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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — An appeals court in Cambodia confirmed Thursday the treason conviction and 27-year prison term for opposition politician Kem Sokha, whose detention in 2017 triggered an extensive campaign by the government to suppress political adversaries throughout the nation.

The Phnom Penh Appeals Court additionally prohibited Kem Sokha from departing the country for five years following completion of his sentence, which he is currently serving while confined to his residence.

Critics have repeatedly charged Cambodia’s administration with weaponizing the court system to target dissidents and political rivals. While the government maintains it supports legal principles within a democratic electoral framework, opposition parties viewed as potential challengers have been disbanded through court orders or seen their leadership imprisoned or intimidated.

Kem Sokha, who is now 72 years old, received his conviction in 2023 after an extended period of pretrial imprisonment. Authorities alleged he plotted with the United States to overthrow Cambodia’s ruling government. The key evidence presented against him included footage showing him receiving political guidance from American pro-democracy organizations.

His Cambodia National Rescue Party served as the sole viable challenger to the governing Cambodian People’s Party, but the Supreme Court disbanded it following his detention, preventing it from participating in the 2018 electoral contest.

The political organization led by longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen then claimed every seat in the National Assembly. His son, Hun Manet, took over the leadership role in 2023 but has maintained the restrictive political environment.

During his appearance before the appeals court this month, Kem Sokha stated he had never plotted with any foreign nation in ways that would harm Cambodian lives or result in territorial losses, emphasizing his commitment to peaceful methods and national solidarity.

Kem Sokha’s attorney, Pheng Heng, expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling to media representatives and indicated he and his client must determine whether to pursue a further appeal with the Supreme Court. He called on the government to work toward national healing.

International diplomatic missions in Cambodia voiced concerns about the court’s decision.

“We would like to see Kem Sokha released and his political freedoms restored,” the British Embassy said in a statement. “We believe this would help strengthen democracy in Cambodia.”

Authorities in Australia announced Thursday they have discovered a body they believe belongs to a 5-year-old Indigenous girl who vanished from her remote community home over the weekend.

The child, who is now being called Kumanjayi Little Baby according to Indigenous traditions, was reported missing late Saturday from her home in a secluded area of central Australia.

Officers located the body of a young Indigenous girl around midday Thursday approximately 3 miles south of where the initial crime occurred in the community, according to police statements.

Investigators have identified 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis as their primary suspect. Lewis had recently been freed from prison and was present in the area when the girl disappeared, police said.

“The focus right now is to locate Jefferson Lewis. It is our sole job in this investigation right now,” Northern Territory Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley stated during a press briefing.

“I say to the family of Jefferson Lewis that we believe he’s murdered this child. Do not assist him. Get him to the police station and we’ll look after him,” Malley continued.

“And I say to Jefferson Lewis, we’re coming for you.”

Malley revealed that investigators had collected evidence from the crime scene, including children’s underwear. Laboratory analysis of the underwear revealed DNA from both Kumanjayi Little Baby and Lewis.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, and a coroner’s investigation will follow, police announced.

The disappearance of Kumanjayi Little Baby captured national attention, with hundreds of volunteers participating in ground and aerial searches across difficult desert landscape.

Australia has faced ongoing challenges in addressing issues affecting its Indigenous communities, who have called the continent home for approximately 50,000 years but faced marginalization under British colonial rule.

Many Indigenous families reside in settlements called camps on the edges of Alice Springs, where adequate housing and essential services are frequently lacking. Old Timers Camp, where Kumanjayi Little Baby lived with her family, houses only around 40 people.

While Indigenous Australians represent roughly 3.8% of the nation’s 27 million residents, they consistently rank lowest in nearly all economic and social measures, experiencing disproportionately high suicide and imprisonment rates.

Ukraine’s highest-ranking military official announced Thursday a new policy requiring frontline soldiers to be rotated from forward combat positions after serving no more than two months, as the war-torn nation grapples with personnel challenges in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi issued the directive following numerous troubling accounts of Ukrainian forces remaining in dangerous forward positions for extended periods while facing continuous enemy fire and attempting to prevent gradual Russian territorial gains.

According to Syrskyi’s statement, the widespread use of unmanned aircraft has fundamentally altered battlefield conditions, creating what military analysts describe as extensive “kill zones” that have made supply operations more difficult and dramatically changed how combat missions are conducted.

“Commanders must ensure that conditions are in place for service personnel to remain at their posts for up to two months, followed by a mandatory rotation, which must take place within one month,” he said.

“Timely rotation is not only a matter of organizing service, but a matter of preserving the lives of our soldiers and the stability of defense.”

The general’s directive also mandates regular health assessments and ensures adequate supplies of food and military equipment reach troops stationed at the front lines.

This policy announcement follows recent public outcry after family members shared disturbing photographs showing severely malnourished soldiers from Ukraine’s 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

Throughout much of the conflict, Ukraine has faced significant personnel shortages, with military recruitment becoming increasingly difficult due to reports of inadequate training, insufficient support systems, and aggressive conscription practices that have diminished public willingness to serve.

In the Ukrainian village of Myrotske, teams of mine clearance specialists advance methodically through forests and farmland, using metal detectors to locate deadly explosives left behind during Russian occupation of the region located 25 miles northwest of Kyiv.

The painstaking work addresses a massive problem facing Ukraine, which has become heavily contaminated with mines and unexploded weapons after years of warfare.

“Unfortunately, Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world,” said Olena Shustova, media manager for demining charity HALO Trust. “Ukraine will not be demined in less than 10 years.”

HALO Trust initiated clearing operations in this particular area after a Ukrainian soldier stepped on an anti-personnel mine while gathering firewood two years ago, demonstrating the ongoing dangers that persist long after combat moves to other areas.

“Everywhere where there was occupation, there are minefields and explosive ordnance,” said Shustova. The international mine action organization employs 1,350 Ukrainian nationals in their demining efforts.

Government data from Demine Ukraine shows that more than 132,000 square kilometers – roughly equivalent to the entire state of Mississippi – remains littered with explosive devices. Teams have successfully cleared nearly 42,000 square kilometers so far.

Facing such an enormous challenge, HALO Trust has implemented artificial intelligence technology to examine detailed drone photographs of contaminated zones, training computer systems to recognize mines and explosive remnants with approximately 70% accuracy.

“The process may take decades, but advances in technology are helping to accelerate it,” Shustova said.

At a separate clearing site north of Kyiv, operator Oleksandr Liatsevych works from inside a protective steel enclosure, wearing virtual reality goggles and controlling a specialized excavator with a joystick. The remotely operated machine digs up contaminated soil and processes it through an industrial grinder designed to destroy explosive materials.

These unmanned excavators represent one method demining teams are using to clear dangerous areas more rapidly and with greater safety for workers.

“The difference between driving from a cabin and driving a remote joystick is big,” said Liatsevych, a 39-year-old former government worker and farmer from Huliaipole, a town on the front lines between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

“As I didn’t play many computer games as a child, it was difficult for me at first.”

In nearby wooded areas, deminer Olha Kava continues using traditional methods, wearing protective gear while carefully searching by hand for potential anti-personnel mines.

The former travel agent and mother of three decided to become a deminer after watching friends join the military following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“Of course, there is fear,” she said. “It … motivates you to do your job correctly and responsibly.”

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed key government officials including his foreign and trade ministers, according to an official announcement made Wednesday.

The South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation reported late Wednesday that Kiir had removed Semeya Kumba from his position as foreign minister and dismissed Atong Kuol Manyang from the trade minister role.

The personnel changes also included the removal of Mawien Mawien Ariik from his role as director general of the Internal Security Bureau within the National Security Service. Kiir named Akec Tong Aleu as Ariik’s replacement.

Officials provided no reasons for the dismissals, which represent the most recent round of government restructuring under Kiir’s administration.

Political observers note that Kiir frequently reshuffles military and government positions as a strategy to maintain his grip on power while dealing with ongoing armed conflicts and questions surrounding his eventual successor.

An 18-year-old French student attending business school in Singapore now faces criminal prosecution after a social media prank video went viral, showing him contaminating a vending machine straw.

Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien received formal charges on April 24 for mischief and public nuisance violations, according to reporting from The Straits Times, Singapore’s primary English-language publication. The incident took place at a shopping center on March 12, where surveillance allegedly captured him licking a straw from an orange juice dispenser before returning it to the machine.

On Wednesday, a judge approved Maximilien’s request to leave the country temporarily for an educational trip to Manila scheduled from May 2-25, which his school requires for graduation completion. His next court appearance is set for May 29.

