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- Sudan army reports RSF advancing on Kurmuk near Ethiopia border
- Trump’s childhood vaccine order lacks evidence, experts confirm
- Tehran asserts Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control amid US threats
- Train derails near Lewes railway station, trapping passengers in carriages
- Brown challenge poses health risks as hundreds of swimming pools close in Spain
- European Commission sends migration experts to Ceuta amid crisis
- Iran Vows to Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed as US Maintains Blockade
- Russell Westbrook announces retirement from NBA after 18 seasons
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Sudan army reports RSF advancing on Kurmuk near Ethiopia border
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Get you up to speed: Sudan army says RSF advance on key town bordering Ethiopia
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and allies have advanced into the town of Kurmuk in Blue Nile State, as the Sudanese army began to withdraw. Local administration reported intensive attacks on the town over the past three days, involving drones and artillery shelling.
The RSF launched intensive assaults in Kurmuk, utilising drones and artillery, while local sources reported the Sudanese army continuing to engage the attackers. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, nearly 15 million people have been displaced, according to UN figures and local estimates.
Military sources have reported that Sudan’s army has been forced to withdraw from Kurmuk as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) advance. The local administration has stated that it will continue to defend the town against attacks and has called for a concerted effort to secure public safety.
What remains unclear — It is not clear how many casualties were sustained by the Sudanese army during the recent RSF advances.
Sudan army reports RSF advancing on Kurmuk near Ethiopia border
NewsSudan army says RSF advance on key town bordering Ethiopia
Military and government sources say the paramilitary RSF and allies advance into town of Kurmuk in Blue Nile state.
Published On 13 Aug 202613 Aug 2026
Published On 13 Aug 202613 Aug 2026Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and allies of the paramilitary group have advanced into a strategically important town on the Sudanese border with Ethiopia, military and government sources told WTX News.
They said the RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) entered Kurmuk in Blue Nile State on Thursday, as the army began to withdraw.
An RSF statement said an RSF-led coalition had inflicted heavy losses on army troops in Kurmuk, forced them to withdraw and seized weapons and ammunition.
Hours later, the local administration in Kurmuk said the town had come under intensive attacks over the last three days, involving drones and artillery shelling, which it said originated from “the regional neighbourhood”.
The local administration said the Sudanese army continued to confront the attacks “with steadfastness and bravery” in defence of the town, its residents and public institutions.
The town is on an important cross-border route linking Ethiopia with Blue Nile and the wider Nile Valley.
“The RSF advanced into the town with the army withdrawing and repositioning outside,” WTX News’s Almigdad Alruhaid reported from the Sudanese capital Khartoum, citing military and government sources.
The RSF seized the town in March, but the Sudanese army recaptured it last month.
Sudan has been engulfed in its latest conflict since April 2023, when fighting started between the Sudanese army and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the regular military.
The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced or forced nearly 15 million to flee their homes, according to UN figures, local authorities and academic estimates.
North Kordofan attack
Elsewhere in Sudan, the army says it repelled an RSF attack on a major town in North Kordofan.
According to military sources who spoke to WTX News, the paramilitary group assaulted the town of Jabra al-Sheikh using heavy artillery and drones. RSF fighters were captured and dozens were killed in the fight, the sources added.
An army statement said the RSF attack involved more than 250 combat vehicles.
Jabra al-Sheikh is a key transport hub in the region and control of the town could allow the RSF to put pressure on el-Obeid – the capital of North Kordofan – and Omdurman near Khartoum.
The latest attacks come the day after the RSF launched far-reaching coordinated drone strikes targeting five army-controlled cities hundreds of kilometres apart.
Wednesday’s attacks killed two people in el-Obeid and paralysed the city’s market, said the rights group Emergency Lawyers that documents atrocities by both sides.
Across Sudan, aid workers estimate that more than 200,000 people have been killed in what the UN calls a “war of atrocities”. The conflict has also caused the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
Trump’s childhood vaccine order lacks evidence, experts confirm
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Get you up to speed: Trump’s new childhood vaccine order ‘not supported’ by evidence, experts say
The Public Health Agency of Canada emphasised the importance of childhood vaccination as a key measure for preventing illness and promoting child health. This statement reflects ongoing efforts to enhance public health initiatives across Canada.
