A United Nations mission reported that there are reasonable grounds to believe the United States carried out two military strikes in Iran on a school and sports facility in February. The mission also found that Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during their harsh crackdown on protests.
Key Facts
The UN fact-finding team investigated events in Iran.
The team believes the US was responsible for two attacks on civilian sites in Iran.
The attacks involved a school and a sports facility.
The strikes occurred in February 2026.
These actions are considered possible war crimes according to the UN mission.
Iranian authorities were found to have committed crimes against humanity during protests.
The crackdown by Iran was deadly and targeted anti-government protesters.
The report was released on September 18, 2026.
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Since July, about 125,000 people, including over 57,000 children, have fled fighting in Yemen between the Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government with Saudi Arabia’s support. Many refugees are making a risky journey across the Bab el-Mandeb strait to Djibouti, often facing extreme heat and lack of water.
Key Facts
Fighting in Yemen began in July involving Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia.
Around 125,000 people have left their homes because of the conflict.
More than 57,000 of the displaced are children.
Refugees are crossing the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a dangerous sea route, to reach Djibouti.
Many refugees face extreme heat and have very little water during their journey.
The United Nations says this is one of the fastest and most unstable movements of people in Yemen in recent years.
The conflict is linked to Iran-backed Houthis fighting against the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia.
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Russia is holding parliamentary elections where many candidates are military veterans from the war in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin wants these veterans to form a strong group in government to support ongoing war efforts and related policies.
Key Facts
Russians are voting to choose a new parliament for the first time since the war in Ukraine started.
Over 180 candidates linked to the Ukraine war are running in the election.
President Putin wants war veterans to be political leaders and fast-tracked into important roles.
The ruling party, United Russia, is expected to win most seats easily.
Opposition parties that criticize the war, like Yabloko, were removed from the ballot.
Independent polls show most Russians support the war but are unhappy about economic problems it caused.
Many Russians want some military funding shifted to healthcare, education, and pensions.
The new parliament will stay in place until after the 2030 presidential election, helping to maintain strong war support.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to transfer the Russian operations of Swiss company Nestle and three French firms to a new Russian company called LEV Management. This move is part of Russia’s response to Western sanctions and follows a pattern of Russia seizing or controlling the Russian businesses of Western companies since the Ukraine war began.
Key Facts
President Putin approved a decree to transfer assets of Nestle and three French companies (Auchan, Lemana Pro, and FM Logistic) in Russia to LEV Management.
LEV Management was created at the end of 2025 and is led by a Russian interior ministry general.
Many Western companies sold or isolated their Russian operations after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russia now restricts companies from leaving by requiring presidential approval or by seizing their assets.
Nestle said it is working to protect its rights and maintain business operations in Russia.
Nestle’s sales in Russia now account for about 1% of its total sales, down from 2% before the Ukraine war.
Auchan and Leroy Merlin, both owned by the French Mulliez family, have about a dozen outlets each in Russia.
This seizure follows Russia’s 2023 takeover of Danone’s Russian business, later sold to a relative of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
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The Kremlin has tightened control ahead of Russia's Duma elections to prevent any sign of public protest. Opposition parties, including the antiwar Yabloko and some candidates from the Communist Party, have faced bans, arrests, and restrictions to ensure the election shows strong support for President Putin and the ruling United Russia party.
Key Facts
The Kremlin increased election controls called “ballot sterilisation” to reduce risks of protest votes.
Opposition candidates, including some from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), were arrested or barred from running.
Yabloko, the only openly antiwar registered party, was initially allowed to run but then banned by the Supreme Court.
Yabloko’s antiwar stance sparked a sudden rise in public interest and online searches before its ban.
The CPRF is the second-largest party and is more critical of the government locally but not openly antiwar.
Some CPRF candidates were removed from the ballot, and the party faced campaign restrictions.
The Kremlin uses administrative pressure, electronic voting, extended voting periods, and no independent observers to control election outcomes.
The government aims to present election results that show national unity and strong support for President Putin and United Russia.
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French far-right politician Éric Zemmour announced he will run in the 2027 presidential election. He plans to focus on strong immigration controls, including deporting unemployed legal residents and other foreigners.
Key Facts
Éric Zemmour leads the far-right Reconquest party in France.
He declared his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
Zemmour proposes strict immigration laws, including deporting unemployed foreign residents, undocumented immigrants, and foreign offenders.
Marine Le Pen, another far-right candidate, is also running and has been runner-up in the last two elections.
Le Pen recently had a ban on holding public office reduced by a court.
Opinion polls show Le Pen may lead in the first round of voting.
Other possible candidates include centrist Edouard Philippe and left-wing Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
President Emmanuel Macron will not run in the 2027 election.
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The Yemeni group Ansar Allah (the Houthis), supported by Iran, has increased attacks on Saudi Arabia and taken control of an important shipping route near the Suez Canal. This situation challenges Saudi Arabia and the U.S., making military intervention difficult and raising concerns about ongoing instability in the region.
Key Facts
Ansar Allah is an Iranian-backed group fighting against Saudi Arabia and Yemen's government forces.
The Houthis now control the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key passage for global oil shipments.
