Category: International

A fire broke out at a Russian military airfield in Lipetsk region following a reported “massive” drone attack. The incident occurred as pro-Kyiv forces conducted a cross-border offensive in nearby Kursk. Governor Igor Artamonov announced evacuations and a state of emergency, with six people reportedly wounded. This attack, about 330 km from the Ukrainian border, appears to be one of the most significant on Russian soil since the Ukraine conflict began. AFP

Russian President Putin offered condolences and humanitarian aid to North Korea’s Kim Jong Un following devastating floods. Kim appreciated the gesture but said current measures were sufficient. North Korea reported record rainfall causing casualties and damage, though details remain unclear. South Korean media suggested a high death toll, which Kim dismissed. The incident highlights the close alliance between Russia and North Korea, amid international concerns over their cooperation. bd pratidin

Twenty-two US lawmakers have sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressing concern over Bangladesh’s “declining state of democracy and human rights.” They urge the US to condemn violence, protect civil liberties, and hold accountable officials involved in abuses. The letter calls for US leadership in upholding democratic principles in Bangladesh and partnering with the international community to support Bangladeshis’ right to a representative government that respects human rights and individual freedoms. bd pratidin

UN satellite data reveals 63% of Gaza Strip buildings damaged or destroyed since October 2023. 151,265 structures affected: 30% destroyed, 12% severely damaged, 36% moderately damaged, 20% possibly damaged. Conflict generated 41.95 million metric tonnes of debris, 14 times more than all previous Gaza conflicts since 2008. The war has killed at least 39,480 Palestinians and 1,197 Israelis. BD Pratidin

The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East to protect U.S. personnel and defend Israel amid rising tensions. The Pentagon announced the deployment of additional warships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, and fighter jets. This move follows threats of retaliation from Iran and its allies after the killings of a Hamas leader in Tehran and a Hezbollah commander in Beirut. The U.S. aims to mitigate potential regional escalation while also working towards de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza. AFP

Ukraine’s air force successfully repelled a massive Russian drone attack, shooting down all 89 drones launched overnight. The attack, one of the largest of its kind in the war, primarily targeted Kyiv and its surrounding region. While no critical infrastructure was hit, debris damaged several private residences. About 11,500 residents sought shelter in metro stations. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia used a significant number of decoy drones to try to exhaust Ukraine’s air defenses and identify their locations. Reuters

Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei condemned Israel for the reported assassination of Palestinian leader Ismail Haniyeh. Rezaei, a former IRGC commander and current Expediency Council member, called Haniyeh a “martyr” and criticized Israel’s actions as criminal. He accused Israel of violating human rights and international laws, stating that such assassinations won’t compensate for their perceived weakness against Palestinian resistance. Rezaei warned that Israel would “pay a great price” for this action, according to Al Jazeera. Bd Pratidin

Hamas announced that the burial of its chief, Ismail Haniyeh, will take place in Doha, Qatar on Friday. This follows a public funeral ceremony scheduled for Thursday in Tehran, Iran. The statement from Hamas described an “official and public” ceremony in Tehran, after which Haniyeh’s body will be transported to Doha. The organization referred to Haniyeh as “the martyr leader of the movement.” This two-stage funeral process highlights the regional significance of the Hamas leader’s passing. Bd Pratidin

Turkish President Erdogan hinted at potential intervention in Israel, comparing it to Turkey’s past actions in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. During a speech praising Turkey’s defense industry, Erdogan criticized Israel’s Gaza offensive and suggested Turkey might take similar steps against Israel. He emphasized the need for Turkey to be strong enough to prevent Israel’s actions against Palestine. The comments were made during a ruling AK Party meeting, but no further details were provided. Prothom alo

A rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 people, including children. Israel blamed Hezbollah, vowing retaliation, while Hezbollah denied responsibility. The incident, the deadliest since the Gaza conflict began, has escalated tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu promised a “heavy price” for Hezbollah. The attack hit a Druze village, injuring 13 more people. The US condemned the attack and reaffirmed support for Israel’s security. Prothom alo

The Gaza health ministry reported that the death toll in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has reached 38,794, with 81 new fatalities in the past 24 hours. Since the war began on October 7, following Hamas’s attack on Israel, 89,364 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip. These figures, released by the Hamas-run ministry, highlight the continuing human cost of the conflict that has now lasted over nine months. Bd-pratidin

King Charles III sent a private message to former US President Donald Trump following an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. The attack left Trump with minor injuries but resulted in one death and two critical injuries. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also contacted Trump, expressing condolences for the victim and condemning political violence. The incident occurred as Trump is set to become the Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election in November. BD Pratidin

Gaza’s health ministry reported a devastating toll in Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza since October 7. According to their statement, over 38,664 Palestinians have been killed and 89,097 wounded throughout the conflict. The violence continues unabated, with the ministry noting that in just the past 24 hours, at least 80 people were killed and 216 injured. These figures highlight the severe humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict. Reuters

Turkish President Erdogan warned against NATO-Russia conflict at a NATO summit in Washington, emphasizing the need for diplomacy in the Ukraine crisis. He stressed Turkey’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty while maintaining balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan also downplayed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an alternative to NATO and called for more NATO involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict, warning of potential escalation in the region.Bd pratidin

Nepali honey hunters face challenges in gathering prized hallucinogenic “mad honey” from Himalayan cliffs. Climate change, environmental degradation, and human activities are reducing bee populations and honey yields. Irregular rainfall, wildfires, pesticides, and hydropower projects contribute to the decline. Scientists confirm rising temperatures affect bees significantly. The reduction in pollination has severe economic consequences for Nepal, with annual losses estimated at up to $250 per capita. The rare honey’s scarcity drives up its price.Source:Jagonews

