分类: world

  • Sudan’s RSF storms el-Fasher after UAE shuts down talks on city

    Sudan’s RSF storms el-Fasher after UAE shuts down talks on city

    In a dramatic escalation of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a fierce assault on the North Darfur city of el-Fasher, just hours after ceasefire negotiations in Washington collapsed. The RSF’s incursion into the city, which has been under siege for over 500 days, has raised alarm over potential widespread killings and human rights abuses. The group claims to have taken control of the city, marking what it describes as a “decisive turning point” in its struggle against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

    The attack came despite hopes that U.S.-sponsored talks, involving the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, could broker a breakthrough. However, diplomatic sources revealed that the UAE, a key RSF supporter, refused to address the dire situation in el-Fasher, where hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped. The RSF’s recent gains follow months of setbacks against the SAF, which has yet to comment on the latest developments.

    Local fighters and activists reported intense combat, with the RSF employing heavy firepower to breach the city’s defenses. “Serious fighting has erupted, with both sides using drones and other advanced weaponry,” said one fighter, who spoke anonymously for security reasons. While the RSF has seized key positions, including the Sixth Infantry base, resistance forces claim to have regrouped in northern neighborhoods, where fighting continues.

    The collapse of the Washington talks has further complicated efforts to resolve the two-year conflict. The UAE’s involvement was a contentious issue, with the SAF delegation accusing it of fueling the RSF’s campaign. Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohi al-Din Salem declared that any future dealings with the UAE would be as an “enemy, not a mediator.”

    Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Massad Boulos attempted to salvage the negotiations by proposing a Joint Operational Committee to address urgent priorities. However, as reports of the RSF’s assault emerged, Boulos called on the group to protect civilians, emphasizing that “the world is watching with deep concern.”

    The humanitarian situation in el-Fasher remains dire, with the RSF accused of blocking aid and perpetrating massacres in displacement camps. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene as the crisis deepens.

  • Afghanistan urges ‘understanding’ as Pakistan truce talks enter third day

    Afghanistan urges ‘understanding’ as Pakistan truce talks enter third day

    Afghanistan and Pakistan have entered the third day of critical negotiations in Istanbul, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further escalation of hostilities. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, seek to establish mechanisms to sustain peace after weeks of intense border clashes. The conflict erupted following a series of explosions in Kabul, which Afghan Taliban authorities attributed to Pakistan, prompting a military offensive. Islamabad retaliated with strikes on Afghan soil, leading to significant casualties on both sides, including civilians. A brief 48-hour ceasefire collapsed, but a second truce was brokered in Doha, though its terms remain ambiguous. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized the necessity of ‘dialogue and understanding’ to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials accused Taliban negotiators of ‘stubbornness and a lack of seriousness,’ with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warning of ‘open war’ if an agreement is not reached. Pakistan has demanded ‘verifiable action’ against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it claims operates from Afghan territory. Kabul denies these allegations and insists on protecting its sovereignty. On the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in swiftly resolving the Afghanistan–Pakistan crisis.

  • Saudi executes man for murders, kidnapping, joining foreign terrorist group

    Saudi executes man for murders, kidnapping, joining foreign terrorist group

    Saudi Arabia has carried out the execution of a citizen convicted of severe crimes, including terrorism, murder, and kidnapping. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday, October 27, 2025, that Jamal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Mubarak was sentenced to death following a series of heinous acts. His crimes involved shooting at security officers and vehicles, participating in kidnappings and murders, and harboring individuals responsible for these acts. Additionally, Al-Mubarak was found guilty of possessing, transporting, and smuggling weapons and explosives for terrorist purposes, as well as joining a foreign terrorist organization aimed at undermining Saudi Arabia’s security. After his arrest, a thorough investigation led to formal charges, and the competent court issued a death sentence. The ruling was upheld by the relevant authority, and a royal order was issued to execute the sentence. The execution took place in the Eastern Province on the same day. This case underscores Saudi Arabia’s stringent stance against terrorism and its commitment to maintaining national security.

