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KUALA LUMPUR – A workplace tragedy at a Malaysian offshore oil facility has resulted in three fatalities and one injury during routine maintenance operations on Sunday, according to the state energy company.

The Malaysian state energy firm Petronas, formally known as Petroliam Nasional Berhad, announced Monday that the deadly incident took place at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time at the FSO Sepat facility located off the coast of Terengganu state on Malaysia’s eastern peninsula.

Company officials confirmed that three workers were declared deceased upon reaching the hospital, while a fourth employee who sustained injuries was transported for emergency medical care and continues to be monitored by medical staff.

“Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing in coordination with the relevant authorities,” the company stated in its official announcement.

The energy company declined to release additional information about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

According to Malaysia’s state news agency Bernama, the workers had entered a lifeboat positioned on the floating storage and offloading platform with plans to descend into ocean waters for maintenance duties. Local law enforcement sources told Bernama that the rope or connecting mechanism securing the lifeboat appears to have failed, resulting in the workers plunging into the water below.

Colombia’s three main presidential contenders brought their campaigns to a close Sunday with large-scale public events, setting the stage for the May 31 election that political experts believe will lead to several weeks of intense and divisive campaigning before a June 21 runoff vote.

According to the most recent polling data before the May 31 election, leftist politician Ivan Cepeda, 63, held a slim lead among the candidates. However, the same survey suggested he would be defeated in the June runoff against either of his conservative opponents. Previous polling had indicated he would prevail in a second-round contest.

Cepeda has committed to advancing the social reform agenda initiated by current President Gustavo Petro, but he faces scrutiny over the sitting president’s unsuccessful “total peace” strategy that seeks to resolve conflicts through dialogue with illegal armed organizations operating in the nation.

Opposition voices claim Cepeda maintains connections to former leaders of the disbanded FARC guerrilla movement, whose breakaway groups continue to play significant roles in the ongoing six-decade conflict that has included right-wing paramilitary forces, narcotics traffickers and resulted in over 450,000 deaths.

Running closely behind Cepeda in the polls was Abelardo De La Espriella, 47, a business executive and attorney who has promised to reduce taxes, boost investment in mining and energy sectors, and launch military operations against illegal armed organizations and drug trafficking networks.

De La Espriella has encountered criticism for his legal representation of disputed clients, including businessman Alex Saab, who stands accused of serving as a financial intermediary for Venezuela’s ousted president Nicolas Maduro. Saab was extradited to the U.S. last week to face criminal charges.

Running in third place in polling was Paloma Valencia, 48, whose platform includes expanding military forces, reducing government size and lowering tax rates. She has received endorsement from former President Alvaro Uribe.

“We can expect a fear-mongering campaign focused on each candidate’s worst attributes,” Sergio Guzman, director of consulting firm Colombia Risk Analysis, told Reuters.

According to Guzman, accusations like “corrupt, amoral, guerrillas, drug traffickers, and paramilitary sympathizers” will likely characterize the political discourse leading up to the runoff election.

The incoming president will confront significant challenges including restoring public safety, strengthening the nation’s financial position, addressing informal employment issues and tackling poverty and inequality.

Cepeda held his final campaign event in the Caribbean coastal city of Barranquilla, while De La Espriella chose Colombia’s second-biggest city and corporate hub Medellin, and Valencia concluded her campaign in the capital Bogota.

Detainees at a correctional facility in Venezuela’s Barinas region climbed onto the building’s roof Sunday in a dramatic demonstration against alleged violence by guards and administrative misconduct.

The inmates set mattresses ablaze during their rooftop demonstration and demanded the dismissal of the facility’s administrator, claiming guards had fired weapons at unarmed detainees.

“We want justice. They are shooting us, the guards and the wardens,” one detainee stated in footage distributed by the Venezuelan Prison Observatory, a local advocacy organization, on X. The video showed an individual with what appeared to be a gunshot injury to his torso.

The demonstrating prisoners maintained they were conducting a peaceful protest when correctional staff discharged firearms, resulting in injuries to some detainees.

Government officials in Venezuela have not yet provided a response to inquiries about the incident.

In footage circulated by the advocacy group, detainees demanded the dismissal of the newly installed facility administrator Elvis Macuare Guerrero. The prisoners alleged their garments had been confiscated, family visits had been prohibited, and they faced coercion to participate in narcotics trafficking.

Relatives of the detainees confronted National Guard personnel equipped with protective shields outside the facility, attempting without success to prevent their entry. These family members reported to the advocacy organization that they heard shouting and explosive sounds shortly after the officers went inside.

The advocacy organization stated it was recording the incidents and would submit reports to human rights monitoring agencies.

Venezuela’s correctional system has drawn international attention as the administration of interim President Delcy Rodriguez enacted legislation to free hundreds of individuals classified as political detainees. The U.S. launched an operation against Caracas in January, resulting in the capture of then-President Nicolas Maduro.

KINSHASA, Congo — Medical workers at a Congo hospital scrambled to evacuate Ebola patients Sunday night after furious men broke into the facility demanding the remains of deceased relatives, amid sounds of gunfire in the surrounding area.

The assault on Monbgwalu General Hospital left casualties unknown, according to Dr. Richard Lokudu, the facility’s medical director, who spoke with The Associated Press. The intruders insisted on receiving two bodies of family members who had died.

“There was gunfire and the medics were trying to evacuate the patients and the staff,” Lokudu explained during a phone interview.

“Monbgwalu General Hospital is on general alert,” he stated, noting he lacked additional information about the developing crisis.

This incident represents the third assault in seven days targeting medical centers where healthcare workers battle limited resources while treating potential Ebola patients, highlighting the difficulties surrounding this outbreak that the World Health Organization has labeled a public health emergency of international concern.

Remains of Ebola victims carry extreme infection risks and can trigger additional transmission when families handle burial preparations and hold funeral ceremonies.

Congo’s government has ordered that burial procedures for suspected victims be handled by officials when feasible, a policy that has sparked resistance from grieving families and communities. Friday brought new restrictions as authorities prohibited funeral gatherings and assemblies exceeding 50 people across northeastern Congo to limit viral transmission.

Saturday saw Mongbwalu residents attack and burn down a tent facility established by Doctors Without Borders for treating suspected and confirmed Ebola patients.

That assault resulted in 18 individuals with suspected infections fleeing the site, with their current whereabouts unknown, Lokudu had reported previously.

Thursday witnessed another treatment facility destroyed by fire in Rwampara after relatives were prohibited from claiming a local man’s body who allegedly died from Ebola.

The World Health Organization has elevated the outbreak’s threat level to “very high” for Congo, upgrading from the previous “high” classification, while maintaining that global spread probability remains minimal.