The criminal charges carry significant potential consequences. Mischief violations can result in imprisonment up to two years, monetary penalties, or both punishments combined. Public nuisance charges are somewhat lighter, with maximum sentences of three months behind bars, fines, or both.

IJooz, the beverage vending company affected by the incident, contacted police authorities and took immediate action by thoroughly sanitizing the affected dispenser and replacing all 500 straws contained within the machine. The company announced plans to implement enhanced safety protocols, including individually wrapped straws and compartment locks that activate only after payment completion.

Legal representatives for the student, who remains enrolled at a French business institution in Singapore, refused to provide statements when approached by media outlets.

The city-state maintains strict oversight of public conduct and sanitation standards throughout its compact, heavily populated territory. These regulations encompass various restrictions, including chewing gum limitations and severe consequences for littering and property damage violations.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Residents in Kenya’s Owino Uhuru community continue battling lead poisoning effects years after a battery recycling facility closed, highlighting a dangerous trend as Africa’s renewable energy expansion creates widespread battery recycling hazards.

Faith Muthama, a 40-year-old mother of four, describes ongoing health struggles from the contamination.

“Life has never been the same,” she said, wiping away sweat. “I still struggle to do heavy chores as I suffer from breathing difficulties. When I was tested in 2012, I was found with high lead levels in my blood.”

Health specialists caution that comparable dangers are spreading throughout Africa as nations embrace renewable energy sources. Research published in February by the Centre for Global Development, a Washington and London-based independent research organization, highlighted concerns that Africa’s rapid adoption of off-grid solar installations and energy storage systems is creating unprecedented demand for battery processing.

Most recycling operations occur in unregulated or poorly supervised environments.

The Owino Uhuru contamination began in 2007 when Kenya Metal Refineries EPZ, a local branch of a Mumbai, India-based corporation, ran a lead-acid battery processing facility in the community.

Community members report that hazardous materials from the operation, which shipped processed lead to India, contaminated local soil and water sources, creating widespread health problems. The pollution has been connected to over 20 fatalities. Though the facility ceased operations in 2014, environmental damage persists.

Lead contamination causes brain damage, impaired mental development and lasting health consequences, especially affecting children with developing nervous systems.

In 2025, Kenya’s highest court granted approximately $12 million in compensation to roughly 3,000 community members following their successful class-action case against the smelting operation, representing an unusual legal win for industrial pollution victims. However, advocates report government delays in delivering promised compensation.

“I am just waiting for help as I have exhausted all my resources treating myself,” said Alfred Ogulo, 70, a village elder, his speech slightly slurred.

Ogulo explained that medical tests once revealed dangerously elevated lead concentrations in his bloodstream, resulting in nerve damage and mobility limitations.

“I cannot walk without a stick,” he said. “I also suffer from serious chest pain and coughs from the toxic fumes that we breathed in here when the factory was still in operation.”

Lead-acid batteries remain popular in developing markets due to lower costs compared to lithium-ion alternatives. However, proper recycling demands expensive equipment frequently unavailable in these regions. Consequently, informal processors often employ basic techniques that release lead contamination into air, ground, and water supplies.

“Off-grid solar could account for a substantial share of batteries entering the recycling stream in Africa,” said Lee Crawford, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Global Development, who reviewed the report. “That’s on top of existing demand from vehicles like cars and motorbikes.”

“Safe recycling is expensive and that creates a strong incentive to do it unsafely,” Crawford said, adding that since banning lead-acid batteries is unfeasible, the solution is to make recycling safer.

Throughout Africa and South Asia, research indicates that one-third to half of all children show elevated blood lead concentrations, establishing this as among the most pervasive environmental health threats globally. Inadequate enforcement of environmental protections worsens the situation in numerous nations. Although regulations typically exist, specialists note implementation remains spotty.

“This is a silent threat,” Crawford said. “It’s often invisible, but it affects health, cognitive development and economic productivity.”

The challenge extends beyond small unauthorized operations. Even larger processing centers may lack adequate safety measures, while international supply networks for recycled lead can hide responsibility.

“There needs to be accountability across the entire supply chain,” Crawford said.

Several nations are showing improvement. South Africa has implemented producer responsibility programs requiring manufacturers to oversee battery recycling, establishing more organized oversight. However, across much of the continent, especially where batteries are imported rather than manufactured domestically, determining responsibility remains challenging.

International funding organizations increasingly support lithium-ion technology, which avoids lead-related dangers. Nevertheless, lead-acid batteries will likely continue widespread use for years, particularly in off-grid solar applications.

This reality affects Owino Uhuru residents daily.

“It is sad that the state has ignored prioritizing the compensation payment as ordered by the court,” said Phyllis Omido, who leads the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA) based in Mombasa and helped residents take their case to court. “These monies would have alleviated the current suffering these vulnerable residents are going through.”

“Is it fair that we are the ones still chasing justice while the company walks away?” said Mejumaa Hassan Nyanje, 60, as she fought back tears. “Will we all die before justice is served? It feels like we’ve been abandoned, like our lives and our health don’t matter.”

TEL AVIV, Israel — In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant organization has introduced a new type of unmanned aircraft that poses unique challenges to Israeli defense systems: drones guided by fiber-optic cables as thin as dental floss that cannot be detected electronically.

These aircraft, which have seen extensive deployment in Ukraine’s war, are compact, difficult to monitor, and capable of causing significant damage.

Traditional unmanned aircraft can be disrupted by electronic interference from defense systems. Such interference typically causes the aircraft to malfunction or return to where it originated.

However, these fiber-optic guided aircraft operate differently. A thin wire provides direct connection between the operator and the aircraft, making electronic interference impossible.

The technology isn’t perfect, as wind conditions or other aircraft can cause the connecting wires to become entangled.

Yet, “if you know what you’re doing, it’s absolutely deadly,” stated Robert Tollast, who specializes in drone technology and conducts research at London’s Royal United Services Institute, describing how these aircraft can maintain low altitude and approach targets undetected.

Military analysts say armed forces must either destroy these aircraft in flight, which proves challenging given their compact size and brief flight duration, or develop methods to cut the nearly invisible connecting wire.

The Lebanese militant organization has primarily deployed these fiber-optic guided aircraft against Israeli military personnel operating in southern Lebanon and border communities.

An Israeli military spokesperson informed the Associated Press that these cable-guided aircraft represent a relatively recent threat in the current round of hostilities with Hezbollah. The organization appears to have adopted this technology because Israeli air defenses have proven effective against larger, more powerful rockets, missiles, and conventional drones, according to the official, who requested anonymity following military protocol.

Israeli intelligence suggests these aircraft are manufactured domestically and require minimal resources to produce — essentially combining a commercially available drone, small explosive devices, and transparent wire easily purchased in consumer markets, the official explained.

The spokesperson described these aircraft as the primary threat to forces operating inside Lebanon, noting that the Israeli military is developing technological countermeasures. Currently, Israel is implementing ground-based protective measures for troops, including installing nets and protective barriers on military vehicles.

These fiber-optic guided aircraft represent the newest development in an ongoing technological competition as Israel’s advanced defense systems work to counter emerging threats, particularly less sophisticated ones.

Ran Kochav, who previously commanded Israel’s military air defense operations, stated that Israel is struggling to defend against these cable-guided aircraft.

“They fly very low and very fast, and they are very small, it’s very difficult to detect them, and even after they’re detected, they are really hard to track,” he explained.

Kochav noted that Israel invested years strengthening its air defense capabilities to better protect against rockets and missiles. However, drone threats weren’t considered a primary concern.

He suggested Israel should have monitored the development of fiber-optic drone technology in Ukraine and anticipated that other Iranian allies would eventually adopt similar tactics, just as Russia has.

During Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, Moscow and Kyiv have continuously competed to advance new military technology.

Russia regularly attacks Ukraine with Shahed long-range assault drones — originally manufactured in Iran. While Moscow has enhanced these aircraft significantly, some remain vulnerable to electronic interference.

Cable-guided drones were created to overcome this vulnerability — though they lack the operational range of aircraft using radio communication or artificial intelligence for navigation.

Some fiber-optic drones have operated with cables extending up to 31 miles (50 kilometers), according to Tollast, the London-based expert.

Russia and Ukraine deploy numerous drone varieties “at a phenomenal scale,” he noted.

These cable-guided aircraft are so commonly used that video footage shows Ukrainian front-line communities covered with shiny, fishing line-like strands, creating the appearance of enormous spider webs gleaming in daylight.

Israel possesses adequate firepower to intercept drones, but early detection remains crucial, Kochav emphasized.

