Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has called for the immediate and unconditional release of six women’s rights activists detained in Kabul, saying that defending women and children should not be treated as a crime.

Yousafzai made the call on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in a post on X, saying the six workers had been detained after Taliban authorities raided the office of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation in Kabul several weeks ago.

She said the activists’ work was not a threat but “a vital lifeline” for women and girls in Afghanistan, and called for their immediate, safe and unconditional release.

Yousafzai said she was joining Amnesty International, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan and others in calling for the release of the six workers.

The detention of the employees has also drawn concern from international rights groups. Human Rights Watch has previously called for the release of six male employees of the organization, saying they had been forcibly disappeared after being taken from the group’s Kabul office.

The organization has worked on humanitarian assistance and programs supporting the rights of women and children, according to the material provided.

The latest call comes amid continued restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, including limits on education, employment and participation in public life.

The circumstances surrounding the detention of the six workers, including the allegations against them and their current legal status, remain unclear based on the information available.

No further details about the detainees, including whether they have been formally charged or given access to legal representation, were provided in Yousafzai’s statement.

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The United States said Thursday it could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and vowed to increase economic pressure on Tehran as ceasefire negotiations stalled, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz declined and concerns over global oil supplies grew.

Reuters reported on August 14, 2026, that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military had the capacity to sustain its naval presence in the region by rotating ships in and out. The comments came as Washington and Tehran remained at odds over efforts to restore commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

“Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we’ll rotate ships in and out,” Hegseth told reporters during a visit to Panama.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent separately said Washington planned to impose additional financial measures against Iran. In an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, he said further announcements were expected the following week and described the planned measures as unprecedented in the history of economic isolation.

The statements came after a tentative June agreement aimed at ending the conflict failed to produce a lasting settlement. Iran has sought to use control over the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations, while the United States has demanded the restoration of commercial shipping.

The waterway is a major global energy route. Before the war began in February, about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the strait. Shipping traffic has since fallen sharply, with eight vessels recorded on Tuesday compared with an average of about 12 vessels over the previous 10 days and roughly 130 to 140 vessels before the war.

Iran has denied U.S. claims that Washington has full control over the waterway and has said the strait will not fully reopen until its demands are met, including the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

The United States had temporarily lifted its blockade of Iranian shipping and ports for a month in mid-June before reinstating it, further restricting Tehran’s access to foreign currency. Washington has said the blockade could be lifted if Iran and Oman reach an agreement to restore commercial shipping.

The disruption is also adding pressure to global energy markets. The International Energy Agency said Wednesday that global oil supply could fall by 4.3 million barrels per day, or about 4%, this year, revising upward its previous forecast of a 3.7 million-barrel-per-day decline.

Oil prices fell more than 2% on Thursday as investors focused on weaker demand and rising U.S. crude inventories, although reports of drone attacks involving Saudi Aramco infrastructure renewed concerns about a wider regional conflict.

Hegseth said the U.S. military’s objective remained preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He declined to say whether declaring a previous ceasefire had been a mistake.

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Kuwait’s oil industry has been severely disrupted by the war between the United States and Iran, with the closure and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz sharply reducing the country’s ability to export crude and putting its economy under growing pressure.

Kuwait depends heavily on oil revenue, with crude accounting for the vast majority of government income and export earnings. Unlike Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait has no major pipeline route that allows it to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, leaving its oil exports particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the waterway.

The impact has already appeared in official economic data. Kuwait’s economy contracted 4.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, while oil-sector GDP fell 12.5%, according to preliminary official estimates. The first-quarter figures cover only about one month of the conflict, meaning the full economic impact could be greater.

Kuwait’s oil production fell sharply as exports were disrupted. According to data cited by Kuwait Times, production declined to about 1.2 million barrels per day in March from 2.58 million barrels per day in February. Production fell further during April and May as storage capacity filled and output had to be reduced.

The disruption has affected more than oil shipments. Kuwait has reported attacks on vital infrastructure, including oil facilities and power and water installations, during the conflict. Kuwait’s state oil company also reported damage and injuries following an attack on an oil facility.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared a state of emergency shortly after the conflict began, according to the report provided. The measure was later lifted in June.

Before the conflict, Kuwait was producing slightly more than 2.6 million barrels of crude per day and had plans to increase production capacity to 4 million barrels per day by 2040. The company’s chief executive, Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah, said the industry could recover quickly once the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened and shipping can resume normally.

The disruption has also raised concerns about Kuwait’s wider economic outlook. A Reuters poll in July found that economists expected Kuwait’s economy to contract 8.1% in 2026, one of the sharpest projected declines among Gulf Cooperation Council economies. The same poll projected a strong rebound in 2027 if shipping and oil production normalize.

The Strait of Hormuz remains critical to Kuwait because the country lacks the alternative export routes available to some of its Gulf neighbors. The World Bank has said disruptions in the waterway have halted Kuwait’s oil exports, increased import costs and placed additional pressure on government finances.

The scale of the damage will depend largely on how quickly shipping through the Strait returns to normal. OPEC data and recent reporting indicate that Gulf producers have begun restoring some production as conditions improve, but disruptions to Hormuz continue to weigh on regional oil mar

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A federal judge has pressed the U.S. Department of Justice to explain why parts of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remain redacted or withheld from public release.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan raised the issue during a hearing stemming from a lawsuit filed by an independent journalist, who accused the Justice Department of improperly withholding or redacting portions of the Epstein records.

Sullivan previously ruled that some of the department’s redactions and withholding of records were inconsistent with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and ordered the government to release the material or explain why it should remain withheld. A June 25 court order directed the department to provide certain records with fewer redactions or justify keeping the information concealed.

The records at issue include emails with identifying information removed, portions of a draft indictment and FBI interview materials. The judge also questioned the Justice Department’s handling of handwritten notes from interviews concerning unverified allegations involving President Donald Trump. Trump has denied wrongdoing.

The Justice Department has argued that releasing some of the handwritten notes could expose information identifying victims or potential victims. The department has also said that some of the material is substantially similar to FBI reports already released and therefore should not require separate disclosure.

Sullivan questioned whether the law permits the government to withhold records simply because they are similar or duplicative. He also asked why sensitive information in the handwritten notes could not be manually redacted while allowing the remainder of the documents to be released.

The Justice Department has denied violating the transparency law and has maintained that its redactions comply with legal requirements. The department has said its review process is designed to protect victims and other sensitive information. Its public Epstein library states that victim names and identifying information have been redacted and that other redactions may be required by law, court orders or legal privileges.

The department has also sought additional time to review the records. The Justice Department previously said more than 500 attorneys and reviewers were involved in processing millions of pages of material for release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The dispute is part of a broader legal and political battle over the release of records connected to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.

The case has attracted particular attention because the files contain references to prominent political, business and social figures. The presence of a person’s name in Epstein-related records does not, by itself, establish criminal conduct or wrongdoing.

The court’s review focuses on whether the Justice Department has complied with its legal obligations to release records while protecting information that is legally exempt from disclosure, particularly material that could identify victims.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to group training with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr following his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez, with the Portuguese forward also appearing with a new hairstyle and hair color.

Al Nassr shared images from the team’s latest training session showing Ronaldo alongside his teammates. The photographs marked his return to group preparations ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures.

Ronaldo’s new look was also noticeable in the images, with the forward sporting a different hairstyle and hair color from his previous appearances.

The training pictures were released two days after Ronaldo and Rodriguez officially married in a private ceremony in Cascais, Portugal. The couple had been together for nearly a decade before formally marrying.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in late 2022 and has since become one of the most prominent figures in Saudi Arabian football. His arrival helped draw global attention to the Saudi Pro League and increased international interest in the club.

The 41-year-old remains a key figure for Al Nassr as the club prepares for its upcoming matches. His return to group training signals a resumption of preparations with his teammates following the wedding.

Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together since 2016 and have four children together. Their wedding attracted significant attention from international sports and entertainment media.

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Democratic lawmakers Elizabeth Warren and Robert Garcia are seeking details about who manages President Donald Trump’s stock investments after financial disclosures showed thousands of trades by Trump or on his behalf during the first three months of 2026.

In a 17-page letter sent Wednesday, Warren, a Democratic senator from Massachusetts, and Garcia, a Democratic representative from California, asked Trump to identify the financial institutions and investment managers directing his trades. They also requested information on how the managers were selected, the authority given to them and the investment strategies they use.

The lawmakers cited more than 3,500 reported transactions during the first quarter of 2026. A CBS News analysis of Trump’s financial disclosure identified 3,642 transactions involving 1,026 companies and funds between Jan. 6 and March 30, with purchases and sales totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

Warren and Garcia highlighted several trades that occurred close to government actions or statements that could have affected markets. Among them was a purchase of between $500,001 and $1 million in Nvidia shares on Jan. 6. The administration relaxed export controls on Nvidia’s advanced chips for China the following week.

The lawmakers also pointed to purchases of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices shares and a transaction involving Axon Enterprises. They said the timing of more than 30 trades warranted further information about who made the investment decisions and whether Trump or his representatives had knowledge of individual transactions.

The letter does not establish that Trump or his investment managers had advance knowledge of the government decisions or violated securities laws. The lawmakers are seeking information to determine how the trades were managed and whether potential conflicts of interest exist.

Trump has said that financial institutions manage his investments without his involvement. In July, he said, “We have funds that run my money,” and said he does not communicate with the institutions handling his investments.

The Trump Organization has also said that Trump and his family do not influence the portfolio and that it is managed by independent third-party investment managers. The White House has rejected claims that Trump’s investment arrangements create conflicts of interest.

Trump’s financial disclosure shows that his investments are held through a revocable trust. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is listed as the trustee. The structure and the high volume of trading have drawn scrutiny from Democrats and ethics experts.

Warren and Garcia have asked Trump to provide the requested information by Aug. 28. Their inquiry comes amid broader congressional debate over whether presidents and other senior government officials should be permitted to actively trade individual stocks while in office.

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A helicopter belonging to Ministry of Defense was damaged while landing in Badakhshan province after one of its rotors struck a pole, the ministry said, contradicting an earlier report that the aircraft had crashed after coming under attack.

Enayatullah Khwarazmi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, said in a post on X late Thursday that the helicopter was damaged during landing after its rotor hit a pole. He said no one was injured.

Earlier, reports indicated that a helicopter had crashed in Nusay district of Badakhshan after coming under attack from fighters under the command of Juma Khan Fateh, described by the source as a dissident commander.

The source said three helicopters were landing at the district center when they came under attack. According to the source, one of the helicopters was carrying personnel while two others were carrying ammunition.

The source said the helicopter carrying ammunition crashed and claimed that a child was killed after debris from the aircraft fell to the ground. The Ministry of Defense did not confirm the reported death.

The two accounts could not be independently reconciled based on the information available. The ministry described the incident as an accident during landing, while the source said, attributed the reported crash to an attack.

Fighting has been reported in Nusay between forces aligned with the authorities and fighters loyal to Fateh. The incident comes amid reported fighting in parts of Badakhshan. However, the circumstances surrounding the helicopter incident, including whether the aircraft was attacked or damaged in an accident, remain unclear.

The Ministry of Defense of Taliban did not provide further details about the helicopter, the extent of the damage or the circumstances that led to its landing.

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Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday called for the release of eight employees of the United Nations and a nongovernmental organization who it says have been detained or forcibly disappeared in Afghanistan.

The rights group said six male employees of the Women and Children Research and Legal Protection Network, a nongovernmental organization involved in humanitarian assistance and supporting the rights of women and children, were forcibly disappeared from the organization’s office in Kabul last month.

HRW also called for the release of two Afghan employees of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who the group said were detained by the Taliban authorities in the western city of Herat on Sunday.

The United Nations has confirmed the detention of the two UNAMA employees.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, told reporters on Wednesday that UNAMA had not received information about the allegations against the two employees and had not been granted access to them.

“We have not received information about the allegations against them, nor have we been granted access to them,” Haq said, according to the UN.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban authorities, told Reuters that he was seeking details about the recent detentions but had not yet received definitive information.

HRW called on the Taliban authorities to release the detained employees and provide information about the whereabouts and status of the six NGO workers it said had been forcibly disappeared.

Freshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher at HRW, said the detention of UNAMA employees threatens the United Nations’ ability to provide what the rights group described as vital assistance in Afghanistan.

The detentions come as humanitarian organizations continue operating in Afghanistan amid restrictions affecting civil society groups, aid workers and international organizations.

The cases involving the six NGO employees and the two UNAMA staff members have not been publicly explained in detail by the Taliban authorities in the material provided for this report. It is also unclear whether the eight cases are connected.

The United Nations has said that it expects its personnel in Afghanistan to be able to carry out their work safely and in accordance with applicable privileges and immunities.

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The European Union has contributed €10 million to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund to support life-saving assistance for people in need, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Thursday.

OCHA said in a post on X that it welcomed the contribution and thanked the European Union for supporting the delivery of humanitarian services to vulnerable people in Afghanistan.

The UN office said the funding would help humanitarian organizations continue providing life-saving assistance to millions of people across the country.

The contribution comes as Afghanistan continues to face a major humanitarian crisis, with millions of people requiring humanitarian assistance amid poverty, food insecurity and limited access to essential services.

Humanitarian organizations have warned that reductions in international funding are affecting the delivery of assistance, including programs supporting children suffering from malnutrition.

The World Food Programme (WFP) previously said that more than 13,000 children in Afghanistan were unable to access malnutrition treatment programs in 2025 because of reductions in humanitarian funding.

The latest EU contribution is directed to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, a UN-managed pooled fund that supports humanitarian organizations responding to urgent needs in the country.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners continue to rely heavily on international funding to maintain food assistance, health services, nutrition programs and other essential support for vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.

The UN has repeatedly appealed to international donors to maintain funding for humanitarian operations as needs remain high and available resources decline.

The European Union’s contribution provides additional funding for humanitarian operations, although humanitarian agencies say sustained international support remains necessary to meet the needs of vulnerable Afghans.

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Pakistan’s Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has ordered a suspension of medical and dental education for Afghan students in the country, according to an official letter issued by the council.

The directive applies to both new admissions and Afghan students already enrolled in medical and dental institutions, according to the document provided for this report. It says the measures will remain in place “until further notice.”

The council said the decision followed policy guidance from the relevant authorities and a decision taken by PM&DC on July 30, 2026. The letter describes the matter as a national policy issue and instructs medical and dental institutions to comply with the directive.

Under the order, Afghan students currently studying medicine or dentistry in Pakistan are required to return to Afghanistan. New admissions of Afghan students to medical and dental programs have also been suspended until further notice.

The directive further prohibits the transfer or migration of Afghan students between medical and dental institutions in Pakistan.

Students who have completed their studies are also required to have their graduation and departure status recorded and confirmed, according to the letter.

The council said the order applies nationwide and covers all public and private medical and dental universities and institutions, rather than a single university or educational center.

Medical and dental institutions have been instructed to submit comprehensive information on Afghan students to PM&DC within three days, according to the document.

The council also warned institutions that delays, failure to comply or withholding information would be taken seriously and could lead to legal action.

The directive could affect Afghan students who are already pursuing professional medical and dental qualifications in Pakistan, potentially disrupting their education and requiring them to leave the country before completing their programs.

The move comes as Pakistan continues to regulate the admission and registration of medical and dental students through PM&DC. The council describes itself as the statutory regulatory authority responsible for regulating medical and dental education and maintaining standards in the country.

PM&DC has also issued separate regulations requiring medical and dental colleges to register admitted students with the council and has emphasized compliance with its admission rules.

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The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Colombia has risen to 265, with hundreds of people still missing and rescue teams continuing to search for survivors, Colombian authorities said.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands injured. Authorities said nearly 500 people remain missing as rescue operations continue in areas affected by collapsed buildings and other damage.

More than 3,700 people have been injured, according to the latest figures reported by Reuters, while more than 9,550 homes have been destroyed. Cities including Cali and Pereira have suffered significant damage.

Rescue teams are continuing to search through damaged and collapsed structures for people who may have survived. Authorities have described the period immediately following the earthquake as critical for finding survivors, while concerns over aftershocks and damaged infrastructure continue to complicate rescue operations.

The earthquake has also placed significant pressure on Colombia’s emergency response system as authorities work to provide medical care, shelter and other assistance to affected communities.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged to establish an emergency reconstruction fund to help rebuild homes, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

International assistance has also arrived, with rescue and relief teams from countries including Mexico and Peru taking part in the response, according to Reuters.

Authorities have imposed restrictions in some affected areas as rescue operations continue, while efforts are also being made to prevent looting and keep emergency routes accessible to rescue workers.

The scale of the disaster has left families waiting for information about relatives who remain unaccounted for, while emergency workers continue efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies.

The latest figures underscore the continuing humanitarian impact of the August 10 earthquake, with authorities facing the immediate task of completing search-and-rescue operations while beginning the longer process of providing shelter and rebuilding severely damaged communities.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of making incorrect assessments over developments in the region, warning that Washington could face a more serious miscalculation over the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi made the comments in a post on X, saying weaknesses in the collection and assessment of information had contributed to what he described as wrong US decisions. He said the problem was also reflected in Washington’s approach to Iran.

The Iranian foreign minister said the situation around the Strait of Hormuz represented an even more serious potential miscalculation for the United States.

Araghchi also distinguished between what he called “fake news” and “fake information,” arguing that inaccurate intelligence could have more serious consequences for decision-making.

He did not identify specific US intelligence assessments or decisions in the statement provided.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy shipments, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Tensions around the waterway can have wider implications for regional security, shipping and energy markets.

Araghchi’s remarks come as relations between Tehran and Washington remain strained by broader political and security disputes. His comments reflect Iran’s official position that US assessments of regional developments and its policies toward Tehran have been based on flawed calculations.

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Google has unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, introducing a new AI-powered notification feature, its next-generation Tensor G6 processor and upgraded cameras across its flagship smartphone lineup.

The three new devices feature HiLight, a small light positioned beside the rear camera lenses. It activates when the phone is placed face-down and can alert users to calls from selected contacts. Google also designed the feature to light up when users interact with its Gemini AI assistant.

Google is introducing Gemini Intelligence alongside the new phones, with the company positioning it as a more capable AI system for smartphones. The devices are powered by the Tensor G6, which the supplied report describes as the first smartphone chip manufactured using TSMC’s 2-nanometer process.

The Pixel 11 Pro has a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4,850mAh battery. It supports 30W wired charging and magnetic Pixelsnap wireless charging.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL features a larger 6.8-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED display and a 5,115mAh battery, along with faster 45W wired charging.

The Pro models also receive a new memory configuration. The Pixel 11 Pro starts with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the 512GB and 1TB versions have 16GB of RAM.

Google has equipped both Pro models with a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, a 48-megapixel 5x periscope telephoto camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with autofocus. The front camera has a 42-megapixel sensor and a 103-degree field of view.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold combines the same Tensor G6 processor and Gemini Intelligence features with a foldable design. Its cover display has increased to 6.5 inches, while the internal display remains 8 inches.

The foldable phone has a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto camera and a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide camera. It also has two 10-megapixel selfie cameras.

The Pro Fold has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and comes with 16GB of RAM, including the 256GB version. Its 4,806mAh battery is smaller than the 5,015mAh battery in its predecessor, although Google says the new model can still provide 24-hour battery endurance.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will be available in Canyon, Olive, Fog and Obsidian, while the Pro Fold comes in Olive and Obsidian.

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The security situation in Afghanistan has improved and armed conflict has declined since the Taliban returned to power five years ago, but the progress alone is not enough to ensure lasting stability, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Thursday.

In a statement marking five years since the Taliban takeover, UNAMA said the reduction in violence has brought “tangible benefits” to many Afghans and created opportunities to focus on economic development, regional cooperation and other priorities.

The UN mission also identified the Taliban’s ban on opium poppy cultivation as a positive development. However, it said major political, human rights and security challenges remain unresolved.

UNAMA highlighted restrictions on women and girls, concerns over terrorism, limits on civic space and freedom of expression, and restrictions affecting female humanitarian and UN workers as among the challenges facing Afghanistan.