Sunday morning brought updated figures from Congo’s Ministry of Communication via X, reporting 904 suspected Ebola cases, predominantly in northeastern Ituri Province — a substantial increase from the previously reported total exceeding 700 suspected infections.

The ministry listed total suspected Ebola fatalities at 119, though regional breakdowns totaled 220 deaths. Officials were unavailable to clarify this numerical inconsistency.

No vaccine exists for the Bundibugyo virus, an uncommon Ebola strain that circulated undetected for weeks throughout Ituri after the initial reported death in late April in Bunia, the provincial capital, while authorities tested unsuccessfully for a more prevalent Ebola variant.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced Saturday that three volunteers had perished from the outbreak in Mongbwalu. The organization believes these healthcare workers became infected March 27 while handling corpses during a humanitarian operation unconnected to Ebola.

If verified, this information would dramatically alter the outbreak’s established timeline.

New Zealand announced Monday it will impose stricter English language standards for certain work visa categories while creating new philanthropic opportunities for investor visa holders, according to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.

The policy updates take effect June 1 and affect the Accredited Employer Work Visa program and the Active Investor Plus Visa Growth category. Officials are also working to launch two additional skilled residence programs in August.

Under the revised rules, English proficiency requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa will now include skill level 3 positions in areas like hospitality and skilled trades. This brings those roles in line with standards already required for skill levels 4 and 5.

“Being able to communicate in basic, everyday English ensures that workers understand their rights and engage effectively at work and in the community while they are here,” Stanford stated.

The English language mandate does not affect Global Workforce Seasonal Visa or Peak Seasonal Visa candidates, and existing workers seeking job changes are also exempt from the requirement.

Meanwhile, applicants for the Active Investor Plus Visa Growth category will now have the option to direct up to 20% of their investment total toward charitable contributions. This allows up to NZ$1 million ($587,600) of the required NZ$5 million minimum investment to go to philanthropic causes, with remaining funds still required to go toward higher-growth investments.

A small aircraft accident in northern Israel’s Jezreel Valley claimed the lives of two retired Israeli Air Force officers on Sunday morning, according to emergency services and local media outlets.

Officials identified the victims as Lt. Col. (res.) Yuval (Eyal) Inbar, 50, a former squadron commander, and retired Lt. Col. Itai Talmi, 70, who also served as an Air Force officer and later worked as a captain for El Al.

The fatal accident happened during the morning hours of May 24, 2026, when the small plane went down in farming fields close to Tel Adashim in northern Israel.

According to Magen David Adom, both men, described as being around 50 years of age, sustained life-threatening injuries when their small plane crashed. Emergency medical teams rushed both victims to HaEmek Medical Center in Afula while performing life-saving procedures, but hospital staff ultimately declared them deceased.

Emergency services received the initial report at 9:06 a.m. through Magen David Adom’s 101 emergency dispatch center serving the Gilboa region.

First responders reported that crews who reached the crash site discovered the plane severely damaged in an open field close to the moshav.

Magen David Adom motorcycle unit paramedic Maor Atadgi described the emergency response to Ynet.

“This is a difficult incident. We arrived at the scene with ambulances, intensive care units, and motorcycles as an immediate response. They led us through the area to the crashed plane, which had severe metal damage, and nearby were 2 men who were unconscious, without a pulse, and not breathing.”

Atadgi continued, “We immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts and evacuated them in MDA intensive care units to the hospital while their condition was critical.”

Authorities continued investigating the crash circumstances and gathering additional information throughout Sunday.

Pakistan’s Federal Shariat Court has overturned legislation that removed criminal penalties for attempted suicide, determining the changes conflict with Islamic principles.

The court made this decision after reviewing multiple petitions challenging the law that Parliament enacted.

In 2022, the National Assembly modified the Pakistan Penal Code by eliminating attempted suicide from criminal offenses. The amended law prohibited legal prosecution of individuals who attempted suicide.

The Federal Shariat Court explained in its decision that governments must safeguard citizens’ lives and emphasized that criminalizing suicide attempts previously served to discourage such actions and prevent them through fear of prosecution.

The court determined that mental illness alone does not justify eliminating this law.

During proceedings, government representatives cited World Health Organization statistics showing millions of annual suicide deaths globally, with mental illness being the leading factor.

The federal government maintained that the law’s main purpose was recognizing that people who attempt suicide typically experience psychological problems or mental health issues.

Government officials additionally argued that since suicide attempters are victims themselves, these situations should be addressed medically rather than legally, without criminal prosecution.

Officials contended that people in these circumstances often face mental, economic, and social pressures, requiring medical care instead of punishment.

However, the Federal Shariat Court countered that suicide and attempted suicide stem from factors beyond just mental illness or psychological distress.

These factors may encompass suicide attempts for terrorist purposes, hunger strikes seeking political or economic benefits, public self-immolation using kerosene, and sometimes suicide attempts influenced by internet content or mobile apps.

The court noted that while each suicide attempter faces unique circumstances, removing criminal status from all suicide attempts regardless of motivation is inappropriate.

The court pointed out that Pakistan’s Constitution already contains provisions for helping individuals with mental disabilities.

The Federal Shariat Court also consulted the Council of Islamic Ideology, which declared suicide a serious sin requiring discouragement.

Tanzeela Javed, an Islamabad-based clinical psychiatrist, told The Media Line “In most cases, attempted suicide is associated with treatable mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, or acute psychosocial stressors like financial hardship or relationship breakdown.”

She added “Prevention strategies are never purely medical; they also require social support systems, crisis services, and responsible public policy. The most effective frameworks internationally tend to treat suicide prevention as a public health priority while still ensuring appropriate safeguards in exceptional contexts”.

Javed emphasized, “Ultimately, the clinical goal is not punishment, but risk reduction, treatment access, and preservation of life through early and non-judgmental intervention.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is organizing a restricted security cabinet session for Sunday night to address a developing agreement between the United States and Iran, as Israeli leadership expresses worries about specific terms in the proposed memorandum of understanding that could halt hostilities with Hezbollah and postpone comprehensive nuclear discussions.

A representative for one of the ministers scheduled to attend the session confirmed the meeting to The Times of Israel, noting that a specific time has not been established.

Based on reports from Kan, Netanyahu has expressed worry about at least two components of the proposed deal: a mandate to cease military actions against Lebanon and the deferral of meaningful talks about Iran’s nuclear program to a later phase of negotiations.

The memorandum of understanding being considered would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and mandate that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States would terminate its naval blockade. Throughout the 60-day timeframe, the US would consider removing sanctions against Iran, while American forces would stay in the area until negotiations are completed.

Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah would cease under the agreement, though Israel would maintain the capability to respond with military force if Hezbollah initiates attacks.