He noted that Israel already has appropriate technology that monitors light variations, identifies signals and communications, and can detect drone propeller sounds.

However, he said these surveillance systems haven’t been extensively positioned along the northern border.

In recent weeks, Hezbollah has broadcast videos through social media and its Al-Manar television network showing attacks using these new aircraft, particularly against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

These strikes have gained public attention. One attack resulted in one Israeli soldier’s death and wounded six others, some critically, last weekend. Another strike on Tuesday killed an Israeli civilian contractor in southern Lebanon.

In the fatal soldier attack, Hezbollah released video footage captured by the drone until it detonated among troops gathered near a vehicle. A second drone targeted the same location as a military helicopter arrived to evacuate casualties but missed narrowly.

Hezbollah announced it first deployed fiber-optic guided drones during the current fighting phase that started March 2, after using other drone types for years.

Israel also operates a drone fleet for surveillance and attack missions, though not necessarily using fiber-optic cables, to target Hezbollah fighters.

Zevik Glidai, a 78-year-old mathematics instructor and volunteer ambulance operator, found coils of transparent fiber-optic cables around a drone that crashed in his backyard in northern Israeli city Kiryat Shmona on April 13.

His residence sits 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the Lebanese border. He was at home when he heard a sharp whistle and small impact. His neighbor shouted that the yard was burning.

They extinguished the flames with a garden hose but noticed something unusual: The destroyed aircraft was encircled by loops and coils of white thread.

“We are very worried about these drones because there’s no way to shoot it down, because we can’t detect it,” Glidai said.

He reported no warning alarm sounded before the drone struck his house, and bomb disposal experts who responded called it miraculous that nearly 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of explosives failed to explode.

“They told me, ‘You have a lot of luck,’” said Glidai, who mentioned experiencing several generations of Hezbollah weapons during his 48 years in Kiryat Shmona. “They picked up all of the pieces that they could pick up, and they left me a few optical fibers as a keepsake.”

HAVELTE, Netherlands — With faces painted in camouflage patterns, soldiers move quietly through woodland terrain carrying Colt C7 rifles while carefully watching for potential dangers around them.

These military personnel belong to the 10th Infantry Battalion Guard Security Corps National Reserve, participating in weekend training exercises as the Netherlands strengthens its armed forces through an influx of new volunteers and recruits. Dutch leadership has pledged to expand military personnel numbers from the current 80,000 to 120,000 by 2035 — an initiative enjoying widespread political backing.

The recent decision by the nation’s queen and her eldest daughter to join as volunteer reservists appears to be making a significant impact, with officials now working rapidly to equip and prepare the growing number of new enlistees.

This recruitment push in the Netherlands mirrors similar efforts throughout Europe to strengthen and modernize military forces as leaders watch nervously as Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine continues, while also considering U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of the NATO alliance that has served as Europe’s primary defense foundation since World War II devastated much of the continent.

A reserve battalion corporal, speaking anonymously due to service requirements, described witnessing changing priorities as global security has become increasingly unstable and unpredictable.

“When I first joined, there was almost no risk or almost no threat … and now it’s changing so we are more aware of it,” she explained. This has resulted in a focus shift toward “more what we call ‘green things,’ infantry things.”

She continued: “We are here to defend our country and to make sure to keep the threat down.”

European Union and NATO leadership consider this threat genuine, believing Russian President Vladimir Putin may be prepared to launch attacks elsewhere in Europe within three to five years, particularly if he achieves victory in Ukraine.

Recent NATO strategies designed to address this threat require member nations to prepare their military forces for large-scale conflicts, emphasizing more agile units capable of rapid deployment.

Dutch military recruitment received a major boost when Queen Maxima and her eldest daughter, heir apparent Amalia, Princess of Orange, joined as volunteer reservists. Images of Maxima during training exercises and practicing marksmanship at shooting ranges circulated globally.

This royal endorsement, combined with recruitment efforts spanning newspapers, billboards, and social media platforms, has proven remarkably effective, leaving the military working intensively to arm, train, and house all the new applicants.

Defense Ministry officials refer to this phenomenon as “the Amalia effect.”

“It’s really a thing, yes,” State Secretary for Defense Derk Boswijk explained to The Associated Press. “It’s very inspiring to see how members of our royal family inspired people to join our armed forces.”

Boswijk reported approximately 9,000 current reservists in the Netherlands, with recruitment goals targeting at least 20,000 by 2030.

“We have more applications than we can handle,” Boswijk noted. The military now faces challenges including “a lack of training capacity, a lack of housing. You have to give them all uniforms, you have to give them weapons.”

However, he emphasized: “It’s a luxury problem.”

German legislators are reviewing government proposals to provide improved compensation and conditions for short-term enlistees, along with enhanced training and greater flexibility regarding service duration.

The goal involves attracting adequate recruits without reinstating male conscription that ended in 2011. The proposal allows for limited mandatory recruitment if volunteer numbers prove insufficient.

Similar to the Netherlands, France is emphasizing voluntary service to strengthen its military. A September program aims to recruit 3,000 volunteers between ages 18-25. These individuals will serve in uniform for 10 months within France’s mainland and overseas territories exclusively. The initiative seeks to attract up to 50,000 annual volunteers by 2035.

In northern and eastern European regions, where Russian threats feel most immediate, some countries maintain conscription systems.

Finland operates a draft system for all males with voluntary participation for women. Sweden restored gender-neutral partial military service in 2017. When volunteer numbers fall short, lottery systems select individuals for remaining positions. Denmark employs a comparable system, as does Latvia since reviving its draft in 2023 following Russia’s Ukrainian invasion.

While the Netherlands never completely eliminated its draft system, call-ups have remained suspended since 1997 with no immediate plans for restoration. Instead, the Defense Ministry seeks to make military service appealing to diverse societal segments.

Modern threats have expanded beyond conventional battlefields into cyber and digital domains, Boswijk noted, “so we need all kind of skills, to keep our society, our country, our allies safe. So, yes, we need also people wearing hoodies, having blue hair, who can game perfectly.”

For some among the new generation responding to their nation’s military call, a painful lesson from Dutch history provides motivation.

“When I was in primary school, we were taught that in the Second World War it took (German forces) five days to take over Holland,” Lisette den Heijer shared during a recent military information session for volunteer reservists, expressing her desire to prevent historical repetition.

During exercises in eastern Netherlands, a reserve battalion private first class, also speaking anonymously due to employment with a defense-related company, described observing similar changes in recent years.

“So where we were just focused on peaceful operations in 2018, we’re now more focusing on protecting vital infrastructure,” he explained. This included participating in extensive security operations protecting last year’s NATO leaders’ summit in The Hague.

Dutch reservists commit to 300 annual service hours, including regular weekend training exercises. Traditionally deployed for domestic security and guard duties, they do not participate in overseas combat missions. They also respond during national emergencies, such as flood protection efforts involving sandbag placement.

Back in eastern Netherlands forests, the reservists suddenly halt and aim their weapons toward an innocuous-looking earth mound covered with dried leaves and wood.

A soldier — a unit member — emerges from the concealed foxhole where he was hiding and surrenders. The volunteers celebrate with high-fives before preparing to dismantle their camp and return to civilian employment.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s top artificial intelligence defense official says rapid military adoption of AI technology has become vital to the nation’s survival in its ongoing conflict with Russia, though complete battlefield integration remains years away.

Danylo Tsvok, who heads Ukraine’s newly created Defense Artificial Intelligence Center, explained that AI technology is currently assisting Ukrainian forces in defending territory while minimizing soldier casualties against a larger and better-equipped opponent.

“We need to be faster than the enemy in decision-making,” Tsvok explained to The Associated Press, emphasizing that AI represents “not only a competitive advantage. It’s about our survival.”

The 35-year-old official now directs the Defense Artificial Intelligence Center, which the Defense Ministry created just last month. Before this role, Tsvok held the government’s highest civilian position focused on artificial intelligence.

Both Ukraine and Russia are engaged in an escalating competition to field increasingly automated military systems, ranging from flying drones to land-based and naval platforms. Central to this competition is maintaining operational capability despite intense electronic warfare interference.

Modern systems are being engineered to operate autonomously, keeping targets in focus even when facing hostile signal jamming.

Ukraine’s rapidly growing domestic weapons industry now encompasses over 2,000 manufacturing companies and defense technology businesses. Engineers are currently evaluating technologies that allow coordinated drone groups to work together, seeking to improve effectiveness while reducing demands on human controllers.