“Five years have shown that Afghans, after decades of war, place great value on peace and stability,” Georgette Gagnon, the UN deputy special representative for Afghanistan and acting head of UNAMA, said in the statement.

“But sustainable peace and prosperity require more than the absence of conflict,” Gagnon said, adding that Afghanistan’s future depends on building a society where the rights and potential of all Afghans can be realized and institutions are accountable.

The Taliban seized power in August 2021 after the previous Afghanistan government collapsed and the United States and NATO completed their military withdrawal following two decades of war. Since then, large-scale fighting has declined significantly in many parts of Afghanistan.

UNAMA said the reduction in violence has created opportunities for economic improvement and stronger regional cooperation. At the same time, it warned that restrictions on women and girls are having immediate and long-term social and economic consequences.

Under Taliban policies, women and girls have been barred from much of secondary and higher education and face extensive restrictions on employment and participation in public life. UNAMA said these restrictions also remain a major obstacle to broader international engagement and investment in Afghanistan.

Gagnon called on the Taliban to lift restrictions on women and girls and allow them to participate fully in education, employment and public life. She also urged the authorities to protect fundamental rights and freedoms and address international concerns over security and terrorism.

UNAMA said terrorism remains an unresolved challenge and that international concerns over terrorist threats continue to complicate Afghanistan’s relations with neighboring countries and the wider international community. The mission did not name a specific group or refer to a particular attack in the statement.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked the United States to sell Kyiv 5% to 10% of its stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles, saying Ukraine urgently needs more air-defense ammunition to protect its population from intensified Russian missile attacks.

Zelensky said 5% of the U.S. stockpile could help Ukraine get through the winter and save lives, while 10% would allow Kyiv to intercept what he described as all Russian ballistic missiles. He made the comments as Ukraine faces growing pressure on its air-defense capabilities.

Zelensky said Ukraine now has only about 1% of the interceptor missiles it needs, while its supply of defensive missiles has fallen to less than half of last year’s level. He also said Russia has doubled its production of ballistic missiles.

Ukraine has relied heavily on Western air-defense systems, including Patriot batteries, to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian ballistic and cruise missile attacks. Patriot systems are among the few Western systems capable of intercepting certain ballistic missiles.

Zelensky said he is holding dozens of phone calls and confidential negotiations each day to secure additional missiles and explore possible exchanges, as Kyiv seeks to maintain its defenses against Russia’s continued nighttime attacks.

The appeal highlights the growing pressure on Ukraine to replenish air-defense stocks as Russia increases its missile production and continues attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

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A 17-year-old Indian-origin student has been charged with killing his mother and younger brother at their home in Acton, Massachusetts, after an overnight manhunt ended with his arrest, authorities said.

Arjun Aravind, a student at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, is accused of fatally assaulting his 45-year-old mother, Sudha Venkatesan, and his 14-year-old brother, Siddharth Aravind, inside the family’s home on Tuesday. He faces two counts of murder, as well as assault and motor-vehicle-related charges, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

The victims were discovered after a tutor arrived at the home shortly after 6:30 p.m. for a scheduled appointment and could not enter. Aravind’s father, who had left for work earlier that day, was contacted and then asked police to conduct a welfare check.

Officers found both victims dead inside the house with what authorities described as “obvious trauma.” The chief medical examiner has not yet released the exact cause and manner of death, and police have not disclosed the weapon involved.

Aravind was missing when police arrived and was believed to have fled in his mother’s Honda Accord. Authorities launched a search and issued an alert for the teenager.

Police later found him inside the vehicle in Wayland, Massachusetts, early Wednesday after responding to an unrelated alarm at a parking lot. He was taken into custody without incident.

The district attorney’s office said the investigation also uncovered evidence of concerning online activity. Investigators allege that Aravind had recently used the internet and ChatGPT to explore theoretical ideas or fantasies about killing his family. Authorities said he had also used the AI chatbot to develop Gothic-style fictional stories and characters.

Officials have not said that the online searches established a motive for the killings, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Aravind was expected to appear in court on the charges. Because Massachusetts juvenile courts do not have jurisdiction over murder cases, he is expected to face the murder and related assault charges in Concord District Court.

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Acute malnutrition among children in Afghanistan is worsening as humanitarian funding falls sharply, forcing the closure or suspension of hundreds of health facilities and leaving millions with reduced access to essential healthcare.

Save the Children said on Thursday, August 13, 2026, that nearly one in 10 children under five in Afghanistan is suffering from wasting, with acute malnutrition worsening in two-thirds of provinces compared with the same period last year.

The number of children under five affected by acute malnutrition has risen by 14% over four years to 3.7 million in 2026, according to figures cited by the aid agency and UN data. Infectious diseases, poor nutrition and wider humanitarian pressures are contributing to the deterioration.

At the same time, humanitarian funding has fallen from $3.27 billion in 2022 to about $1 billion in 2025. Only $438 million had been secured for 2026, leaving a 74% funding gap, Save the Children said.

The funding crisis has contributed to the closure or suspension of nearly 600 health facilities, affecting about four million people, around half of them children.

The impact is particularly severe in remote areas, where health facilities can be the only affordable source of treatment. Save the Children said one clinic in northern Afghanistan serves about 10,000 people and receives more than 100 patients a day, with some families walking for hours to reach it.

The crisis is also unfolding as Afghanistan faces a growing number of returnees from Pakistan and Iran, displacement, drought and other humanitarian pressures, further increasing demand for already limited health and nutrition services. UN analysis estimates nearly 3.7 million children aged 6–59 months will experience acute malnutrition during 2026.

Save the Children warned that continued funding shortages could reverse progress in child health and nutrition and leave vulnerable families without timely access to lifesaving services.

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Ecuadorian police have seized 469 kilograms (1,034 pounds) of cocaine hidden in a truck near the Colombian border, with the packages marked with images of Norway football star Erling Haaland.

Anti-narcotics officers acted on an anonymous tip and stopped a suspicious truck on the Pan-American Highway. Police said they found 370 packages concealed in a false compartment and arrested a woman identified as María R., who was carrying Colombian identification documents.

Police released video showing the cocaine packages bearing Haaland stickers but gave no explanation for their use. Images of well-known sports figures and other celebrities are sometimes used by drug-trafficking networks to identify shipments, criminal groups or intended buyers. There is no indication that Haaland was connected to the shipment.

Authorities estimated the cocaine was worth about $842,000 on Ecuador’s domestic market, more than $11 million in the United States and about $19.6 million in Europe.

The seizure comes as Ecuador continues to face a major drug-trafficking and organized-crime challenge. The country has become an important transit and logistics hub for cocaine produced mainly in neighboring Colombia and Peru and shipped toward North America and Europe.

Police said about 80% of cocaine trafficked through Ecuador originates in Colombia, with much of the remainder coming from Peru. Authorities seized about 80 tonnes of drugs in the first half of the year, after confiscating nearly 215 tonnes in 2025 and almost 295 tonnes in 2024.

Haaland’s image has gained widespread recognition following his high-profile performances at the recent World Cup. His image is not unique among football stars to appear on seized drug shipments; authorities have previously found packages bearing images of other prominent players, including Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has accused France of “blatant hypocrisy” over human rights and international law, citing its position on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the conflict with Iran.

Araqchi said on X on Thursday that France and its Western allies should stop “lecturing the world” on human rights, arguing that their support for Israel had undermined their moral credibility. His comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

He specifically accused France and its allies of supporting what he described as an Israeli “genocide” in Gaza and aggression against Iran.

The remarks come amid strained relations between Tehran and several European governments over the Iran conflict, human rights and the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely disrupted.

Iran has linked the reopening of Hormuz to broader demands involving the United States, while Washington has maintained restrictions on Iran-related shipping. Reuters reported that negotiations over arrangements for the strategic waterway have continued through mediators, but Tehran has said reopening the strait depends on the United States meeting additional conditions.

France has also been involved in European discussions over the security and reopening of Hormuz, while European governments have generally sought to avoid further escalation with Iran.

The dispute reflects a broader deterioration in Iran’s relations with France and other Western governments as the conflict, sanctions and disruption to one of the world’s most important energy routes continue to complicate diplomatic efforts.

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Afghan women face growing restrictions on movement, education and public life, with many reporting worsening mental health and limited control over their future, five years after the Taliban returned to power, according to a new UN Women report.

The report, “Five Years On: Afghan Women’s Futures at a Crossroads,” is based mainly on a nationwide survey of 2,811 people conducted in April and May 2026, including 2,210 women.

The report found that 52% of women leave their homes no more than twice a month, compared with 96% of men who leave home daily. The isolation is greater in rural areas, where 62% of women said they rarely leave home.

Nine in 10 women said they need permission from a male family member to leave home, while 75% said they do not feel safe going outside without a male relative.

The restrictions are also affecting access to essential services. More than half of women said they avoid public places such as markets and health facilities, while 66% said they restrict what they say in public.

UN Women found that seven in 10 women described their mental health as poor or very poor, while 59% said it had recently worsened.

The deterioration was more pronounced among women who rarely leave home, suggesting a strong link between isolation and declining mental wellbeing.

Education remains another major concern. Seventy-six percent of women said their access to education has declined since the Taliban takeover, while 56% said it had worsened further over the past year.

Despite the restrictions, education and equal rights remain major priorities. About 40% of women identified equal rights for women and girls as one of their main priorities, while many said they would return to education, work and business if restrictions were lifted.

The report also found a significant gap between women’s views and those they attribute to Taliban authorities. Ninety-one percent of women said officials do not share their values on girls’ education or women’s economic opportunities.

UN Women warned that the consequences could extend beyond current restrictions. Each additional year without education and employment means lost skills, experience and professional networks, while a younger generation of girls is growing up with fewer opportunities to imagine a future in education, employment and public life.

The report concludes that Afghan women’s aspirations remain strong, but the longer restrictions continue, the greater the risk that exclusion will become entrenched across generations.

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A United Nations Security Council monitoring team has warned that terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a persistent threat to the country’s neighbours and Central Asia, despite Taliban operations against Islamic State-Khorasan.

The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which tracks threats linked to ISIL, al-Qaeda and associated groups, has reported that the regional terrorist threat remains complex and adaptable. The team’s mandate includes assessing the changing threat posed by terrorist groups in Afghanistan and beyond.

According to the latest findings cited in the report, Taliban operations have inflicted significant losses on ISIL-K, but have not eliminated the group. ISIL-K attacks inside Afghanistan have declined, while its activity in Pakistan has increased, suggesting that the group has adapted to counter-terrorism pressure.

The report also raises concerns over the continued presence of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. It says the group has been given greater freedom and support by the Taliban, contributing to an increase in attacks against Pakistan. The United Nations previously estimated that TTP had around 6,000 fighters.

The findings are significant for relations between Kabul and Islamabad, which have deteriorated sharply over accusations that Afghaninstan territory is being used by militants to launch attacks against Pakistan. The Taliban have repeatedly denied allowing Afghanistan soil to be used against other countries.

The monitoring team also says al-Qaeda’s status and strength in Afghanistan remain broadly unchanged, while the group continues to provide training and advice to other militant organisations, particularly TTP.

The report’s assessment is consistent with earlier UN findings that more than 20 international and regional terrorist organisations remained active in Afghanistan, including al-Qaeda, TTP, ISIL-K, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

The United Nations has also expressed concern about the potential for terrorist activity in Afghanistan to spill across borders. In February, the Security Council’s monitoring team said regional countries remained concerned about the number of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and their cross-border effects, while noting that the Taliban’s claim that no terrorist groups operate inside the country was not supported by member states.

The concerns have also featured in recent Security Council discussions on Afghanistan. In June, Pakistan told the Council that groups including TTP, the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIL-K and al-Qaeda were operating from Afghanistan and carrying out cross-border attacks.

The United Nations has continued to call for stronger counter-terrorism cooperation and greater efforts to prevent Afghan territory from being used to threaten other countries. The Security Council extended the monitoring team’s mandate until February 2027 earlier this year.

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U.S. Central Command said American forces have redirected 59 commercial vessels under a naval blockade of Iranian ports, as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt international shipping.

CENTCOM said in a statement that, in addition to redirecting the vessels, U.S. forces had disabled three ships and boarded two others as part of efforts to enforce the blockade.

The command said the operations were intended to ensure compliance with restrictions on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. It described the measures as part of its continuing enforcement of the blockade.

The latest figure represents an increase from 55 commercial vessels reported as redirected earlier this week, indicating that the U.S. campaign is continuing despite uncertainty over efforts to ease the confrontation.

The standoff is also affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Reuters reported this week that only a small number of vessels were transiting the waterway, compared with typical traffic of about 130 to 140 vessels a day before the conflict.

The disruption has raised concerns over global oil and gas supplies, shipping costs and insurance premiums. The Strait normally carries a significant share of global energy trade, making prolonged restrictions a potential source of wider economic pressure.

Iran has rejected the U.S. blockade and warned that continued restrictions on its ports and maritime access would be regarded in Tehran as a continuation of the war. Iranian authorities have also said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts Tehran’s conditions.

The maritime confrontation comes as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain uncertain. The competing claims over access to the waterway have left commercial operators facing greater uncertainty over whether and how they can safely transit the region.

The U.S. military has said its blockade targets vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports rather than all shipping in the region. Earlier CENTCOM statements also said humanitarian shipments, including food and medical supplies, could pass subject to inspection.

The continued rerouting of commercial vessels highlights the broader economic consequences of the Iran-U.S. confrontation, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical pressure point for global energy markets and maritime trade.

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Afghanistan has reported another case of polio, highlighting the continuing challenge of eradicating a disease that remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the World Health Organization says.

Reports indicated that the case involved a 25-month-old girl in the Sarkhum area of Tirin Kot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The child developed symptoms several months ago and has suffered paralysis in her legs, they said.

Sources said the child’s family had opposed polio vaccination. The claim could not be independently verified.

WHO says Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic. Despite decades of global vaccination efforts, continued transmission in the two countries poses a risk of the virus spreading to other countries through population movement.

Afghanistan has recorded repeated polio cases in recent years, with transmission particularly persistent in parts of the south. Vaccination campaigns have also faced challenges in reaching some children, while population movements across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border complicate efforts to interrupt transmission.

WHO has repeatedly called for stronger coordination between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including vaccination of children in mobile and cross-border populations. The agency has also stressed the importance of surveillance to quickly identify and contain new infections.

Pakistan faces similar challenges, with some areas continuing to report poliovirus transmission and vaccination campaigns struggling to reach children who are repeatedly missed.

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis, particularly among children. There is no cure for polio, but vaccination provides effective protection and remains the main tool for preventing transmission.

Globally, polio cases have fallen by more than 99% since 1988, according to WHO. The continued circulation of wild poliovirus in Afghanistan and Pakistan means the eradication campaign remains unfinished.

Health officials say sustained vaccination, stronger surveillance and coordinated action across the two countries will be essential to finally stop transmission.

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Millions of young Afghans are facing unemployment, poverty and shrinking opportunities as a worsening humanitarian crisis and the return of millions of migrants put further pressure on an already fragile economy.

The challenges come as Afghanistan marks World Youth Day on August 12, an occasion highlighting the role of young people in economic and social development.

For many Afghan youths, years of education and skills training have failed to translate into stable employment. With formal jobs scarce, many have turned to informal work, low-paid labour or migration in search of better opportunities.

The World Bank estimates that nearly one in four young Afghans is unemployed, while many who have jobs work fewer hours and earn less than their older counterparts. It has identified youth employment as a major obstacle to Afghanistan’s economic recovery.

The pressure has intensified with the return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring countries. The World Bank says around 3.7 million Afghans have returned, adding to demand for jobs and basic services at a time when economic growth remains weak.

Many of those returns have followed deportations and forced expulsions from Pakistan and Iran, with humanitarian agencies warning that returnees often arrive with limited resources and face difficulties finding housing, employment, healthcare and education.

For young returnees, the challenge can be particularly difficult. Those who studied or worked abroad may find few opportunities to use their skills after returning, while others are pushed into informal or low-skilled work to support their families.

The humanitarian situation adds another layer of pressure. Afghanistan continues to face widespread poverty, limited livelihoods and strained public services, while declining international assistance has reduced resources available for communities and vulnerable households.

Young women face additional barriers. Restrictions on girls’ and women’s education and employment have sharply reduced their opportunities to study, work and participate in the economy, further narrowing the country’s pool of skilled workers.

For Afghanistan’s youth, the crisis is therefore about more than unemployment. Many are seeking access to education, decent work, equal opportunities and the chance to build their futures inside their own country.

With millions of Afghans returning and the economy struggling to create enough jobs, the country faces a growing risk that a large young population will remain excluded from productive employment and economic participation.

World Youth Day thus comes at a difficult moment for Afghanistan, where a generation that could drive economic recovery is instead confronting unemployment, restricted education, forced migration, deportation and an uncertain future.

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Seven workers have found a 17.96-carat diamond at a small mine in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, a discovery that could bring them millions of rupees through a government auction.

The workers, who were searching for diamonds at a mine in the area, found the stone near the surface after returning to a site that had previously yielded no valuable discoveries.

Officials have estimated the diamond’s value at at least 5 million Indian rupees ($52,400). It is expected to be offered at a government auction in October, with the final value to be determined by competitive bidding.

Under Panna’s diamond-mining system, stones found by licensed miners are handed over to the authorities for valuation and auction. After applicable government deductions, the proceeds are returned to the miners according to the rules governing the lease.

The discovery is significant for the seven workers, who rely largely on daily wages and had spent years searching for a valuable diamond.

One of the workers said the group had worked at the site for about two years without finding a major stone. The mine was later closed for about a year before the workers returned and resumed their search.

Panna is one of India’s best-known diamond-producing districts, but diamond mining there is largely carried out by small-scale miners working under government-issued permits. Valuable discoveries can therefore have a major impact on workers whose regular incomes are modest.

Some of the workers said financial hardship had prevented them from marrying and that they hoped the proceeds from the diamond would allow them to improve their lives.

The discovery comes as Panna continues to rely on its diamond-mining industry for livelihoods, despite persistent economic challenges in the district, including unemployment and low household incomes.

The workers will have to wait for the October auction to learn how much the diamond will ultimately fetch. If bidding exceeds the government’s initial valuation, the final proceeds could be substantially higher than the preliminary estimate.

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Meta Platforms has unveiled Muse Glimmer, a 30-billion-parameter open-weight artificial intelligence model designed to perform agentic tasks on personal computers using a single consumer graphics card, as the company pushes to make advanced AI more accessible outside large data centers.

Meta said the model is designed for smaller, multi-step tasks that require an AI system to make decisions, use tools and carry out actions. Its ability to run locally on a Mac or PC with a single GPU could allow developers and users to use advanced AI capabilities without relying entirely on cloud-based computing.

The release marks a renewed emphasis by Meta on open-weight AI, under which developers can access model weights and use them to build, modify and deploy applications. Meta’s approach contrasts with closed AI systems that generally require users to access models through company-operated services.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made open AI a central part of his latest strategy, arguing that advanced AI should be available to individuals and developers rather than concentrated among a small number of companies or institutions.

Zuckerberg has also urged the U.S. government to reduce barriers to open-weight AI development, arguing that excessive restrictions could make American companies less competitive with Chinese AI developers. Reuters reported that his appeal comes as Chinese companies increasingly develop models capable of competing with leading U.S. systems.

Meta said it also plans to release the weights of Muse Spark 1.2, its more powerful AI model, in the coming weeks. The move would broaden access to Meta’s Muse family beyond the smaller Glimmer model.

The strategy comes as Meta continues to spend heavily on AI infrastructure. The company is planning about $145 billion in capital spending in 2026, much of it connected to AI infrastructure and data centers, while simultaneously promoting models that can operate on consumer hardware.

Zuckerberg has also announced a $1 billion fund for communities affected by Meta’s expanding data-center footprint. The company says it wants to combine its infrastructure expansion with greater community investment.

The open-weight strategy also comes with policy and security debates. Supporters argue that locally deployable models can give developers greater control, reduce dependence on a handful of cloud providers and encourage innovation. Critics have raised concerns about the potential misuse and cybersecurity risks associated with widely available AI models. Reuters noted that the U.S. government had decided not to implement voluntary safety testing for open-weight models.

