reports

**MOGADISHU (Xinhua)** -- In an update shared Thursday, a UN relief group noted a drop in humanitarian access issues, falling by 18.6% from the second to the third quarter, landing at 57 compared to the previous count of 70. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added that three aid workers lost their lives during this timeframe. Interestingly, while these unfortunate deaths coincided with their humanitarian roles, they were not directly tied to their work but were rather outcomes of broader…

Harris Voices Grave Concerns for Lebanon While Engaging with Herzog The geopolitical spotlight has once again turned to the Middle East, as escalating tensions in Lebanon become increasingly alarming. In a recent conversation, Ireland's Taoiseach, Simon Harris, underscored his "serious concern" regarding the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Lebanon during his phone dialogue with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ongoing situation not only raises eyebrows globally but also sparks fears of broader instability in the…

According to the civil defense agency in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals today in the northern region, particularly in the town and refugee camp of Jabalia, amid escalating combat operations conducted by the Israeli military. Mahmud Bassal, the agency's spokesperson, reported that a specific strike occurring shortly before 9:40 PM local time (which aligns with 6:40 PM in Ireland) tragically claimed "12 lives, including women and children" in Jabalia. Furthermore,…

According to the latest comprehensive evaluation by WWF, the wild populations of various monitored animal species have seen a staggering decline of over 70% in the past fifty years. This sobering assessment is powered by data from an impressive 35,000 populations spanning more than 5,000 distinct species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. The WWF Living Planet Index reveals a disturbing trend of accelerating declines across the globe. Particularly alarming is the situation in biodiversity-rich areas…

(Bloomberg) -- The Islamic State faction in Somalia, linked to the notorious worldwide terrorist network, has ramped up its operations in the Horn of Africa this year, according to a top military figure from US Africa Command. "I've got my eye on the northern stretch of Somalia where ISIS is swelling in size," expressed Africom Chief Michael Langley during a chat on Voice of America, expressing concern over the increased influx of foreign fighters into the region. Abdulkadir Mumin helms the IS-Somalia division. Born from a…

The Palestinian health ministry has reported a grievous loss of life in the Tulkarm refugee camp situated in the West Bank, where at least 18 individuals were tragically killed due to an Israeli airstrike. This attack was purportedly aimed at eliminating a Hamas commander, whose presence was significant in the region. A representative from the Palestinian security services described this air raid as the most catastrophic event in the West Bank since the year 2000, highlighting the escalation of violence in recent times.…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

US Raises Alarm Over Growing Islamic State in Northern Somalia PENTAGON — The Islamic State's presence in Somalia has surged almost twofold over the past year, according to the chief of U.S. Africa Command. “Northern Somalia's situation is increasingly worrisome with ISIS numbers on the rise,” Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander, shared in an exclusive with VOA. While Langley refrained from specifying the exact number of fighters, he noted the group's size had approximately "doubled" in the last…

The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported tragic news, indicating that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the death of 21 individuals in eastern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in violence that has persisted for nearly a week. According to the ministry's statement, “The raids carried out by the Israeli forces in the Baalbek-Hemel region have left 21 dead and 47 injured,” providing a preliminary count as heavy bombardment continues in the Baalbek vicinity, noted an AFP reporter. In its ongoing military…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a brutal turn of events, Kenyan police allegedly unleashed unnecessary force on peaceful protesters trying to storm parliament during demonstrations against harsh taxation and spending laws, Amnesty International reports. Approximately 64 individuals perished. The police clashed with young activists demanding the repeal of the Finance Bill, a three-month showdown that culminated in a tragic shootout. The aftermath left numerous casualties, some grappling with severe injuries. The chaos…