“We need to understand that the future belongs to autonomous systems,” Tsvok explained. “AI makes it possible to automate parts of the kill chain.”

In its advanced development, he explained, AI could support a connected battlefield where intelligent weapons function together through a single assessment system.

“That could happen within three to five years,” he predicted. “Within that time frame, front lines could be secured by tightly integrated hardware and software systems.”

For more immediate applications, he highlighted broader deployment of autonomous defense interceptors, increased utilization of ground-based robotic platforms, and enhanced electronic warfare technologies.

Certain components are already operational. Unmanned ground vehicles are increasingly deployed for supply transport, medical evacuation, and combat missions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced that land-based drones completed more than 20,000 battlefield operations during a three-month span this year, including medical evacuations, supply deliveries, and direct combat missions. He noted that one successful attack was conducted entirely without human soldiers present.

Tsvok emphasized the goal is not creating fully autonomous ‘killer robots,’ but rather developing a more coordinated system that speeds up decision-making and works more effectively with Western allies.

“It’s not about reaching 100% autonomy, it’s about being efficient on the battlefield,” he stated.

Ukraine is strengthening collaborations with Western nations and Gulf region countries to obtain funding, increase production capacity, and integrate into security partnerships, while also providing access to its extensive battlefield intelligence.

Tsvok’s organization receives financial backing from the U.K. Ministry of Defence, representing what he called both a military and political partnership.

“Democracies must develop strong defensive capabilities,” he stated. “Without AI, they cannot effectively protect peace. This is not only about Ukraine. It’s about global security.”

A television news reporter in New Zealand faces a five-day suspension from parliamentary coverage following violations of established media protocols, according to an announcement Thursday from Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee.

Maiki Sherman, who serves as the political correspondent for New Zealand’s public television network TVNZ, engaged in behavior while seeking an interview that “went beyond the prescription and spirit of the rules that had previously been agreed by the press gallery and parliament,” Brownlee stated.

In his official statement, the Speaker noted that “Ms Sherman, the TVNZ political editor, has informed me that it was not her intention to go beyond the rules, but accepts that she did, and has accepted also the decision on this matter.”

The parliamentary suspension affects Sherman’s access from May 1 through May 6, according to Brownlee’s announcement.

Brownlee also acknowledged that “Other outlets also breached parliamentary rules as they pursued a story relating to the National Party caucus activities on April 21.”

National Party Minister Simeon Brown took to social media platform X to describe the incident, claiming TVNZ personnel pursued National Whip Stuart Smith into a restricted interview area without proper authorization and “aggressively banged on his door for several minutes.”

Sherman has not yet provided a response to media requests for comment regarding the suspension.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — While Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets through its control of the Strait of Hormuz, the nation’s critical petroleum sector faces mounting pressure from American economic warfare.

Industry analysts warn that Iran could be compelled to halt production at numerous oil facilities within the next two weeks, as the country runs out of storage space and cannot ship its crude to international markets.

Although the crisis may not be as catastrophic as President Trump recently suggested when he claimed pipelines might begin bursting in the coming days, the long-term consequences could be severe. Energy experts note that Iran’s deteriorating oil infrastructure may not recover easily from extended shutdowns, potentially crippling the nation’s future petroleum capacity. Industry watchers believe Iran has already started reducing output to prevent complete facility closures.

The crisis intensifies as the Treasury Department increases enforcement against Iranian oil vessels already sailing international waters. American naval forces have captured at least two tankers in Asian waters suspected of transporting Iranian crude.

Iran’s constrained petroleum trade means less foreign currency entering an economy already devastated by ongoing conflict, civil unrest, and years of international penalties. Meanwhile, reduced Iranian oil shipments amplify the impact of the Hormuz blockade, creating jet fuel shortages and driving up gasoline costs globally.

Iranian officials are strongly opposed to closing production facilities because of the devastating long-term impact, according to Miad Maleki, who previously worked on sanctions at Treasury and now serves as a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

“They’ve been under sanctions, they’ve been isolated for 47 years now. Those oil wells are not maintained well. Their machinery is not maintained well,” Maleki explained. He added that once production stops, the facilities won’t easily “snap back after a few months.”

Before the current conflict, Iran produced more than 3 million barrels daily, with slightly over half consumed domestically. However, since the American blockade started April 13, loaded vessels have been trapped without export routes.

“It looks like there’s been a significant slowdown in production,” observed Antoine Halff, co-founder and chief analyst at environmental intelligence firm Kayrros, which monitors energy supply chains. He cited evidence that storage facilities at Kharg Island, Iran’s primary Persian Gulf export terminal, are filling more slowly than normal.

Halff noted that Iran likely stores some petroleum in tankers anchored near Kharg Island.

Commodities tracking firm Kpler estimates Iran has approximately two weeks of remaining storage capacity, even after cutting production.

“While the immediate revenue impact is limited, operational constraints are now forcing production cuts and setting up a delayed but significant financial squeeze,” wrote Kpler analyst Homayoun Falakshahi.

Oil analysis company Wood Mackenzie projects Iran will exhaust storage space in roughly three weeks.

“If the blockade persists, cuts become inevitable,” Wood Mackenzie’s Alexandre Araman wrote. Extended shutdowns lasting over a month “risk long-term damage” to Iranian oil reserves, with recovery of older fields remaining “uncertain.”

Since Iran discovered oil in 1908, the industry has been deeply connected to regional politics. Efforts to nationalize oil fields and remove British control triggered the CIA-supported 1953 coup that strengthened Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s power. This action also set the stage for Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the shah. During the revolution, petroleum workers struck and reduced daily production from 6 million barrels to approximately 1.5 million.

Iran’s oil sector never fully recovered and endured decades of international sanctions that allowed infrastructure to deteriorate.

During his first presidency, Trump implemented a “maximum pressure” strategy, imposing harsh sanctions that severely limited Iran’s oil exports. Required to store petroleum in offshore tankers, the Iranian government lost tens of billions in revenue. Despite this pressure, Tehran refused to negotiate a nuclear agreement with Washington.

Iran now confronts both increased sanctions and the naval blockade. Trump declared Tuesday that Iran was in a “State of Collapse.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced this message on X, writing, “Iran’s creaking oil industry is starting to shut in production thanks to the U.S. BLOCKADE. Pumping will soon collapse. GASOLINE SHORTAGES IN IRAN NEXT!”

No immediate gasoline shortages have appeared in Iran. However, the country seems to be indirectly acknowledging the economic strain.

A state television program, controlled by hardline factions, featured journalists discussing potential oil storage problems. One commentator noted that if empty tankers cannot return to Iran, “we won’t be able to export.” Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad praised terminal workers Monday for their “continuous perseverance.”

Maleki warned that continued blockade pressure leading to further production cuts or shutdowns could result in oil worker layoffs, potentially triggering new domestic unrest.

“In 1979 when the oil industry was disrupted, in the 1980s war with Iraq … you can go and look at to see how effective they were in really pressuring the regime,” he said. “It’s really going to affect some of the most strategic provinces in Iran and the most strategic industry.”

HARET SAIDA, Lebanon (AP) — Emergency notifications arrive without warning across Lebanon: cell phones buzzing with text messages, robocalls from unknown international numbers, and difficult-to-interpret maps posted online by Israeli military officials.

These evacuation maps sometimes encompass vast regions of Lebanon, while others pinpoint individual structures. Many airstrikes occur without any advance notification, continuing even after a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization.

These emergency alerts trigger frantic efforts to gather children and elderly family members, forcing families into heartbreaking decisions as they rush toward the unclear boundaries shown on the red-marked evacuation zones. Complete communities have been abandoned, with more than one million residents fleeing during the most intense periods of combat. Lebanon lacks Israel’s infrastructure of air raid warning systems, missile defense capabilities, or official emergency shelters.

Israeli officials claim these notifications serve to protect civilian populations from danger. They assert that Hezbollah has established military positions, underground tunnel networks and weapons storage throughout southern Lebanon’s residential areas, launching hundreds of unmanned aircraft and rockets toward northern Israeli communities without advance warning.

Specialists in international law argue that Israel’s evacuation notices lack consistency and frequently cover excessively large areas with indefinite timeframes. These concerns arise as Israeli officials announce plans to establish a 10-kilometer (6-mile) security buffer along the border and block civilian returns until Hezbollah threats are neutralized.

The current conflict began on March 2, when Hezbollah ended its restraint following a 2024 ceasefire agreement, firing a surprise missile attack into northern Israel as retaliation for joint American and Israeli operations against Iran.