  • More than 8,000 US flights delayed as air traffic control absences persist

    More than 8,000 US flights delayed as air traffic control absences persist

    The United States experienced significant travel disruptions on Sunday, with over 8,000 flights delayed due to persistent air traffic controller shortages. This crisis has been exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 26th day. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced staffing issues at 22 locations on Saturday, warning of further delays and cancellations in the coming days. According to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, delays surged from approximately 5,300 on Saturday to over 8,000 by Sunday evening. Major airlines, including Southwest, American, United, and Delta, reported substantial delays, with Southwest alone seeing 45% of its flights affected. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are working without pay during the shutdown, leading to increased stress and potential absences. The FAA implemented ground delay programs at key airports such as Chicago’s O’Hare, Washington’s Reagan National, and Newark Liberty International due to staffing shortages. The Trump administration has cautioned that disruptions will worsen as controllers miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday. This situation mirrors the 2019 shutdown, where absences spiked as workers missed paychecks, leading to slowed air traffic in major hubs. The political standoff continues, with Republicans blaming Democrats for opposing a clean funding bill, while Democrats criticize Republicans for refusing to negotiate over expiring health care subsidies.

  • Tianjin events demonstrate international cooperation vitality

    Tianjin events demonstrate international cooperation vitality

    Tianjin has recently emerged as a hub of international cooperation and cultural exchange, hosting a series of high-profile events that underscore its growing global influence. The city’s 2025 marathon attracted a record number of participants from around the world, while vibrant cultural festivals showcased its rich heritage. The inaugural Ninghe Village Super League, a unique blend of grassroots soccer and local culture, further highlighted the region’s innovative approach to community engagement. Beyond sports and culture, Tianjin demonstrated its leadership in sustainable development and technology at the 27th China Mining Conference and Exhibition, where advancements in green mining were prominently featured. Additionally, the city strengthened international ties by launching a major Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) training program for members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). These events collectively illustrate Tianjin’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and cultural exchange, solidifying its position as a key player on the international stage.

  • India evacuates nearly 50,000 as cyclone Montha gains strength

    India evacuates nearly 50,000 as cyclone Montha gains strength

    India has initiated a large-scale evacuation effort, relocating nearly 50,000 people to relief camps as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The storm, expected to strengthen into a severe cyclone by Tuesday, is forecast to bring destructive winds and torrential rains to the eastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Disaster response teams have been deployed to evacuate families from vulnerable low-lying areas, while fishermen in Odisha have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea. Authorities have canceled holidays for emergency personnel and ordered the closure of schools and colleges in coastal regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the cyclone will make landfall in Andhra Pradesh later on Tuesday. This comes as the region braces for potential widespread damage, with 3.9 million people anticipated to be affected. Cyclones are a recurring threat to India’s east coast, particularly between April and December. The 1999 Odisha super cyclone, which claimed nearly 10,000 lives, remains one of the country’s most devastating natural disasters. Meanwhile, neighboring Tamil Nadu has issued alerts for heavy rainfall, with Chennai, the state capital, at risk of flooding. In Nepal, disaster authorities have warned of potential rain and snowfall, urging trekkers to exercise caution following recent floods and landslides that killed 53 people this month.

  • Lithuania to shoot down smuggling balloons, PM warns

    Lithuania to shoot down smuggling balloons, PM warns

    Lithuania has announced stringent measures to counter the increasing incursions of helium weather balloons from Belarus, which are being used for cigarette smuggling. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene declared that the Lithuanian army is prepared to take severe actions, including shooting down these balloons, to protect its airspace. The decision follows multiple disruptions at Vilnius Airport, which was forced to close several times over the past week, affecting 112 flights and over 16,500 passengers. Additionally, border checkpoints with Belarus have been closed indefinitely in response to the ongoing violations. Ruginiene emphasized that while diplomats, EU citizens, and Lithuanians will still be permitted to cross the border, all other movements will be restricted. She stated, ‘We are sending a clear signal to Belarus that no hybrid attack will be tolerated, and we will take the strictest measures to prevent such incidents.’ Lithuania also plans to consult its NATO allies regarding the threat posed by these balloons and may consider invoking NATO’s Article 4, which allows member states to request consultations on security concerns. The phenomenon is not new, with 544 balloons recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year alone, following 966 incidents in 2024. Similar airspace violations have also been reported in other European cities, including Copenhagen and Munich.

