- Eritrean troops sighted in northern Ethiopia amid escalating tensions
- Ontario COVID-19 vaccine rollout experiences delays in some regions
- Vance eases U.S. stance on Iranian nuclear enrichment demands
- Reform UK finds no electoral law breach in foreign donations discussion
- Israel marks third anniversary of October 7 attacks amid protests
- France suspends stun grenades at high school protests after serious injury
- Quebec’s anglophone community reacts with optimism and scepticism to PQ win
- Collins indicates she is not Trump’s preferred senator in Maine debate
Europe
France has suspended police use of stun grenades at high school protests after a 15-year-old lost a hand following an incident with a stun grenade. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the suspension will remain in place until investigations into alleged police misconduct are completed.
Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst highlighted ongoing plague cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, stating the laboratory connection makes the current incident more concerning. He also noted that COVID-19 has returned this winter in a milder form, differing from previous years.
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is under investigation by Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly obtaining classified information, including state secrets, from a former employee of the Federal Intelligence Service. Accusations involve espionage and the continued receipt of confidential documents after his tenure.
Joint Spanish police forces have arrested a 17-year-old in Gipuzkoa, identified as Spain’s main figure in network 764, which is accused of coercing and exploiting minors. The operation occurred near the northern border with France amid ongoing investigations into the criminal network.
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the Phlegraean Fields near Naples, Italy, prompting 10 aftershocks. Four injuries were reported, alongside damage to buildings and churches. Rail services were suspended for safety inspections as emergency services assessed the impact. Residents were advised to stay calm and follow official guidance.
Authorities have called off the search for British surfer Arran Strong, who disappeared off Portugal’s Arrifana beach earlier this week. The 28-year-old, who competed in the World Surf League since 2016, went missing while paddleboarding with coach José Maria Pyrrait.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain is seeing progress in combating ongoing wildfires, although he warned of continued challenges due to soaring temperatures. The government reports nearly 100,000 individuals affected, with over 63,000 evacuated. Fire crews are prioritising merged fire fronts in the Madrid region.
A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck near Pizzone, Italy, just after midnight on Saturday, monitored by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. The tremor, felt across Isernia and surrounding provinces, prompted public evacuations; however, no injuries or damage have been reported.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting a major refinery in Yanbu. Greek military sources reported that a deployed Patriot missile battery intercepted the attack, while Riyadh faced similar threats in Jizan, prompting civil protection warnings.
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