Israeli forces have issued 132 digital evacuation notices during this period — including seven alerts affecting more than 50 southern Lebanese communities since the ceasefire began on April 17.

Local residents report that precisely targeted warnings frequently arrive with minimal advance notice, creating panic and disorder.

Ward Zein al-Din, 56, described hearing windows break from flying debris moments after her father received a call from Israeli military personnel that caused him to cry out. The family has since abandoned their southern community and found refuge in a school building. “I didn’t think we would survive,” she said.

Additionally, evacuation maps distributed through social media by Israel’s Arabic-language military representative, Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, have instructed entire populations to relocate north beyond the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border, and sometimes even greater distances.

His comprehensive warnings also cleared Beirut’s densely populated southern neighborhoods, where Hezbollah maintains significant influence, although many residents have subsequently returned. United Nations officials report that substantial numbers of people remain displaced throughout the country, including more than 150,000 living in temporary tent settlements.

“A legal tool is being used to achieve forced displacement,” said Hussein Badreddine, a Lebanese expert in international law at the University of Sydney. “When you evacuate entire areas and keep the orders open-ended, that’s when the legality comes into question.”

Responding to multiple inquiries, Israeli military representatives stated they distribute warnings through telephone calls, text messages, radio announcements, social media platforms and aerial leaflet drops, following the “principles of distinction, proportionality and feasible precautions” under international law.

No advance notification was provided on April 8, when Israeli forces attacked one hundred locations in quick succession, resulting in more than 350 deaths, including casualties in central Beirut. This represented one of the most devastating attacks in Lebanon’s conflict-marked history.

Military officials stated that Hezbollah leadership and personnel “were expected to be present at many of the sites.” The exact number of Hezbollah casualties remains uncertain. More than 100 of those killed were women and children.

Some warnings have been issued without subsequent attacks. Earlier this month, Israeli officials threatened to target the primary border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, forcing its closure for multiple days. The promised strike never occurred.

Military aircraft struck the community of Kafr Tebnit when hostilities erupted. Adraee announced on X that residents should relocate to “no less than 1,000 meters (yards) outside the village.”

Hussein Farran traveled to Nabatiyeh city, where he maintains employment with an electrical utility. His wife, Rola Nahleh, and their 4-year-old daughter, Amal, joined extended family in Kfar Hatta, approximately 17 kilometers (10 miles) beyond Adraee’s designated danger zone.

One month afterward, at 11:29 p.m. on April 4, Adraee instructed residents to evacuate Kfar Hatta. This represented one of 26 emergency notifications issued during the conflict between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

“When warnings are issued in the middle of the night, on platforms that not everyone uses, you can’t expect everyone to get up and leave immediately,” said Kristine Beckerle of Amnesty International. “You have people stuck on the road for 12, 13 hours trying to leave. You have elderly people who can’t move quickly.”

Nahleh informed her husband by telephone that hundreds of people were evacuating, many still in their nightclothes. They decided it would be safer to wait through the disorder until morning.

Two Israeli rockets struck their residence around 3 a.m., killing Nahleh, her mother, father, brother, sister and Amal, who had recently begun kindergarten.

“Even if they gave us a warning, how does it justify killing a civilian family?” Farran asked, gazing at their graves — cardboard signs smeared with handwritten Arabic because the war has made a proper burial in their village impossible.

“They weren’t given a real chance,” he said.

Initially, Ali al-Salim suspected it was a fraudulent call, or a criminal attempting to burglarize his vacant home, as occurred to his family during an earlier conflict. The caller ID showed Germany, but the person claimed to be an Israeli officer and instructed al-Salim to evacuate northward immediately.

As bombing attacks moved closer, al-Salim, his wife and three sons abandoned their southern community of Siddiqin and reached a school in Haret Saida following 18 hours in gridlocked traffic.

Security analysts explain that Israeli military personnel frequently employ randomly generated international phone numbers since direct communication between the two nations, technically in a state of war for decades, is prohibited.

“There is no way to know if a call is real or fake,” said Roland Abi Najem, a Lebanese cybersecurity expert. “The Israeli military benefits from the chaos that helps create a mass exodus.”

Military officials declined to explain their methods for contacting Lebanese phone numbers.

Several days after evacuating, al-Salim learned that his residence was destroyed by an Israeli missile. The emergency shelter proved equally hazardous.

One location that Israel attacked without warning on April 8 was a nearby Shiite religious center, where displaced individuals used bathing facilities. The blast rendered al-Salim’s 14-year-old son, Ali, unconscious and severely damaged his left leg.

“The bombing can happen at any moment. There is no safety at all,” said Ali, now using crutches. “I’ve never felt this kind of fear.”

The ceasefire agreement has provided little reassurance.

Compelled to abandon his southern hometown of Shaqra when fighting began, Mohammad Shahadat delayed one week after the ceasefire before attempting to return. Encouraged by neighbors reporting peaceful conditions, he traveled home last week.

Days afterward, he was again living in a temporary tent in Beirut following another Israeli evacuation warning.

“We didn’t know where to go,” he said.

LONDON — Britain’s central bank is anticipated to maintain current interest rates Thursday as officials evaluate economic consequences from the Iran conflict and Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that handles 20% of global oil shipments during normal times.

Financial experts believe the nine-person policy board may signal potential rate increases in coming months if Middle East tensions — currently under a fragile ceasefire — continue driving up British inflation.

The Monetary Policy Committee is projected to maintain the central bank’s primary rate at 3.75%, though one or two officials may advocate for a 0.25% increase as protection against rising inflation.

Prior to the conflict, financial markets anticipated rate cuts as inflation was forecast to decline toward the bank’s 2% goal this spring. The war has disrupted both the bank’s projections and broader global economic predictions.

Investec economist Sandra Horsfield noted that “repercussions of the conflict are still keenly felt and uncertainty about how the situation could evolve also remains high.”

The bank’s quarterly economic forecasts and Governor Andrew Bailey’s following press conference may prove more significant than the rate decision itself.

These projections will mark the first since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran initiated the war on February 28 — analysts expect higher inflation estimates and reduced growth forecasts.

Recent government data revealed British inflation rose in March following sharp fuel price increases due to war-related energy supply disruptions. Annual consumer price inflation reached a three-month peak of 3.3%, up from February’s 3%.

Inflation may climb further in upcoming months, potentially reaching 4%, as elevated energy costs affect household expenses.

Economic analysts don’t anticipate inflation approaching the four-decade peaks above 11% following Russia’s Ukraine invasion in February 2022, partly because energy price spikes have been more moderate and interest rates remain elevated.

However, Bank of England officials will monitor whether the apparent inflation surge spreads throughout the economy through mechanisms like wage increases. They’ll also watch for potential government measures to reduce inflation’s impact on families and businesses.

Treasury Secretary Rachel Reeves, whose cost-of-living objectives have been derailed by the Middle East crisis, stated this is “not our war, but it is pushing up bills for families and businesses” as a consequence.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian officials are calling for stricter firearm regulations following a devastating shooting that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney last December.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion released its initial findings Thursday, issuing 14 recommendations after investigating the December 14, 2025 attack at Bondi Beach. Father and son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly carried out the shooting using weapons they legally possessed, according to authorities who say the Islamic State group motivated the assault.

Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell’s interim report included several public recommendations, though five remain classified for national security purposes. Among the key proposals: federal and state governments should fast-track the creation of uniform gun legislation nationwide and establish a weapons buyback program.

The commission noted that antisemitic incidents have surged throughout Australia since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. The report also warned that February’s joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran “likely to have increased the risk of attacks directed at the Australian Jewish community.”

Sajid Naveed died in a police shootout at the scene. Despite holding a valid shooting license and legally owning the weapons used in the attack, proposed federal restrictions would have prevented the Indian-born permanent resident from obtaining gun permits due to his non-citizen status.

His son survived the incident with injuries. Naveed Akram now faces charges including terrorism, 15 murder counts, and 40 attempted murder counts. He has not yet entered any pleas.

Federal proposals also include capping individual gun ownership at four weapons maximum and requiring regular license reviews. A compensation program would reimburse gun owners required to surrender firearms, with costs split between federal and regional governments, though some states have refused to participate financially.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his administration’s commitment to implementing all commission recommendations within federal jurisdiction.

“I certainly hope that that occurs and would continue to engage constructively with state and territory governments to say that this is reform which is necessary,” Albanese told reporters regarding the proposed gun changes.

The Prime Minister referenced Tuesday’s 30th anniversary of Australia’s most deadly modern mass shooting, when 35 people died in Tasmania on April 28, 1996. That tragedy led to sweeping national firearms legislation that essentially eliminated rapid-fire rifles.