The agency noted that vaccination remains a critical measure for preventing illness and promoting child health in Canada. No further information has been provided regarding specific vaccination rates or upcoming initiatives.
The Public Health Agency of Canada emphasised that childhood vaccination is “one of our most powerful tools to prevent illness and support child health in Canada.” In response to the current vaccination landscape, health officials are expected to launch a public awareness campaign to encourage higher immunisation rates.
What remains unclear — The agency did not specify the current vaccination rates among Canadian children.
Trump’s childhood vaccine order lacks evidence, experts confirm
‘Childhood vaccination continues to be one of our most powerful tools to prevent illness and support child health in Canada,’ the agency wrote.
Tehran asserts Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control amid US threats
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Get you up to speed: Live Updates: Tehran says Strait of Hormuz “under Iran’s control” after Trump threatens U.S. might “keep it”
More than 30 countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, condemned Iran’s use of capital punishment against protesters in a joint statement. The statement highlighted concern over ongoing executions to “silence dissent” and called for an immediate end to the death penalty and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals.
The joint statement reflects increasing international concern regarding Iran’s escalating use of capital punishment, particularly in light of recent anti-government protests. Iran’s foreign minister has dismissed the criticism, emphasising accusations of hypocrisy from Western nations.
More than 30 countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, have issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s use of capital punishment to suppress dissent, urging the Islamic republic to “immediately end the use of the death penalty.” In response, Iran’s foreign minister dismissed the criticism, labelling it as hypocritical, and emphasised that the alleged atrocities in Gaza undermine any moral authority of these nations.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how many protesters have been executed by Iran in recent months.
Tehran asserts Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control amid US threats
More than 30 countries, including France, Britain and Canada, have condemned Iran’s use of capital punishment, saying in a joint statement that the Islamic republic is executing protesters to “silence dissent.”
The countries, joined by the European Union’s top diplomat, said they “condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing executions of protesters and use of the death penalty” by Iran.
“The use of capital punishment to silence dissent, intimidate communities, and punish individuals exercising their human rights can never be justified,” the statement said. “The people of Iran must be free to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear.”
Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Germany and numerous other European nations were among those calling for Iran “to immediately end the use of the death penalty and release all those arbitrarily detained.”
Iran’s foreign minister brushed off the criticism, saying, “Countries like France should stop lecturing the world about ‘human rights’ and international law. The hypocrisy is blatant and embarrassing.
“Your backing of Israel’s genocide in Gaza — and aggression against Iran — has destroyed whatever moral high ground you imagined you had,” Abbas Araghchi posted on X.
The joint statement speaks to growing alarm from the United Nations and rights groups over a surge in executions in recent months, after Iran was rocked by nationwide anti-government protests earlier in the year and the start of the Middle East war in February.
AFP
Train derails near Lewes railway station, trapping passengers in carriages
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Get you up to speed: ‘Passengers trapped’ after train derails near Lewes railway station in East Sussex | News UK
A train has derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex, with reports indicating that three of the eight carriages have overturned and more than 40 passengers may be trapped inside. Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 3.55pm, with no train services currently operating between Lewes and Brighton, Haywards Heath, Seaford, or Eastbourne.
Emergency services arrived at the derailment site near Lewes railway station shortly after the incident was reported at 3.55pm. Southern Rail has confirmed that train services are suspended between Lewes and Brighton, Haywards Heath, Seaford, or Eastbourne due to the ongoing situation.
Emergency services, including East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed shortly after 3.55pm to manage the situation following the derailment near Lewes railway station. Southern Rail has announced that train services will be suspended between Lewes and routes to Brighton, Haywards Heath, Seaford, and Eastbourne as investigations proceed.
What remains unclear — The number of passengers injured in the derailment has not yet been disclosed.
Train derails near Lewes railway station, trapping passengers in carriages
A train has derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 3.55pm, with the public being warned to avoid the area.
According to reports, passengers are trapped in overturned carriages, with more than 40 believed to be on board.
