分类: world

  • Gaza civil defence says 9 killed Friday when Israeli forces fired at bus

    Gaza civil defence says 9 killed Friday when Israeli forces fired at bus

    In a tragic incident on Friday, Israeli forces reportedly killed nine members of a Palestinian family after shelling a bus in the Zeitun neighbourhood of Gaza. According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency operating under Hamas authority, the attack involved two tank shells fired directly at the vehicle. The victims included four children and two women, all from the Shabaan family, who were reportedly attempting to check on their home. Umm Mohammed Shaaban, a family member, expressed her grief, questioning the justification for the attack and stating that the children killed were between two and 12 years old. The Israeli military confirmed that the vehicle had crossed the ‘yellow line,’ a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, and claimed that warning shots were fired before the vehicle was targeted. The military stated that the vehicle posed an ‘imminent threat’ to troops, necessitating the use of force. Despite the ceasefire, which is now in its second week, several incidents of violence have been reported, with Israeli forces firing at individuals who approached or crossed the yellow line. The ongoing conflict has left northern Gaza in ruins, with many Palestinians struggling to locate their homes amidst the devastation. The incident has further strained tensions in the region, raising concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire.

  • Watch: Lithium battery catches fire on plane, leaves passengers in shock

    Watch: Lithium battery catches fire on plane, leaves passengers in shock

    An Air China flight was compelled to execute an emergency landing on Saturday, October 18, after a lithium battery stored in a passenger’s carry-on luggage ignited mid-flight. The incident occurred aboard flight CA139, which had departed from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport at 9:47 AM local time, en route to Incheon International Airport. The battery, stored in the overhead compartment, spontaneously caught fire, prompting the aircraft to divert to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Air China confirmed the event in a statement, emphasizing that the cabin crew responded promptly, and no injuries were reported. Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread concern. This incident follows a recent decision by Emirates to restrict the use of power banks during flights, allowing only devices under 100 watt-hours (Wh) to be carried, but not used or charged inflight. The aviation industry has seen a surge in lithium battery-related incidents, raising safety concerns globally.

  • UAE flights diverted, rescheduled due to massive fire at Bangladesh airport

    UAE flights diverted, rescheduled due to massive fire at Bangladesh airport

    A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flight operations and causing widespread disruptions for UAE-based airlines. The blaze, which began around 2:30 PM local time (12:30 PM UAE time), prompted immediate emergency responses, with 36 firefighting units deployed to contain the flames. Authorities are relocating aircraft from hangars to prevent further damage. The incident has significantly impacted air travel, particularly for flights originating from the UAE. A flydubai flight (FZ 8369) en route from Dubai to Dhaka was diverted mid-air to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The airline assured passengers of refreshments and a rescheduled journey to Dhaka later in the day. Similarly, Sharjah-based Air Arabia rescheduled its Dhaka-bound flight, originally set to depart at 2:55 PM UAE time, to 6 PM. Bangladeshi media confirmed the suspension of all flights at the airport, with no immediate timeline for resumption. The fire has raised concerns about airport safety and operational protocols, with investigations likely to follow. Travelers are advised to monitor updates from airlines and airport authorities for further developments.

  • Five decades of friendship: Bangladesh’s trade and BRI-led growth

    Five decades of friendship: Bangladesh’s trade and BRI-led growth

    On October 4, 2025, China and Bangladesh commemorated a historic milestone—the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This golden jubilee not only celebrates decades of friendship but also highlights the transformative impact of trade and investment, particularly through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The relationship between these two nations exemplifies South-South cooperation, demonstrating how countries with different political systems can unite for mutual development and regional stability. Since Bangladesh joined the BRI in 2016, China has pledged $24 billion in loans and aid, fueling critical infrastructure projects such as power plants, bridges, and industrial parks. These investments have propelled Bangladesh’s transition from a least developed country (LDC) to a middle-income economy. Trade between the two nations has surged, with Bangladesh’s imports from China skyrocketing from $6.4 billion in 2012 to $20.2 billion in 2022. The BRI has also facilitated market integration and connectivity, enabling Bangladesh to import industrial equipment and raw materials essential for its booming apparel industry. Despite a trade imbalance, China has taken steps to address Bangladesh’s concerns, offering duty-free access to 99% of Bangladeshi products and discussing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The partnership has proven resilient, even during the pandemic, with ongoing infrastructure projects and trade facilitation supporting Bangladesh’s economic recovery. As Bangladesh leverages the BRI to fund green energy and digital expansion, this enduring alliance promises to drive growth and regional integration for decades to come.