“The nation is safer because of that,” Albanese said.

Despite identifying increased risks facing Australian Jewish communities, the report determined no immediate safety measures were urgently needed.

“There has been a rise in antisemitism. That is a global phenomenon,” Albanese said. “That is something that has happened right around the world. Governments need to respond to it. We are responding to it.”

The government has designated 102 million Australian dollars ($73 million) for enhanced security at Jewish facilities including synagogues and educational institutions. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the community’s primary representative organization, oversees the funding distribution.

Council co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin described the report as a crucial step toward restoring Jewish Australians’ sense of security.

“We need to get to a point where Jewish Australians at Hanukkah this year … feel safe, that we can gather again, that we won’t be targeted,” Ryvchin told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

“It’s going to be a long process to get us to that point. There’s a deep sense of trauma in the community and … a lot of unanswered questions, bit this is an important step in the process,” he added.

Public hearings for the inquiry will commence Monday.

Manufacturing activity in China continued its growth streak for the second consecutive month in April, demonstrating the nation’s economic strength even as Middle East conflicts drive up energy costs, according to official data released Thursday.

The government’s manufacturing purchasing managers index registered 50.3 in April, down marginally from March’s 50.4 reading, the National Bureau of Statistics reported. This figure exceeded analyst predictions and remains above the 50-point threshold that signals economic expansion on the 0-100 scale.

While new orders declined to 50.6 from the previous month’s 51.6, production activity showed modest improvement, climbing to 51.5.

Rising petroleum costs have yet to significantly impact China’s industrial sector, according to Capital Economics senior China economist Leah Fahy, who noted in a recent analysis that robust export demand appears to be fueling the recent uptick in manufacturing activity.

Fahy also pointed out that escalating oil prices are boosting worldwide appetite for environmentally friendly technologies, benefiting Chinese manufacturers who lead the clean energy equipment sector.

A separate survey conducted by S&P Global and Chinese firm RatingDog painted an even more positive picture. This private sector assessment, which emphasizes smaller export-oriented businesses, showed manufacturing activity jumping to 52.2 in April from March’s 50.8.

Following a Supreme Court decision earlier this year that reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods previously imposed under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies, China’s exports to America may increase in the coming months, Fahy indicated.

A scheduled diplomatic meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next month could potentially extend the year-long trade ceasefire the two nations established late last year.

China’s economic output grew at a 5% yearly rate during the first quarter, surpassing both the previous quarter’s performance and expert forecasts. Government officials have established an economic growth goal of 4.5% to 5% for 2026, marking the most conservative target since 1991.

While the country’s ongoing real estate downturn continues to dampen domestic spending and investment, export performance remains strong, with China achieving a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in the previous year.

BANGKOK (AP) — Just over twelve months ago, Myanmar’s armed forces found themselves retreating across multiple fronts in the nation’s devastating civil conflict, losing control of vast territories in the northern regions to experienced militia coalitions while facing pressure from established resistance groups and newly-formed democracy fighters throughout the country.

The situation has dramatically shifted since then.

After recruiting tens of thousands of additional soldiers through conscription, Myanmar’s military forces, called the Tatmadaw, have regained some lost territory and seem prepared to launch new attacks, even as certain opposition factions have withdrawn from combat and others face internal conflicts and equipment shortages.

“I think we’re nearing a crescendo here where the Tatmadaw is going to reassert itself and the resistance movement is going to peter out,” said Morgan Michaels, a Singapore-based analyst with the International Institute of Strategic Studies who runs its Myanmar Conflict Map project.

“That doesn’t mean armed resistance will peter out — armed resistance will always continue in Myanmar until there’s a comprehensive, negotiated political solution, but the Tatmadaw has retaken the strategic initiative and everything is in the Tatmadaw’s favor.”

Meanwhile, following five years of warfare that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, including approximately 8,000 civilians, and displaced millions from their communities, exhaustion has set in among both military opponents and ordinary citizens, according to Aung Thu Nyein, a Myanmar political expert now based in Thailand.

“There are many saying that the local population doesn’t care much who will win the war, but (just want) to stop fighting,” he said in a text message.

Beijing is also applying considerable pressure for peace in Myanmar, also called Burma, which serves as a vital supplier of rare earth minerals and other natural resources needed to protect Chinese mining operations and business interests, he explained.

China has poured billions into Myanmar’s mining sector, petroleum pipelines, and infrastructure projects while serving as a primary weapons provider to the Tatmadaw alongside Russia.

Beijing also wields substantial influence over paramilitary organizations operating near the Chinese border, many composed of ethnically Chinese fighters.

China initially backed the October 27, 2023, military campaign launched against the Tatmadaw by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, primarily because Beijing was frustrated that the military government had permitted criminal organizations to flourish in border territories. However, China has since cut off weapons and ammunition to these militias while demanding they cease hostilities.

Among the Three Brotherhood Alliance groups, both the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army accepted ceasefires in 2023 following Chinese-brokered negotiations, leaving only the Arakan Army actively engaged in combat with the Tatmadaw in western Rakhine state.

The Brotherhood Alliance consists entirely of established paramilitary organizations based on ethnic minority communities known as Ethnic Armed Organizations, or EAOs. The removal of Suu Kyi from power has also sparked the creation of pro-democracy fighting forces called People’s Defense Forces, or PDFs, many connected to the shadow National Unity Government formed by former members of Suu Kyi’s political party and allies.

Facing an expected escalation of Tatmadaw attacks, coordination at the highest levels between established EAOs and the NUG is essential for resistance operations, the Burma Liberation Democratic Front, a pro-democracy organization active in the Sagaing and Mandalay regions, informed The Associated Press.

“Although there is a shared understanding of the need to overthrow the military dictatorship and move toward a future federal union, there are still gaps and differences in overall grand strategy and tactics,” the group told the AP in a written response to questions.

“There are still differences in positions, perspectives, and approaches. Many continue to hold onto ethnic, regional, and organizational interests and attachments.”

The organization, which belongs to a coalition of 20 PDFs, noted that the Tatmadaw was actively “attempting to divide and weaken the situation by creating divisions between the public and revolutionary forces, among different ethnic groups, and even among revolutionary groups.”

The military commanders who removed Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian administration in 2021 also recently conducted elections, despite criticism from United Nations experts who called them neither free nor fair due to suppressed opposition. Min Aung Hlaing, the senior general who ruled the nation with strict control after deposing Suu Kyi, took the presidential oath this month.

From a political standpoint, the elections seemed designed to create an appearance of legitimacy for his leadership to improve relationships with Southeast Asian nations and other countries as Myanmar faces international sanctions.

China, which had advocated for the election, immediately offered congratulations to Min Aung Hlaing and promptly dispatched its foreign minister for a face-to-face meeting. The TNLA militia organization also sent congratulatory messages, promising to maintain the China-mediated ceasefire.

Completing the elections also releases additional troops who had been assigned to provide extensive polling site security, Michaels noted.

Among his initial presidential actions, Min Aung Hlaing extended an invitation to the nation’s armed opposition forces for fresh peace negotiations, including both EAOs and PDFs. The National Unity Government was notably excluded from the invitation, and they immediately rejected the proposal as “aimed at prolonging people’s subjugation under military rule.”

The unclear proposal, published in the state-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar, established a July 31 deadline for groups to participate in discussions, with the condition that they should avoid presenting “unrealistic demands.”

No details were provided about potential consequences for groups declining to participate, and government officials did not respond to email requests for comment.

During this period, the Tatmadaw has maintained its military campaigns, including advancing a major operation in Sagaing to recapture the northern city of Indaw, which PDF groups seized with Kachin Independence Army EAO assistance in 2023.

Simultaneously, military forces have defended against an eastern offensive as they attempt to prevent the Karen National Liberation Army from advancing toward a Tatmadaw stronghold near the Thai border.

Through the peace talks offer, Min Aung Hlaing likely hopes to revive the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreements established with approximately half of Myanmar’s EAOs by former governments roughly ten years ago, which helped create relative stability.

However, given the apparent lack of current interest, more limited ceasefires may be the immediate objective, Michaels suggested.

“In the short term if you can agree to ceasefires with some groups, then you can redirect your resources toward other groups that are either unwilling to agree to a ceasefire or that the Tatmadaw is unwilling to agree to a ceasefire with,” he said.

“The Tatmadaw can always accept some degree of opposition and, in fact needs some level of active armed resistance to justify its rule and justify its behavior. But the current level of armed resistance across the country is not tenable.”