For Meta, Muse Glimmer represents an attempt to bridge two parts of its AI strategy: developing increasingly powerful systems while making some of their capabilities available directly to users and developers.

The release also places Meta more directly in the growing U.S.-China competition over AI, where access to computing resources, model capabilities, safety rules and the ability to deploy AI widely have become strategic issues.

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Russian power engineering company Power Machines has expressed readiness to assess and rehabilitate Afghanistan’s power-generation plants, including upgrading equipment and increasing domestic electricity production, Afghanistan’s electricity utility said Wednesday.

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said its chief executive, Abdul Haq Hamkar, held talks with technical representatives of Power Machines on the comprehensive rehabilitation of power plants, modernization of equipment and expansion of generation capacity.

According to DABS, the Russian company plans to assess existing generation facilities and prepare a proposal for their rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and potential expansion.

The announcement comes as Afghanistan remains heavily dependent on electricity imports from neighbouring countries. Limited domestic generation capacity, ageing infrastructure and years of insufficient investment have constrained the country’s ability to meet growing demand.

DABS did not provide details on which power plants would be assessed, the potential cost of the work or when the proposed assessment would begin.

Power Machines, a Russian engineering company specializing in power-generation equipment and related services, has previously worked on large energy projects in several countries. Its proposed involvement in Afghanistan could provide technical support for facilities that require modernization, although any major rehabilitation program would depend on financing, technical assessments and agreements between the parties.

Increasing domestic generation is a key challenge for Afghanistan’s energy sector. Greater local capacity could reduce reliance on imported electricity and improve the stability of supplies, particularly during periods of high demand.

Afghanistan’s electricity network has also faced recurring disruptions and shortages. Power outages can affect households, businesses, hospitals and public services, while interruptions to imported electricity can leave large areas without reliable supply.

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Iran’s Agriculture Minister Gholam-Reza Nouri has arrived in Kabul at the head of an Iranian delegation for meetings with Kabul officials, Iran’s embassy in Afghanistan said Wednesday.

The embassy said the delegation will meet with Taliban officials during the visit and will also tour the International Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition in Kabul.

The visit comes as Iran and Afghanistan maintain economic and trade ties, including cooperation in agriculture and the exchange of agricultural products.

Iran is among Afghanistan’s major trading partners, and bilateral commerce includes imports and exports as well as efforts to expand markets for agricultural products and strengthen technical cooperation.

The embassy did not provide details on the specific issues to be discussed during the delegation’s meetings with Taliban officials.

The visit underscores continued economic engagement between Kabul and Tehran, particularly in sectors linked to agriculture and trade.

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Four Iranian drones reportedly crashed in different parts of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region after Iran launched missiles and drones toward positions linked to Iranian Kurdish groups, according to Al Jazeera report.

Two of the drones reportedly crashed near a village in Khalifan, while another struck a house in Soran. The fourth crashed near Mount Bani Harir, where the impact reportedly sparked a fire in surrounding grassland.

There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties from the drone crashes, and the extent of damage was not immediately clear.

Kurdish outlet Rudaw had earlier reported that Iran fired several missiles and launched drones toward positions of Iranian Kurdish groups in Erbil province.

The reported attacks come amid longstanding tensions between Iran and Kurdish opposition groups operating from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. Tehran has repeatedly accused Iranian Kurdish groups of carrying out attacks against Iran from bases in northern Iraq.

Iran has previously targeted Iranian Kurdish opposition positions in the Kurdistan Region with missiles and drones. The area has also experienced attacks linked to wider regional tensions, including strikes affecting sites associated with U.S. forces.

The latest incidents highlight the continuing security risks in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, where Iranian Kurdish opposition groups operate alongside U.S. diplomatic and military facilities.

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Ukraine has accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles in recent attacks that killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens, as Kyiv warns of expanding military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

The allegation came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was receiving ballistic missiles from North Korea and called for greater Western support for Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities.

A southeastern Ukrainian city was among the areas hardest hit in the latest overnight attacks. Local officials said seven people were killed and 24 others wounded there, according to AFP.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine. Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their military relationship, including cooperation involving weapons and personnel.

Zelenskiy has recently renewed warnings about the scale of North Korean military support for Russia. Ukrainian officials have said North Korean ballistic missiles have been used in Russian attacks, although individual claims about the origin of missiles can require further verification.

Reuters has previously reported that Russia likely used a North Korean ballistic missile in a deadly strike on a Ukrainian village, citing sources familiar with the assessment. The report said the missile’s origin was identified as North Korean based on information available to investigators.

Ukraine has also warned that North Korean military involvement could expand. Zelensky said this week that up to 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean troops could potentially be deployed to Russia, though he did not publicly provide details supporting the estimate.

The growing military relationship between Russia and North Korea has become a major concern for Ukraine and its Western allies. Kyiv says additional North Korean weapons could strengthen Russia’s ability to sustain missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine has urged Western governments to provide additional air-defence systems and other military assistance as Russian attacks continue.

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Oil prices rose toward $90 a barrel on Wednesday as fading hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace deal heightened concerns that disruptions to energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could persist.

Brent crude rose 72 cents, or 0.8%, to $89.63 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 71 cents, or 0.9%, to $83.91 a barrel, according to Reuters.

The gains followed a sharp rise earlier in the week as investors became less confident that Washington and Tehran would reach an agreement that could ease tensions and allow more normal oil shipments through the region.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus for energy markets. Shipping traffic through the waterway has fallen sharply from pre-conflict levels, with only eight vessels tracked through the strait on Tuesday, according to data cited by Reuters. Before the conflict, around 130 to 140 vessels typically passed through the waterway each day.

Iran has said the strait will remain closed unless the United States changes its position and meets Tehran’s conditions. The uncertainty has raised concerns among traders about how long disruptions to crude and other energy shipments could last.

The market is closely watching diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran because any agreement that improves security around Hormuz could ease supply concerns and put downward pressure on oil prices. Conversely, a prolonged standoff could keep prices elevated.

The United States and Iran have remained divided over the terms of a potential settlement, with disagreements extending beyond the reopening of Hormuz to broader security and diplomatic issues.

Despite the geopolitical concerns, rising U.S. inventories could provide some relief to the market. The American Petroleum Institute reported a 9.1 million-barrel increase in U.S. crude stocks, although traders were awaiting official government data for confirmation.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration has also warned that some Middle Eastern oil production could remain offline for an extended period, estimating that around 600,000 barrels per day of regional output could remain disrupted through the end of 2027.

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The Pentagon says U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen killed 153 civilians and wounded 243 others, while 15 additional incidents remain under investigation.

The U.S. Department of Defense has acknowledged that three U.S. airstrikes in Yemen in April 2025 killed 153 civilians and wounded 243 others, according to a 12-page report submitted to Congress.

The Pentagon said the civilian casualties resulted from three separate airstrikes carried out during a U.S. campaign against Yemen’s Houthi movement, according to the report cited by Al Jazeera.

The first incident occurred on April 6, 2025, in Sanaa, where five civilians were killed, the Pentagon said. A second strike on April 17 at the Ras Isa port killed 80 people, while a third attack near Saada on April 28 killed 47 civilians.

The Pentagon has also said that 15 other incidents remain under investigation, meaning the reported civilian casualty figures could change as the reviews are completed.

The strikes were part of a U.S. military campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis, who have carried out missile and drone attacks against commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.

The Houthis have said their attacks are linked to the war in Gaza, while the United States has described the group as a threat to international shipping and regional security.

Washington has said its military operations were intended to degrade the Houthis’ missile and drone capabilities and deter further attacks. The U.S. military has also said its operations are conducted under rules governing the protection of civilians and the use of force.

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North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea several days before the United States and South Korea are due to begin major joint military exercises, prompting condemnation from Seoul and Tokyo, according to Reuters.

South Korea said it was concerned about North Korea’s continued ballistic missile launches and urged Pyongyang to halt what it described as provocative actions that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Japan also condemned the launch, with officials closely monitoring North Korea’s military activities and the trajectory of the missile.

The launch comes just days before the United States and South Korea are scheduled to hold their annual joint military exercises from Aug. 17 to Aug. 27. The drills are designed to strengthen the allies’ ability to respond to North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile capabilities.

Pyongyang has long denounced U.S.-South Korean military exercises as preparations for an invasion, while Washington and Seoul describe the drills as defensive and necessary to maintain readiness.

North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs despite international sanctions and U.N. resolutions prohibiting its ballistic missile activities.

The latest launch adds to tensions on the Korean Peninsula ahead of the military exercises, which are expected to test the allies’ ability to respond to a range of North Korean threats.

The United States, South Korea and Japan have increasingly strengthened security cooperation in response to North Korea’s weapons development, including missile-warning and military coordination.

The latest incident underscores the continuing security tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to reduce confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.

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The Washington Post reported late Monday on a covert operation to transfer Trump from the U.S. presidential aircraft to another plane for his departure from Turkey following an Iranian threat. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the transfer was carried out after Israel warned of a possible missile attack on Trump’s aircraft.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the aircraft he secretly used to leave Turkey last month may have faced greater danger than the plane used as a decoy, after reports that a possible Iranian assassination threat prompted an extraordinary change to his travel arrangements.

Trump made the comments to reporters after The Washington Post reported that he secretly left a NATO summit in Ankara aboard a different U.S. military aircraft while the White House maintained the appearance that he was travelling on Air Force One.

“I think the airplane that I flew on was in greater danger,” Trump said, arguing that the aircraft he ultimately boarded was more likely to be selected as a target.

According to Reuters, the operation involved Trump being moved from one aircraft to another on the tarmac using a catering truck, while the original aircraft served as a decoy. The president later reappeared aboard the decoy plane after reaching Britain.

The Washington Post reported that an Iranian assassination threat against Trump prompted the operation. The report said the White House had publicly indicated that Trump was aboard Air Force One when he left Turkey, concealing his actual location and travel arrangements.

Trump said the decision to move him was made by the U.S. Secret Service and military officials and indicated that he did not seek extensive details about the threat.

The unusual security operation followed Trump’s participation in the NATO summit in Ankara in July. Trump had arrived aboard a recently renovated aircraft donated by Qatar, which has been used for presidential travel while the U.S. prepares a replacement Air Force One fleet.

The episode unfolded amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran and the United States remain engaged in a broader confrontation involving military strikes, sanctions, threats and stalled diplomatic efforts. Reuters reported this week that tensions had continued to rise, including attacks on shipping in key regional waterways.

Iran has also warned that further U.S. military action could trigger retaliation against U.S. interests and infrastructure in the Gulf, adding to concerns about a wider regional escalation.

The White House has not publicly released details of the intelligence behind the reported assassination threat, and the reports do not establish that Iran had a confirmed operational plan to attack Trump.

The secrecy surrounding the flight has nevertheless drawn attention because presidential travel is normally protected through extensive security measures without publicly presenting a decoy account of the president’s location for weeks.

The incident highlights the security challenges facing Trump as tensions with Iran remain unresolved and Washington weighs military pressure alongside efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement.

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About 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been excluded from secondary education since 2021, UNESCO said Tuesday, warning that the prolonged restrictions are deepening the country’s education crisis and threatening its future workforce.

The warning comes ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls and women are formally barred from secondary and higher education, according to UNESCO.

Women have also been excluded from universities since 2022 and face sweeping restrictions on employment and participation in public life.

UNESCO warned that the consequences could extend well beyond the current generation. It estimates that restrictions on women’s education and employment could result in 600,000 fewer women in Afghanistan’s workforce by 2066 and cumulative income losses of about $9.6 billion. The agency also warned that prolonged exclusion from education could increase the risk of early marriage.

The restrictions are also worsening Afghanistan’s shortage of qualified female teachers. UNESCO estimates the country could face a deficit of more than 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030.

Hoda Jaberian, UNESCO’s coordinator for education in emergencies, said many teachers had left Afghanistan while others who remained had been prevented from continuing to teach.

“Many teachers have left the country, and those who remained in the education system have been prevented from continuing to teach,” Jaberian said at a news briefing.

She said restrictions on women teaching boys had further reduced the number of qualified educators available to schools, leaving some students without teachers or being taught by male teachers who lack adequate qualifications.

The crisis extends beyond girls’ exclusion from secondary and higher education. UNESCO said more than 2 million primary-school-age children are out of school for reasons unrelated to the restrictions on girls and women.

Learning outcomes are also severely weak. More than 90% of 10-year-old children in Afghanistan cannot read and understand a simple text, while the country’s literacy rate stands at about 37%, UNESCO said.

The agency said the figures reflect a broader crisis involving access to education, gender equality and the quality of learning.

UNESCO warned that continued restrictions on girls’ education will reduce the number of women entering skilled professions, including teaching and healthcare, further weakening Afghanistan’s human capital and its capacity to provide essential services.

The Taliban first banned girls above sixth grade from secondary school after returning to power in August 2021 and later barred women from universities. Despite widespread international criticism and repeated calls for the restrictions to be reversed, the policies remain in place.

UNESCO said sustained international support for education remains essential, while calling for girls and women to regain access to secondary and higher education.

The agency warned that what began as an education restriction has become a long-term structural crisis with consequences for Afghanistan’s workforce, economy and development.

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Afghan and Pakistani traders say continued tensions between the two countries and the closure of key commercial crossings are disrupting trade and damaging businesses on both sides, with no firm agreement yet to reopen the main routes.

Junaid Ismail, head of the Pakistan section of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said traders were continuing talks with Pakistani officials over the reopening of commercial and transit routes.

“There are now some signs that the transit routes may be reopened,” Ismail stated, while cautioning that more work was needed before trade could resume normally.

He said political and security disputes between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities, compounded by wider regional instability and disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran, had made trade and transit more difficult.

“The closure of trade routes benefits neither country,” Ismail said, warning that the disruption was hurting businesses, workers and both economies.

He also criticized the deterioration in public attitudes toward goods from the neighbouring country, saying Pakistani products had become less popular in Afghanistan amid what he described as negative messaging. “This should not have happened,” he said.

Khan Jan Alokozay, head of the Afghanistan section of the joint chamber, said there had been no significant new progress between the two governments toward reopening the crossings, although business leaders continued to press for a solution.

Alokozay said Afghan traders had held repeated meetings with Taliban officials over the economic consequences of the closures. “We told them that this ban is harmful to both sides and that facilities should be created,” Alokozay said.

According to Alokozay, Taliban officials have told traders that Pakistan has repeatedly used border crossings as a tool of political pressure. They have said Kabul wants guarantees from Pakistan before agreeing to fully reopen the routes.

The main crossings, including Torkham and Spin Boldak, have been repeatedly disrupted or closed amid escalating tensions between the two countries. The closures have stranded commercial vehicles, interrupted supply chains and reduced income for businesses operating along the frontier.

Recent reporting from Pakistan has highlighted the impact on communities around Torkham, where prolonged border restrictions have severely affected local businesses and employment.

Afghanistan’s traders have increasingly sought alternative routes through Iran and other regional corridors. But those routes have also faced disruption from wider regional instability. Earlier reporting said conflict-related disruption around the Strait of Hormuz had complicated Afghanistan’s alternative trade routes, raising transport costs and leaving goods and vehicles stranded.

The trade dispute comes after months of worsening relations between Kabul and Islamabad, including cross-border clashes and Pakistani military strikes inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has accused Afghan authorities of failing to prevent militant groups from operating from Afghanistan territory, while Kabul has rejected accusations that it provides safe havens for militants and has condemned Pakistani military operations.

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Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez have officially married in a private ceremony in Portugal, marking a new chapter for one of the world’s most closely followed celebrity couples.

The couple confirmed the marriage on Instagram on Tuesday, August 11, sharing a photograph showing their hands adorned with gold wedding bands. The post was captioned simply “C R.”

Representatives for Ronaldo previously described the ceremony as a “private and intimate” occasion. The wedding took place in the coastal area of Cascais, near Lisbon, and was attended by the couple’s five children, according to reports.

Ronaldo, 41, and Rodriguez, 32, have been together since 2016, when they met in Madrid while Rodriguez was working at a Gucci store. Their relationship became public the following year.

The couple’s nine-year age difference has drawn attention following their wedding announcement. Ronaldo was born in February 1985, while Rodriguez was born in January 1994.

Rodriguez has developed an international profile as a model, influencer and entrepreneur. Her Netflix documentary series, I Am Georgina, offered viewers a look into her relationship with Ronaldo, family life and career.

The couple have also built joint business interests, including fashion ventures and hotel investments, while maintaining a large global following on social media. Their combined following has been reported at more than 750 million.

The pair have experienced significant personal milestones and hardship during their relationship. They have raised a family together while also dealing with the loss of their baby son in 2022. Their daughter survived.

Ronaldo is regarded as one of the most successful footballers of his generation. The Portugal captain has played for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus and has won five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles. He currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

The wedding comes about a year after Rodriguez announced their engagement publicly on Instagram, bringing to a close a long courtship that has remained a major subject of international sports and entertainment coverage.

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Two Afghan male staff members of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) were detained by officials of the de facto General Directorate of Intelligence in Herat, the U.N. mission said.

In a statement, UNAMA said the two staff members were detained on Sunday, August 9, but that the mission had not been informed of any charges against them or been allowed to meet with them.

“We confirm that two Afghan UNAMA male staff members were detained by officials of the de facto General Directorate of Intelligence on Sunday, 9 August in Herat,” the mission said.

“UNAMA has not been informed of the charges against them, nor have we been permitted to see them,” it added.

UNAMA called on the de facto authorities to respect the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations and its officials under international law.

“We call on the de facto authorities to ensure compliance with the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its officials,” UNAMA said.

The U.N. mission did not provide further details about the circumstances of the detentions, including where the two staff members were being held or whether they remained in custody.

The detentions come amid continuing concerns over the operating environment for international organizations and humanitarian personnel in Afghanistan. The United Nations has repeatedly stressed the need for its personnel to be able to carry out their work safely and independently.

UNAMA has maintained a presence in Afghanistan since 2002 and continues to support humanitarian, human rights and political efforts in the country. Its personnel operate under privileges and immunities intended to protect the independence of the United Nations and its officials.

This comes amid a sharp decline in international aid to Afghanistan, leaving millions facing growing difficulties in accessing adequate housing, food and essential healthcare services.

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Zabihullah Mujahid said there is no information about the whereabouts of Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Shah Habibi, who disappeared in Kabul in 2022, as the United States continues to demand information about his fate and offers a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his recovery and return.

Mujahid said in a video message on Tuesday that Habibi was not in Taliban custody, adding that if he were being held by the group, the issue would have been resolved. His remarks came as the case entered its fourth year without confirmed information about Habibi’s fate.

Habibi, a former head of Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority and a U.S. citizen, disappeared on August 10, 2022, after being taken from his vehicle near his home in Kabul. He was working as a consultant for Asia Consultancy Group, a Kabul-based telecommunications company, at the time.

The FBI says it believes Habibi was taken by Taliban military or security forces along with his driver and 29 other employees of the company. All but Habibi and one other detainee were later released, according to the FBI. The agency has continued to investigate his disappearance and says he has not been heard from since.

The Taliban has repeatedly denied holding Habibi. In a previous official statement, Mujahid said investigations across relevant Taliban institutions found no evidence that Habibi had been detained by any Taliban-affiliated agency.

The United States has continued to press for information about Habibi and his return to his family. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $5 million for information leading to his location, recovery and return.

The FBI renewed its public appeal on the anniversary of Habibi’s disappearance, saying it remains committed to finding him and reuniting him with his family. The agency has asked anyone with information to contact the FBI or submit a confidential tip.

The case has also become a point of tension between Washington and the Taliban authorities. U.S. officials have continued to seek answers about Americans who are missing or detained in Afghanistan, while the Taliban has rejected allegations that it is responsible for Habibi’s disappearance.

Habibi’s family has continued to seek information about his fate. His disappearance has received renewed attention in the United States as Washington presses for greater accountability and the safe return of American citizens believed to be missing or detained abroad.