  • Fire breaks out at Dhaka airport in Bangladesh; all flights suspended

    Fire breaks out at Dhaka airport in Bangladesh; all flights suspended

    A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flights. The incident, reported by Bangladeshi media, has caused widespread disruption to air travel operations. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to contain the blaze, though the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remain under investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm any casualties or injuries resulting from the incident. The airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, serves as a vital gateway for Bangladesh’s economy and connectivity. The suspension of flights is expected to have a ripple effect on travel schedules, cargo deliveries, and passenger plans. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and emergency preparedness in major transportation hubs. Further updates are anticipated as officials work to restore normal operations and assess the impact of the fire.

  • US will send survivors of strike on suspected drug vessel back to Ecuador and Colombia, Trump says

    US will send survivors of strike on suspected drug vessel back to Ecuador and Colombia, Trump says

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the two survivors of a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-carrying submarine in the Caribbean will be repatriated to their home countries, Ecuador and Colombia. The operation, which took place on Thursday, marked at least the sixth such strike since early September. Trump emphasized the significance of the mission in a social media post, stating, ‘It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route.’ He added that U.S. intelligence confirmed the vessel was laden with Fentanyl and other illegal narcotics. The strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals onboard, one more than previously reported, while the survivors are being sent back to their respective countries for detention and prosecution. This move sidesteps potential legal complications regarding the survivors’ status within the U.S. justice system. With this latest action, U.S. military operations in the region have now claimed at least 29 lives. Trump has justified these strikes by framing the U.S. as being in an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels, invoking the same legal authority used by the George W. Bush administration in its post-9/11 war on terrorism. This approach treats suspected traffickers as enemy combatants in a conventional war.

  • Six days to go: Charming Beijing, Shared with the World

    Six days to go: Charming Beijing, Shared with the World

    With just six days remaining until a significant global event, Beijing is poised to showcase its unique charm to the world. The city, known for its rich history and modern advancements, is preparing to welcome international visitors and highlight its cultural and economic contributions on a global stage. This event underscores Beijing’s role as a hub of international cooperation and shared progress. As the countdown continues, the world eagerly anticipates the opportunity to experience Beijing’s vibrant culture, innovative spirit, and commitment to fostering global unity. The event promises to strengthen international ties and promote mutual understanding, reinforcing Beijing’s position as a key player in global affairs.

  • Fire breaks out on train in India’s Punjab, no casualties reported

    Fire breaks out on train in India’s Punjab, no casualties reported

    A fire erupted in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa train at Sirhind Station in Punjab, India, early on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident prompted an immediate response from Indian railway staff, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police teams, who swiftly arrived at the scene. The fire was successfully extinguished, and no fatalities were reported, according to the Ministry of Railways. One passenger sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Despite the incident, the train safely resumed its journey to its destination. The event has raised concerns about safety measures on Indian railways, though the quick response and absence of major casualties have been noted positively.

  • Pakistan state television announces talks in Qatar with Afghanistan

    Pakistan state television announces talks in Qatar with Afghanistan

    In a significant development, Pakistan’s state television has announced that high-level talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials are scheduled to take place in Qatar. This announcement comes in the wake of escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which saw Islamabad conducting air strikes inside Afghan territory. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and disrupted a fragile two-day ceasefire that had temporarily eased hostilities in the region. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik, is set to engage with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha. The talks aim to address the recent surge in violence and explore avenues for de-escalation. The border region has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with both nations accusing each other of harboring militant groups. The upcoming dialogue in Qatar is seen as a critical step toward restoring stability and preventing further loss of life. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.

  • Work begins to restore power to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

    Work begins to restore power to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

    KYIV, Ukraine — Efforts to restore the damaged power supply to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have commenced, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The repairs aim to end a precarious four-week outage during which the plant relied on backup generators. Grossi emphasized the importance of restoring off-site power, describing it as ‘crucial for nuclear safety and security.’

    In a rare display of cooperation, Russian and Ukrainian forces established special ceasefire zones to facilitate the safe execution of repairs. Grossi commended both sides for their constructive engagement with the IAEA, enabling the complex repair plan to proceed. Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk confirmed the involvement of Ukrainian specialists in restoring power lines to the plant. She highlighted the plant’s stable operation and connection to the Ukrainian power grid as essential to preventing a nuclear incident. This marks the 42nd time since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 that power lines to the plant have required restoration.

    The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, has been operating on diesel backup generators since September 23, when its last external power line was severed in attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of responsibility for the attacks. Although the plant is under Russian control and not in service, it requires reliable power to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel, averting potential catastrophic nuclear incidents.

    Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate elsewhere in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched three missiles and 164 drones overnight, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting 136 of the drones. In the Zarichny district of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, two women aged 51 and 53 were injured after Russian drones targeted a gas station, according to local officials. On the other side, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses had shot down 41 Ukrainian drones overnight.

    For ongoing coverage of the war in Ukraine, visit AP’s dedicated hub at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.