It is understood three carriages of the eight-carriage train have overturned.
Images on social media, apparently from the scene of the crash, show people standing on carriages lying on their side in a countryside area.
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Southern Rail said the derailment had happened in the stretch of track between Lewes and the town of Haywards Heath further north.
A statement from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘We can confirm we were called at 3.55pm to reports that a train had derailed just outside Lewes.
‘We are working with other emergency services at the scene.’
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today.
‘We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.’
Southern Rail has confirmed no trains can run between Lewes and Brighton, Haywards Heath, Seaford or Eastbourne as a result of the incident.
Brown challenge poses health risks as hundreds of swimming pools close in Spain
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Get you up to speed: The ‘brown challenge’ is spreading across Spain – and it’s seriously disgusting | News World
More than 300 swimming pools in Spain have closed due to the ‘brown challenge’, a trend involving individuals defecating in or contaminating pool water. Local authorities are responding with fines and public alerts as the trend poses significant public health risks.
Authorities have indicated that over 300 swimming pools have closed across Spain due to the ‘brown challenge’ trend, which is exacerbating public health risks. Local councils are imposing fines between €1,000 and €5,000 on offenders, while police surveillance is being increased to deter further incidents, despite challenges in identifying those responsible.
In response to the rising incidents of the ‘brown challenge,’ around 50 municipalities in Spain have issued public alerts and are imposing fines ranging from €1,000 to €3,000 on offenders. Furthermore, local authorities in Picassent have escalated cases to court, imposing fines of up to €5,000, while police surveillance around pools is being increased to combat the issue.
What remains unclear — It is unclear how effective the current fines and surveillance measures are in deterring individuals from participating in the ‘brown challenge.’
Brown challenge poses health risks as hundreds of swimming pools close in Spain
Hundreds of swimming pools in Spain are at high risk of becoming a public health hazard due to a revolting trend.
If you’re eating, we suggest putting your food down before reading further.
Unfortunately, the so-called ‘brown challenge’ (reto marrón) is exactly what you probably think it is.
What started as an albeit very grim prank on Instagram and TikTok has grown into a very real health crisis, as it involves either defecating directly into a public pool or secretly putting faeces in a bag inside a swimsuit to release it in the water.
The idea is that the joker will record the moment and post it online with the aim of getting the pool to close.
Already, the ‘prank’ has caused more than 300 swimming pools to shut across the country.
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Hundreds of pools in Spain have become a health hazard thanks to a revolting online trend (Picture: Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images)
It goes without saying that such behaviour poses numerous hygiene hazards, as faeces can transmit bacteria and viruses into the water.
Viruses include norovirus, then bacteria such as Salmonella, and parasites such as Cryptosporidium, which pool chlorine does not kill.
Should a fellow swimmer accidentally swallow or inhale the dirty water, it can cause problems like stomach pains, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, and more.
Children are most vulnerable in this case, as they swallow more water while swimming.
So, it’s no surprise that the disturbing trend is causing havoc in Spanish pools, which must be emptied and closed immediately if faeces are found.
By law, the pools should remain closed to the public for 24 to 48 hours, during which time the pools will be cleaned and filtered thoroughly before being tested several times to ensure the water is safe.
Madrid public pools reopened, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Vicente del Bosque swimming pool in Madrid, Spain July 1, 2020. REUTERS/Susana Vera” decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/>
Children are especially vulnerable to contracting infections as a result of the ‘brown challenge’ (Picture: Reuters)
In some instances, pools have had to be drained entirely and then refilled, using thousands of litres of water, which isn’t cheap, especially given how small-town pools are typically the most affected, as they’re hotspots for family gatherings.
Scheduled events then have to be cancelled, and locals are left without pools on some of the hottest days.
Attempting to crack down on the foolish antics, around 50 municipalities have issued public alerts.
Local councils are now punishing those responsible, too, with fines ranging from €1,000 to €3,000. Offenders will then, understandably, be banned from re-entering the pool.
But in places like Picassent, the city council is taking further action, having escalated cases to court and fined several youngsters €5,000.