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A top international nuclear official delivered a stark warning Wednesday about the potential consequences if major world powers proceed with nuclear weapons testing.

Robert Floyd, who leads the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, cautioned U.N. reporters that nuclear testing by the United States, Russia, or other nations could prompt a dangerous chain reaction of similar actions worldwide.

“That is a spiral that we do not want to see start, because it may never be able to be stopped,” Floyd stated during his briefing.

The warning comes after both superpowers — which possess the world’s most extensive nuclear weapons stockpiles — made threats to restart nuclear testing in recent months, sparking international concern.

Floyd noted the dramatic reduction in nuclear testing since the treaty was first opened for signatures three decades ago. While more than 2,000 nuclear tests had occurred before that time, fewer than a dozen have taken place since, with six of those conducted by North Korea.

His comments coincided with the United Nations beginning its review of a different nuclear non-proliferation agreement this week. The review occurs amid ongoing tensions related to Iran’s nuclear program, which President Donald Trump has cited as justification for military action to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

Although the nuclear test ban agreement was established in 1996, it remains inactive because nine of the 44 required countries have yet to ratify it for the treaty to take effect.

Several major powers have signed but not ratified the agreement, including the United States, China, Iran, Egypt, and Israel. Meanwhile, India, Pakistan, and North Korea have taken no action on the treaty. Russia previously signed and ratified the agreement but withdrew its ratification in 2023.

Floyd suggested that coordinated ratification by China, Russia, and the United States would represent “certainly be a powerful step forward” for the treaty’s implementation.

While both China and Russia claim to maintain voluntary testing moratoriums, U.S. State Department officials have publicly questioned the activities of both nations since 2019. Trump recently accused both countries of conducting tests and announced he had directed the Defense Department to begin nuclear weapons testing “on an equal basis.”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov responded by stating Russia would only restart nuclear testing if the United States acted first.

Floyd revealed he recently traveled to Moscow to argue to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov “that it is not in any state’s interest to see an unconstrained return to testing.” He also mentioned meeting with U.S. State Department officials and expressed interest in speaking with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The treaty official emphasized that the international monitoring network can identify even relatively small nuclear explosions anywhere on Earth. Any country attempting to develop nuclear weapons would need to conduct tests, and “if they did it will be known to all,” Floyd explained.

Australian officials have released preliminary findings from their investigation into December’s tragic mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, offering 14 recommendations to bolster the nation’s counter-terrorism defenses.

The December 14 attack during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration claimed 15 lives and represented Australia’s most devastating gun violence incident in three decades. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Thursday that his administration will implement all suggestions from the Royal Commission’s initial assessment.

“This is as the government envisaged – that the first task of the Royal Commission, the priority, was to look at the security elements of these issues,” Albanese stated during a press briefing.

The 154-page preliminary assessment suggests enhanced protection for Jewish community gatherings and additional firearm legislation improvements. However, investigators determined that existing legal structures did not prevent security forces from addressing the threat.

Authorities identified the attackers as a father and son who drew inspiration from the Islamic State terrorist organization. The incident shocked Australia, a nation recognized for its stringent gun control measures, and sparked demands for stronger anti-Semitism protections and tighter weapon restrictions.

Key proposals include a thorough examination of joint counter-terrorism units, with results to be delivered to police leadership and security officials within three months. The commission also recommends extending security measures beyond the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to cover additional significant Jewish observances and gatherings.

Further suggestions involve updating counter-terrorism guidelines more rapidly, incorporating high-ranking government personnel in terrorism response training, and expediting plans for a nationwide gun buyback initiative.

“The review has revealed aspects in which counter-terrorism capability at federal and state levels could be improved,” the assessment concluded.

Five recommendations remain confidential due to national security sensitivities, according to Albanese. The Royal Commission was formed in January after pressure from Jewish organizations and victims’ relatives, who had criticized the Prime Minister’s initial reluctance to authorize the investigation.

Public testimony sessions are set to begin next week, with the complete report expected by year’s end.

Officials in Taiwan have implemented emergency communication protocols for Dongyin island following damage to a critical undersea cable connection, according to government reports released Wednesday.

The cable disruption occurred when severe weather apparently caused shipwreck debris to shift and sever the underwater communication line, cutting off standard service to the remote territory.

Dongyin houses approximately 1,500 residents and holds significant military importance due to its position at the northern edge of the Taiwan Strait. The island depends on ferry transportation from Taiwan’s mainland, as it lacks airport facilities.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs confirmed that the damaged cable had provided the primary link between Dongyin and Beigan, which is part of the Taiwan-administered Matsu island chain located near China’s coastline.

Emergency microwave communication technology has been deployed to restore voice calling and internet access, with cellular phone services and data connections now functioning at normal levels on Dongyin.

However, cable television remains unavailable, and some online services may experience slight delays due to ongoing weather issues, ministry officials noted.

Chunghwa Telecom expects to complete cable restoration work by late July, though the timeline depends on favorable weather conditions for repair operations.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the fragility of undersea communication infrastructure connecting Taiwan’s remote territories. Last year, two separate cable breaks disconnected internet service to the Matsu islands entirely. Taiwanese officials attributed that disruption to two Chinese vessels, though they found no proof of intentional sabotage by Beijing.

In response to these recurring vulnerabilities, Taiwan has been developing enhanced communication backup systems for potential emergency scenarios, including possible military conflict with China. Current initiatives include testing low-Earth-orbit satellite technology for remote locations such as Matsu.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A three-judge panel in New Zealand’s Court of Appeal has denied an attempt by the Christchurch mosque shooter to withdraw his admissions of guilt for the 2019 terrorist attack that claimed 51 lives.

Brenton Tarrant, the Australian white supremacist now 35 years old, had argued that severe prison conditions compromised his mental state when he entered guilty pleas to terrorism, murder, and attempted murder charges. The March 2019 massacre occurred when Tarrant traveled to two Christchurch mosques during Friday prayers and unleashed gunfire with semi-automatic rifles, killing 51 worshippers and wounding dozens more.

When Tarrant entered his guilty pleas in March 2020, it provided comfort to grieving families and attack survivors who had been anxious about enduring a prolonged trial where the gunman might promote his extremist ideology. The rejection of his appeal — filed 505 days beyond the required deadline, as the court noted — has once again prevented such a trial from occurring.

During a five-day court proceeding in February, the attacker claimed his guilty pleas resulted from mental instability that temporarily caused him to reject his white supremacist beliefs. However, the judges determined his mental health assertions were contradictory and lacked backing from correctional officers, psychological experts, or his former legal counsel.

“He was not suffering from a mental impairment or any other form of mental incapacity which rendered him unable to voluntarily change his pleas to guilty,” the judges wrote. “He endeavoured to mislead us about his state of mind in a weak attempt to advance an appeal in circumstances where all other evidence demonstrated that he made an informed and totally rational decision to plead guilty.”

The court’s decision also disclosed that Tarrant attempted to withdraw his appeal following the February hearing. The judges denied this request as well, stating the matter was “of significant public interest and should be finally determined.”

The panel suggested Tarrant “began to form the opinion that the hearing was not proceeding in his favour, and as a result decided to file a notice of abandonment after the hearing concluded.” Under New Zealand law, judges are not obligated to permit an appellant to discontinue an appeal once proceedings have begun.

Tarrant, who has dismissed the attorneys who represented him in February, continues serving his sentence at Auckland Prison, where he received a life term without parole possibility in August 2020. The court permitted him to abandon his appeal of that sentence, which had been set for hearing in 2026.

The Australian native relocated to New Zealand in 2017 with intentions to carry out a mass shooting. He collected an arsenal of firearms and conducted surveillance of his intended targets before executing the attack.

The appellate judges noted that Tarrant had acknowledged the factual summary provided by police and the sentencing judge, emphasizing that evidence against him was “overwhelming.” This evidence included video footage the shooter recorded and broadcast live online, showing his face, along with a manifesto detailing his racist ideology that he published under his actual name prior to the attacks.

The United States is working to build a new international partnership designed to restore ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Wednesday report from the Wall Street Journal.

Maritime traffic has come to a standstill in the critical waterway, prompting American officials to reach out to other nations for support in forming what they’re calling the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” the newspaper reported.

According to the Journal’s reporting, which cited an internal State Department communication, this proposed alliance would focus on sharing intelligence, working together diplomatically, and assisting with sanctions enforcement efforts.

Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the Wall Street Journal’s reporting at this time.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva suffered a major political setback Wednesday when the nation’s Senate voted down his Supreme Court appointment in an unprecedented rejection spanning more than a century.

