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A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-e Sharif, one of the country’s largest cities, at approximately 20:30 GMT (01:00 local time). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 28km (17 miles), was reported by the US Geological Survey, which also issued warnings of ‘significant casualties’ and a ‘potentially widespread’ disaster. Mazar-e Sharif, home to over 500,000 people, experienced widespread panic as residents fled their homes, fearing structural collapses. According to AFP, many rushed into the streets as the ground shook. A Taliban spokesman in Balkh, the province where Mazar-e Sharif is the capital, posted on X around 02:00 local time (21:30 GMT), stating that they had received reports of ‘minor injuries and superficial damages’ across all districts of the province. He noted that most injuries resulted from people falling from tall buildings. The spokesman also shared a video on X showing debris scattered around the Blue Mosque, a significant local landmark and religious site believed to house the tomb of the first Shia Imam. The mosque is a gathering place for pilgrims and religious celebrations. This earthquake follows a 6.0 magnitude quake in Afghanistan’s eastern region in late August, which claimed over 1,000 lives. Afghanistan’s susceptibility to earthquakes is attributed to its location on multiple fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge.

In a shocking revelation, French authorities have identified two suspects in the audacious Louvre jewel heist as a couple with children. The pair, aged 37 and 38, were arrested after their DNA was discovered in the basket lift used during the robbery. The heist, which took place last month, saw a four-man gang steal jewelry worth an estimated $102 million from the Louvre, the world’s most-visited art museum, in just seven minutes. The suspects fled on high-powered scooters after breaking into the museum’s Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels. The couple, along with two other accomplices, have been charged and remanded in custody, while at least one perpetrator remains at large. The stolen jewels have yet to be recovered. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau described the suspects as small-time criminals, not linked to organized crime groups. The man has 11 previous convictions, mostly for theft, while the woman appeared in tears during her court appearance, expressing fear for her children and herself. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the crime.

Iran has vowed to reconstruct its nuclear facilities ‘stronger than before’ following extensive damage caused by Israeli and US strikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian, during a visit to the country’s nuclear organization, emphasized that the destruction of buildings would not hinder Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He asserted that Iranian scientists retain the necessary expertise to rebuild and advance the program. Pezeshkian’s remarks echo his earlier statements in February, where he warned of rebuilding efforts if sites were attacked. The strikes, which occurred in June, marked an unprecedented escalation, with Israel targeting nuclear, military, and residential areas, resulting in significant casualties among Iranian scientists. Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities. Amidst the tension, Oman has urged both Iran and the United States to revive stalled diplomatic talks. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi called for renewed negotiations during the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that Tehran has received messages regarding resuming diplomacy but provided no further details. Oman had previously hosted five rounds of US-Iran talks this year, but the sixth round was disrupted by Israel’s strikes. The conflict has also led to the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran, triggered by Britain, Germany, and France over alleged non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.