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 12 people, with ongoing rescue efforts in Dnipro after a residential building was hit. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for more air defense systems from allies. Meanwhile, Russia reported a Ukrainian drone strike killing five in Kursk region. Belarus increased forces along Ukraine’s northern border, citing security threats, but Ukraine dismissed this as Russian propaganda. The conflict continues to escalate on multiple fronts. Bd pratidin

The European Council has sanctioned six individuals and three entities for financing Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Those listed include officials from both groups, financial facilitators, and a senior IRGC-Quds Force member. The sanctioned entities are investment companies allegedly serving as Hamas front organizations. This action aims to disrupt the financial networks supporting these groups, as part of broader efforts to combat terrorism financing. Bd Pratidin

Julian Assange, WikiLeaks founder, was freed on Saipan after pleading guilty to violating US espionage law. He admitted to one count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified documents, citing First Amendment beliefs. The judge accepted his plea and released him due to time served in British jail. Assange is set to return to Australia, ending a long legal saga that spanned multiple countries. Source Reuters

A new, more dangerous strain of mpox is spreading rapidly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, causing concern among health officials. The virus, which can be deadly, is spreading through sexual transmission and skin contact. With nearly 8,000 cases and 384 deaths reported this year, experts warn of potential cross-border and international spread, especially due to poor access to vaccines and treatments in the region. Daily Star

Ukrainian drones struck four Russian oil refineries and other military targets in a major attack. The targets included facilities in Krasnodar, Bryansk, and occupied Crimea. Ukraine claims these refineries supply fuel to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Russia reported downing numerous drones over various regions. This attack follows recent Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian power facilities, which have caused blackouts and raised concerns about Ukraine’s power grid stability for the upcoming winter. Source Reuters

Canada has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This decision will bar thousands of senior Iranian officials, including top IRGC members, from entering Canada. The move has been condemned by Iran’s foreign ministry. The IRGC, a powerful military and economic force in Iran with close ties to the Supreme Leader, will now face restrictions on its operations in Canada. Current and former Iranian officials in Canada may be investigated and potentially removed. bd-pratidin

Israeli tanks backed by airstrikes pushed deeper into Rafah city in Gaza, killing 8 Palestinians and forcing more residents to flee. The ongoing 8-month war has destroyed much of Gaza, killed over 37,400 Palestinians. Despite international mediation efforts, Israel refuses ceasefire until Hamas is defeated and hostages freed. A UN report accused Israel of violating laws of war, which Israel strongly denied.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday for his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, embracing leader Kim Jong Un in a show of solidarity between the internationally isolated nations. The two leaders agreed to develop their relations and build a “new multi-polar world” during talks, according to North Korean state media, as Russia seeks to boost economic and security ties with Kim’s regime amid its tensions with the West.

Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after the senate approved amendments to marriage laws in a historic vote. The new legislation, awaiting royal assent, will allow same-sex couples to legally marry and have the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance. LGBTQ activists hailed the move as a “victory” against prejudice in the largely conservative Buddhist kingdom, which has long been regarded as tolerant towards the LGBTQ community.

Israeli forces have intensified their invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 17 Palestinians in airstrikes on two refugee camps in the central region. Israeli tanks have pushed deeper into Rafah city, with heavy bombardments reported across several areas. Residents decry the devastating attacks, as Israeli forces claim to be targeting Palestinian gunmen and militant factions. The escalating violence has left much of Gaza in ruins, exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

The US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter D. Haas, has resigned in protest over a sudden shift in US foreign policy regarding Bangladesh’s general elections. Haas had been vocal about restoring democracy in the country ahead of the January 7 polls. However, the US later made a policy shift, allegedly to avoid angering its Indo-Pacific ally India, and ceased actively pursuing democratic reforms in Bangladesh despite allegations of election irregularities. His resignation follows similar protests by US officials over policies toward Ukraine and Israel.

In a concerning development, North Korean soldiers have suffered casualties from landmine explosions while carrying out construction work in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas since late 2022. Despite the incidents, North Korea has continued the work, which includes rebuilding military guard posts previously demolished under a 2018 agreement with South Korea. The South Korean military reported brief incursions by North Korean troops into its territory within the DMZ on two occasions this month.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a “friendly” visit to North Korea on June 18-19, the Kremlin announced, as the West suspects Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with weapons for its Ukraine offensive. The visit comes amid deepening ties between Russia and the isolated regime, with accusations that North Korea has sent ammunition and rockets to Russia in violation of UN sanctions, in exchange for aid and technical assistance from Moscow.

Muslim pilgrims performed the last major ritual of the hajj, stoning the devil, as they celebrated Eid al-Adha. At least 22 pilgrims died, many from extreme heat, underscoring challenges despite efforts to improve facilities. Temperatures soared above 40°C, with some struggling under the scorching sun. The ritual symbolizes Abraham’s stoning of the devil before sacrificing a sheep, commemorated on Eid al-Adha.

In his Eid al-Adha message, President Joe Biden advocated for a US-backed ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel to end the violence in Gaza, saying it was the best way to help suffering civilians. He highlighted American efforts to advocate for persecuted Muslim communities globally, including the Rohingya and Uyghurs. Biden also promised a crackdown on Islamophobia domestically through a national strategy, appealing to Muslim Americans, a key voting demographic.