The Senate cast 42 votes against Jorge Messias, the country’s solicitor-general since 2023 and a trusted legal adviser to Lula, while only 34 lawmakers supported the nomination. The appointment required 41 favorable votes to succeed.

President Lula, who is campaigning for a fourth non-consecutive term in the upcoming October election, had selected Messias to fill the vacancy left by Luís Roberto Barroso’s resignation last November. The Supreme Court has been functioning with just 10 justices since Barroso’s departure.

The 46-year-old Messias had previously gained approval from a Senate committee, but lawmakers ultimately rejected him in a confidential ballot by the full chamber.

Messias received backing from other Supreme Court justices in addition to President Lula, and made efforts to win support from evangelical legislators who share his religious background.

The president must now select a different candidate, who will face the same confirmation process and Senate vote.

The last instance of Brazil’s Senate turning down a Supreme Court nomination occurred in 1894 during the presidency of Floriano Peixoto, the nation’s second president, amid conflicts with congressional leaders.

A senior government official announced Wednesday that Canada will serve as the home base for NATO’s newly proposed financial institution designed to lower military borrowing expenses for alliance nations.

The unnamed official revealed that nearly 20 founding NATO members participated in Canada-hosted discussions that led to the selection for the Defense, Security and Resilience Bank headquarters location.

This new banking institution aims to assist NATO countries and their partners in fulfilling defense budget obligations while cutting military expenditure costs through combined credit resources.

Speaking anonymously to The Associated Press due to lack of authorization before formal announcements, the source indicated uncertainty about which Canadian city would house the facility.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to reports of Canada’s selection by advocating for Toronto as the location through social media, describing the opportunity as positioning Canada at the heart of international defense financing and production.

“As our nation’s financial capital, with a skilled workforce and unparalleled global connectivity, there’s no better place for the bank to be headquartered than Toronto,” Ford stated.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration has committed to achieving NATO military spending requirements.

Alliance nations, Canada included, have promised to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product toward defense. Carney announced last year that the government would reach the previous 2% benchmark this year, then later pledged Canada would achieve the 5% goal by 2035.

European partners and Canada have significantly increased military investments, including weapons and ammunition purchases, following Russia’s comprehensive attack on Ukraine beginning February 24, 2022.

President Donald Trump has previously criticized Canada for insufficient military expenditures.

During King Charles III’s current visit to the United States, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly urged the British monarch to give back a controversial diamond that has sparked international debate for decades.

Speaking at a Wednesday press conference before a September 11th memorial ceremony, the Indian American mayor addressed the issue of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond when questioned by reporters.

“If I were to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond,” Mamdani stated during the media briefing.

The mayor and King Charles later met face-to-face during the memorial service honoring victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. However, Mamdani’s office has not disclosed whether the diamond controversy was discussed during their encounter. Buckingham Palace has refused to provide any statement on the matter.

The massive 105-carat gemstone has been the subject of repeated demands from India for its return to the country. Historical records show that Britain’s colonial governor-general orchestrated the diamond’s presentation to Queen Victoria in 1850, following the East India Company’s takeover of Punjab in 1849 and seizure of the precious stone from a defeated Indian ruler.

King Charles spent Wednesday paying tribute to those lost in the September 11th attacks, placing flowers at the memorial site where the World Trade Center towers previously stood.

The diamond dispute remains deeply connected to India’s colonial past, as the nation gained independence from British control in 1947. The harsh treatment and widespread injustices inflicted on Indians during the colonial era continue to be painful topics for the country.

Indian officials have previously described the diamond as a “valued piece of art with strong roots in our nation’s history.” Many Indians view Britain’s possession of the gem as representing the brutalities of colonial domination.

According to the Historic Royal Palaces charity, the diamond’s ownership history includes India’s Mughal rulers, Persian shahs, Afghan emirs, and Sikh maharajas before falling into British hands.

Federal prosecutors in New York announced drug trafficking and weapons charges against ten Mexican government officials Wednesday, alleging they facilitated the smuggling of dangerous narcotics into the United States on behalf of a major cartel.

The indictment, revealed in Manhattan federal court, targets current and former officials from Mexico’s Sinaloa state, with the most prominent defendant being Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who has held office since November 2021.

Rocha previously supported former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s “Hugs, Not Bullets” approach, a strategy that emphasized avoiding direct military confrontations with drug trafficking organizations.

The governor issued a strong denial of the allegations, stating he “categorically and completely rejects” the accusations and describing them as unfounded. Rocha characterized the charges as an “attack” targeting Mexico’s governing party and its leadership.

“It is part of a perverse strategy to violate (Mexico’s) constitutional order, specifically on national sovereignty,” he wrote in a post on X on Wednesday afternoon. “We will show them that this slander doesn’t have any sort of foundation.”

According to the federal indictment, several of the accused officials allegedly took part in the Sinaloa Cartel’s violent operations and retaliation campaigns.

The charging documents claim the defendants worked closely with a wing of the Sinaloa Cartel controlled by the children of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former cartel boss currently serving life imprisonment in an American facility.

Federal authorities say these officials provided crucial assistance to help the Sinaloa Cartel transport fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine across the border from Mexico. The United States has classified the Sinaloa Cartel as one of eight Latin American criminal enterprises designated as terrorist organizations.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton described the Sinaloa Cartel as “a ruthless criminal organization that has flooded this community with dangerous drugs for decades.”

He added: “As the indictment lays bare, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug trafficking organizations like it, would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on their payroll.”

Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terrance Cole said the indictment “exposes a deliberate effort to undermine public institutions and put American lives at risk.” The charged officials “used positions of trust to protect cartel operations, enabling a pipeline of deadly drugs into our country.”

The defendants include at least three officials connected to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party: Governor Rocha, the mayor of Sinaloa’s capital city, and a senator. Several other charged officials held non-partisan government positions.

These charges follow remarks last week from U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson, who announced plans for an anti-corruption initiative targeting Mexican officials allegedly connected to organized crime networks.

“Corruption not only hinders progress, it distorts it. It increases costs, weakens competition, and erodes the trust upon which markets depend. It is not a problem without victims,” Johnson said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded Monday by stating her administration has not received “any evidence” supporting the corruption allegations.

“Any investigation in the United States against any person in Mexico must have evidence reviewed by the (Mexican) Attorney General’s Office,” Sheinbaum said.

This case follows the 2023 conviction of former Mexican cabinet official Genaro García Luna, who was found guilty of accepting bribes to assist the Sinaloa Cartel while serving as the country’s public security secretary. García Luna received a sentence exceeding 38 years in prison, though he maintains his innocence and is pursuing an appeal.

None of the newly charged defendants are currently in custody, according to federal officials.

The United Nations human rights chief revealed Wednesday that Iran has put at least 21 people to death and detained more than 4,000 individuals on national security charges since the beginning of the conflict with the United States and Israel two months ago.

According to Volker Turk, the executions included at least nine people connected to January protests, 10 individuals accused of belonging to opposition organizations, and two people facing espionage allegations.

“I am appalled that – on top of the already severe impacts of the conflict – the rights of the Iranian people continue to be stripped from them by the authorities, in harsh and brutal ways,” Turk stated.

The UN official demanded immediate action from Iranian leadership: “I call on the authorities to halt all further executions, establish a moratorium on the use of capital punishment, fully ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained.”

January witnessed Iran’s most significant domestic upheaval since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with government forces killing thousands during anti-government demonstrations. Human rights organizations report that authorities have intensified their suppression of dissidents throughout the ongoing conflict.

Iranian officials dismissed criticism from the UN Human Rights Council in January, labeling it as “politicized.”

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization reported last week that authorities have detained at least 3,646 people, with a minimum of 767 arrests documented after the ceasefire began on April 8.

Turk described disturbing treatment of detainees, stating that many among the thousands arrested “have been forcibly disappeared, tortured, or subjected to other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, including coerced – and sometimes televised – confessions and mock executions.”

The UN official noted that ethnic and religious minority members face heightened danger.

“Dozens of prisoners have been transferred to unknown locations with no information on their fate, among them human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh,” Turk reported.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi’s health has reportedly deteriorated following a heart attack, with her medical situation worsened by pre-existing chronic conditions stemming from her detention, according to Turk.

At Chabahar Prison in southeastern Iran, security personnel allegedly killed at least five individuals and wounded 21 others during confrontations with people protesting extended suspension of food distribution, Turk said. He added that two additional detainees died while in custody at another facility, with evidence suggesting they had endured torture.