Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, Son of Libya’s Ex-Leader, Reportedly Dead

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Reported Dead Amid Conflicting Accounts Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the 53-year-old son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been shot dead at his home in Zintan. Khaled al-Zaidi, his lawyer, stated that a four-man commando unit carried out the assassination, although the identities of those behind the attack remain unclear. Meanwhile, a conflicting account from Saif's sister suggests he met his end near the Algerian border. Once considered the most prominent and feared figure in Libya…

Fifteen Killed After Greek Coast Guard and Migrant Boat Crash, Police Say

At least 14 people were killed after a Greek coast guard vessel and a boat carrying migrants collided off the Aegean island of Chios near Turkey, Greek authorities said. The crash set off an extensive search-and-rescue effort in the busy sea corridor between the two countries. The collision involved a port police patrol craft and what authorities described as a high-speed small boat transporting migrants. The Greek coast guard said two of its members were taken to a hospital, and 24 migrants were rescued from the water.…

US Downs Iranian Drone as Tenuous Middle East Talks Hang in Balance

WASHINGTON — A U.S. fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, the Pentagon’s Central Command said, even as President Donald Trump said Washington is engaged in talks with Tehran to defuse tensions across the Gulf. U.S. Central Command said the drone, identified as a Shahed-139, “aggressively approached” the carrier and continued toward it despite measures taken by U.S. forces in international waters. CENTCOM said the jet acted in self-defense. The command did not…

North Western State of Somalia President Attends Dubai World Governments Summit for Second Year

DUBAI — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday for the second consecutive year, underscoring Hargeisa’s push for international visibility despite objections from Somalia’s federal government and amid worsening tensions with the United Arab Emirates. The annual forum, one of the world’s most prominent gatherings on governance and public policy, brings together global political leaders, major corporations and international…

Ukraine, Russia and U.S. envoys hold talks in Abu Dhabi

Ukraine, Russia open Abu Dhabi talks as strikes batter energy grid ABU DHABI — Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were set to gather in the Emirati capital on Tuesday, seeking to advance talks on how to end the four-year war as a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks pounded Ukraine’s energy grid in subfreezing temperatures. The meeting, scheduled to run through Wednesday after a postponement last weekend over what the Kremlin called scheduling issues, comes amid grim omens for diplomacy. Europe’s…

Somali federal government eases tensions with Puntland State, Jubbaland before election talks

Somalia pledges inclusive dialogue as Jubaland, Puntland State allege flight blocks ahead of election talks MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to preserving national unity and advancing an inclusive political dialogue, even as tensions rise with the Jubaland and Puntland State regional administrations over security arrangements before planned election talks. In a statement, the government said it remains fully committed to an open, broad and constructive consultative…

Fifteen Dead as Greek Coast Guard, Migrant Boat Collide, Police Say

At least 14 people were killed when a Greek coast guard vessel and a boat carrying migrants collided in the Aegean Sea off the island of Chios near Turkey, Greek police said. Rescue operations were underway following the crash, which happened yesterday. The collision involved a “port police patrol vessel” and a “high-speed” small boat, authorities said. The Greek coast guard said 24 migrants were rescued and two coast guard members were taken to a hospital. Seven children and a pregnant woman were among the injured, Greek…

France charges ten men over rape of drugged five-year-old boy

French prosecutors have charged 10 men in connection with the alleged rape of a five-year-old boy who authorities say was drugged during a “chemsex” gathering in Lille, a case that has jolted France with its severity and rarity. The Lille prosecutor’s office said an investigation opened on Feb. 15, 2025, followed a report of a drug-fueled party the previous night in the northern city. The case has been referred to an investigating judge for alleged acts committed between November 2024 and Feb. 14, 2025, including “rape and…

Donald Trump Signs Budget Deal, Ending the U.S. Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump signed a short-term spending bill to end a four-day partial government shutdown, hours after the Republican-controlled House approved the measure 217-214 amid a bruising fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the administration’s immigration crackdown. The closure, which began Saturday, halted or disrupted nonessential federal services until Congress sent the measure to the White House on Wednesday. Twenty-one Democrats joined Republicans to push the bill through, while an equal…

Netanyahu to US envoy Witkoff: Palestinian Authority barred from governing Gaza

Israel rules out Palestinian Authority role in post-war Gaza; Denmark jails two over embassy attack; IDF to replace Arabic-language spokesman Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Jerusalem that the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority will not play any role in governing post-war Gaza, sharpening Israel’s position as international diplomatic tracks remain fluid. “The Prime Minister clarified that the Palestinian Authority will not be involved in administering the Strip in any…