  • Kurdish PKK militants withdraw from Turkey as part of disarmament

    Kurdish PKK militants withdraw from Turkey as part of disarmament

    In a significant development, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant group engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state, has announced its withdrawal from Turkey as part of a comprehensive disarmament process. This decision follows a call from the group’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, in May 2025, urging an end to armed struggle. The conflict, which began in 1984, has claimed over 40,000 lives. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, has been based in northern Iraq in recent years, with Turkey conducting regular military strikes against its bases. In July 2025, the group symbolically burned some weapons as a gesture of goodwill. During a recent event in the Qandil Mountains, the PKK’s stronghold, a statement was read declaring the group’s commitment to laying the foundations for a ‘free, democratic, and brotherly life.’ The PKK emphasized the need for Turkey to facilitate its transition into democratic politics through integration laws. President Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, welcomed the withdrawal, describing it as a positive step toward lasting peace. The PKK’s shift from seeking an independent state to advocating for greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy marks a significant evolution in its objectives. The resolution of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for the region, including neighboring Syria, where the US supports Syrian Kurdish forces that Turkey considers a PKK offshoot.

  • Ukraine mourns two journalists after a deadly Russian drone strike claimed their lives

    Ukraine mourns two journalists after a deadly Russian drone strike claimed their lives

    In a solemn gathering at a Kyiv church on Monday, approximately 100 mourners paid tribute to two Ukrainian journalists who lost their lives in a Russian drone attack in the Donetsk region. Olena Hubanova, a 43-year-old war correspondent known by her pseudonym Alyona Gramova, and Yevhen Karmazin, a 33-year-old cameraman, were killed on October 23 when a Russian Lancet drone struck their vehicle near Kramatorsk, just 20 kilometers from the front lines. This incident marks the latest in a series of deadly assaults on journalists covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this month, French photojournalist Antoni Lallican and Ukrainian reporter Grigoriy Ivanchenko were injured in a similar attack, with Ivanchenko later undergoing a leg amputation. The increasing range of drone strikes, now extending over 20 kilometers from the front, has significantly heightened the risks for journalists and civilians alike. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, at least 135 media workers have been killed, according to Ukraine’s National Union of Journalists. Gramova and Karmazin, both employed by the state-run FreeDom TV channel, were known for their courageous reporting from the most perilous areas of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Vadym Filashkin, the regional governor, praised their dedication to uncovering the truth about Russian atrocities and the plight of Ukrainian defenders. Gramova, originally from Yenakiieve, a city under Russian occupation since 2014, and Karmazin, a native of Kramatorsk, leave behind a legacy of fearless journalism in the face of grave danger.

  • Pope Leo XIV will pray at the site of the 2020 Beirut port blast in his first foreign trip

    Pope Leo XIV will pray at the site of the 2020 Beirut port blast in his first foreign trip

    Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on his first international journey as pontiff, visiting Lebanon and Turkey from November 27 to December 2. The trip, announced by the Vatican on Monday, will focus on interfaith dialogue, ecumenical relations, and addressing the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. A key highlight of the visit will be a prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port blast, which claimed over 200 lives and exacerbated Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political turmoil. This poignant moment underscores the Pope’s commitment to solidarity with those affected by the tragedy, which remains a symbol of government negligence and systemic corruption in the country. In Turkey, Pope Leo will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianity’s first ecumenical council, with a brief prayer at the archaeological site of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos. He will also visit the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, a site of historical significance given the contentious debate over the Armenian Genocide. While Pope Francis had previously labeled the events as the ‘first genocide of the 20th century,’ it remains to be seen whether Pope Leo will echo this characterization. The itinerary notably excludes visits to southern Lebanon, heavily impacted by the 2023 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, which was controversially reconverted into a mosque in 2020. Instead, the Pope will visit the nearby Blue Mosque, emphasizing a message of interfaith harmony. This trip, originally planned by Pope Francis, reflects Pope Leo’s dedication to continuing his predecessor’s legacy of fostering unity and addressing regional tensions.