Israel was excluded from Saturday’s “phone summit” that included the United States and leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey discussing the revised memorandum of understanding. Reuters indicated that Pakistan also joined the call.

Israeli broadcaster N12 stated that Netanyahu considers the proposal potentially detrimental to Israel. An Israeli official mentioned in the coverage said US special envoy Steve Witkoff strongly backed the agreement and “wants a deal at almost any price, and is placing immense pressure on Trump not to resume the war.”

Two American officials informed The New York Times that Iran had consented as part of the developing arrangement to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The coverage indicated that the proposal does not detail how Tehran would give up the material, and talks on implementation were delayed to the subsequent round of nuclear negotiations.

The coverage stated that Iran initially opposed including uranium provisions in the first stage of the agreement, but American officials communicated through intermediaries that military operations would continue without such an understanding.

During his annual State of the Union speech on Sunday, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa highlighted his administration’s crime-fighting initiatives backed by the United States while also pointing to improvements in economic measures.

Speaking before the National Assembly in Quito, the capital city, Noboa pointed to the transfer of twelve crime leaders to the U.S. and the confiscation of nearly 300 tons of illegal drugs as proof of what he called a strong and successful strategy against organized crime, which remains the primary worry for citizens of Ecuador during this decade.

“We will seek them out, find them and extradite them,” Noboa declared regarding wanted criminals, emphasizing that the South American nation cannot progress “if families live in fear” because of organized crime.

The country has faced challenges controlling drug-related violence beginning in 2021 as competing cartels form alliances with neighborhood gangs and fight over control of trafficking routes and coastal ports for moving cocaine. Ecuador sits between Colombia and Peru, which are the world’s leading cocaine-producing nations.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, Ecuador experienced its worst homicide rate in decades last year with 50 killings for every 100,000 people.

To address this crisis, Noboa, who won reelection last year for a four-year period, has implemented emergency powers allowing military forces to execute various anti-crime tactics, including combined patrols with law enforcement and searches of properties without warrants. Earlier this year, Ecuador’s armed forces also conducted a joint mission with U.S. military against a training facility reportedly operated by Colombian drug dealers, striking the location using drones, helicopters and boats.

Civil society organizations have criticized Noboa, arguing his aggressive tactics have not succeeded in lowering crime rates while endangering innocent people.

Glaedys González, who analyzes the Andean region for the International Crisis Group, stated Sunday that Noboa may have presented an overly positive view of the nation’s security situation in his address, but “progress on violence is far from being achieved.”

“It is evident that the situation in Ecuador has reached unprecedented levels,” González said.

During Sunday’s address, Noboa also highlighted economic improvements, informing legislators that poverty decreased from 26% to 21.4% in 2025 while severe poverty fell from 10.4% to 8.4%.

Noboa initially won office in 2023 through a special election that occurred after former President Guillermo Lasso disbanded the National Assembly and cut short his own presidency.

Ireland’s center-right ruling Fine Gael party and the smaller center-left Social Democrats each secured victories in Sunday’s by-elections, while a figure identified by courts as leading a notorious criminal organization failed once again to win office.

The outcomes represented a setback for the left-wing nationalist Sinn Fein party, which has emerged as one of Ireland’s three major political forces and had aimed to capture a seat in the Dublin Central district where party leader Mary Lou McDonald currently serves as a representative.

The weak performance by Fianna Fail, the other party in the governing coalition, across both contests may intensify criticism of Prime Minister Micheal Martin from members of his own party.

Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats claimed victory in Dublin, building on the party’s success from the general election held 18 months earlier when it expanded its representation from six to 11 seats in the 174-member legislative body.

The party now holds the position as parliament’s fourth-largest faction, achieving this status just over ten years since its establishment.

The results indicated that the Social Democrats attracted some progressive voters who previously supported Sinn Fein, though the main opposition party also saw erosion of its traditional working-class base to increasingly popular right-wing candidates, continuing a trend from 2024.

Gerry Hutch, identified by an Irish court in 2023 as leading a prominent criminal organization in Ireland, secured 11% of initial preference votes to finish in fourth place. Running on a platform that included anti-immigration positions, Hutch barely failed to secure one of four Dublin Central seats during the 2024 general election.

In media statements, Hutch has rejected claims that he leads a criminal enterprise.

Sean Kyne, a former junior minister representing Fine Gael, achieved the rare distinction of becoming just the fourth government party candidate to win a by-election since 1982. His success in the western Galway county preserved the coalition’s substantial parliamentary majority.

Independent Ireland, a recently formed rural-oriented right-wing party that prominently backed recent public demonstrations against rising fuel costs, posed the strongest challenge to Kyne.

The election results highlighted the divided state of Ireland’s voting public, with four parties spanning the political spectrum engaged in tight competition for the two available seats.

STAROBILSK, Russian-controlled Ukraine, May 24 (TV Delmarva) — Investigation teams spent Sunday examining the destroyed remains of a dormitory building following what Russian officials describe as a deadly Ukrainian drone assault in the Luhansk region, an area under Russian occupation during the ongoing four-year conflict.

Officials reported that rescue operations ended late Saturday evening, with the final casualty count from the attack on the educational facility reaching 21 victims, including numerous young women.

The structure’s front wall showed massive damage with large openings and shattered glass throughout. Debris consisting of bent metal pieces and broken concrete scattered around what had been the building’s central yard, while damaged furniture and classroom equipment remained stacked inside.

An investigator wearing safety equipment studied metal fragments and other wreckage arranged on a protective covering while personnel from Russia’s Investigative Committee gathered evidence from Friday’s incident.

Reuters covered this story from Starobilsk during an official press tour arranged by Russia’s Foreign Ministry on May 24, 2026.

Ukrainian military officials rejected claims of responsibility for the strike, stating they had targeted a specialized drone operations unit in the vicinity and maintained adherence to international humanitarian standards.

Reuters could not independently confirm the details of what occurred.

“Three waves of UAVs (drones) 10-15 minutes apart,” Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Yana Lantrova, told journalists outside the damaged structure while a group displayed photographs of the deceased.

“Sixteen UAVs in total. They waited for the children to run out. They fired directly at the children.”

The educational institution, located in eastern Luhansk region and annexed by Russia months following the Kremlin’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, displayed official Russian government emblems.

Posted on one interior wall were guidelines for responding to “the threat of terrorism.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his armed forces to develop retaliatory options against Ukraine following the incident.

Less than 24 hours later, during the early hours of Sunday, Russia launched an assault on Kyiv and nearby regions using hundreds of drones and missiles in what represented one of the most intense bombardments of the capital since the conflict began.

