Turkish authorities have detained nearly 1,500 people as protests erupted following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. The opposition condemns the move as a political tactic, prompting nationwide demonstrations. The government has responded with a heavy crackdown, including the arrest of journalists.
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Amid escalating conflict in eastern Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi urged young people to enlist against Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized key areas, including parts of Goma and South Kivu. A regional summit called for peace talks, but Tshisekedi was absent. Rwanda’s leader, Paul Kagame, threatened South Africa over its involvement after 13 peacekeepers were killed. Analysts warn of a prolonged crisis driven by control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
The US Coast Guard released an audio recording believed to capture the final moments before the Titan sub's implosion on June 18, 2023, while on an expedition to the Titanic wreck. Five passengers, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and British billionaire Hamish Harding, tragically lost their lives.
French police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old who refused to give up his phone to two teenagers in Paris, police and prosecutors said. The boy was leaving a football training session on Friday evening in southern Paris when the two demanded his phone, the prosecutor's office told AFP. When he refused, one stabbed him in the shoulder and the boy died in hospital.
US diplomats met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. Concerns remain about minority and women's rights under the Islamist-led government. International powers are calling for an inclusive government, while Kurdish groups fear Turkish attacks. Demonstrations in Damascus protested against religious rule.
Elon Musk publicly urged lawmakers to reject a government funding bill, warning of electoral consequences for supporters. He insisted no bills be passed until President-elect Trump takes office. House Speaker Johnson, who spoke with Musk, is pushing for the bill's passage to avoid a government shutdown and provide disaster relief.
US lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban the Chinese AI program DeepSeek on government devices due to national security risks linked to its ties with the Chinese government. This follows evidence suggesting the program can transmit user data to China Mobile, highlighting serious concerns over data security.
Cyprus will receive portable desalination plants from the UAE to address water shortages exacerbated by a fire at a static plant and low reservoir levels. The UAE's donation will provide 15,000 cubic meters of potable water daily, crucial for the peak tourism season. Cyprus is also planning long-term solutions, including new desalination plants and subsidies for private hotel plants.
​“It is true that I don’t have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years,†Hegseth is expected to say in his opening statement at the Senate confirmation hearing today. “But, as President Trump also told me, we’ve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly ‘the right credentials’ —whether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executives—and where has it gotten us? He believes, and I humbly agree, that it’s time to... Expand
Former US Sen Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of bribery and foreign influence schemes. Despite his plea for leniency, the judge emphasized his corruption. Menendez has vowed to appeal the conviction and criticized the justice system.
A car bomb exploded on the outskirts of Manbij, Syria, killing at least 15 people, mostly women, and injuring dozens. The vehicle targeted was carrying agricultural workers. Conflicting reports suggest varying casualty numbers. Manbij has seen continued violence due to clashes between Turkish-backed factions and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.