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17/08/2026

17/08/2026

ALLEGED ATTACK: A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Chimaobi Nwajiagu, was allegedly attacked shortly after a 6 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, New GRA, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State.

The incident reportedly involved a member of the Knights of St. John International, Sir Iyke Nwatakwocha, who allegedly confronted the priest and damaged his vehicle while threatening worshippers who attempted to intervene.

The reason for the alleged confrontation was not immediately known.

Some worshippers claimed the same individual had previously confronted the priest earlier in the year at his parish, raising concerns over a possible recurrence.

They called on the Catholic Diocese of Enugu to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to prevent further confrontation.

The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of reporting, while efforts to obtain responses from the priest, the accused, the Knights of St. John International and the Diocese of Enugu were ongoing.

11/08/2026

TRUMP DEMANDS COMPENSATION FROM IRAN FOR AMERICANS KILLED IN CONFLICTS

US President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation for Americans killed or seriously wounded in conflicts and attacks that Washington has attributed to Tehran and Iranian-backed groups.

Trump made the demand on his social media platform after reports that Iranian representatives were seeking compensation for damage caused during the recent five-month military conflict between Iran and the United States.

He said any future negotiations with Tehran should include compensation for victims of attacks allegedly linked to Iran. Trump specifically referred to the 2000 USS Cole bombing and other American military casualties.

Trump also accused the Iranian government of killing hundreds of thousands of protesters over the past five decades and said compensation should be paid to their families. However, he did not provide evidence or a detailed breakdown supporting the figures he cited, including his claim that 52,000 people were killed during the last five months.

The US president has instructed American representatives to include the compensation issue in future negotiations with Iran. The demand adds another major point of disagreement between Washington and Tehran, alongside Iran's nuclear programme and wider regional security issues.

The development comes as diplomatic efforts between the two countries face growing difficulties, with negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and the broader conflict still unresolved.

10/08/2026

UKRAINE WAR: Zelensky Warns Up to 50,000 North Korean Soldiers Could Join Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that as many as 50,000 North Korean soldiers could potentially be deployed to support Russia, highlighting what he described as growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Zelensky said the possible deployment could significantly strengthen Russia's military capabilities as the war in Ukraine continues.

He did not provide details about the intelligence behind the estimate, but warned that North Korea could gain valuable battlefield experience, military knowledge and advanced technology through its cooperation with Russia.

The Ukrainian president has repeatedly raised concerns over North Korea's military support for Russia, arguing that deeper cooperation between the two countries could have consequences beyond the current conflict.

The claim comes amid growing international scrutiny of military ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly regarding the exchange of military personnel, weapons and technology.


FRANCE 24 English

10/08/2026

NIGERIA: Troops Arrest Alleged Kidnap Syndicate Commander in Enugu, Recover Four AK-47 Rifles

Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, working with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested an alleged commander of a kidnapping syndicate in Enugu State.

According to the Nigerian Army, the suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area while allegedly attempting to flee the state. The operation followed investigations into the abduction of two people in Udi Local Government Area on August 2.

The Army said intelligence obtained from another arrested suspect helped security forces identify the alleged commander and locate the group's weapons hideout.

During a follow-up operation at Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, troops reportedly recovered:

4 AK-47 rifles
7 AK-47 magazines
133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition

Security forces also reportedly recovered US$1,000 and ₦785,900 from the arrested suspect. The military said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect may be linked to several kidnapping operations across Nigeria's South East and North Central regions.

The suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation, which the Army says could provide information leading to the arrest of other members and collaborators of the alleged criminal network.

The military has reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping and other criminal networks in the South East.

10/08/2026

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: Russian Strikes Kill At Least Five Near Sumy

At least five people have been killed following overnight Russian strikes in the area near Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, according to reports.

The attacks took place between Sunday and Monday, with Russian forces targeting areas in and around the Sumy region. The casualties were reported by a France 24 correspondent covering the situation on the ground.

Sumy is located relatively close to Kharkiv, another major Ukrainian city that has repeatedly come under Russian attacks since the beginning of the war.

Emergency teams and local authorities are assessing the damage and responding to the aftermath of the strikes. The latest attacks come amid continued Russian military operations across Ukraine, with civilians remaining at significant risk.

The renewed strikes have once again raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict and calls for an end to the fighting.


FRANCE 24 English

16/07/2026

FRANCE: Volunteer Firefighter Among Suspects Arrested as Fontainebleau Wildfire Comes Under Control

The wildfires that ravaged France's historic Fontainebleau Forest have now been brought under control, although firefighters are continuing efforts to fully extinguish the remaining hotspots.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the blaze, with several individuals taken into custody on suspicion of deliberately starting the fire. Among those detained is a volunteer firefighter, a revelation that has sparked widespread shock and concern.

The wildfire caused significant damage to parts of the forest and triggered a major emergency response involving firefighting teams and rescue personnel. Officials are currently assessing the extent of the destruction while maintaining close surveillance to prevent any flare-ups.

French authorities have pledged to hold those responsible accountable if the fire is confirmed to have been intentionally set, emphasizing that arson-related offences carry severe legal penalties.

The incident comes amid a series of devastating wildfires across Europe, fueled by extreme weather conditions and soaring temperatures.

16/07/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS | MIDDLE EAST🚨

Iran has warned that it will target critical infrastructure across the region if the United States carries out its threats to attack Iranian infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.

Earlier on Thursday, Iranian authorities announced that they had launched drone attacks against facilities hosting U.S. military forces in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, describing the strikes as retaliation for a new wave of American airstrikes on targets inside Iran.

The latest developments have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, as both nations exchange military actions and increasingly strong warnings. Security analysts have cautioned that any further escalation could threaten stability across the Middle East and disrupt vital economic and energy infrastructure in the region.

The international community has renewed calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent the crisis from spiraling into a wider war. Governments across the region are closely monitoring the situation as tensions remain high.

10/07/2026

BREAKING NEWS | SPAIN

At least 12 people have died in a devastating wildfire near Almería in southern Spain, regional authorities confirmed on Thursday.

According to the Andalusian regional government, the victims were found in and around the hamlet of Bédar, with several of those who died discovered inside their vehicles as they attempted to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Firefighters and emergency responders have continued battling the blaze, working tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby communities. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the cause of the wildfire.

The tragedy comes as southern Europe faces another season of extreme heat and dry conditions, which have increased the risk of destructive wildfires across the region.

Officials have urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and remain alert as emergency crews continue their operations.


FRANCE 24 English

10/07/2026

BREAKING NEWS | MIDDLE EAST

Fresh tensions have erupted in the Middle East after the United States launched a new wave of airstrikes on targets in Iran early Thursday, according to officials.

In response, Iran reportedly fired missiles toward Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, targeting locations believed to host U.S. military forces. The retaliatory strikes have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.

The latest military exchanges have placed a fragile interim ceasefire under serious strain, raising concerns that efforts to end the conflict could collapse. Explosions were also reported near one of Iran's nuclear power facilities, further escalating international anxiety over the security situation.

World leaders and international organizations have renewed calls for restraint, urging all parties to return to diplomatic negotiations to prevent the crisis from spiraling into a full-scale regional war.

The situation remains fluid, and officials are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and casualties.


FRANCE 24 English pre