Category: International

The man who fatally stabbed six people in a Sydney mall on Saturday was identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, who had a history of mental health issues. Police said there was no indication of ideological motives behind the attack. Cauchi’s family recognized him from news footage and alerted authorities, expressing devastation over his actions. The victims included five women and a security guard who was a Pakistani refugee. The attack has drawn tributes and condolences, with officials praising the bravery of bystanders who intervened during the rampage. (photo/aap)

Sydney witnessed a deadly knife attack on Saturday, where an assailant fatally stabbed six people in a mall before being shot dead by police. Such incidents are rare in Australia, known for its stringent gun laws implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that claimed 35 lives. Other major attacks include the 2014 Sydney cafe siege, the 2017 Melbourne vehicle ramming, and the 2018 Melbourne stabbing incident linked to Islamic State. These tragic events underscore the country’s efforts to prevent violent extremism and enhance public safety measures. (photo/reuters)

Gunmen killed 11 people in southwest Pakistan in an attack targeting migrant workers from the Punjab region. The attackers, suspected of being Baloch separatist militants, stopped a bus, checked IDs, and executed nine workers. They also fired at a car, killing two more people. The attack is the latest incident of violence in Balochistan, where ethnic separatists have waged an insurgency for decades. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the “act of terrorism” and vowed to punish the perpetrators. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the resource-rich but impoverished province. (photo/afp)

Iran launched a direct attack on Israel, firing explosive drones and missiles, in a major escalation of tensions. The U.S. pledged “ironclad” support for its ally Israel, with President Biden cutting short a trip to meet his national security team. The attacks, which targeted military facilities, prompted Israel to warn of a “significant response.” The U.S. and Britain were involved in shooting down some of the drones. The incident threatens to evolve into a broader regional conflict involving Iran, its proxies, Israel, and the U.S. (photo/afp)

President Biden condemned Iran’s “brazen” air attack on Israel, stating that U.S. forces helped take down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles fired. He convened G7 leaders to coordinate a diplomatic response and reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security. Biden said the attack demonstrated Israel’s remarkable defense capabilities, sending a clear message to its adversaries. No U.S. forces or facilities were targeted in the strikes. The president’s statements underscore the U.S. support for its key Middle Eastern ally in the face of Iranian aggression. (photo/afp)

Russia opened a probe into “financing terrorism” implicating Western countries, alleging that funds received by US firms in Ukraine, including one that employed President Biden’s son Hunter, were used for “terrorism acts” in Russia. This comes as Moscow continues blaming the West and Ukraine for a deadly attack claimed by ISIS. The Investigative Committee cited Burisma, the company Hunter Biden worked for, saying it aims to establish links between the perpetrators and “foreign curators.” The White House dismissed the probe as “nonsense,” stating Russia knows ISIS committed the attack. (photo/reuters)

Turkey announced trade restrictions on Israel starting Tuesday, covering products like cement, steel, and iron construction materials. The move comes amid Turkey’s condemnation of Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Turkey accused Israel of blocking its attempt to airdrop aid to Gaza and vowed reprisals. President Erdogan defended the decision, stating it will remain until Israel declares a ceasefire and allows humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel called Turkey’s move a unilateral violation of trade agreements and said it would take necessary steps in response.(photo/afp)

The U.S. warned China it will be held responsible if Russia makes gains in Ukraine, after Beijing renewed pledges of cooperation during a visit by Russia’s foreign minister. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said maintaining peace in Europe is the U.S.’s “most important mission historically.” He cautioned that Russian territorial gains could unacceptably alter Europe’s balance of power, saying Chinese backing for Russia is “antithetical” to U.S. interests. Campbell said the U.S. had warned China about intelligence indicating Russia’s planned invasion of Ukraine.(photo/x)

The United States has agreed to sell $138 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, including urgent upgrades to its HAWK missile defense systems. This comes as a larger $60 billion aid package remains stalled in the U.S. Congress. Ukraine’s air defenses have been vastly improved with U.S. equipment, but the delay in approving the larger aid package has forced Ukrainian soldiers to ration ammunition. The sale aims to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian aerial attacks, as Moscow has intensified strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure.(photo/afp)

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has announced the deaths of three of his sons and four grandchildren in an Israeli strike in Gaza. The attack, which has not been commented on by Israel, came amid ongoing violence in the region that has lasted for over six months. Haniyeh condemned the targeting of his family members, stating that such actions would not break the determination of the Palestinian people. The escalating conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 33,000 people in Gaza, according to local authorities.(photo/twitter)