Past attacks by the Houthis have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia’s pipeline was recently damaged by an attack linked to Iran-aligned groups.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition fighting in Yemen since 2015 but has not defeated the Houthis.
A 2022 ceasefire in Yemen temporarily stopped fighting, but recent strikes have reignited conflict.
Foreign military involvement in Yemen faces challenges similar to past conflicts in Vietnam and Afghanistan, including difficult terrain and strong insurgencies.
Egypt’s 1960s military campaign in Yemen resulted in heavy losses and political consequences, serving as a historical example of the difficulty of foreign intervention.
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Some people called "aid influencers" are helping with flood relief in Nepal but are accused of using the victims’ stories to get more followers on social media. Groups working on flood aid are trying new methods to raise awareness and money.
Key Facts
Nepal recently experienced serious flooding that affected many people.
"Aid influencers" are social media users who promote help efforts online.
These influencers are being accused of taking advantage of flood survivors to gain followers.
Organizations are looking for new ways to raise funds and awareness without exploiting victims.
The situation highlights challenges in balancing help with respectful communication.
Al Jazeera journalist Nicolas Haque reported on the issue.
The term "aid influencers" refers to people who focus on charity work through social media.
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A documentary called NAZA, which examines the impact of Israeli military actions in Gaza, has not been shown publicly in Israel. Israeli officials and media critics have criticized the film and its creators, often refusing to watch it and arguing that it lacks proper journalistic standards or that it harms Israel’s image.
Key Facts
NAZA is a documentary about the collateral damage caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The film has no Israeli distributor and has not been publicly screened in Israel.
Some Israeli officials have threatened actions against the filmmakers, including the rare step of stripping their citizenship.
Many Israelis have publicly stated they will not watch the film, seeing this refusal as a point of pride.
Some Israeli journalists criticized the film for relying on anonymous sources and questioned its professionalism.
Critics have accused the filmmakers of betraying Israel or supporting its enemies.
There is a strong debate in Israel about how to respond to reports of civilian deaths and damage in Gaza.
The Israeli military and legal system have faced criticism for not effectively investigating war crimes or civilian harm.
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Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that Boko Haram fighters, linked to ISIL in West Africa, have been using AI chatbots from major tech companies to help build bombs, plan attacks, and solve combat problems. They received training on how to use AI tools and bypass safety controls to get weapons-related information.
Key Facts
Boko Haram’s two factions, ISWAP and JAS, used AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Grok, Meta AI, and China’s DeepSeek for military purposes.
Researchers interviewed 27 former members of these groups who described routine use of AI for bomb making and attack planning.
ISIL supporters share methods online to bypass AI safety restrictions and access dangerous information.
The UN warned in February that ISIL and its affiliates are increasingly using advanced AI technology.
Former fighters described organized AI training sessions, with laptops, projectors, and subscriptions to AI platforms provided.
Specialized AI units were formed within Boko Haram, including engineers and bomb-makers using AI to troubleshoot bomb assembly.
AI use by militants goes far beyond occasional use and is integrated into their military operations.
The research highlights concerns about AI advancing faster than safeguards and being exploited by armed groups.
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Severe thunderstorms caused heavy rain, flooding, and at least one death in eastern Spain, especially around Barcelona and Valencia. Meanwhile, Japan is preparing for Typhoon Dujuan, expected to become a category one storm near its southeast coast.
Key Facts
Thunderstorms hit eastern Spain, causing heavy rain, large hail, and strong winds.
Flooding submerged roads and cars in Valencia and Barcelona, cancelling flights and a soccer game.
A man died after his car was swept away near Olivella, west of Barcelona.
Spain’s east coast often faces heavy autumn rains, which can cause deadly flash floods.
Warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures increase the chances of severe storms.
In the US, heavy rain disrupted a half marathon in New Jersey and caused flooding in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Tropical Storm Dujuan in the west Pacific is expected to become Typhoon Dujuan by Friday.
The typhoon will pass near Japan’s southeast coast, possibly impacting Tokyo and nearby areas.
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More than 180 writers, including Nobel Prize winners Olga Tokarczuk and JM Coetzee, have signed a letter asking Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to prove that 12 writers detained since 2001 are still alive. They emphasize that the Eritrean government has kept the fate of these writers secret for 25 years, which violates international law.
Key Facts
A letter signed by 188 writers calls for proof of life for 12 Eritrean writers arrested in 2001.
The letter was sent to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who leads a dictatorship without elections since 1993.
The detained writers include poet Amanuel Asrat and journalist Dawit Isaak.
The writers have been held without communication for 25 years, with no information on their health or whereabouts.
The letter says this silence is a violation of international law and cruel treatment.
PEN International, a writers’ organization, will deliver the letter to the Eritrean embassy in London and launched a public petition for proof of life.
Signatories include well-known authors like Colm Tóibín, Elif Shafak, and Isabel Allende.
The letter urges Eritrea to build its future using the talents of its people rather than suppressing them.
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A shooting occurred at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, resulting in at least one death and several injuries. Authorities are investigating, classes have been suspended, and medical teams are helping the victims.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on a Friday afternoon at Banga National High School in Mindanao, Philippines.