Habibi’s disappearance occurred shortly after the Taliban returned to power and days after a U.S. drone strike in Kabul killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The FBI continues to list Habibi as missing, while the U.S. government maintains its $5 million reward and has called for information that could establish his location and secure his return. The Taliban’s latest denial provides no new information about where Habibi is or what happened to him.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that the United States initially demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” at the start of the conflict but sought negotiations with Tehran about 20 days later.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, August 11, Araghchi cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s early-war call for Iran to surrender unconditionally, saying Washington later shifted toward negotiations.

“This is what they wanted from us, and 20 days later, the same enemy was begging for negotiations,” Araghchi said, according to Iranian media reports.

The comments come as Iran and the United States remain divided over the terms of any diplomatic settlement. Key disputes include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, security guarantees and the conditions for ending military hostilities.

Araghchi said Tehran remains open to diplomacy but has expressed deep distrust of Washington, citing previous U.S. policies and what Iranian officials describe as broken commitments. Iran has also demanded an end to U.S. military action and compensation for damage caused during the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz has added another layer to the confrontation. Tehran has linked the full reopening of the strategic waterway to its demands, while Washington has called for unrestricted commercial shipping. Any prolonged disruption could affect global energy supplies and oil markets.

The Trump administration has continued to press Iran for concessions while signalling an interest in a diplomatic settlement. Tehran, however, has rejected what it describes as demands for capitulation and has called for negotiations based on reciprocal commitments.

Araghchi’s remarks portray Washington’s reported shift from military pressure to diplomacy as evidence that the U.S. strategy failed to secure its objectives through force. Washington has not endorsed that characterization.

Iran and the United States have moved between confrontation and diplomacy over several months, with negotiations repeatedly complicated by disagreements over Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions and regional security.

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A Syrian criminal court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over killings, torture and crimes against humanity committed during the country’s 14-year conflict, marking a major judicial step against senior figures of his former government.

The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus also sentenced Assad’s younger brother, Maher al-Assad, and his maternal cousin Atef Najib to death in the same case. Bashar and Maher were tried in absentia, while Najib, a former political security chief in Daraa province, was present in court following his arrest earlier this year.

The case involves allegations of premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and other serious abuses linked to the former government’s crackdown on Syrians during the conflict. Najib was accused of playing a central role in the 2011 crackdown in Daraa, where protests against Assad’s government helped trigger the wider uprising and subsequent civil war.

The court also ordered Bashar and Maher al-Assad to be pursued internationally, according to Syrian media reports.

The verdict is one of the most significant legal actions against senior figures of the former government since Assad was ousted in December 2024. The conflict that followed the 2011 uprising killed roughly half a million people and displaced millions of Syrians.

Atef Najib’s case was among the first major public trials of a senior figure from the former government under Syria’s transitional authorities. His role in the Daraa crackdown has made him a prominent figure in efforts to establish accountability for abuses committed during the early stages of the conflict.

Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after opposition forces seized Damascus in December 2024 and has since been living in Russia. His presence outside Syria is likely to make enforcement of the death sentence difficult unless Russian authorities agree to cooperate with Syrian judicial authorities.

The ruling comes as Syria’s transitional authorities seek to prosecute former government officials and establish a domestic accountability process for alleged abuses committed during Assad’s rule.

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Bamyan and Daikundi have become Afghanistan’s first provinces to achieve open-defecation-free status, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Monday, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve sanitation and public health.

Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, said Daikundi became the country’s second province to achieve the milestone this year, following Bamyan, which reached the status in 2018.

Oyewale said 627,000 people across nine districts of Daikundi now have access to sanitation services, helping improve hygiene conditions and create a healthier environment for children and families.

Open defecation is associated with the spread of diseases caused by contaminated water and poor sanitation, with children particularly vulnerable to the health consequences of inadequate hygiene and sanitation facilities.

The progress in Daikundi follows years of sanitation efforts aimed at expanding access to toilets and promoting safer hygiene practices at the community level. Bamyan’s achievement in 2018 made it the first province in Afghanistan to be recognised as open-defecation-free.

The two provinces’ progress comes as Afghanistan continues to face significant gaps in access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

UNICEF has repeatedly highlighted sanitation, safe water and hygiene as essential to protecting children’s health and reducing preventable disease. Expanding these services remains important for improving living conditions and strengthening public health across Afghanistan.

The latest milestone in Bamyan and Daikundi highlights the impact of sustained community-level sanitation efforts while underscoring the need to extend similar services to other provinces where access remains limited.

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NASA’s Curiosity rover has captured images of numerous small polygon-shaped formations on Mars, giving scientists new geological features to investigate as they study the planet’s environmental history.

The patterns were observed across an area near the slopes of a region known as Miraflores. The formations appear to measure several centimetres across and are scattered across the Martian surface.

Similar polygonal patterns have previously been observed on Mars. Some have been linked to ancient mud that dried and cracked as environmental conditions changed. Scientists have not yet determined whether the newly observed formations were created through the same process or by a different geological mechanism.

Researchers are examining the structures’ geometry, physical characteristics and chemical composition to determine how they formed. Data collected by Curiosity could help establish whether the formations contain minerals associated with ancient wet environments or materials altered by later geological processes.

The findings could provide clues about how Mars’ surface changed over billions of years. In particular, identifying the conditions under which the polygons formed could help scientists better understand periods when water may have been present on the planet’s surface.

Curiosity has been exploring Mars since landing in Gale Crater in 2012. The rover studies rocks and soil to reconstruct the planet’s geological history and determine whether ancient Mars had environmental conditions that could have supported microbial life.

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Amnesty International Australia has urged the government to expand humanitarian and resettlement opportunities for Afghans facing the greatest risks, including women and girls, human rights defenders and members of ethnic and religious minorities.

The call was made at a Canberra meeting on Tuesday, August 11, attended by Afghan civil society and human rights activists. Amnesty also urged Australia to support international efforts to hold Afghanistan’s authorities accountable for alleged serious human rights violations.

Afghan women’s rights activist Farkhondeh described the restrictions on women and girls as “gender apartheid,” while Zaki Haidari, an international strategic campaigner with Amnesty International Australia, called on Canberra to increase diplomatic pressure and support efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan.

Amnesty has previously called for 20,000 additional humanitarian places for Afghan refugees over four years from 2026 and urged Australia to prioritise and accelerate outstanding Afghan protection and resettlement applications.

According to Amnesty’s 2026–27 pre-budget submission, 148,356 applications from Afghan nationals for protection and resettlement in Australia were recorded as of October 2025. The organization has called for vulnerable applicants to receive priority processing.

The Australian government allocated 26,500 dedicated humanitarian visa places for Afghans through 2025–26. Foreign Minister Penny Wong also announced an additional A$50 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan in January. Australia says it has provided more than A$310 million in humanitarian support since 2021.

Afghanistan remains a major humanitarian and protection crisis, with restrictions on women and girls limiting access to education, employment and public life. Human rights defenders, journalists and members of some minority communities also face protection concerns.

Australia established a dedicated Afghan humanitarian pathway after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The government says more than 5,700 Afghan nationals have been resettled in Australia, while more than 2,000 others had been certified under relevant humanitarian programs as of late July 2026.

Amnesty’s latest appeal comes amid continued calls from refugee advocates for Australia to expand safe pathways for Afghans who remain at risk inside Afghanistan or in neighbouring countries.

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The Human Rights Organization HANA has warned that the continued deportation of undocumented Afghans from Iran could expose women and children to serious protection risks after their return to Afghanistan.

In a report published on Monday, August 10, HANA said deported children could face family separation, disruption to education, lack of legal identity, exploitation and unsafe living conditions. It also warned that Afghan women and girls could face additional risks because of restrictions on education, employment and movement and the lack of adequate support networks.

HANA said describing Afghans as “undocumented” should not replace an individual assessment of their protection needs. It called for legal safeguards and humanitarian support before returns are carried out.

Iran’s Interior Ministry said Sunday that about 2 million undocumented or unregistered Afghans had been deported since the beginning of Iranian year 1404, which started in March 2025. The ministry said the deportation campaign was continuing.

The scale of the returns has added pressure on Afghanistan’s already strained humanitarian system. UNHCR data showed that 315,800 Afghans had been deported from Iran in 2026 as of July 11, accounting for more than 83% of recorded deportations to Afghanistan from neighbouring countries during that period.

UNHCR has advised countries to suspend forced returns to Afghanistan where individuals face protection risks and has identified women and girls among groups facing heightened vulnerabilities.

The agency has also provided support to eligible Afghans returning from Iran, including protection assessments, healthcare, accommodation and limited financial assistance for people with heightened protection needs.

HANA warned that continued deportations without adequate screening, legal safeguards and humanitarian assistance could further increase the vulnerability of Afghan women, children and other at-risk groups.

The issue comes as Iran seeks to manage a large undocumented Afghan population while Afghanistan faces limited employment opportunities, widespread poverty and continuing humanitarian needs.

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United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into reported killings in Kabul, saying any use of lethal force must comply with international human rights law.

Bennett said on Monday, August 10, that four people were killed in Kabul’s eighth security district that day, while seven others had reportedly been killed in the same area several days earlier.

He called for an independent investigation and stressed that the use of lethal force must meet international standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality.

The statement followed reports from local sources that four young Hazara men were shot dead in Dasht-e-Barchi, in Kabul’s 13th security district. The circumstances of the killings remain unclear.

Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for Kabul’s police command, said security forces had killed four “armed robbers” in Kabul’s 18th security district. He provided no further details and did not clarify whether the incident was related to the deaths reported in Dasht-e-Barchi.

Bennett has repeatedly called for independent investigations into alleged human rights violations in Afghanistan and for those responsible to be held accountable.

The latest reports highlight continuing concerns over civilian protection, transparency and the use of force by security personnel in Kabul.

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A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, damaging buildings and leaving people trapped under rubble as emergency teams launched search-and-rescue operations.

The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time near San José del Palmar in Chocó, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia’s geological authorities. Tremors were felt across parts of Colombia and in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.

The worst-affected areas included Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó. Authorities said more than 20 municipalities had reported damage, with rescue teams continuing to assess collapsed buildings and search for survivors.

Pereira authorities reported at least 18 deaths and said additional people were trapped beneath collapsed structures. Movement restrictions and school closures were introduced in the city to facilitate emergency operations.

In Manizales, part of a historic neo-Gothic cathedral tower collapsed following the earthquake. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for aftershocks and avoid damaged buildings.

The Colombian Geological Service described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in decades. Several aftershocks were reported, raising concerns about further damage.

The earthquake also disrupted air travel, with authorities reporting interruptions at airports serving Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Buenaventura and Quibdó.

President Abelardo de la Espriella said he was overseeing emergency and reconstruction efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring the situation and was prepared to assist affected areas.

The disaster has revived memories of Colombia’s devastating 1999 earthquake near Armenia, which killed more than 1,000 people and caused widespread destruction.

Rescue operations remain underway as authorities assess damage and search for people who may still be trapped. Officials have urged residents to follow emergency instructions and remain prepared for further aftershocks.

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U.S. President Donald Trump secretly left Turkey aboard a smaller U.S. military aircraft last month amid security concerns over a reported Iranian threat, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The Washington Post reported that U.S. officials used an older Air Force One aircraft as a decoy after Trump attended a NATO summit in Ankara. Trump publicly boarded the aircraft, leading journalists and some White House personnel to believe he would travel on it.

Instead, Trump was reportedly transferred covertly using an airport catering vehicle to a smaller Air Force C-32A military jet. The aircraft then flew him to a U.S. military facility in Britain, according to the report.

The operation was designed to conceal the president’s actual location amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. Journalists travelling on the decoy aircraft were reportedly instructed to keep their window shades closed.

Trump had travelled to Turkey aboard a Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar. The plane has been undergoing modifications and security work, prompting Trump to continue using the older Air Force One aircraft for some presidential travel.

The reported security operation came amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran and warnings from U.S. officials about possible threats against Trump. CBS News previously reported that U.S. officials considered the threat from Iran and allied groups credible.

The White House did not confirm details of the reported operation. White House Communications Director Steve Cheung defended the security measures, saying presidential protection remained a priority because of threats against Trump. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, while the Secret Service declined to comment.

The use of decoy aircraft for presidential security is not unprecedented. U.S. officials have previously used similar measures when presidents travelled to high-risk locations or faced serious security threats, including during former President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to Pakistan.

The reported operation highlights the heightened security precautions surrounding Trump’s international travel amid tensions with Iran. However, the report does not establish that Iran planned or attempted an attack on Trump or his aircraft.

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An Afghan asylum seeker has been sentenced to nine years and six months in prison after being convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl in Nottingham after posing as a teenage boy on Snapchat, according to British court reports.

Abdul Khan, 28, was convicted at Nottingham Crown Court of two counts of rape, sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following grooming and perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that Khan presented himself as a 14-year-old boy on Snapchat before arranging to meet the girl in a wooded area in Clifton, Nottingham, in May 2025. DNA evidence recovered during the investigation linked him to the assault.

Khan had previously been convicted over sexual contact involving another child and had served a prison sentence, according to court reports.

Nottinghamshire Police described Khan as a dangerous offender and said his conduct demonstrated a serious risk to children and young people.

The court ordered Khan to remain on the sex-offender register for life. He is also subject to automatic deportation from the United Kingdom following his prison sentence, subject to the applicable legal process.

Khan arrived in Britain from Afghanistan in 2015, according to British media reports.

The case has renewed concerns over the use of social media to groom children, with police warning about adults concealing their identities online to gain the trust of minors.

The victim’s identity is protected by law. Court evidence indicated that the assault had a significant psychological impact on her.

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U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has accused President Donald Trump of lacking a clear strategy and the discipline needed for serious negotiations over the Iran conflict, warning that the approach is putting U.S. troops at risk.

In a post on X early Tuesday, August 11, Schumer said Trump had led the United States into what he called an “illegal war” and argued that the president’s lack of strategy, discipline and negotiating ability was increasing risks for American servicemembers.

“Trump’s leadership is a total and absolute failure,” Schumer said, calling for an end to the conflict and for the United States to begin repairing what he described as the damage caused by the war.

Schumer has repeatedly criticized Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict and has called for Congress to exercise greater authority over U.S. military operations. Reuters has reported on congressional efforts to limit Trump’s war powers and halt U.S. military involvement in the conflict.

His latest comments come as Washington weighs military pressure against renewed diplomatic efforts with Tehran. Trump has alternated between demanding major concessions from Iran and expressing openness to negotiations, while Iranian officials have linked a broader settlement to demands including an end to U.S. military action, the withdrawal of American forces from the region and sanctions relief.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue in the confrontation. Iran has tied the full reopening of the strategic waterway to its demands, while Washington has sought unrestricted commercial shipping. Disruptions around the strait have raised concerns over energy supplies, shipping costs and global markets.

Schumer’s criticism also reflects a broader dispute in Washington over presidential war powers. Democrats have argued that Congress should have a greater role in determining whether U.S. forces can remain involved in hostilities with Iran, while the Trump administration has defended its authority to conduct military operations.

The latest remarks underscore continuing political opposition to Trump’s Iran policy as Washington seeks a way to end the conflict and reduce regional tensions.

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Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called for dialogue and reconciliation among Afghans and urged the reopening of schools for girls, saying education should not be treated as a political issue.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Karzai said Afghanistan’s future depends on dialogue among Afghans, education for girls and greater opportunities for women to work. He said he continues to refer to Taliban officials as “brothers” and believes supporters and opponents of the Taliban must eventually find a way to coexist peacefully.

Karzai, who has remained in Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, said reopening girls’ schools and creating opportunities for women are among his main priorities.

“Education is not a political issue,” Karzai said, arguing that Afghan girls should be able to study from primary school through university.

He said some Taliban officials he has known for decades support reopening girls’ schools and do not want Afghanistan to return to war. Karzai called for what he described as a period of “repentance and reconciliation” after decades of conflict, saying Afghans should seek mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Karzai also criticized restrictions on women and girls, arguing that excluding them from education and employment is inconsistent with Afghanistan’s history and cultural traditions. He cited historical and literary figures including Rabia Balkhi and Gowharshad Begum as examples of women’s contributions to Afghanistan society.

Discussing the collapse of the former Afghanistan government, Karzai said the United States made significant mistakes during its military involvement in Afghanistan. He cited military operations and attacks that affected civilians, as well as Pakistan’s support for the Taliban, among factors that contributed to the fall of the republic.

Karzai said he accepts that the former republic was defeated but argued that Afghanistan itself has not been defeated.

He said the country’s future should be based on dialogue among Afghans and the development of an educated population, rather than a return to conflict.

Karzai’s comments come as Afghanistan continues to face restrictions on women and girls, including the suspension of secondary and university education for females under the Taliban authorities. His call for dialogue and the reopening of girls’ schools reflects his longstanding position that Afghanistan’s political and social challenges should be addressed through reconciliation rather than renewed conflict.

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The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has renewed its appeal for information about Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Shah Habibi, who disappeared in Kabul four years ago and remains missing.

The FBI issued the appeal on Monday, August 10, marking the fourth anniversary of Habibi’s disappearance. Michael Burgwald, head of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, urged anyone with information about Habibi’s whereabouts to contact the agency.

Habibi disappeared on August 10, 2022, after he was taken from his vehicle near his home in Kabul along with his driver. According to the FBI, Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Intelligence detained the two men along with 29 other employees of Asia Consultancy Group, a Kabul-based telecommunications company where Habibi worked as a consultant.

Habibi previously served as Afghanistan’s director of civil aviation. The FBI says he has not been heard from since his reported detention. The Taliban authorities have not publicly provided information about his whereabouts or condition.

According to the FBI, all but Habibi and one other detainee were later released. The circumstances surrounding Habibi’s disappearance and continued detention remain unclear.

The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $5 million for information that leads to Habibi’s location, recovery and return.

The FBI said information can be submitted through its official channels and that confidentiality is available to those providing information.

The renewed appeal comes as Habibi’s family marks four years without information about his fate. The FBI said it remains committed to locating him and bringing him home.

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Afghanistan secured a place at the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI in Belfast on Monday.

Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs after Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field. Rashid Khan and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar led the Afghanistan attack with three wickets each.

Afghanistan reached the target of 207 in 44.5 overs, losing seven wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 71, while Rashid Khan remained unbeaten on 37 to steer Afghanistan through a tense chase.

The victory gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2–0 lead in the five-match series. The first ODI was abandoned without a ball being bowled, while Afghanistan won the second match by 92 runs.

The result also confirmed Afghanistan’s direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Afghanistan and Ireland will meet in the fourth ODI in Belfast on Wednesday, August 12, with a fifth match still to follow in the series.

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Iran says securing its water rights from Afghanistan’s Helmand River remains a top priority in its relations with the Taliban authorities, as Tehran continues diplomatic and technical discussions over downstream water flows.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday, August 10, that the Helmand water issue is a “constant, vital and strategic” matter for Iran and remains on the agenda of Tehran’s engagement with Afghanistan.

Baghaei said Iran was continuing to pursue what it considers its water rights under the 1973 Helmand River Water Treaty and claimed there had been “tangible progress” during the current water year. He did not provide figures or details to independently verify the reported progress.

The 1973 treaty requires Afghanistan to provide Iran with an average of 26 cubic metres of Helmand River water per second, subject to the agreement’s provisions. The river originates in Afghanistan and flows toward Iran’s Sistan region, where water shortages have affected agriculture, livelihoods and the environment.

Iran has repeatedly called on Afghanistan to implement the treaty and ensure the flow of water it says is guaranteed under the agreement. Tehran has also raised concerns over Afghanistan dams and other water-management projects that it says could reduce downstream flows.

Afghanistan has maintained that prolonged drought, declining rainfall and wider water shortages have reduced the amount of water available in the Helmand basin. Afghan authorities have also emphasized Afghanistan’s need to use its water resources for domestic consumption, agriculture and development.

The dispute has periodically strained relations between the two neighbours and remains particularly sensitive as both countries face worsening water scarcity.

Baghaei said technical and political consultations were continuing, but neither Tehran nor Kabul has publicly released detailed figures on the volume of water delivered to Iran during the current water year.