The nighttime attack resulted in four deaths and included the deployment of a Russian Oreshnik hypersonic missile targeting an area south of Kyiv.

Eight Arab-Islamic nations issued a harsh rebuke on Sunday against Israeli police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his conduct toward humanitarian workers who were detained while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

The controversy erupted after Ben-Gvir shared a video showing him mocking activists who were restrained on the ground during their detention. Several of the detained individuals, who had been part of a flotilla seeking to transport humanitarian supplies to Gaza, have since claimed they suffered physical abuse while in custody – allegations that Israel’s prison service has rejected.

In their joint statement, the foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan declared: “Ben-Gvir’s deliberate public humiliation of detainees is a disgraceful assault on human dignity and a clear violation of Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and international human rights law.”

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu secured his party’s nomination for the upcoming presidential election after winning Saturday’s primary by an overwhelming margin, according to results released Sunday.

The All Progressives Congress party conducted its presidential primary following an unexpected challenge from Stanley Osifo. Tinubu dominated the voting, capturing close to 11 million votes while Osifo received only 16,500.

The president has earned praise from international investors following his implementation of significant economic reforms, which included eliminating fuel and electricity subsidies, dismantling foreign exchange restrictions, and restructuring the nation’s tax system.

Tinubu’s path to re-election became clearer when an opposition alliance aimed at presenting a unified candidate against him fell apart earlier this month.

The president assumed office in 2023 following his victory over two primary opponents, who later contested the election results in court claiming fraud. Tinubu maintained that his victory was legitimate.

Approximately 2,000 demonstrators marched through Bilbao, Spain on Sunday, expressing outrage over how Basque police officers handled activists returning from a Gaza aid mission who had been held in Israeli custody.

The controversy erupted Saturday at Bilbao airport when a family member of one of six returning activists attempted to reach them, but was forcibly stopped by an officer, sparking confrontations between both groups, according to footage from state broadcaster TVE.

Video evidence revealed officers using batons to strike individuals and forcing others to the ground while bystanders shouted in disapproval. Prior to the altercation, the activists had apparently blocked passenger exits, prompting police intervention to relocate them.

The Basque regional police department announced Sunday that it has opened an inquiry to assess whether officers followed proper protocols. Reuters has contacted the Spanish government seeking their response.

During Sunday’s demonstration, pro-Palestinian marchers displayed signs criticizing the Basque police department and claiming the regional government was cooperating with Zionism.

The activists had been freed from Israeli custody following their detention aboard a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Event organizers claimed Friday that the activists faced mistreatment during Israeli detention, with multiple individuals requiring hospitalization for injuries and no fewer than 15 alleging sexual violence, including rape.

Israel’s prison service rejected these accusations, and Reuters could not independently confirm the activists’ allegations.

Spain joined other Western nations Thursday in expressing outrage after Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video of himself ridiculing the activists while they were restrained on a prison floor.

Francesca Albanese, a UN expert on the Palestinian territories, has urged accountability for those involved in the Bilbao airport incident, while Amnesty International has called for a comprehensive investigation.

The Israeli Embassy in Spain has requested an “explanation” from the Spanish government regarding the airport events.

Israel’s Prime Minister conveyed to the U.S. President during a Saturday phone conversation that his nation would continue operating freely against security threats in Lebanon, according to an Israeli government source.

The discussion occurred as the President revealed that Washington and Iran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding regarding a peace agreement that would restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route that has been essentially blocked since the U.S. and Israel began their military campaign against Iran in February.

“In last night’s conversation with President Trump, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel will maintain freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon, and President Trump reiterated and supported this principle,” the Israeli political source told Reuters on Sunday, asking not to be named.

Hope increased for a possible resolution to the three-month conflict after the President announced that Pakistan was helping broker an emerging deal to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported the proposed agreement includes provisions preventing the U.S. and its partners from attacking Iran or its allies, while Iran would commit to avoiding preemptive strikes against them.

A prominent Israeli politician expressed opposition to accepting any ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have deployed to combat the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militia, as part of negotiations with Iran.

The Israeli source indicated that the U.S. continues briefing Israel on the ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran.

“President Trump made it clear that he will stand firm in negotiations on his consistent demand for the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from its territory,” the source said, “and that he will not sign a final agreement without these conditions being met”.

The President posted on Truth Social that his conversation with Israel’s leader had proceeded “very well”.

Thousands of demonstrators filled Madrid’s city center Sunday, voicing their frustration over escalating housing prices that have pushed homeownership and rental costs beyond reach for many Spanish citizens, despite the nation’s recent economic growth. The problem is particularly acute in major urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona.

The housing affordability crisis poses a significant political challenge for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as he approaches the 2027 elections.

Spain has historically emphasized homeownership with limited public rental housing available. According to analysts, rental prices have climbed due to heightened demand from tourism growth and population increases tied to immigration.

Demonstrators carried signs and voiced chants emphasizing housing as a basic right. One sign displayed the message: “We want neighbors, not tourists.”

Among those marching was Estrella Baudu, a 28-year-old teacher currently residing with her grandmother. “The situation for many young people like me is quite complicated, and it is very difficult to find a rental home due to the prices and low salaries,” she said.

The housing demonstration occurred one day following a separate large-scale protest in Madrid targeting Sanchez, amid growing political tensions surrounding corruption accusations and general government dissatisfaction.

Home purchases have become financially impossible for many Spanish residents, with market forces and speculation inflating costs, particularly in major metropolitan areas and coastal regions.

In recent weeks, Spain’s government approved an extensive 7 billion euro ($8.23 billion) initiative aimed at constructing additional public housing over four years while providing assistance to young renters and prospective homebuyers who face the greatest burden from elevated housing expenses.

“The government may say it is taking measures, but the reality for those of us who rent is that we are receiving notices from our landlords who want to evict us,” said protester Fernando de los Santos, a 36-year-old university professor. “The only thing they offer us are abusive price increases.”

A related legislative measure that would have continued temporary rent controls failed to gain parliamentary approval, leaving the Sánchez administration vulnerable to additional housing-related criticism in the near term.

Spanish citizens have organized multiple street demonstrations nationwide in recent years to oppose high rental and purchase costs. A primary demand involves stricter regulation of tourist rental properties that have expanded throughout Spanish city centers, as the country welcomed a record 97 million international visitors last year.

Housing expenses increased nearly 13% compared to the previous year by late 2025, based on data from Eurostat, the EU statistics agency.

Spain’s central bank calculates that the Southern European country of 50 million residents faces a shortage of 700,000 homes when comparing housing demand to new construction rates.

KATHMANDU, Nepal — A veteran British mountaineering guide shows no signs of slowing down after achieving a remarkable milestone on the world’s tallest peak.

