Authorities are looking into a video that shows someone kicking a protected sea lion on a California beach. The sea lion is a protected animal under federal wildlife laws.
Key Facts
The incident took place on a beach in California.
A video showed a person kicking a sea lion.
The sea lion involved is protected by federal wildlife laws.
Federal wildlife authorities are currently investigating the case.
The investigation aims to find the person responsible and understand what happened.
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Heavy rain is helping firefighters battle a large wildfire in the Cairngorms, Scotland, which has been burning for two weeks. The fire has burned about 10 square miles and caused some evacuations, but recent weather changes and ongoing firefighting efforts are improving the situation.
Key Facts
The wildfire started on July 15 near Glenmore, outside Aviemore, and has burned roughly 10 square miles (25 square km).
Around 70 firefighters and nine fire trucks remain on site after 13 days of firefighting.
Some homes in the village of Nethy Bridge were evacuated during the fire.
Heavy rain starting Monday night is expected to help reduce the fire.
Helicopters are still being used to drop water on the remaining hotspots.
Drones with thermal cameras help find smoldering areas.
At the fire’s peak, over 500 firefighters fought the blaze, and Police Scotland called it a "major incident."
Scotland’s justice secretary said UK military help was rejected because firefighters already had the resources they needed.
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Violence broke out in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after weeks of protests and roadblocks. The protesters want political changes, including removing some disputed seats before upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Deadly clashes happened in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Protests and roadblocks had been ongoing for weeks before the clashes.
Protesters are demanding political reforms.
One key demand is to remove disputed assembly seats.
The demands relate to upcoming legislative elections in the region.
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A British Member of Parliament, Chris Philp, said a French patrol boat fired 17 gunshots while he was being interviewed by the BBC in the English Channel. The incident happened without warning, and the MPs and journalists believe the shots were meant to intimidate them.
Key Facts
Chris Philp MP was giving a BBC interview about small boat crossings in the English Channel.
During the interview, a French patrol boat passed nearby and fired 17 gunshots.
The BBC journalist present heard the shots and saw a French officer pointing a pistol towards the sea.
No prior warning or training exercise was announced before the shots were fired.
Philp and others think the shots were meant as a warning or to intimidate them.
The French coastguard has been asked to comment on the event.
It is unclear what the French patrol boat was aiming at during the incident.
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Armed Israeli settlers attacked the village of at-Tuwani in the West Bank during the night. They set fire to homes and a mosque, causing local families to flee. Such attacks by settlers in this area have reached the highest levels recorded.
Key Facts
The village of at-Tuwani is located in the occupied West Bank.
Armed Israeli settlers entered the village at night.
They set fire to homes and a mosque in the village.
Families in at-Tuwani had to run away to avoid harm.
Attacks by settlers in the West Bank are currently at record high levels.
The West Bank is an area with ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
The report was provided by Al Jazeera journalist Leila Warah.
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Romania has detected several Russian drones entering its airspace and shot some down over recent days. Romania expelled a Russian diplomat and recalled its own ambassador to Russia after these incidents, while Russia said it would respond to these actions.
Key Facts
Romanian and NATO jets shot down three Russian drones that entered Romanian airspace from Friday to Sunday.
Romania's president called the drone incursions unacceptable and summoned Russia's ambassador.
Another drone briefly crossed into Romanian airspace on Monday and then returned to Ukraine.
Romania has seen at least 33 drone incursions since February 2022 near its border with Ukraine.
A Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in Galați, Romania, in May, injuring two people.
Romania expelled a member of Russia's diplomatic staff and recalled its ambassador to Russia.
Russia denied targeting Romania and warned Romania against possible cross-border military actions.
Russia has increased attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure near Romania's border, including in Odesa and Izmail.
NATO has not classified the drone incursions as attacks on the alliance, so no joint NATO response has been triggered.
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Authorities in Torre del Greco, near Naples, seized beach umbrellas, loungers, and chairs during an early morning operation to stop people from reserving beach spots by leaving their equipment unattended overnight. This practice, called "umbrella cheating," is illegal and can lead to fines of up to €500.
Key Facts
The operation took place at Laghetto, a free beach in Torre del Greco, a coastal town near Naples.
Coastguard staff and local police collected 40 items like umbrellas and chairs left unattended.
Leaving beach equipment to reserve spots overnight is against local rules about public beach use.
People who leave items after sunset risk fines up to €500.
Getting back confiscated items involves a complicated process.
Similar actions happened in other regions like Puglia, Liguria, and Sardinia.
Many Italians want more free public beaches, not controlled by private companies.
The town of Bacoli, near Naples, aims for over 80% of its coast to stay free for public use.
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