The Helmand River is likely to remain a sensitive issue in Afghanistan-Iran relations as drought, water shortages and competing demands increase pressure on the river basin.

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Iran said Monday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz depends on an end to what it calls U.S. “illegal and destructive actions” and compensation for resulting damage, adding a new condition to ongoing talks mediated by Oman.

Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference that the reopening of the strategic waterway would be conditional on Washington ending the actions and compensating Iran.

Baghaei also said transit fees had not been discussed in the latest round of Oman-mediated negotiations over maritime traffic through the strait.

The comments reinforce Tehran’s position that easing restrictions on shipping is linked to broader demands in its dispute with Washington. Iranian officials have previously called for an end to U.S. military action, sanctions and other measures against Iran.

Oman has been mediating between Iran and the United States as both sides seek arrangements to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has not provided details on a final framework or a timetable for fully reopening the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is a major global energy and shipping route. Prolonged disruption could affect oil supplies, shipping costs and international trade.

The latest Iranian position could complicate efforts to reach an agreement on restoring normal maritime traffic, particularly if Washington rejects Tehran’s demands as a condition for reopening the strait.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says the de facto authorities have taken steps to oversee and discipline security personnel since 2021, but limited transparency and unresolved complaints continue to weaken accountability.

UNAMA said on August 10, 2026, that its 38-page report found that security institutions had introduced internal monitoring mechanisms, disciplinary directives and bodies to investigate alleged misconduct.

However, the mission said there is insufficient public information about complaints, investigations and disciplinary or judicial actions. Many complaints reportedly remain unresolved, while fear of reprisals, lack of trust in authorities and barriers to reporting discourage people from coming forward.

Women face additional obstacles because of restrictions affecting their daily lives, UNAMA said.

“The limited amount of public information on complaints received, investigations conducted, and disciplinary or judicial actions taken by relevant de facto bodies undermine confidence and weaken deterrence,” said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA.

“Visible and consistent accountability measures indicate that rules are applied equally and to every person, including those in positions of authority,” she stated.

UNAMA documented cases in which security personnel accused of misconduct were arrested, investigated and referred to de facto military courts. It nevertheless called for stronger and more consistent enforcement of rules governing the use of force, arrests, detention, searches and crowd control.

The mission also urged the authorities to establish safe and accessible complaints mechanisms, protect victims and witnesses from retaliation, and regularly publish information on misconduct cases and actions taken.

The report covers accountability efforts since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. UNAMA said several oversight bodies have since been established, but limited public reporting makes it difficult to assess their effectiveness.

UNAMA said stronger accountability would improve public trust and professionalism within security institutions and support Afghanistan’s stability and engagement with the international community.

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Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says Afghanistan’s legal and regulatory system has been increasingly used to restrict independent journalism since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

In a report marking five years since the Taliban takeover, RSF reviewed more than 20 nationwide orders, along with provincial directives and verbal instructions issued between September 2021 and January 2026. The organization said the measures have progressively controlled what media outlets can report, who can appear or speak on air and how journalists cover political issues.

RSF said the restrictions have affected criticism of officials, international media broadcasts, women’s participation in broadcasting, live political programs, guest selection and the use of images of living beings.

The organization said nationwide restrictions began weeks after the August 2021 takeover, when authorities introduced journalism principles prohibiting content deemed contrary to Islam or offensive to national figures. Media outlets were also instructed to coordinate detailed reports with authorities and adopt official terminology when referring to the government.

Restrictions on women in media expanded over subsequent years. RSF cited rules requiring female television presenters to cover their faces and later measures restricting women’s voices in radio and public information programs.

RSF said restrictions also targeted international broadcasts and political programming. Afghan media outlets were barred from rebroadcasting Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty programs on FM frequencies, while later directives restricted live political programs and required prior approval for guests and experts.

The organization said provincial authorities have imposed additional rules, particularly in Kandahar, including restrictions on women’s voices, reporting access and terminology used for Taliban officials.

RSF also raised concerns over Afghanistan’s January 2026 criminal procedures regulation, saying its broad provisions could potentially be used against journalists and commentators and could weaken source confidentiality.

RSF said the restrictions represent a progression from controlling media content to regulating terminology, women’s participation, political programming and ultimately the potential use of judicial mechanisms against critical reporting.

The organization called for the repeal of rules that restrict journalism on the basis of what it described as vague religious, moral or “national interest” provisions.

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Afghanistan is facing mounting humanitarian and economic pressures as more than six million Afghans have returned from neighbouring countries since late 2023, with 73% of returnees unemployed, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said.

Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the NRC, said Monday, August 10, that the scale of returns was placing additional pressure on communities already struggling with poverty, unemployment and limited access to basic services.

We are increasingly left alone in the face of growing needs and shrinking rights for girls and women across Afghanistan, Egeland said, accusing NATO member states of failing to maintain sufficient support for Afghan civilians.

The NRC said the large-scale returns were adding pressure to housing, healthcare, education, food security and other essential services, while many returnees were struggling to find work and rebuild their livelihoods.

The organization said 73% of Afghans who have returned are unemployed, highlighting the difficulty of reintegrating large numbers of people into an economy already facing limited employment opportunities.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is also being compounded by recurring climate-related disasters, including droughts and floods. The NRC said these pressures are occurring alongside restrictions on women and girls, including their continued exclusion from secondary and higher education and restrictions on employment.

The organization warned that the combination of mass returns, unemployment, climate shocks and deteriorating rights is increasing the vulnerability of millions of Afghans and placing further strain on already limited humanitarian resources.

Egeland called for sustained international attention and support for Afghanistan, saying growing humanitarian needs require continued assistance as well as greater protection of the rights of women and girls.

The NRC’s warning comes as Afghanistan continues to absorb large numbers of returnees from neighbouring countries, increasing the pressure on communities and humanitarian organizations to provide shelter, livelihoods and basic services.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Afghanistan and Pakistan cooperated with Tehran during the recent conflict by taking measures to prevent people from using their territories to cross into Iran and create unrest.

Speaking at a meeting in Tehran marking Iran’s National Journalists’ Day, Pezeshkian said both countries had deployed groups to monitor their borders and had made clear that their territory would not be used to infiltrate Iran.

“Pakistan is now cooperating with all its might. Afghanistan is also cooperating very well,” Pezeshkian said, adding that other neighbouring countries had also provided varying levels of assistance.

Pezeshkian said Iran had faced alleged attempts to exploit its borders during the conflict, including plans to attack Iranian border posts and move armed groups into the country from the northwest and southeast.

According to the Iranian president, some of the attempted infiltrations were met with Iranian security responses, while neighbouring governments also took measures against people seeking to cross their borders into Iran.

The claims come amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Iran has faced security concerns along several of its borders, while Afghanistan and Pakistan have sought to manage their own security challenges and relations with Tehran.

Pakistan has maintained communication with both Iran and the United States and has previously presented itself as a possible mediator in efforts to reduce regional tensions.

Pezeshkian also said the current circumstances could create an opportunity for renewed diplomacy. He argued that Iran was prepared to pursue its demands through negotiations if other countries were willing to recognise what Tehran considers its legitimate interests.

At the same time, he said Iran’s broader position toward Washington had not fundamentally changed. Pezeshkian described the United States in strongly critical terms while arguing that diplomacy had nevertheless helped bring Washington to the negotiating table.

His remarks come as negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz remain a major point of contention between Tehran and Washington. Iran has said the strategic waterway will not fully reopen until the United States meets its demands, while Washington has pushed for unrestricted commercial shipping.

Recent reporting has indicated that Iran and Oman have been discussing possible arrangements for commercial shipping through the strait. However, Tehran has continued to link a full reopening of the waterway to broader issues in its dispute with Washington.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy corridor, and prolonged restrictions on shipping could affect energy supplies, transportation costs and international trade.

Pezeshkian’s comments underline Tehran’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries while managing border-security concerns and keeping diplomatic channels open with Washington.

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Bollywood actor Govinda has recalled one of the most painful periods of his life, saying the death of his mother in 1996 left him so devastated that he entered the Narmada River believing he might somehow meet her again.

Speaking to ANI, Govinda described the deep grief he experienced after his mother, Nirmala Devi, died on June 15, 1996, at the age of 69. He said he was overwhelmed by emotional pain and felt at the time that “everything was over.”

Govinda recalled walking farther into the Narmada River because he believed he would be reunited with his mother. When asked whether the incident amounted to an attempt to take his own life, he described it as “kind of” a suicide attempt, while explaining that his actions were driven by his grief and attachment to his mother.

According to Govinda, a sadhu eventually approached him while he was in the river and asked what had happened. The encounter prompted him to reconsider his actions, after which he walked out of the water.

The actor said he later realised that he had responsibilities to his children and reasons to continue living. He recalled that it took him around 10 to 15 days to recover from the intense emotional state he experienced following the incident.

Nirmala Devi, a Hindustani classical vocalist and actor, played an important role in Govinda’s early life and ambitions. Her death came as his film career was entering one of its most successful periods.

Govinda said his mother’s death also changed how he viewed success. Rather than considering fame and acting achievements the most important measures of his life, he said fulfilling his mother’s hopes for him and supporting his family carried greater meaning.

Govinda later became one of Bollywood cinema’s most recognisable stars, particularly through comedy and commercial films during the 1990s and early 2000s. His career included numerous popular films and successful collaborations.

In his latest recollection, however, Govinda focused less on his decades-long career than on grief, family and the experience that followed the loss of his mother.

His account offers a personal reflection on the profound impact of bereavement and how, after an acute period of grief, he found reasons to move forward with his life.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point Gaza peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Israel will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Reuters reported that Netanyahu’s position creates a major obstacle to the U.S.-backed roadmap, which envisages the phased disarmament of Hamas, an Israeli military withdrawal and the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza.

Netanyahu said Israel does not accept the 15-point document and that its military would not withdraw until Hamas had been genuinely disarmed. He also said Israel would continue taking measures to protect its forces and citizens from security threats.

The Israeli position contrasts with Trump’s recent statements that Hamas had agreed to the framework for disarmament. Hamas has indicated that it is prepared to discuss handing over its weapons as part of a broader political arrangement, but has linked disarmament to an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and other security guarantees.

The proposed U.S. framework includes phased Hamas disarmament, a reciprocal Israeli withdrawal, international verification and the deployment of stabilization forces alongside a new Palestinian security structure.

Netanyahu’s rejection could therefore delay efforts to move the proposal from a framework into implementation. Israeli officials and members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition have previously expressed reservations about arrangements that could require Israel to withdraw from territory it currently controls.

The disagreement also exposes a central challenge for Washington; securing Israeli acceptance of a withdrawal timetable while obtaining credible commitments from Hamas to surrender its weapons.

For Hamas, disarmament remains closely tied to the terms of any Israeli withdrawal and the broader political future of Gaza. That leaves the two sides with competing conditions that could make implementation of the U.S. proposal difficult.

The dispute comes as the Trump administration faces several overlapping security challenges in the Middle East, including tensions with Iran and efforts to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has sought diplomatic agreements aimed at reducing regional military tensions, but the disagreement with Netanyahu demonstrates the limits of Washington’s influence even among key regional partners.

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At least 11 people have been killed and two others injured in three separate shooting incidents in Cape Town, South African police said, prompting investigations and increased police deployments in the affected areas.

The shootings occurred in Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, according to police and local reports. Two women were among those killed. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances of the attacks and identify those responsible.

South African police have offered a reward of 100,000 rand, worth more than $6,000, for information leading to the arrest of suspects involved in the shootings.

Authorities have not established a common motive or confirmed that the three incidents were connected. Investigators are expected to examine possible links to organised crime or gang activity, which remains a major security concern in parts of Cape Town and the wider Western Cape.

The shootings come amid persistent concerns over gun crime and gang violence in Cape Town, particularly in communities across the Cape Flats. Official crime statistics have repeatedly identified firearms as a significant factor in killings and organised criminal activity in South Africa.

Previous crime reports have also documented multiple mass-shooting incidents in the Western Cape, including attacks that killed several people and left others injured.

Police have urged anyone with information about the latest shootings, including the identity or whereabouts of suspected perpetrators, to contact authorities as investigations continue.

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Italian authorities have discovered an ancient Roman-era shipwreck carrying hundreds of ceramic amphorae off the coast of Sicily, in a find officials say could shed new light on maritime trade in the Mediterranean more than 2,000 years ago.

The Carabinieri’s Cultural Heritage Protection Unit said the wreck was located about three nautical miles (4.8 kilometres) off Mazara del Vallo in western Sicily, at a depth of 46 metres. Authorities have provisionally dated the vessel to between the second and first centuries BC.

Hundreds of amphorae were found scattered across the seabed, with most identified as Dressel 1A vessels. These large ceramic containers were widely used in the ancient Mediterranean to transport commodities such as wine and olive oil.

Specialist divers also documented two lead anchor stocks and another lead structure believed to be associated with the vessel. Based on the remains, the ship is estimated to have been about 21 metres long and six metres wide.

The wreck was initially identified after local divers reported an unusual structure underwater. Carabinieri specialists later surveyed the site and documented the shipwreck and its cargo.

Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the discovery as an extraordinary archaeological find, saying the concentration of cargo could provide valuable information about maritime commerce during the final centuries of the Roman Republic.

The location adds to the significance of the discovery. Sicily occupied a strategic position at the centre of Mediterranean trade routes, connecting commercial networks across southern Europe, North Africa and the wider Mediterranean.

The cargo could help archaeologists examine what commodities were transported, how merchant routes operated and the commercial links between Sicily and other parts of the ancient Mediterranean.

Further underwater investigations are expected to help establish more precisely the vessel’s date, origin and destination, as well as provide additional information about its cargo and construction.

The discovery also underscores the importance of protecting Sicily’s underwater archaeological heritage. The site contains hundreds of ancient artefacts and will require continued documentation and protection as researchers work to determine what the wreck can reveal about Mediterranean trade more than two millennia ago.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, according to Iranian state media. Rezaei replaces Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr, who has been appointed as an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

The leadership change comes as Tehran faces mounting pressure from Washington over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. The Supreme National Security Council plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s national security policy and operates under the authority of the supreme leader.

Iranian officials have said the waterway will not fully reopen unless Washington changes policies Tehran considers hostile. The demands include an end to U.S. military operations and threats against Iran, the withdrawal of U.S. naval and air forces from the region, compensation for conflict-related damage, the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

Rezaei, who commanded Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for more than a decade, is a veteran military and political figure. His appointment gives an experienced security official a prominent role as Tehran manages its confrontation with Washington and negotiations over the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are negotiating a possible arrangement to facilitate commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that talks over designated shipping lanes were nearing their final stages, but Iranian officials stressed that a shipping agreement alone would not necessarily lead to an immediate full reopening of the strait.

Under the proposed arrangement, commercial vessels could use designated routes, entering through waters controlled by Iran and exiting toward Oman. The details remain subject to negotiations. Washington has indicated that it could lift its blockade of Iranian ports once unrestricted commercial shipping through the strait is restored.

Trump has continued to pressure Tehran while keeping the possibility of diplomacy open. Earlier this month, he described negotiations as Iran’s “last chance” to reach an agreement and indicated that talks would address both the reopening of Hormuz and U.S. concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Trump administration has pushed for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities and sought broader security commitments from Tehran. Iran has rejected demands it considers unacceptable and has insisted that Washington must first address what Tehran views as violations of previous understandings.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a central bargaining point because of its importance to global energy markets. Before the current disruption, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway. Continued restrictions could affect energy supplies, shipping costs and international markets.

The standoff is unfolding alongside wider instability across the region. Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have also carried out attacks around the Red Sea, another major maritime corridor, while Saudi Arabia has strengthened its regional security partnerships. The developments have heightened concerns over the security of vital shipping routes across the Middle East.

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Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has said continued disagreements between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz could benefit Israel, arguing that Tehran should remain under pressure.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Cohen said Israel would prefer Washington and Tehran not to reach an agreement, arguing that continued pressure on Iran would serve Israel’s interests.

Cohen also claimed that steps had already been taken to bring about political change in Iran and predicted that the Iranian government could collapse within two to three years. His comments represent the assessment of an Israeli government official and are not an independently established forecast.

The remarks come amid continuing disputes between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. The two sides have been discussing arrangements aimed at restoring safer and more predictable commercial shipping through the waterway.

Under a proposed understanding announced on June 14 with Pakistani mediation, the United States was expected to facilitate the release of frozen Iranian assets, while Iran would ease restrictions on commercial shipping through the strait and refrain from imposing transit fees on vessels for 60 days.

The arrangement did not proceed as initially expected. Reports said the Iranian assets were not released, while Washington proposed an alternative shipping arrangement involving Omani waters. Tehran viewed the measures as inconsistent with the proposed understanding and subsequently maintained restrictions on some vessels.

Tensions around the waterway later increased as fighting between Iran and the United States escalated in July. Iran has since continued discussions with Oman over possible arrangements to facilitate commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Prolonged disruption to shipping could increase transportation and energy costs and have wider consequences for global trade.

Israeli media have also reported on the possibility of further Israeli military action against Iran without direct U.S. participation. Such reports have generally relied on Israeli sources and have not established that a specific operation has been approved.

Cohen’s remarks highlight Israel’s strategic interest in maintaining pressure on Tehran as Washington and Iran seek to resolve disputes involving Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and commercial access through the Strait of Hormuz.

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A missile and drone attack by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement on the Red Sea port city of Mocha killed seven people and wounded 30 others, the Yemeni military said on Monday.

The casualties included four military personnel and three civilians, while residential areas and civilian infrastructure were also affected, according to the military. Reuters reported on Monday, August 10, that Yemeni air defenses intercepted and destroyed 11 Houthi drones involved in the attack.

The Houthis’ Al-Masirah television broadcast footage showing the launch of ballistic missiles and drones. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the operation targeted concentrations of Saudi forces and weapons depots. Those claims could not be independently verified.

The Yemeni military said the attack also struck residential neighbourhoods in Mocha, raising concerns about the impact on civilians in the strategic coastal city. It did not provide a detailed assessment of damage to military or civilian facilities.

The attack comes after renewed Houthi military activity in Yemen. Reuters reported on August 7 that the Houthis had also launched ballistic missiles and drones toward displacement camps and residential neighbourhoods in Marib, warning that the renewed violence could push Yemen toward a wider conflict.

Mocha is located on Yemen’s western coast along the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. The city and surrounding coastline have strategic importance because of their proximity to shipping routes connecting the Suez Canal with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

The latest violence adds to security concerns along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, where Houthi attacks have previously threatened commercial shipping and prompted international military responses.

The Houthis, who control much of northern and western Yemen, have been involved in a broader regional confrontation linked to the war in Gaza and tensions between Iran and its regional rivals. The group has previously targeted commercial and military vessels in and around the Red Sea, saying its operations are aimed at supporting Palestinians.

The attack also highlights the continuing fragility of Yemen’s conflict after years of fighting. Although large-scale hostilities declined following a UN-brokered truce in 2022, sporadic fighting and missile and drone attacks have continued.

For now, the casualty figures and details of the attack come from Yemeni military authorities, while the Houthis have provided a different account of their targets. Independent verification of battlefield claims remains difficult because access to affected areas is limited.

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Britain’s MI6 has been ranked as Europe’s most powerful intelligence service in a new survey of current and former intelligence officials, with France’s Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE) in second place and the Netherlands’ intelligence service taking third.

The ranking was compiled by French weekly L’Express, which interviewed 60 serving and former intelligence officers from 25 intelligence organisations. Sixteen of those interviewed had served as current or former heads of an intelligence agency, according to Ynet.

The services were assessed on their ability to recruit and develop agents, penetrate centres of political and institutional power, conduct covert operations and sabotage, and carry out cyber operations.

MI6 received the highest overall assessment, particularly for its reported ability to recruit and cultivate long-term human sources in countries including Russia, China, Iran and Turkey. One French intelligence official told L’Express that Britain sometimes recruits individuals from elite universities years before activating them as intelligence sources.

The French DGSE ranked second, with respondents highlighting its global reach and its ability to combine human intelligence with covert and technical operations. A Polish intelligence officer described France as one of the few European countries capable of conducting sensitive operations without attracting public attention. Five participants placed the French service at the top of their rankings.