Kenton Cool, a climber from southwest England, reached Mount Everest’s summit for the 20th time this week, establishing a new record for most successful climbs by a non-Sherpa guide on the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain.

“Maybe another two or three more times,” Cool said when speaking with reporters following his flight from the mountain region to Kathmandu on Sunday.

The 52-year-old mountaineer had previously indicated last year that he planned to attempt Everest perhaps just once more before turning his attention to other, smaller peaks.

Cool joined hundreds of other climbers and their Sherpa guides who successfully reached the summit in recent days, despite delays created by a dangerous serac threatening the climbing route. The hazardous conditions forced mountaineers to attempt their climbs during a brief window of favorable weather, creating significant crowding at the top.

Wednesday saw 274 climbers reach the summit in a single day, establishing a new daily record for the popular southern route located in Nepal.

“We had no issues. We had no crowds, we had a great summit,” Cool explained, noting that his successful climb occurred on Friday.

While climbers can approach the summit from Nepal’s southern side or from the northern face in China’s Tibet region, Chinese officials have blocked access to their route this season. Nepal’s authorities granted climbing permits to 494 mountaineers, each accompanied by an equal number of Sherpa guides.

Veteran guide Kami Rita Sherpa, who holds climbing records of his own, has recommended limiting climber numbers due to excessive crowding this season.

Cool disagreed with restricting climber quantities, instead advocating for greater focus on the expertise and knowledge of permit holders attempting the mountain.

“It is the various companies being little more diligent on who they take, so they are making sure there is the experience of the climbers and then just being little more careful with when they want to climb,” he explained.

Nepal’s mountaineering officials are working to implement new rules that would require climbers to demonstrate previous experience, though current regulations only mandate payment of $15,000 permit fees.

Benin’s newly inaugurated president, Romuald Wadagni, promised during Sunday’s ceremony to tackle increasing security concerns and make sure economic progress reaches ordinary citizens in meaningful ways.

The Constitutional Court confirmed Sunday that Wadagni secured his victory on April 12, capturing more than 94% of votes cast against opponent Paul Hounkpe.

The incoming leader replaces Patrice Talon, who governed the West African country from 2016 and departed after completing two terms as required by the constitution.

At 49 years old, the former finance minister brings a decade of experience in that position and is anticipated to build upon Talon’s reform policies that produced consistent economic expansion and enhanced the nation’s business environment.

“Our economy has progressed. That’s a fact. But we all know that national growth only makes sense when it becomes visible in people’s everyday lives,” Wadagni stated during his swearing-in speech.

His administration plans to emphasize employment opportunities, availability of essential services, and social safety nets.

“The development of Benin must be experienced in every component of society and in every territory of the Republic,” he declared.

The new president also recognized growing security concerns, as extremist organizations spreading from the Sahel region have increased attacks in Benin’s northern areas over recent years.

“Benin will not yield to fear or complacency,” he stated, promising enhanced collaboration with neighboring nations confronting similar threats.

Representatives from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, the Sahel nations most affected by these security issues, attended the inauguration ceremony along with several other countries.

In an area where certain leaders have attempted to prolong their time in office, Wadagni emphasized his dedication to democratic principles.

“I will serve with the constant awareness that power is never a personal privilege,” he remarked.

The previous administration barely weathered an attempted coup in December, highlighting the unstable political and security conditions Wadagni inherits as he begins his presidency.

HASSAKEH, Syria (AP) — Parliamentary voting took place Sunday across Syria’s Kurdish-populated northeastern Hassakeh province and the community of Kobani, territories that returned to government authority following military action in January.

The remainder of Syria participated in People’s Assembly elections last October, nearly twelve months following the collapse of the Assad dynasty during a rebel campaign. At that time, however, extensive portions of the nation’s northeastern territory remained under Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces authority, particularly Hassakeh and Kobani.

The nation continues to struggle with the catastrophic effects of its civil conflict that lasted from 2011 through 2024, with doubt persisting among significant portions of minority populations now governed by Islamist leadership, while countless Syrians face economic hardship.

During January, government military operations against Kurdish forces brought those areas back under Damascus control, now governed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Islamist-led administration.

Sunday’s balloting determined the final 11 positions in Syria’s inaugural parliament following former President Bashar Assad’s removal from power. Hassakeh accounts for nine positions while Kobani in Aleppo province represents two additional seats.

Although legislative contests during Assad’s rule lacked genuine competition and essentially involved internal Baath Party member selection, the current system under al-Sharaa also falls short of complete democratic representation. Electoral colleges within Syria’s districts select most parliamentary positions, while al-Sharaa personally selects the remaining third of lawmakers.

Nevertheless, participants expressed contentment with the procedure as progress in Syria’s post-conflict and post-authoritarian transition.

“We want representatives who will amplify the voices of people the Hassakeh,” Mukhalaf al-Hatthal, one of the voters in Qamishli, told The Associated Press. He said the biggest concerns are related to infrastructure, agriculture and maintaining peace. “There is a great democratic atmosphere here.”

However, Masoud al-Majeed, another member of the electoral college, said he hoped that the voting process will change, adding the current one does not represent everyone.

HONG KONG (AP) — Thousands of festival-goers flocked to Cheung Chau, an outer island of Hong Kong’s bustling metropolis, to participate in the famous bun celebration that honors a hundred-year-old custom based on seeking peace and divine favor.

Visitors and locals endured sweltering temperatures to observe youngsters in elaborate outfits participating in the “Piu Sik” procession, meaning “floating colors.” Young participants, portraying mythical gods, historical figures, or community leaders, were elevated on platforms above the spectators as they traveled through the island’s tight pathways.

The main attraction occurs at midnight with the “bun-scrambling” contest, where competitors scale a structure laden with plastic buns. Contestants must gather buns within a designated timeframe, with each bun worth varying points based on its position. Victory goes to whoever accumulates the most points, while a separate “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns” prize recognizes the person collecting the most buns overall.

The climbing event was halted for many years following a 1978 incident when bun structures fell down, causing injuries to numerous participants. Officials brought back the custom in 2005.

Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Office explains that local folklore tells of Cheung Chau suffering from a deadly epidemic, prompting villagers to bring in religious leaders to establish a prayer altar beside a temple for divine intervention. Residents also carried religious statues through community streets. Following these ceremonies, the disease ended, leading Cheung Chau inhabitants to continue hosting this event, also called the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, to ward off calamity and seek divine protection and tranquility, according to the office.

This celebration has emerged as among Hong Kong’s most sought-after tourist experiences in recent times. Visitors frequently purchase steamed buns marked with Chinese symbols meaning “peace” and “safety” along with festival-themed keepsakes.