At least one person died, and four others were hospitalized, according to local officials.
The shooter’s identity and details about the victims have not been confirmed.
The Department of Education is coordinating with authorities and focusing on the safety of students and staff.
Classes in the whole municipality of Banga have been suspended because of the shooting.
The Philippine Red Cross sent medical teams to assist with the emergency.
Police are investigating the incident at the school site.
While gun ownership is high in the Philippines, school shootings are still uncommon.
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Women treated for breast cancer at a hospital in northeast England say they had their breasts removed when it was not needed. The hospital trust admitted that 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies due to mistakes in the breast cancer unit. The new chief executive apologized for the harm caused.
Key Facts
20 women had unnecessary mastectomies at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).
These women were part of a larger group harmed during breast cancer treatment.
The issue was revealed after an investigation by the BBC.
Steve Russell recently became the chief executive of CDDFT.
He offered an unreserved apology for the trust’s mistakes.
The problem came from serious failures in the hospital’s breast cancer unit.
The hospital is part of the NHS, the national health system in the UK.
The story highlights risks some patients face during cancer treatment.
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Russia held a parliamentary election where there was little real competition, and anti-war opponents were excluded. Experts say the election results do not truly show support for President Putin or the war; instead, looking at voter turnout and party performance might reveal more about Russia’s political system.
Key Facts
Russia's recent parliamentary election lacked meaningful competition among parties.
Opposition groups against the war were not allowed to participate.
Experts believe the election results do not accurately reflect public support for President Putin.
The authorities emphasize voter participation as a sign of national unity.
Observers suggest that details like election timing, turnout, and how different parties performed give more insight into Russia’s political environment.
The election reflects the political system President Putin has built in Russia.
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Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, a former Italian navy ship called Giuseppe Garibaldi, now renamed KRI Sriwijaya. The ship will help with disaster relief across Indonesia and can also be used for military missions as part of a wider effort to upgrade Indonesia’s defense.
Key Facts
The aircraft carrier is 41 years old and was previously operated by Italy’s navy.
It arrived in North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok seaport after sailing from Italy via Colombo and the Malacca Strait.
The ship can carry up to 18 helicopters and about 830 personnel.
It will aid disaster management by quickly delivering supplies to remote areas with helicopters.
The carrier can also be used for combat if needed.
Italy gifted the ship to Indonesia to strengthen defense ties and avoid decommissioning costs.
Indonesia’s government has approved $450 million for the carrier in 2025, with concerns about the total cost.
Indonesia is expanding its military, including purchasing Rafale fighter jets from France and receiving missile supplies from India.
Indonesia recently signed a major defense partnership with the U.S. and a security treaty with Australia.
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A shooting at a school in Banga town, South Cotabato, Philippines, killed at least two people and injured four others. The victims who died were students, and it is the third school shooting in the country since June.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a school in Banga town, South Cotabato, Philippines.
At least two people died and four were injured in the attack.
The victims who died were students.
It is not clear how many shooters were involved.
This is the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June.
The shooting took place on a Friday.
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A man died after being bitten by a shark while swimming at Sorrento Beach near Perth. Emergency teams responded quickly and searched the area, but the man did not survive his injuries.
Key Facts
The incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
The man was swimming off Sorrento Beach in northern Perth.
He was bitten by a shark and later died because of the bite.
Police confirmed the cause of death was the shark attack.
Emergency services, including water and air teams, searched the area after the incident.
Sorrento Beach is a popular spot for swimmers.
The authorities responded promptly to reports of the shark attack.
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France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that the government will reduce public spending by €54 billion in 2027 to lower the country’s budget deficit. This effort aims to bring the deficit down despite rising fuel prices and social tensions ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Key Facts
France plans to cut public spending by €54 billion ($62 billion) in 2027.
The goal is to reduce the budget deficit to 4.8% of gross domestic product (GDP), excluding defense spending.
Including military spending, the deficit target is 5%.
France’s deficit was 5.1% of GDP last year but is expected to rise to 5.4% this year.
The government denies these measures are austerity and aims to avoid social unrest like the previous yellow vest protests.
Retirees will not face pension cuts, though cost-of-living increases for public workers will be paused.
Income tax brackets will rise, increasing revenue, while some company taxes will be lowered.
France’s debt is about 117.5% of GDP, and borrowing costs have increased to levels not seen since 2008.
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Emergency services responded to a possible fatal shark attack near Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia. Authorities are investigating, and the beach has been closed to swimmers for safety.
Key Facts
A suspected fatal shark attack happened off Sorrento Beach in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Police and wildlife officers are investigating the incident.
Witnesses saw blood in the water and reported a person may have been bitten by a shark.
The beach was closed to swimmers following the incident.
Recently, a surfer was seriously injured in a shark attack near Geraldton, about 400 kilometers north of Perth.
Australia has had four confirmed fatal shark attacks this year.
On average, Australia experiences two to three fatal shark attacks each year, according to an official shark incident database.
Fatal attacks have involved various victims this year, including spearfishing divers and a 12-year-old boy.
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