The Netherlands ranked third, a result that L’Express described as surprising. The Dutch intelligence community has played a significant role in major European cyber operations and has been linked in previous reports to efforts surrounding the Stuxnet malware operation targeting Iran’s nuclear programme. The Netherlands has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for such an operation.

Germany ranked fifth, with one US intelligence source quoted by L’Express criticising the country’s intelligence service as overly bureaucratic and more focused on analysis than operational activity.

Ukraine also received strong praise from European intelligence officials for the rapid transformation of its intelligence services during the war with Russia. Officials highlighted Ukrainian operations that they described as increasingly sophisticated, unconventional and effective. Some European officers reportedly compared this transformation to the development of Israel’s Mossad.

Intelligence services in Scandinavia and the Baltic states were also rated highly, particularly because of their experience countering Russian espionage, influence operations and other forms of intelligence activity.

Israel was not formally included in the European ranking, although former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen participated in the survey. Étienne Girard, deputy editor of L’Express, said in a personal assessment that a global ranking would likely place the United States first, with Mossad potentially ranking second or third behind Britain.

The survey does not represent an official assessment of intelligence capabilities and is based on the views of a relatively small group of current and former intelligence officials. Its findings nevertheless offer an unusual inside perspective on how European intelligence professionals assess their counterparts across human intelligence, covert operations and cyber capabilities.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated to senior aides that he could be willing to end the war with Iran without securing a new nuclear agreement if Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, August 9, that Trump has privately raised the possibility that Iran may be unlikely to revive its nuclear programme during his presidency, potentially reducing the need for a new nuclear agreement to be a condition for ending the conflict.

The reported position comes as Washington and Tehran remain divided over the conditions for reopening the strategic waterway. Indirect negotiations involving Oman have made progress, but no final agreement has been announced. Reuters has reported that Iran and Oman are nearing an understanding on new shipping lanes, although Tehran has said such an arrangement alone would not be sufficient to fully reopen the strait.

The reported shift could place the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of efforts to end the conflict. Washington wants unrestricted commercial shipping through the waterway, while Tehran has linked its reopening to broader concessions from the United States.

Iranian officials have demanded an end to U.S. military action and threats against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for damage caused by the conflict. Tehran has also called for an end to the reported U.S. naval blockade and the withdrawal of American military forces from the region.

The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the main pressure points in the conflict because it carries a significant share of global energy shipments. Reuters reported that Gulf crude and condensate exports remained about 40% below pre-war levels in July, while tanker traffic through Hormuz and other regional routes remained well below normal.

The disruption has also affected oil markets. Reuters reported on August 9 that Brent crude rose to about $84.32 a barrel amid uncertainty over prospects for reopening the strait.

The diplomatic efforts therefore carry significance beyond the immediate conflict. A deal that restores commercial shipping could ease pressure on energy markets and regional trade, while continued restrictions could prolong disruption to one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Washington has signalled optimism that an agreement could be reached soon. Reuters reported that the United States was prepared to lift its blockade of Iranian ports once an agreement restoring unrestricted commercial shipping through the strait was announced.

However, major differences remain between the two sides. Iran has insisted that reopening Hormuz must be accompanied by broader political and economic concessions, while Washington wants the waterway reopened without restrictions that would give Tehran greater control over international commercial shipping.

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Iran’s crude oil exports from Khark Island have reportedly come to a halt amid a U.S. naval blockade of Iran, according to maritime intelligence company Windward, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

Al Jazeera reported Monday, August 10, citing Windward’s maritime tracking data, that all three oil terminals on Khark Island were empty, while 17 oil tankers with their transponders switched off were anchored around the island.

Windward said the lack of tanker loading activity, combined with vessels operating with their tracking signals disabled, was consistent with a disruption to Iran’s crude exports.

Khark Island, located about 28 kilometers off Iran’s mainland, is Iran’s main crude oil export hub and typically handles about 90% of the country’s crude exports. A prolonged disruption could therefore put significant pressure on Iran’s oil revenues and affect global energy markets.

The reported halt comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with maritime traffic and energy infrastructure increasingly affected by the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump has previously raised the possibility of taking control of Khark Island as part of pressure on Tehran. However, the United States has not publicly announced that it has seized the island.

Any sustained disruption to oil shipments from Khark could further restrict Iran’s ability to sell crude on international markets. It could also increase uncertainty in global oil markets, particularly if the interruption affects the country’s ability to maintain regular export volumes.

Windward’s assessment is based on maritime tracking data and does not by itself establish the cause of the reported halt. The operational status of the terminals and the extent of any naval blockade remain subject to developments at sea and confirmation from the parties involved.

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The families of Afghan journalist Sayed Qasim Hashemi and filmmaker Hamed Ehsas say the two men have been missing in Islamabad, Pakistan, for more than a month after leaving their home together.

The families reported that Hashemi and Ehsas, who are friends, left their home on July 4 to buy a camera lens and have not been heard from since. Their relatives said they have repeatedly contacted Pakistani police and judicial authorities but have received no clear information about their whereabouts.

The wife of Hamed Ehsas said the two men left together to purchase the camera equipment. She said efforts to locate them through Pakistani authorities had so far failed to establish where they were.

Hashemi’s brother said the family had received no information about him for 36 days despite approaching police and judicial authorities for assistance.

The families said neither man had valid legal residency in Pakistan. They had travelled to the country with their families after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan.

The vehicle used by the two men was later located through its GPS system in D-12, Islamabad, according to the families. They said, however, that neither Hashemi nor Ehsas was found in or around the vehicle.

The families have expressed concern for the men’s safety and are calling on the Pakistani government, Islamabad police and security authorities to investigate the disappearance and provide information about the case.

The disappearance comes amid increased pressure on Afghans living in Pakistan, including arrests, deportations and uncertainty over legal residency. Many Afghans who left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover are also seeking resettlement or asylum in third countries.

The families have urged Pakistani authorities to treat the case as an urgent investigation and take all necessary steps to determine what happened to Hashemi and Ehsas and establish their whereabouts.

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By Anika Nazir
Researcher | Community Development Professional | Women’s Wing Head, SYSF | J&K, India

On June 22, 2026, an anti-terrorism court in Quetta sentenced prominent Baloch human rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch and fellow Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Sibghatullah Shah Jee to life imprisonment.

The case concerned the killing of a paramilitary soldier, Shabbir Baloch, during a Baloch Yakjehti Committee protest in Gwadar in July 2024. Prosecutors said Mahrang Baloch had incited protesters who later attacked security personnel. The court said eyewitness and medical evidence supported the prosecution’s case. Baloch and Shah denied the charges, and Baloch’s lawyer said the verdict would be challenged in the Balochistan High Court.

The Balochistan government has defended the judgment as the outcome of a fair trial and says violence against state personnel cannot be protected under the banner of peaceful protest. The defendants and human rights organizations tell a very different story.

Amnesty International said the proceedings failed to meet fair-trial standards and argued that no direct evidence had been presented linking the activists to the killing. United Nations human rights experts also condemned the sentence in July, raising serious concerns about the prosecution and treatment of Mahrang Baloch as a human rights defender.

The disagreement over the case is important. But so is the larger question behind it.

Mahrang Baloch did not become one of Pakistan’s most recognizable human rights activists because of a single demonstration in Gwadar. Her public life grew out of a much older crisis in Balochistan: enforced disappearances, allegations of extrajudicial killings, political alienation and a persistent belief among many Baloch that the resources beneath their land have brought greater benefits to Pakistan than to the people who live there.

A personal history shaped by disappearance

For Mahrang, the issue of disappearance began inside her own family.

Her father, Abdul Ghaffar Lango, was a political activist who disappeared years before Mahrang became internationally known. TIME reported that his body was recovered in 2011. Mahrang has said publicly that her father had been forcibly disappeared, and his death became an important part of the path that eventually led her into activism.

She later trained as a doctor but became increasingly identified with campaigns against enforced disappearances and alleged extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, or BYC, has become one of the most visible organizations associated with those campaigns. The organization describes itself as a peaceful civil rights movement. Pakistani authorities, however, have accused the BYC of links to the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, an allegation the group has repeatedly denied.

That distinction cannot simply be brushed aside.

Balochistan faces a real and violent insurgency. Separatist militant organizations have carried out deadly attacks against Pakistani security forces, civilians, infrastructure and other targets. Any serious discussion of the province has to acknowledge the suffering caused by armed groups as well as allegations of abuses by the state.

But recognizing a genuine security threat does not remove the state’s obligation to distinguish between armed violence and peaceful dissent.

That is where the case of Mahrang Baloch has become so important.

A conflict with deep roots

Balochistan’s grievances did not begin with the present generation.

Their roots extend to the creation of Pakistan itself and the disputed history surrounding the accession of the princely state of Kalat in 1948.

The Khan of Kalat signed an Instrument of Accession to Pakistan on March 27, 1948. Pakistani accounts regard the accession as legally valid and part of the consolidation of the new state. Baloch nationalist narratives have long challenged the circumstances surrounding that decision and regard it as the beginning of a political relationship imposed from the centre.

The historical interpretation remains contested. What is not in dispute is that an armed revolt led by Prince Abdul Karim followed, beginning a pattern of recurring insurgencies. Even the Balochistan government’s official historical account records Baloch uprisings in 1948, 1958-59, 1962-63 and 1973-77, followed by another phase of insurgency beginning in the early 2000s.

Nearly eight decades later, the conflict has accumulated layers of grievance that go far beyond the original accession dispute.

Questions of political autonomy, representation, security operations, enforced disappearances and control over natural resources now sit alongside that unresolved history.

Resource wealth and persistent poverty

The economic contradiction is difficult to overlook.

Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by land area and contains enormous reserves of natural resources. The Sui gas field in Dera Bugti became one of the foundations of Pakistan’s natural gas industry after its discovery in the early 1950s. Decades later, communities around Sui were still campaigning for wider access to the very gas extracted from their area. As recently as March 2026, provincial authorities were inaugurating new gas-supply projects intended to address long-standing local shortages.

The province also contains Reko Diq, one of the world’s significant undeveloped copper-gold deposits, while Gwadar port has become a strategically important part of Pakistan’s economic relationship with China.

Yet the development figures tell another story.

UNDP has ranked Balochistan last among Pakistan’s provinces in human development and has reported that it has the country’s highest levels of multidimensional poverty. The Asian Development Bank, while backing the Reko Diq project and emphasizing its development potential, has also described Balochistan as Pakistan’s least-developed province.

This is one of the most powerful sources of resentment in Balochistan.

A province can be rich in gas, copper and gold and still leave many of its citizens struggling for clean water, health care, education and economic opportunity.

Pakistan’s government argues that large-scale projects, investment and infrastructure will bring jobs, revenue and development to the province. That possibility should be judged on results.

For Baloch families, however, the question remains straightforward: after generations of extraction, when will the wealth of Balochistan be visible in the lives of ordinary Baloch?

The unresolved question of the missing

The issue that has perhaps done the greatest damage to public trust is enforced disappearance.

This is not a concern documented only by Baloch nationalist organizations.

Pakistan has its own Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. According to official figures released in October 2025, the commission had received 10,636 cases of alleged enforced disappearance from across Pakistan since March 2011. It said 8,986 had been disposed of and 1,650 remained under investigation at the end of September 2025.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about disappearances in Balochistan. Following a fact-finding mission in 2025, it reported continuing enforced disappearances, shrinking civic space and a lack of accountability in the province. Its annual assessment of Pakistan’s human rights situation also said enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings persisted during 2025.

The numbers offered by activist groups are often considerably higher than official figures, and those competing totals should not be presented as though they are interchangeable.

But arguments over the exact number should not obscure the central problem.

Even one family left for years without knowing whether a son, father, husband or brother is alive, detained or dead represents a failure that requires an answer.

Counterterrorism cannot mean that people simply disappear from the protection of the law.

When women carry the movement

Perhaps the most striking change in the Baloch rights movement has been the increasingly public role of women.

Mothers have appeared at demonstrations carrying photographs of missing sons. Sisters and daughters have joined marches and sit-ins. Women who might otherwise have remained outside formal political life have become some of the movement’s most recognizable voices.

TIME noted this transformation when it included Mahrang Baloch in its TIME100 Next list in 2024, describing how women had moved to the forefront of peaceful Baloch advocacy as men in their communities were killed or went missing. In late 2023, Mahrang led a long march to Islamabad involving families demanding answers about missing relatives.

There is something particularly powerful about this form of protest.

For many of these women, political activism was not born in a university seminar or party office. It began with an empty chair at home.

Someone disappeared, and a family member had to begin asking where he had gone.

That is what makes the state’s response to peaceful activism so consequential. Pakistan has every right to prosecute people responsible for murder, terrorism and attacks against civilians or security personnel. No human rights argument requires a government to tolerate violence.

But the line between militant violence and peaceful dissent must remain visible.

When anti-terrorism laws are used against human rights defenders, the evidence and legal process must therefore withstand especially close scrutiny.

In Mahrang Baloch’s case, Pakistan’s government says that standard was met. Amnesty International and UN human rights experts say it was not. That disagreement deserves examination through an open and credible appeals process.

Pakistan’s human rights argument must also apply at home

There is another reason this case deserves attention beyond Balochistan.

Pakistan has spent decades raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in international forums. At the United Nations General Assembly as recently as September 2025, Pakistan again called for Kashmiris to receive the right to self-determination.

Pakistan is entitled to make its case on Kashmir, just as allegations of human rights violations anywhere in the region deserve serious and independent scrutiny.

But principles become more persuasive when they are applied consistently.

If Pakistan asks the international community to listen to communities that say their political rights are being denied, investigate alleged abuses and uphold the principle of self-determination abroad, it should be equally willing to confront credible allegations of disappearances, unlawful detention and political repression within its own borders.

This is not an argument for equating two different conflicts. Kashmir and Balochistan have different histories, legal questions and political circumstances.

It is an argument about consistency.

A government’s international human rights advocacy becomes harder to defend when families at home spend years demanding the most basic information about missing relatives.

Force alone has not solved Balochistan

Pakistan cannot ignore the violence of Baloch separatist organizations. Civilians have been murdered. Soldiers have been killed. Infrastructure has been attacked. Militancy remains a serious threat to the people of Balochistan as well as to the Pakistani state.

But history also shows that force alone has not resolved the province’s conflict.

Balochistan has experienced repeated insurgencies and repeated security operations since Pakistan’s earliest years. The grievances have survived both.

A durable solution requires more than another military operation or another round of arrests. It requires credible investigations into disappearances, accountability wherever unlawful abuses are established, political space for peaceful dissent, meaningful representation and development that allows Baloch communities to see a fair share of the benefits generated by their province’s resources.

Mahrang Baloch’s life sentence has therefore become about more than one activist and one criminal case.

It has become another test of whether Pakistan can maintain a clear distinction between peaceful political dissent and militancy, whether its judicial system can command public confidence in deeply political cases, and whether Balochistan’s longstanding grievances can finally be addressed through politics rather than another cycle of violence.

Behind the statistics and political arguments are families asking questions that should not be difficult for a state governed by law to answer:

Where is our son? Where is our brother? Where is our father?

For as long as those questions remain unanswered, Balochistan’s crisis will remain unresolved.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, editorial position, or policies of Khaama Press.

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House of the Dragon Season 3 reaches its finale on Sunday, August 9, with Episode 8 set to bring another major chapter of the Targaryen civil war to a close.

The episode will premiere at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max in the United States. In India, it will be available on JioHotstar at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, August 10. The third season consists of eight episodes.

The penultimate episode left both Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Greens facing major changes in their positions as alliances shifted and the conflict moved closer to another decisive stage.

One of the biggest developments was the return of Sunfyre, Aegon II’s dragon, who rescued the wounded king and potentially gave the Greens a renewed advantage. The episode also deepened tensions among the dragonriders supporting Rhaenyra and raised new questions about the loyalty of key figures on both sides.

Another major development involved Ulf the White, whose defection to the Greens has strengthened their position around Tumbleton. His allegiance could have significant consequences as the two factions compete for control of the realm.

The finale is expected to deal with the consequences of these shifting alliances while continuing several unresolved storylines involving Aegon, Aemond, Rhaenyra, Alicent and the Velaryons.

The situation around Tumbleton is likely to remain central as the Greens attempt to consolidate their advantage. At the same time, Rhaenyra faces increasing pressure as the war becomes more difficult to control and loyalty among the dragonriders becomes increasingly important.

The finale is not expected to conclude the entire Targaryen civil war. HBO has confirmed that House of the Dragon will end with a fourth and final season, with the final chapter currently expected in 2028. Showrunner Ryan Condal has said the scripts for the final season are being developed, with production expected to begin in 2027.

The Season 3 finale will therefore serve as a bridge between the latest phase of the Dance of the Dragons and the show’s final season.

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Seven candidates are formally competing to succeed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, with the first informal Security Council poll placing Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan at the front of the field.

Grynspan received 10 “encourage” votes in the July 30 straw poll, followed by former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett with nine and International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina with seven, according to Reuters. The informal vote is non-binding and does not reveal whether any of the five permanent Security Council members opposed a candidate.

The other candidates are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa, former Senegalese President Macky Sall and Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu. Otunnu entered the race in July, becoming the seventh official candidate.

The four women in the race are Grynspan, Rodrigues-Birkett, Bachelet and Espinosa. If any of them is appointed, she would become the first woman to lead the United Nations as secretary-general. No woman has held the post since the organisation was established 80 years ago.

Grynspan, a former vice president of Costa Rica, has served as secretary-general of UN Trade and Development since 2021. Her early lead gives her an advantage, but diplomats have cautioned that the first straw poll does not establish a final frontrunner. Reuters reported that the voting showed no clear consensus among Security Council members.

Bachelet, who served twice as Chile’s president, previously headed UN Women and later served as UN high commissioner for human rights. Her original nomination was submitted jointly by Chile, Brazil and Mexico, although Chile subsequently withdrew its nomination.

Espinosa, an Ecuadorian diplomat who served as president of the UN General Assembly in 2018-19, has campaigned on strengthening multilateralism, rebuilding confidence in the United Nations and addressing conflict, inequality and climate change.

Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s former foreign minister and former UN ambassador, has focused on development, climate change and international cooperation. Her second-place showing in the first straw poll made her one of the strongest early contenders.

Grossi has led the IAEA since 2019 and has played a prominent role in international diplomacy over nuclear issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and the safety of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Sall, Senegal’s former president, has emphasised multilateralism, conflict resolution and the interests of developing countries. Otunnu, a former UN under-secretary-general and special representative for children and armed conflict, has campaigned on UN reform, conflict prevention and international governance.

The Security Council is expected to hold a second informal poll on August 21. Further rounds could follow, with the process potentially continuing into September or October if no candidate gains sufficient support.

The secretary-general is appointed by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the 15-member Security Council. The council’s recommendation requires at least nine votes and cannot be blocked by a veto from any of its five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, France or the United Kingdom.

Guterres, who has served as secretary-general since January 2017, will leave office at the end of 2026 after completing two five-year terms. His successor will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027, at a time when the United Nations faces major geopolitical, financial and institutional pressures.

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Akram al-Kaabi, leader of the Iraqi armed group Harakat al-Nujaba, has threatened military retaliation following reported U.S.-Saudi airstrikes against Iran-aligned Iraqi militias, raising concerns over a possible escalation in regional tensions.

Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, August 9, that al-Kaabi described diplomacy with Saudi Arabia as “futile” and called for a military response to the reported attacks.

In a statement, al-Kaabi said missiles should be met with missiles and “fire” with “fire,” signaling a tougher stance toward Saudi Arabia and its allies.

The reported U.S.-Saudi strikes took place in late July and targeted Iraqi militia groups that Washington and Riyadh accuse of receiving support from Iran. The United States and Saudi Arabia have also accused Iran-aligned groups of carrying out attacks against U.S. personnel and Saudi energy infrastructure.

The allegations surrounding the strikes and previous attacks have not been independently verified in all cases. The targeted groups have denied or disputed some accusations, while Iraqi authorities have repeatedly warned against using the country as a battleground in wider regional conflicts.