ANKARA, May 24 – Law enforcement officers deployed tear gas and forced their way past the entrance barriers of Turkey’s primary opposition party building on Sunday to remove leadership that had been ordered out by the courts, according to an eyewitness account.

A higher court ruled Thursday to remove Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel from his position, invalidating the outcome of the CHP leadership vote that brought him to power in 2023 due to alleged procedural violations.

The judicial decision restored former CHP chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu to the leadership role, who had been defeated by President Tayyip Erdogan in the country’s national election during that same year.

A court in Bahrain has imposed life sentences on nine people and sentenced two additional defendants to three years behind bars for working with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in activities the court characterized as “hostile and terrorist acts” targeting Bahrain, according to the state news agency’s Sunday report.

According to the court statement, those convicted participated in collecting intelligence about sensitive locations and enabling related financial transactions.

On May 9, Bahrain’s interior ministry announced the detention of 41 individuals allegedly connected to the IRGC. Security officials discovered a network with ties to the IRGC, while prosecutor investigations also examined cases involving support for Iranian attacks, the ministry stated.

Following a war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, Iran conducted strikes against targets in Bahrain and other Gulf Arab nations that host American military installations.

President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran concerning Middle East warfare have been “largely negotiated,” following weekend discussions with Israel and regional partners about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

However, other administration figures urged restraint on Sunday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that “significant progress, although not final progress has been made” during the talks.

During his four-day trip to India for conferences with Indian, Australian and Japanese representatives, Rubio expressed optimism for positive developments in the near future.

According to Rubio, the discussions have achieved one of Trump’s primary objectives, “that is a world that no longer has to be in fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon.”

Trump revealed on Saturday that he had conducted conversations with officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, plus a separate discussion with Israel.

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump posted on social media without providing specifics.

This development followed a week during which the U.S. considered launching additional strikes against the Islamic Republic that could have shattered the delicate ceasefire.

According to two regional sources, the prospective agreement would involve Iran’s pledge to abandon nuclear weapons development and Tehran’s consent to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

One source with firsthand knowledge of the discussions explained that the method for Iran’s uranium surrender remains under negotiation throughout a 60-day timeline.

The source indicated that portions of the material would likely be diluted, while remaining quantities could be sent to another nation, possibly Russia.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which represents a brief technical leap from the 90% weapons-grade threshold.

The official stated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen progressively alongside the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.

The second briefed official revealed that America would permit Iran to market oil through sanctions exemptions. Relief from sanctions and release of Iran’s frozen assets would be negotiated within the 60-day period, the source added.

Both sources confirmed the proposed deal encompasses ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, plus a pledge against meddling in regional nations’ internal matters. The officials requested anonymity to discuss private negotiations.

Three months have elapsed since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28, eliminating senior Iranian leadership including its supreme leader and disrupting nuclear discussions between America and Iran for the second time in under a year. Iran retaliated against Israel and neighbors housing U.S. military presence, alarming Gulf states that had viewed themselves as secure zones in a volatile region.

A ceasefire has remained intact since April 7. However, Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels transporting regional petroleum, natural gas and other essential materials has become a center of worldwide anxiety and economic hardship.

Israeli leadership worries that Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization aligned with Iran, continues posing a major threat to Israel and that Lebanon lacks capability to disarm the group.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Trump that Israel “maintains freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon,” according to a source familiar with their conversation. The source requested anonymity due to lack of media authorization.

The source reported that Trump clearly informed Netanyahu he would not approve any final arrangement without requirements that Iran dismantle its complete nuclear program and eliminate all enriched uranium from Iranian territory.

Israel’s Minister of Science and Technology Gila Gamliel, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party and part of his national security cabinet, told Israel’s Army Radio on Sunday morning that Israel is taking a “wait-and-see” approach.

A fragile, U.S.-mediated ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon has existed since April 17, a war that commenced two days following the Iran conflict’s start.

Regardless of the ceasefire, combat persists on both sides. Hezbollah fires daily drones and missiles at Israeli forces and northern Israel, while Israel attacks Lebanese targets as its military maintains presence across extensive areas of southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 3,000 deaths in the recent fighting round. Furthermore, 22 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have died in or around southern Lebanon, and two civilians have perished in northern Israel, primarily from Hezbollah drones, Netanyahu’s office confirmed.

ANKARA (AP) — A tense confrontation unfolded Sunday at Turkey’s primary opposition party offices, where members have barricaded themselves inside to prevent a court-mandated leadership change from taking place.

The crisis at the Republican People’s Party, known as CHP, began Thursday after an appeals court overturned the party’s November 2023 leadership election that brought Ozgur Ozel to power, replacing former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

The court decision removes Ozel and the current executive committee from their positions, mandating that Kilicdaroglu and his previous leadership team be reinstated. Party officials argue this judicial intervention represents a politically motivated attack designed to undermine their organization amid numerous ongoing legal battles targeting party members and elected representatives.

The 77-year-old Kilicdaroglu had stepped down after leading the party for 13 years without securing victory in any nationwide contests. In contrast, Ozel achieved a significant triumph against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party during his first major test in the 2024 local elections.

Turkey’s next presidential contest is scheduled for 2028, though Erdogan retains the authority to schedule an earlier vote. His primary political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu from the CHP, has been behind bars since March of last year while facing corruption-related charges in court.

Political analysts widely believe the numerous legal proceedings against the CHP, primarily involving corruption accusations, represent an effort to weaken the opposition before upcoming elections. Government officials maintain that Turkey’s judicial system operates without political interference and makes independent decisions.

The overwhelming majority of party members have shown support for Ozel. He and most party officials have remained inside the CHP’s Ankara headquarters since Thursday’s court ruling, preventing the court-appointed leadership from accessing the building. Both factions planned to hold discussions Sunday afternoon seeking a resolution to the crisis.

Media outlets reported that a group appeared outside the building whom Ozel characterized as non-party members sent to create intimidation. Police numbers increased throughout the morning, and Kilicdaroglu’s attorney, Celal Celik, formally requested Ankara law enforcement assistance in clearing the building. The Ankara Governor’s office issued a statement granting approval for this request.

Erdogan has maintained control over Turkey as either prime minister or president since 2003. His winning streak faced a significant challenge in 2019 when the CHP captured control of multiple major cities during local elections. Imamoglu gained prominence in Istanbul as a compelling political figure whom many believed capable of defeating Erdogan in future contests.

Health officials in Gaza report that three family members, including an infant, were killed when Israeli forces struck an apartment building at a refugee camp in the central part of the territory on Sunday.

According to medical personnel, the attack at the Nuseirat refugee camp claimed the lives of Mohammad Abu Mallouh, his wife Alaa Zaqlan, and their six-month-old son Osama.

Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response regarding the deadly incident.

The violence continues despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump. The truce has not succeeded in ending Israeli military operations in Gaza, as Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse during indirect negotiations concerning the militant organization’s disarmament.

Under the current ceasefire arrangement, Israel maintains authority over more than half of Gaza’s territory, while Hamas retains control of a narrow coastal strip.

Gaza health authorities report that 880 Palestinians have died in Israeli military operations since the ceasefire took effect. These statistics do not separate militant fighters from non-combatants.

Israeli military sources indicate that four of their soldiers have been killed by militants during this same timeframe.

Hamas has not released casualty figures for its own forces. Israeli officials state that their military actions following the ceasefire are designed to thwart potential attacks and prevent individuals from approaching the armistice boundary established with Hamas.

Turkish government officials directed law enforcement to forcibly remove the current leadership of the nation’s primary opposition party from their headquarters on Sunday, following through on a court decision that has triggered a significant political upheaval.

Law enforcement officers in riot gear and large crowds assembled outside the Republican People’s Party (CHP) headquarters in Turkey’s capital after the Ankara governor’s office issued directives to remove party members who support the current leader Ozgur Ozel.

An appeals court in Turkey ruled on Thursday to invalidate the outcome of a party convention where Ozel won leadership in 2023, referencing unspecified procedural violations. The judicial decision restored former CHP Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu to power, who had previously been defeated by President Tayyip Erdogan in that year’s presidential race.

On Saturday, Ozel urged that a new party convention should take place immediately, while Kilicdaroglu stated that such a gathering would occur at a suitable moment.

The current CHP leadership supporting Ozel has denounced the judicial decision as a “judicial coup” and Ozel vowed to challenge it through the legal system while remaining “day and night” at the party’s headquarters in Ankara.

Party legislators on Saturday chose Ozel to lead the CHP’s legislative caucus.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Authorities in Australia report a deadly shark encounter at the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday, marking the country’s second fatal attack in just over a week.

A 39-year-old man lost his life while spearfishing with three companions at Kennedy Shoal, located off the Queensland state coastline south of Cairns, according to Police Inspector Elaine Burns.

“The man had been spearfishing when he was attacked and died from a critical head injury,” Burns told reporters.

The Cairns resident was transported by boat around midday to Hull Heads, a tourist destination, where emergency medical personnel were standing by. According to an ambulance service statement, he had “sustained injuries not compatible with life.”

Kennedy Shoal serves as a shallow coral reef destination favored by recreational anglers. The location also draws diving enthusiasts to explore the Lady Bowen, a shipwreck from the 19th century.

Before the attack occurred, anglers had reported bull shark sightings in the vicinity.

Just over a week earlier, on May 16, another spearfisher, Steve Mattabonni, was fatally attacked at a coral reef near Rottnest Island off Western Australia state’s southwest coastline.

The 38-year-old Perth man was transported by boat to the vacation island, where medical responders could not save his life.

Officials suspect a five-meter (16-foot) white shark was responsible for that incident.

In recent decades, Australia has recorded an average of more than three deadly shark encounters annually. This latest fatality represents Australia’s third shark-related death for 2026.

Earlier this year, 12-year-old Nico Antic passed away in a hospital following an attack by a suspected bull shark near a Sydney beach on Jan. 18.

While prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians appear bleak, business entrepreneurs from both communities are forging partnerships that demonstrate cooperation remains possible despite deep divisions.

The 50:50 Startups program continues to bring together Arab and Jewish business founders who collaborate on ventures that span the conflict lines. However, this year’s group of participants is notably smaller than in previous years due to travel limitations caused by the ongoing war.

Program co-founder Amir Grinsteen established the initiative seven years ago with the belief that joint business ventures could create enduring connections between the two communities, potentially advancing peace efforts through economic collaboration.

The entrepreneurs’ willingness to work together offers a glimpse of what cooperation might look like, even as broader political reconciliation efforts have stalled.

MOSCOW, May 24 – Russian military forces launched overnight strikes against Ukrainian targets using four different missile systems – Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon weapons – according to reports from Russian state media outlets on Sunday.

Moscow characterized the attacks as a response to Ukrainian strikes against civilian areas within Russian territory, state news agencies reported.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, as quoted by the Interfax news agency, the missile strikes successfully targeted Ukrainian military command centers, air bases and facilities connected to Ukraine’s defense manufacturing sector.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the military claims from the battlefield.

Citizens of Cyprus headed to voting stations Sunday for a parliamentary election anticipated to strengthen anti-corruption advocates and far-right movements while diminishing centrist political parties that support President Nikos Christodoulides.

The election, being monitored closely as an indicator of public opinion before the 2028 presidential race, saw more than half a million eligible voters choosing 56 legislators from an unprecedented pool of 753 candidates.

While Cyprus operates under a presidential government structure, Sunday’s election serves as a measure of support for Christodoulides, who lacks his own political party and depends on other parties’ support to advance legislative initiatives.

Voting concluded at 1500 GMT, with definitive results anticipated approximately two hours afterward.

Political newcomers appeared positioned to make advances as three centrist parties – Diko, Dipa and EDEK – that currently back the president faced weakening voter support for at least two of them, according to recent polling data.

The nation’s established political organizations, including right-wing DISY and Communist AKEL parties, have similarly been ceding influence to emerging political movements.

Polling data indicated advances for far-right ELAM party, along with political newcomers ALMA and Volt, which have focused their campaigns on improved transparency and eliminating corruption – a concern ranking high among voter priorities.

Sunday’s election results may compel Christodoulides to pursue backing from different sources, according to political observers, with some indicating that ELAM and DISY might be potential partners. Neither Christodoulides nor the two parties have made statements regarding potential post-election partnerships.

The election occurred amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges, housing affordability issues and migration concerns – topics that have shaped political discussion in the European Union member nation during recent months.

BEIJING, May 24 – Fatal flooding in China’s Chongqing municipality has claimed three lives while 17 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to reports from China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.

The casualty count was updated as of 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) on Sunday, following intense rainfall that struck Chongqing’s Yongchuan district beginning Saturday evening and continuing into the early morning hours of Sunday, Xinhua reported.

Emergency rescue operations are currently in progress.

China’s national planning agency has designated 20 million yuan ($2.94 million) from central government funds to support disaster recovery efforts and rebuild damaged infrastructure and public services in Chongqing, according to an announcement made Sunday on the National Development and Reform Commission’s official WeChat platform.

($1 = 6.7945 Chinese yuan renminbi)

A deadly blast along railway tracks in Quetta, Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals, according to reports from Al Arabiya news outlet on Sunday, which cited official sources.

The explosion also left more than 50 people wounded and caused a cargo train to derail, with gunshots heard following the initial blast, Al Jazeera reported.