Harakat al-Nujaba is one of several powerful Iran-aligned armed factions operating in Iraq. It is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a state-recognized security umbrella that incorporates numerous armed groups.

The group has long opposed the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq and has been involved in regional tensions linked to the broader confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Al-Kaabi’s latest remarks come as tensions remain high across the Middle East, particularly amid the wider confrontation involving Iran, the United States and their respective regional allies. His comments could increase concerns about possible attacks against U.S., Saudi or other regional interests.

Any renewed violence could place additional pressure on the Iraqi government, which has sought to balance its relations with Washington, Tehran and other regional powers. Baghdad has repeatedly stressed that Iraqi territory should not be used to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.

Al-Kaabi’s statement does not establish that further attacks will occur. However, it highlights the continuing risk of escalation involving Iran-aligned armed groups and states opposed to their regional activities.

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Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, according to his family and Argentine media reports.

Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi began playing football as a child, expressed condolences to the Messi family following Jorge Messi’s death. Reports said he died at a medical clinic in Rosario after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s development from a young player in Rosario into one of the most decorated footballers in the sport’s history. He coached Lionel during his early years and later became his agent, managing important aspects of his professional career.

When Lionel Messi moved to Spain at the age of 13 to join Barcelona’s youth academy, his father accompanied him. Jorge Messi subsequently became closely involved in negotiations and other decisions surrounding his son’s career as Messi established himself as one of the world’s leading players.

He remained Lionel Messi’s representative during his years at Barcelona and was involved in his subsequent moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, as well as various contract and commercial matters.

Earlier this year, the Messi family confirmed that Jorge Messi was receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition and asked for privacy.

Lionel Messi has previously credited his father with playing an important role in his development and career, including supporting him during the difficult early years of his move to Spain.

Jorge Messi’s death comes after his son built a career that included numerous domestic and international titles with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Newell’s Old Boys and other football institutions have paid tribute to Jorge Messi and expressed condolences to the Messi family.

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Nine private higher-education institutions in Afghanistan have had their operating licences suspended or revoked over alleged “ghost students,” administrative deficiencies and violations of academic requirements.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, controlled by the Taliban, announced Sunday that the licences of seven institutions had been suspended for one year, while two others had their licences permanently revoked following an inspection and assessment conducted during the spring semester of the 1405 Afghanistan solar year.

The institutions whose activities have been suspended for one year are Barlas University in Jawzjan, Rah-e Saadat and Turkistan universities in Balkh, Azhar and Barna universities in Badakhshan, Rashad University in Faryab and Payam University in Kabul.

The ministry said the licences of Kohanduz University in Kunduz and Khana-e Danish University in Takhar had been permanently revoked.

According to the ministry, inspections found cases in which institutions allegedly maintained “ghost students,” failed to keep proper attendance records, admitted students who had been barred from education to final examinations and lacked required administrative and academic structures.

The ministry also cited inadequate laboratory equipment for medical students, failure to teach the curriculum approved by the ministry and insufficient opportunities for medical students to complete practical training in hospitals.

The ministry said some institutions had scheduled classes but classrooms were found to have no students attending.

The latest action comes amid wider pressure on Afghanistan’s higher-education sector, which has undergone major changes since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Restrictions on women and girls have had a particularly significant impact on universities and private higher-education institutions.

UNESCO has reported that the exclusion of women and girls from higher education has posed a major threat to the private higher-education sector. Female students and instructors have been forced to leave institutions, while private universities lost about 28% of their income after restrictions on women’s higher education took effect. UNESCO also reported that 31% of private universities were at risk of closure because of financial difficulties.

The decline in female participation has been accompanied by a broader contraction in higher education. According to UNESCO figures cited by international media, female university enrolment had fallen to zero by 2024, while overall male enrolment also declined significantly.

The authorities have also introduced tighter controls over university curricula and academic life, while international organisations have repeatedly called for Afghan girls and women to be allowed to return to secondary schools and universities.

More than 120 private higher-education institutions are operating across 34 Afghanistan provinces, according to the Ministry of Higher Education. A significant proportion of these institutions provide medical education.

The latest licensing decisions could add further pressure to an already weakened higher-education sector, although the ministry says the measures are aimed at addressing academic, administrative and regulatory violations.

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Iran has set six conditions for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, linking the resumption of normal shipping to an end to U.S. military action, the withdrawal of American forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions and compensation for war-related damage.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Saturday that Washington must change its policies toward Iran before Tehran agrees to fully reopen the strategic waterway.

According to Zolghadr, Iran’s demands include an end to threats against its leadership, a permanent halt to U.S. military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of what Tehran describes as a U.S. naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American naval and air forces from around Iran.

Tehran is also demanding compensation for damage caused by the recent conflict, the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the unconditional release of Iranian assets frozen abroad.

Zolghadr said Iran would maintain these demands both during the conflict and in any subsequent negotiations.

The statement comes as Iran and Oman continue discussions over arrangements for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters has reported that Tehran considers a potential maritime arrangement with Oman insufficient on its own to secure a full reopening and wants broader concessions from Washington.

Oman has played a central role in efforts to facilitate communication between Iran and the United States. Discussions over the waterway are therefore closely linked to wider negotiations aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the strait can affect global energy supplies, freight costs and international trade.

Iranian officials have maintained that Tehran controls the conditions for shipping through the waterway and have warned that its position will not be reversed without broader changes in U.S. policy.

Washington, meanwhile, has sought freedom of navigation through the strait and has opposed measures that restrict commercial shipping. The gap between the two positions could complicate efforts to restore normal maritime traffic.

The six conditions outlined by Zolghadr represent Iran’s stated position and do not constitute an agreed framework with the United States or Oman. It remains unclear whether Washington would accept any of Tehran’s demands or whether negotiations can produce a broader arrangement for reopening the waterway.

Any deal would likely have to address both the immediate security of commercial shipping and the wider disputes between Iran and the United States.

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Pakistan has reportedly decided to reopen its major border crossings and transit routes with Afghanistan after nearly 300 days of restrictions that have disrupted bilateral trade, stranded cargo and imposed heavy costs on businesses and transporters on both sides.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the decision during a meeting with senior government officials and representatives of the country’s business community, according to the Pakistani newspaper Minute Mirror.

The reported decision calls for the reopening of major border crossings and transit routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan and measures to remove obstacles to bilateral trade and facilitate the movement of commercial goods.

The meeting also discussed facilitating legal travel between the two countries, although no specific decision on passenger movement was reported.

Pakistan’s government has not yet publicly confirmed the reported decision or announced a timetable for reopening the crossings.

The main trade routes between the two countries have remained heavily restricted since October 2025 amid escalating political tensions and border clashes. Key crossings affected include Torkham in Nangarhar, Spin Boldak-Chaman in Kandahar and Balochistan, Ghulam Khan in Khost, Kharlachi in Paktia and Angoor Adda in Paktika.

The prolonged restrictions have caused significant economic losses. Afghan and Pakistani traders, transport companies and businesses in border communities have reported declining activity, while large numbers of trucks and commercial consignments have remained stranded along the routes.

Pakistan’s customs authorities reported in October 2025 that hundreds of vehicles were stranded at Torkham and Chaman after trade was suspended, including transit consignments awaiting clearance.

The economic impact has also been felt in Pakistani border towns. Dawn reported in July that the prolonged closure of Torkham had severely affected businesses in Landi Kotal, with local traders describing the downturn as among the worst they had experienced since the closure began.

For Afghanistan, the disruption has pushed traders to seek alternative supply routes through Iran and Central Asia. Some businesses have indicated that they may be reluctant to immediately return to Pakistani routes even if commercial traffic resumes, after investing in alternative supply chains during the prolonged closure.

Torkham has previously been partially reopened to facilitate the return of Afghan migrants, but commercial traffic and regular passenger movement remained restricted.

A full reopening would therefore provide significant relief to traders, transporters and border communities and could restore one of the most important trade corridors between South and Central Asia.

However, the reported move remains closely tied to the broader security dispute between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghanistan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The authorities in Kabul have rejected the allegations and said Afghanistan territory will not be used against other countries.

The dispute over cross-border militancy has contributed to repeated border tensions and trade disruptions, making security arrangements a key factor in the restoration of normal commercial traffic.

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Russia is considering a potential transport route through Afghanistan and Pakistan to improve its access to South Asian markets and the Indian Ocean, adding a possible new branch to Moscow’s broader effort to develop alternative trade corridors across Eurasia.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously said Moscow is considering a North–South route through Afghanistan to Pakistan, with the possibility of connecting the corridor to wider markets in South Asia. Russia has also discussed transport links with Oman and other regional ports as part of its broader strategy to diversify trade routes.

The potential Afghanistan route would link Central Asia with South Asia and could eventually provide Russia with an overland connection toward Pakistan and Indian Ocean ports. Such a corridor could also give Afghanistan a potentially important role as a transit bridge between Central and South Asia.

Khusnullin said in earlier remarks that Afghanistan and Pakistan had shown interest in international transport corridors connecting them with Russia. At the KazanForum in 2025, he said Afghanistan had offered to serve as a transit country for international corridors and described the development of routes through the region as a significant opportunity.

The proposal would build on Russia’s wider International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which is designed to connect Russia with Iran, India and other markets through a combination of rail, road and maritime routes. Cargo traffic along the corridor has expanded, with Russia reporting significant growth in shipments through Central Asia and other routes in 2026.

Russia has already developed transport links through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran, while India and Iran have been long-standing partners in the INSTC. The corridor is intended to shorten transportation times and reduce reliance on traditional maritime routes such as the Suez Canal.

A route through Afghanistan, however, would face substantial obstacles. Afghanistan does not currently have a nationwide railway network connecting its northern and southern neighbours, meaning major sections of new infrastructure would have to be built. Financing, cross-border agreements, customs coordination and the technical integration of different national rail systems would also be required.

Security is another major challenge. A United Nations sanctions-monitoring report has said Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIL-K, remains a serious threat inside Afghanistan and continues to have the ability to project threats beyond the country. The report also said Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had carried out attacks in Pakistan from Afghanistan territory, contributing to cross-border military confrontation and disruptions to bilateral trade.

A separate UN assessment on ISIL said ISIL-K remained active particularly in northern Afghanistan, including Badakhshan and areas near the Pakistani border. The group has sought alliances with other armed factions, expanded its network of cells and maintained ambitions to project threats into Central Asia and beyond.

The security concerns are particularly relevant for a major railway because any international corridor crossing Afghanistan would require reliable protection of tracks, bridges, stations, border crossings and cargo from militant attacks and other security disruptions.

The UN has also reported broader concerns about terrorist groups in Afghanistan and the region, including the use of emerging technologies and networks by extremist organisations. Its latest Afghanistan reporting continues to treat terrorism and regional security as major issues affecting the country’s international environment.

For Afghanistan, a functioning rail corridor could offer potential transit revenues, create employment and strengthen its position as a link between Central and South Asia. It could also diversify the country’s trade routes at a time when relations with Pakistan have disrupted traditional transport links.

The proposal nevertheless remains at the planning and discussion stage. No final financing agreement, construction timetable or comprehensive railway deal covering a Russia-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India route has been announced.

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Abdulazim Badakhshi made a spectacular return to mixed martial arts after a year-long absence, submitting Belarusian fighter Artem Bulovichik just 15 seconds into their bout at an IFL event in India.

Badakhshi faced Bulovichik in the 70-kilogram division and quickly took control before forcing his opponent to submit, marking an emphatic return to competition.

The victory improved Badakhshi’s professional record to 15 wins and five defeats from 20 fights. Known for his finishing ability, he has now recorded 11 knockout victories and three wins by submission.

Bulovichik, 28, entered the bout with nine wins and 10 defeats from 19 professional fights. His loss to Badakhshi moved his record to nine wins and 11 defeats.

Badakhshi was originally scheduled to face Chinese fighter Sivehir Husiman, but Bulovichik replaced him ahead of the event.

The 15-second submission ended Badakhshi’s year-long absence in decisive fashion and gives the fighter momentum as he looks to resume his professional career.

Badakhshi has earned the nickname “Knockout Man” for his finishing power, although his latest victory came by submission.

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A German study has found that problematic internet use is associated with higher stress, poorer mood and greater neglect of activities outside the digital world, while the immediate temptation to go online emerged as the strongest predictor of continued use.

Researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen studied 900 German adults who reported using online activities including gaming, social networking, shopping and pornography. Participants completed daily assessments over two weeks, recording their mood, stress, temptation to go online and internet use.

The study, published in PLOS One, found that participants with more problematic patterns of internet use tended to experience higher stress, poorer mood, longer periods online and greater neglect of other activities.

However, the researchers found that stress and negative mood alone did not determine whether participants went online. Instead, the strongest immediate predictor was the temptation to use the internet, the urge to engage in a particular online activity.

The researchers said online activities that provide pleasure or relief from negative feelings may reinforce the behaviour, potentially making it more difficult to resist similar urges in the future.

Andreas Oelker, one of the researchers, said the findings suggest that the immediate urge to go online may play a greater role in determining internet use than stress or mood alone.

The findings could have implications for prevention and treatment of problematic internet use. The researchers said interventions could focus not only on reducing stress and improving mood but also on helping people recognise and manage moments when they experience strong urges to go online.

The study does not suggest that internet use in general is harmful. The researchers distinguish ordinary use from patterns that become difficult to control and begin to interfere with work, relationships, physical activity or other important areas of daily life.

The researchers also cautioned that the findings show an association rather than establishing that problematic internet use directly causes stress or poor mood. Further research is needed to better understand how mood, stress, urges and online behaviour interact over time.

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The U.S. Senate has narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, as the next U.S. attorney general, placing him permanently in charge of the Justice Department after a closely contested confirmation battle.

The Senate voted 50-49 early Saturday to confirm Blanche. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats in opposing his nomination.

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general since April after previously serving as deputy attorney general. Trump formally nominated him in June to lead the Justice Department on a permanent basis.

Before joining the Trump administration, Blanche represented Trump as a private criminal-defense lawyer, including in the former president’s New York criminal case. His previous relationship with Trump became a central issue during the confirmation process, with critics questioning whether he could maintain the Justice Department’s independence.

Blanche also faced scrutiny over his involvement in a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and an associated agreement that critics said could have benefited Trump and his family. The proposal was later abandoned, while Blanche faced bipartisan questioning over his role in the matter.

The Senate Judiciary Committee had also pressed Blanche to respond to outstanding congressional oversight requests before lawmakers could fully assess his nomination.

Supporters of Blanche have pointed to his previous experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney and argued that he is qualified to lead the department. During his confirmation hearing, Blanche also sought to address concerns about his loyalty to Trump and his ability to act independently.

As attorney general, Blanche will oversee the Justice Department, including the FBI, federal prosecutions, civil rights enforcement and other major federal law-enforcement functions.

His confirmation makes him the second confirmed attorney general of Trump’s second presidential term. His tenure begins as the Justice Department faces intense political scrutiny over its handling of investigations, sensitive files, congressional oversight and the administration’s broader law-enforcement agenda.

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One miner was killed and another injured after an explosion during a mining operation in Barg-e Matal district of Afghanistan’s northeastern Nuristan province, local sources said.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 8, in the Pechigram area while the two men were extracting minerals, according to the sources. The deceased was identified as Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Nari district in neighbouring Kunar province.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, and there was no immediate information about the type of mineral being extracted or what triggered the blast.

The incident highlights continuing safety risks in Afghanistan’s mining sector, where workers have been killed or injured in mine collapses and other accidents in recent years.

Recent incidents include deadly mine collapses in Badakhshan and a methane-gas explosion at a coal mine in Samangan. In June 2025, four miners were killed when a coal mine collapsed in Samangan, with experts citing unsafe and poorly regulated mining practices as a contributing factor.

Afghanistan has substantial mineral resources, but the sector continues to face challenges related to regulation, occupational safety and effective oversight. Repeated accidents have raised concerns about the need for stronger safety standards and better protection for mine workers.

Further details about the Nuristan explosion, including the condition of the injured miner and the circumstances surrounding the blast, were not immediately available.

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German authorities are investigating after two drones were spotted over a military site in western Germany, days after a separate drone carrying suspected explosives was found near Leipzig Airport, raising renewed security concerns around sensitive military and transport facilities.

The German armed forces said the two drones were seen at about 10 p.m. Thursday over the Mührnisch military site in North Rhine-Westphalia, about 35 kilometres from the Belgian border. Police are investigating the incident, but authorities have not identified the operators or established whether the drones were linked to the discovery near Leipzig.

German media reported that the military site contains a secured underground facility used to store military equipment and spare parts. Personnel responsible for maintaining U.S.-made Patriot air-defence systems are also based at the site.

The latest sighting follows the discovery on Tuesday of a drone carrying suspected explosive material near Leipzig Airport. German reports said the drone was found close to Ukrainian cargo aircraft at the airport, an important civilian freight and logistics hub.

The incidents have heightened concerns about the potential use of drones for surveillance or attacks against military bases, airports and other critical infrastructure. European governments have increasingly sought to strengthen counter-drone capabilities as unmanned aircraft become more widely used.

German authorities have not publicly attributed either incident to a foreign government. Some German lawmakers have raised the possibility of Russian involvement, but no public evidence has been presented linking Moscow to the incidents.

Russia’s embassy in Berlin rejected allegations related to the Leipzig incident, calling them a “fabricated provocation” and accusing Germany of making claims without evidence.

Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing, and authorities have not publicly established the origin, purpose or any connection between the two drones.

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The Pentagon has asked U.S. defense companies to submit plans to rapidly increase weapons production and accelerate deliveries amid concerns over the use of key missile and munitions stocks during the war with Iran, The Washington Post reported.

The newspaper, citing a memo from Deputy Secretary of War Stephen Feinberg, reported that defense contractors have been given 21 days to submit plans for expanding production of critical weapons and shortening delivery timelines.

According to the memo, Feinberg said the Pentagon could no longer accept weapons-development and production cycles lasting several years. He called for faster manufacturing, expanded industrial capacity and quicker delivery of weapons considered critical to U.S. military operations.

The request comes as U.S. forces have used significant quantities of missiles and other precision munitions during military operations against Iran. The issue has also reportedly prompted discussions within the Trump administration over the demands of the conflict and the need to maintain military readiness for other contingencies.

The Pentagon’s directive reflects a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. defense-industrial base, which has faced challenges in rapidly increasing production of some advanced weapons. Expanding manufacturing capacity can require additional facilities, suppliers, skilled workers and long-term contracts.

The 21-day deadline indicates that the Pentagon is seeking immediate proposals from defense contractors rather than relying solely on longer-term weapons-development programmes.

However, the reported memo does not specify the size of current U.S. weapons inventories or establish how quickly production could be expanded. The scale and timing of any increase would depend on Pentagon decisions, funding, industrial capacity and supply chains.

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Former U.S. President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread beyond his bones and is causing significant pain, his son, Hunter Biden, said in a BBC interview, offering a new account of the 83-year-old former president’s condition.

Hunter Biden told the BBC’s Newsnight that his father’s cancer had “spread, metastasized into his bones and further,” describing the illness as painful and debilitating. Reuters reported the comments from the interview.

Joe Biden’s office announced in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bones. His office said at the time that the cancer was hormone-sensitive and that he and his family were reviewing treatment options with his physicians.

Hunter Biden’s latest comments indicate a progression beyond the bone metastasis previously disclosed by the former president’s office. However, no detailed medical update confirming the extent of the disease has been publicly released by Biden’s medical team.

Reuters reported that a spokesperson for Joe Biden declined to comment on Hunter Biden’s interview.

Biden underwent treatment after his diagnosis, including radiation and hormone therapy, according to previous reports. His cancer was initially described as aggressive, with a Gleason score of 9, placing it in the highest Grade Group.

Hunter Biden said it has been difficult for the family to watch his father deal with the effects of the illness. Despite his condition, Joe Biden has remained publicly engaged since leaving office in January 2025.

Joe Biden, who served as president from 2021 to 2025, was previously vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. He left the White House at age 82, having been the oldest person to serve as U.S. president.

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The United States and Iran are considering a temporary 60-day shipping arrangement aimed at easing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz while negotiations continue over a longer-term reopening of the strategic waterway and Iran’s nuclear programme, ABC News reported.

According to ABC News, which cited a US official familiar with the negotiations, the proposed arrangement would establish designated shipping routes for commercial vessels during the 60-day period while US, Iranian and other negotiators seek a broader agreement.

Under the proposal, Iranian officials have suggested routes that would allow commercial ships to enter the Persian Gulf through a passage controlled by Iran and exit through a route under Oman’s control, according to the report.

The US official stressed that the terms remain under negotiation and that no final agreement had been announced. The proposed duration, routes and other conditions could therefore still change.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping and energy route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Prolonged disruption to traffic through the waterway could increase shipping costs, affect energy supplies and put additional pressure on regional and global trade.

Oman has played a key role in facilitating diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran and could have an important role in any temporary shipping arrangement because of its location and its established role as a regional intermediary.

The proposal comes amid continued tensions between the United States and Iran, with negotiations also focused on Iran’s nuclear programme. Washington has maintained pressure on Tehran over its nuclear and security policies, while Iran has rejected demands it considers unacceptable.

If implemented, the temporary corridor could ease immediate pressure on commercial shipping and provide negotiators with additional time to work toward a broader settlement.

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US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has reportedly raised concerns with senior Trump administration officials about the limits of further military escalation against Iran and the need to explore a possible path toward ending the conflict, CNN reported Saturday.

Citing three people familiar with the discussions, CNN reported that Caine has in recent weeks discussed the risks and limitations of available military options with senior officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.

According to the report, Caine’s concern is not that the United States lacks the ability to inflict significant damage on Iran, but whether continued airstrikes alone could achieve the political objectives set by President Donald Trump. The report said the general has warned that airpower without US ground forces may not be sufficient to compel Tehran to accept an agreement on Washington’s terms.

The reported discussions come as the conflict approaches its sixth month and the Trump administration weighs further military action against the potential risks of a broader and less controllable war.

CNN also reported that Caine has raised concerns about US stockpiles of key munitions. The issue was reportedly discussed during a White House meeting involving Trump and senior officials late last month.

Caine’s spokesperson, Joseph Holstead, declined to discuss the chairman’s confidential conversations with the president and other officials. He also rejected what he described as anonymous characterisations by people who were not present during the discussions.

The White House has defended Caine’s performance, while the State Department and CIA did not comment on the reported conversations, according to CNN.

Trump has repeatedly ruled out committing US ground troops to Iran and has argued that sustained airpower can pressure Tehran into reaching an agreement. The reported discussions point to an ongoing debate within the administration over whether continued military action can achieve those objectives.

Diplomatic efforts have also focused on finding a way to reduce hostilities and address the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping and energy route. Any disruption to the waterway has broader implications for regional trade and the global economy.

Caine has previously played a prominent role in US military planning involving Iran. In June 2025, he briefed reporters on US strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, including the operation involving B-2 bombers.

The reported push for an “off-ramp” does not indicate that Washington has decided to end military operations. Rather, it reflects reported concerns within the US administration over the limits of military power, the risks of escalation and whether a diplomatic settlement may ultimately be necessary.

The Pentagon and White House have not publicly confirmed the substance of Caine’s reported private discussions. The claims remain based on anonymous sources cited by CNN.

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The closure of major Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossings has reached 300 days, disrupting bilateral trade, raising transport costs and pushing Afghan businesses to rely more heavily on alternative trade routes.

The crossings, including Torkham in Nangarhar, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Kharlachi in Paktia, Angoor Adda in Paktika and Ghulam Khan in Khost, were closed to trade and transit on October 12, 2025, amid worsening tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment says the prolonged closures have increased the cost and time required to transport goods. Afghan traders have increasingly turned to routes through northern Afghanistan, while Pakistani businesses have lost access to Afghanistan as a transit corridor toward Central Asian markets.

Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the chamber, said disruptions at Pakistan’s Karachi port had added to the difficulties facing Afghan importers and exporters.

The economic consequences are significant. World Bank data cited in the report shows that bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan had reached nearly $1.2 billion before the border closures. During the six-month period referenced in the data, Afghanistan exported about $318.9 million worth of goods to Pakistan and imported approximately $832 million.

The closures have particularly affected Afghan exports that depend on relatively short and established routes to Pakistani markets, including fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, spices, coal, cotton, talc and other natural products.

Pakistani exports to Afghanistan have also been affected. These include grains, medicines, sugar, construction materials, plastics and aluminium products.

The disruption has also increased pressure on Afghan consumers as longer and more expensive transport routes raise the cost of some imported goods. Traders and residents have reported increases in the prices of basic commodities, including rice.

At the same time, Afghanistan is accelerating efforts to diversify its trade routes and markets. India has emerged as its largest export destination, accounting for 34% of Afghanistan’s total exports in June, according to World Bank data cited in the report.

The prolonged border closures are therefore reshaping Afghanistan’s regional trade patterns while imposing costs on businesses and consumers in both countries. For Afghanistan, the restrictions have increased the urgency of reducing dependence on Pakistani transit routes; for Pakistan, they have reduced access to Afghan demand and an important corridor toward Central Asian markets.

The dispute has consequently developed beyond a border-management issue into a significant economic challenge for traders, transporters and consumers on both sides.

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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has provided medical equipment, medicines and diagnostic supplies worth about $500,000 to health authorities in Afghanistan’s northern Baghlan province, according to officials.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health said on Saturday, August 8, that the assistance included more than 40 types of medical supplies, medicines and diagnostic equipment intended for health facilities in the province.

Saddam Hussain Arab, head of Baghlan Provincial Hospital, said the assistance would help address shortages of medicines and medical equipment and improve the ability of health facilities to provide timely care and diagnostic services to patients.

The latest support comes as Afghanistan’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges, including shortages of essential medicines and equipment, limited healthcare capacity in some areas and a decline in humanitarian funding.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that funding constraints are placing additional pressure on Afghanistan’s health services, particularly as millions of people continue to require humanitarian assistance.

The ICRC has maintained humanitarian and health-related operations in Afghanistan, providing medical supplies and other support to help health facilities maintain essential services.

The latest assistance is expected to strengthen healthcare capacity in Baghlan, although wider funding shortages and structural challenges continue to affect the delivery of health services across Afghanistan.

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A woman has been arrested in Afghanistan’s western Herat province in connection with the death of an 18-month-old child who reportedly fell from the fifth floor of a residential building in Herat city.

Bakhtar News Agency reported on Saturday, August 8, citing Herat police spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini, that the incident occurred at a residential building in the city.

Hosseini said the woman worked as a cleaner at the family’s home and was one of three women employed there. He said she allegedly confessed during an initial investigation to throwing the child from the fifth floor.

Police said preliminary findings identified the woman as responsible for the incident, but the authorities have not publicly provided details about a possible motive or the circumstances leading to the child’s death.

The case has been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation, according to the report. No court ruling on the allegation has been reported.

The child’s family had reportedly travelled to Afghanistan from Germany for a holiday shortly before the incident, according to the reported.

Further details about the investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and any potential charges against the woman, were not immediately available.

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Newly released U.S. Defense Department files detail a former military pilot’s report of a huge, silent triangular object that he said appeared over Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base in 2002.

The pilot told the FBI that the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. local time when the stars above Bagram suddenly became obscured. He said he then saw a large object moving across the sky from west to east.

According to the FBI interview, the pilot described the object as an equilateral triangle with no visible lights. He estimated that it was about 500 feet (152 metres) across and travelling at roughly 150 knots (278 kilometres per hour).

The FBI produced a digital rendering based on the pilot’s description. The image is therefore an illustration of the reported sighting and not a photograph or direct recording of the object.

The Bagram account was included in a new release of 41 UAP-related documents, images and videos covering incidents from 1950 through 2026. The material comes from several U.S. government agencies, including the Defense Department, FBI, CIA and State Department.

The release represents the fifth batch of UAP material made public under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January directing U.S. agencies to disclose additional records relating to unidentified aerial phenomena.

The newly released material includes military sensor footage, witness interviews and other reports involving unexplained objects in different locations and periods. The Bagram case is notable because it involves a military witness reporting an unusually large object over a major U.S. base during the war in Afghanistan.

However, the documents do not establish what the object was or whether it was an aircraft, drone, atmospheric phenomenon or another unidentified object.

The U.S. government has also stressed that records of UAP sightings document reports and observations rather than proving that the objects were extraterrestrial. The FBI has previously made the same distinction in its UFO records, noting that the existence of a report does not establish the truth or origin of the reported phenomenon.

There is no additional evidence in the released material that independently confirms the Bagram sighting or identifies the object described by the pilot.

The latest disclosure adds to a growing collection of U.S. government records concerning unidentified aerial phenomena, while leaving the identity of many of the reported objects unresolved.

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Pakistan’s military said an army officer and seven militants were killed during a security operation in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said on Saturday that 27-year-old officer Hamza Akram was killed during an exchange of fire with militants. The military said weapons and ammunition were recovered following the operation.

The military described the militants as “India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term Pakistani authorities use for members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The allegation of Indian backing could not be independently verified.

The operation comes amid continued militant violence and intensified security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the TTP of maintaining hideouts in Afghanistan and planning attacks against Pakistan from across the border.

Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have rejected the allegations, saying Afghanistan territory is not being allowed to be used against other countries.

The TTP issue remains a major source of tension between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan pressing for action against militants it blames for attacks inside the country and Afghan authorities calling for the dispute to be addressed through dialogue.

The latest operation underscores the continuing security challenges facing Pakistan’s northwestern region, where militant attacks and counterterrorism operations have remained frequent.

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The football used by Diego Maradona for his infamous “Hand of God” goal against England at the 1986 World Cup is set to go to auction in the United States this month, with Heritage Auctions estimating it could sell for around $10 million.

The ball will be offered in Heritage Auctions’ sports auction from August 21 to 23, with bidding opening at $2.5 million. The auction house has described it as one of the most significant football collectibles to reach the market.

The ball was used during Argentina’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. In the 51st minute, Maradona punched the ball into the net with his left hand, but officials failed to detect the handball and awarded the goal.

Maradona later famously described the goal as having been scored partly with his head and partly with the “hand of God”.

Just minutes later, he scored again after a spectacular run past several England players. The goal was later named the “Goal of the Century” in a FIFA poll.

Heritage Auctions said the ball has been photo-matched to the 1986 quarter-final and is the same ball associated with both of Maradona’s goals. It remained in the possession of Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser after the match before eventually entering the memorabilia market.

The $2.5 million starting bid is substantially below the auction house’s $10 million estimate. A previous attempt to sell the ball in 2022 attracted a top bid of about £2 million, but the offer failed to reach the seller’s reserve price.

Maradona’s shirt from the same match sold for $9.3 million in 2022, setting a football memorabilia record at the time. The ball’s auction could therefore become another major sale in the market for sports collectibles.

Argentina went on to win the 1986 World Cup, with Maradona’s two goals against England becoming among the tournament’s most enduring moments and defining episodes in football history.

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Russian-installed authorities in Ukraine’s Donetsk region said Ukrainian shelling injured 11 civilians, including two children, as fighting continued between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported on Saturday, August 8, citing local Russian-installed officials, that 30 artillery attacks had been recorded across cities and districts in the Donetsk region.

The Russian authorities said all 11 injured people were civilians, including women and children. The claims could not be independently verified.

The reported shelling comes as fighting continues along multiple fronts more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both sides continue to carry out artillery, drone and missile attacks, with civilian areas frequently affected by the fighting.

Ukrainian authorities have also reported repeated Russian strikes on residential areas and critical infrastructure in recent days. Reports omdocated intensified Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, while Ukrainian forces continue to strike Russian positions and infrastructure.

The latest reports come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war, although significant disagreements remain between Moscow and Kyiv over territory, security guarantees and the terms of any potential settlement.

Both Russia and Ukraine have accused the other of attacks that have caused civilian casualties. Independent verification of battlefield claims is often difficult because access to affected areas is restricted and the sides frequently provide conflicting accounts.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran does not seek war or territorial expansion but will resist what he described as pressure and “bullying,” as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between Iran and the United States.

Pezeshkian said Iran’s efforts were focused on strengthening its defensive capabilities and protecting the country’s security. His comments come amid renewed tensions over the conflict with Washington and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.

The Iranian president accused the United States of using military bases in Gulf countries to launch attacks against Iran and alleged that Washington was seeking to create divisions between Tehran and its neighbours.

Pezeshkian said Iran had resolved many of its disputes with neighbouring countries and was seeking to maintain regional relations. He added that if pressure and threats against Iran ended, there would be no reason for tensions to continue.

His remarks come as the United States and Iran remain locked in a broader confrontation over military activity, Iran’s nuclear programme and control of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway has been disrupted for months by the conflict, contributing to concerns over energy supplies, shipping costs and inflation. Reuters reported on Friday that Washington expects a possible agreement between Iran and Oman that could help reopen the strait, with the United States potentially lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports if Tehran meets its commitments.

At the same time, Iran has warned Gulf countries that further US military strikes could trigger retaliation against regional energy infrastructure. Tehran has urged countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan to press Washington to halt further military action and pursue diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump has also recently said he prefers reaching a deal with Iran rather than continuing military confrontation, while warning that Washington remains prepared to escalate if negotiations fail.

Pezeshkian’s comments reflect Tehran’s broader effort to combine resistance to US military pressure with calls for a diplomatic resolution. Iranian leadership remains divided over how far negotiations should go, with pragmatic figures favouring a negotiated settlement while hardliners continue to oppose concessions.

The future of the diplomatic efforts remains uncertain, with the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security emerging as central issues in any potential agreement between Tehran and Washington.

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Around 25,000 Trabzonspor supporters turned out to welcome Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah as he was officially presented as the Turkish club’s latest signing, marking one of the biggest receptions for a new player in the club’s history.

The 34-year-old forward joined Trabzonspor on a two-year free transfer after ending his nine-year spell with Liverpool. The Turkish club confirmed the agreement through Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform, with Salah set to receive a guaranteed €17 million per season, alongside performance-related bonuses and 20% of revenue from merchandise sold bearing his name.

Salah arrived in Trabzon on Wednesday before his official presentation at Papara Park. Thousands of supporters gathered in the city, while hundreds had earlier turned out at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport to greet him after his arrival in Türkiye.

The Egyptian captain said he was surprised by the scale of the reception. He told supporters that he hoped to help Trabzonspor compete for trophies in Türkiye and in European competition.

The move makes Salah one of the biggest names to join the Turkish Süper Lig in recent years and the most prominent signing in Trabzonspor’s history. The club finished third in the league last season and qualified for the Europa League play-off round, giving Salah an immediate opportunity to compete in European football.

Salah left Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season after nine years at Anfield. He departed with 257 goals in 442 appearances, ranking third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list. During his time with the club, he won two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, among other major honours.

His final Liverpool season was less productive than previous campaigns, but he remains one of the most recognisable footballers in the world. In the 2024-25 Premier League season, he scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists, winning the league’s Player of the Season, Golden Boot and Playmaker awards.

The transfer also has significant commercial implications for Trabzonspor. The merchandise-sharing clause gives the club a direct financial incentive to capitalise on Salah’s global following, while his arrival is expected to increase international attention, shirt sales and sponsorship opportunities.

Salah, who is expected to wear the No. 10 shirt, arrives after helping Egypt reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. His signing represents a major statement of ambition from Trabzonspor as the club seeks to challenge Turkey’s established Istanbul powers and make an impact in European competition.

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Former Pakistani special representative for Afghanistan Asif Durrani has said closer defence cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey could contribute to a broader regional security framework and reduce reliance on outside powers.

Writing on X on Friday, August 7, Durrani described the proposed arrangement as a potential foundation for a new security structure spanning parts of South and West Asia. He said greater cooperation among regional states could give them a larger role in addressing security challenges and longstanding conflicts.

Durrani called the proposed pact a potential “first solid foundation” for a new regional security structure. He argued that sustained cooperation could eventually extend beyond military coordination to wider efforts aimed at promoting stability and resolving regional disputes.

His comments come as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have sought closer strategic coordination amid wider security tensions across the Middle East and South Asia. The three countries have maintained longstanding diplomatic and economic ties, while their security interests increasingly overlap on issues including regional conflicts, terrorism and maritime security.

The proposed defence arrangement also comes against a backdrop of growing debate among regional powers over security cooperation and the role of external military powers in the Middle East and South Asia. Any formal agreement, however, would depend on the terms agreed by the three governments and the extent of their military commitments.

Durrani also pointed to the Palestinian issue as an example of a longstanding regional conflict that could benefit from greater involvement by countries in the region. He argued that stronger regional cooperation could create mechanisms for addressing disputes that have remained unresolved for decades.

The proposed pact could have implications beyond the three countries if it develops into a broader security partnership. Pakistan maintains close defence ties with Saudi Arabia, while Turkey has expanded its defence cooperation and military relationships across the region in recent years.

However, Durrani’s comments represent his assessment of the potential implications of the proposed arrangement and do not establish the final scope or objectives of any agreement.

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Azizi Energy has signed a cooperation agreement with China’s Shanghai Electric to develop power projects with a combined capacity of 3,000 megawatts in Afghanistan, as the company seeks to expand domestic electricity generation and reduce reliance on imported power.

Mirwais Azizi, owner of the Azizi companies, said the planned power plants are expected to be developed over the next four years. The projects will use a mix of coal, natural gas and solar energy, according to the company.

The agreement forms part of a broader plan by Azizi Energy to develop up to 10,000 MW of electricity-generation capacity in Afghanistan. The programme is aimed at increasing domestic power production and making greater use of the country’s energy resources.

Azizi Energy also said construction is already underway on three solar power projects with a combined capacity of 330 MW in Kabul, Parwan and Ghazni provinces.

Afghanistan continues to face persistent electricity shortages and relies heavily on imported power to meet domestic demand. Expanding domestic generation has been identified as a key requirement for strengthening the country’s electricity network and supporting economic activity.

If completed, the planned projects could significantly increase Afghanistan’s domestic power-generation capacity and provide additional electricity for households and industry. However, the projects will require substantial investment, construction and transmission infrastructure before the planned capacity can become operational.

The announcement does not indicate that the full 3,000 MW capacity is currently operational, and the timeline remains dependent on financing, construction and the development of the necessary electricity grid infrastructure.

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Malnutrition is increasing in 53 percent of surveyed areas across Afghanistan, with reported cases doubling over the past three months in 44 percent of those areas, according to a new assessment by REACH, supported by the United Nations.

The assessment, conducted from May 10 to June 7 across 401 districts and based on information from 12,854 key informants, found that rising food prices, economic hardship, climate shocks and declining humanitarian assistance are worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on vulnerable households.

The sharpest increases in reported malnutrition were recorded in Panjshir, Faryab and Laghman, at 89 percent, 85 percent and 83 percent respectively.

The assessment estimated that 21.9 million people, nearly 45 percent of Afghanistan’s population, need humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity was reported as a serious or very serious problem in 65 percent of surveyed areas, while 55 percent reported significant food-price increases during the previous month.

Economic hardship is also forcing families to sell essential assets. In 87 percent of surveyed areas, key informants reported an increase in households selling livestock because of insufficient income or food.

Humanitarian assistance was reported in only 29 percent of surveyed areas during the previous three months, down from 37 percent in March, highlighting the widening gap between humanitarian needs and available assistance.

Climate shocks are adding to the pressure. Drought was identified as a factor contributing to displacement in 40 percent of surveyed areas, while recent floods caused severe damage to homes in 15 percent.

The return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan is placing further pressure on vulnerable communities. Half of the surveyed areas reported receiving returnees from the two countries, while 57 percent said those returnees had received no humanitarian assistance after arriving.

The assessment also found significant barriers to healthcare, with 77 percent of surveyed areas reporting shortages of medicines and medical equipment and 59 percent identifying treatment costs as unaffordable.

The findings highlight Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian pressures as food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, climate shocks, displacement and declining aid converge. Without increased humanitarian support, vulnerable households could face further deterioration in access to food and essential services.

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