Maritime tensions escalated for a second consecutive day as Taiwanese and Chinese coast guard vessels maintained a tense face-off near the Pratas islands in the South China Sea, Taiwan’s Coast Guard reported on Sunday.

Beijing considers democratically ruled Taiwan part of its territory, a claim that the government in Taipei disputes. Over the last five years, China has intensified military activities around the island as part of its pressure campaign against Taiwan.

The Pratas islands, positioned between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong under Taiwanese control, are considered by security analysts to be particularly susceptible to Chinese assault given their remote location more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan’s main island.

According to Taiwan’s Coast Guard, they detected a Chinese Coast Guard vessel approaching the Pratas on Saturday and quickly deployed their own ship, which issued warnings. The two vessels then “engaged in an intense verbal confrontation over sovereignty via radio.”

The Chinese vessel announced it was conducting routine operations and declared that China possessed sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Pratas, Taiwan’s Coast Guard reported.

“Please do not destroy peace. You should return and strive for democracy. That is the correct way to serve your country,” the Taiwanese ship responded, according to footage released by Taiwan’s coast guard.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not provide a response when contacted for comment.

A Taiwan Coast Guard official informed Reuters that the Chinese vessel remained positioned 21 nautical miles northeast of the Pratas, with the standoff ongoing as of Sunday afternoon.

The official, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the situation, noted that China’s language regarding jurisdiction and sovereignty was uncommon, as was the extended duration of its presence in waters so near the Pratas.

The Pratas, which form an atoll that also serves as a Taiwanese national park, receive minimal defense coverage from Taiwan, with coast guard units rather than military forces responsible for protection.

Earlier this year in January, Taiwan reported that a Chinese surveillance drone momentarily flew over the Pratas, which Taiwan’s defense ministry characterized as a “provocative and irresponsible” action.

Polish authorities are investigating a fraudulent emergency call that led firefighters to break into a Gdansk apartment belonging to a relative of President Karol Nawrocki on Saturday, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The prime minister convened an emergency meeting of the Government Security Center on Sunday following the bogus report, which he described as part of an escalating pattern of fake emergency calls targeting the country.

According to the interior ministry, emergency dispatchers received a report claiming there was a fire at the apartment. First responders were deployed to the scene, where firefighters forced entry into the residence of Nawrocki’s family member.

“The apartment was inspected and found no fire hazard or injured persons, as the premises were empty. Due to the situation, the police are conducting an investigation to identify the perpetrators,” a spokesperson for the interior ministry stated.

Prime Minister Tusk characterized the event as “another telephone provocation” and acknowledged that while emergency responders acted appropriately, officials must examine current protocols for detecting such hoax calls and work swiftly to catch those responsible.

“The provocateurs’ actions are aimed at national security. At all of us. We will use all available methods to identify and apprehend the saboteurs, regardless of where they come from or who directs them,” Tusk posted on the social media platform X.

QUETTA, Pakistan — An explosive device detonated alongside railroad tracks in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday as a passenger train traveled through the area, injuring more than 30 people, according to local authorities.

Video footage posted online showed the blast’s impact caused two train cars to flip over and ignite, creating dense black smoke that billowed into the sky.

The bombing occurred in a location where security personnel are typically positioned, severely damaging multiple nearby structures and destroying over a dozen parked cars along the street, witnesses and social media images revealed.

Medical staff at area hospitals reported treating more than 30 injured victims, with several patients in critical condition.

Balochistan government official Babar Yousafzai confirmed that authorities were continuing their investigation into the explosion but declined to provide additional information.

Quetta serves as the provincial capital of Balochistan, a region plagued by ongoing insurgent activity.

The province, rich in oil and mineral resources, has experienced a prolonged low-intensity insurgency led by separatist organizations like the banned Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, which seeks independence from Pakistan’s federal government. These militant groups regularly attack security personnel, government facilities and civilians throughout the province and other parts of the nation.

While no organization has yet taken credit for Sunday’s bombing, investigators will likely examine the BLA’s involvement, as the group has accepted responsibility for comparable incidents previously.

Despite Pakistani officials’ claims of successfully suppressing the insurgency, attacks in Balochistan continue to occur.

Earlier in 2024, a suicide bombing at a Balochistan railway station claimed at least 26 lives, including military personnel.

Emergency teams in northern China continued their search for survivors Sunday following a catastrophic gas explosion that claimed at least 82 lives at a coal mining facility, marking the nation’s most devastating mining disaster in recent years.

The deadly incident occurred Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine situated in Qinyuan county within Changzhi city. An Associated Press journalist observed law enforcement and security personnel stationed at the mining site’s entrance while emergency response vehicles remained positioned throughout the area.

State media outlets reported that hundreds of emergency responders and medical staff were deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue operations.

Following the tragic gas explosion in Shanxi province, Chinese President Xi Jinping demanded a complete investigation and called for holding accountable all parties responsible for the disaster.

During a Saturday evening press briefing, local authorities confirmed that two individuals remain unaccounted for while numerous miners received hospital treatment. Officials revised the fatality count downward from an initial report of 90 deaths, citing confusion at the scene and incorrect information supplied by the mining company as reasons for the earlier discrepancy.

According to state media accounts, some hospitalized miners remembered observing smoke during the incident before losing consciousness.

Local authorities stated the coal mining operation had committed “serious” legal violations, though they declined to specify the exact nature of these infractions. China’s state broadcaster CCTV previously reported that facility blueprints submitted by the Liushenyu coal mine failed to accurately represent the actual underground structure, creating obstacles for rescue teams.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported that individuals responsible for the company operating the mine had been “placed under control.”

In response to the tragedy, local government officials announced plans for a “comprehensive, blanket” examination of the coal mining industry, including evaluations of gas drainage systems, ventilation equipment, safety monitoring technology, and underground facility layouts.

Shanxi province, an inland region situated southwest of Beijing with approximately 34 million residents, serves as China’s primary coal-producing area where hundreds of thousands of workers are employed in mining operations.

An extensive review of coal mining operations could impact the province’s capacity to maintain its yearly output of roughly 1.3 billion tons of coal, representing nearly one-third of China’s total production.

Despite the country’s push toward renewable energy sources, coal continues to play a significant role in China’s energy portfolio due to its abundant supply and affordability. While mining incidents have historically been frequent, government officials have introduced various safety improvement measures in recent years.

An explosive device detonated close to railway tracks in Pakistan’s Quetta as a passenger train traveled through the area, injuring more than 30 people, according to a report from the Associated Press on Sunday that cited local officials.

Medical personnel reported that area hospitals treated over 30 injured individuals, with multiple victims in serious condition, according to the report.