Meanwhile, pools are also enforcing police surveillance, although identifying perpetrators can prove difficult, since pools cannot install cameras or demand ID on entry.
Alas, this is not a new phenomenon, as the city of Zamora has seen some of its pools close six times already this year.
In 2025, more than 300 swimming pools had to close for the same reason.
Apologies in advance to anyone holidaying in Spain this year.
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European Commission sends migration experts to Ceuta amid crisis
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European Commission sends migration experts to Ceuta amid crisis
Migration experts deployed
The European Commission has sent a team of migration experts to Ceuta following the entry of approximately 80,000 migrants from Morocco.
The European Commission has sent a team of migration experts to Ceuta following the entry of approximately 80,000 migrants from Morocco.
Migration challenges
Approximately 80,000 migrants have entered Ceuta, a territory with just 83,000 residents, highlighting the strain on local resources and broader European migration policies.
Approximately 80,000 migrants have entered Ceuta, a territory with just 83,000 residents, highlighting the strain on local resources and broader European migration policies.
European Commission Update
“For us it’s not about a specific date. It’s about reinforcing our borders and ensuring returns every day of the year,” stated a spokesperson from the European Commission.
“For us it’s not about a specific date. It’s about reinforcing our borders and ensuring returns every day of the year,” stated a spokesperson from the European Commission.
EU experts on the ground in Ceuta amid fears of fresh migrant influx
The European Commission has deployed a team of migration experts to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, two weeks after around 80,000 migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco triggering an unprecedented humanitarian and political crisis, and amid reports that further large-scale attempts to cross into the enclave could be imminent.
Speaking on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Commission said the mission was intended to “understand the first-hand needs on the ground” and how the EU can bolster its support for the Spanish authorities.
Yet, the executive declined to say whether the visit would also cover preparations for a potential fresh influx, amid reports that a “forward call” is circulating on Moroccan social media urging migrants to make the journey again on the night of 14-15 August.
“For us it’s not about a specific date. It’s about reinforcing our borders and ensuring returns every day of the year,” another European Commission spokesperson said.
As many as 80,000 migrants are estimated to have entered Ceuta – the Spanish enclave home to just 83,000 people – by swimming across from neighbouring Morocco during the last two days of July, with around 100 people reported to have lost their lives.
The Spanish government says around 70,000 have since been returned to Morocco, and has hailed productive cooperation on returns with the government in Rabat.
The incident also triggered an unprecedented crisis for Madrid and exposed deep rifts between European nations.
Governments, notably Giorgia Meloni’s in Italy, found in the Ceuta crisis an opportunity to denounce Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s more lenient, more tolerant migration policies which, according to critics, undermined EU efforts to project solidarity and unity.
The tit-for-tat escalation between Rome and Madrid continues, with both sides now imposing exceptional border controls on each other. The Italian government has said it will continue to temporarily suspend the border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain until at least 15 August, citing expectations that Ceuta will be hit by a “new wave of migration”.
EU cooperation with online platforms ‘bearing fruit’
The Moroccan Interior Ministry said Wednesday it was working to prevent a potential fresh wave and had increased security along its borders with both Ceuta and Melilla, the second of the Spanish territories located along Morocco’s northern coast.
The Spanish Civil Guard has already installed a maritime barrier, similar to that used along the sea border with Morocco off the coast of Ceuta, at Melilla’s southern breakwater.
The precautionary measures are in response to several reports that a coordinated online campaign is disseminating a call for another mass crossing on Friday evening.
Golden Owl, a digital intelligence company linked to the University of Alicante, has scoured social media platforms and identified an organised online operation behind the calls for further crossings. Spain’s Civil Guard has also produced a six-page report examining the possibility.
The increased vigilance of social platforms is believed to have somewhat suppressed the call, with Golden Owl saying that the “15 August date has effectively disappeared from Facebook, driven by Meta enforcement”.
Both TikTok and Meta have activated a crisis protocol to set up a cooperation mechanism with fact-checkers, following calls by the EU’s tech chief, Henna Virkkunen, for enhanced monitoring and collaboration.
The European Commission confirmed that it would meet again with representatives from social media platforms on Thursday afternoon, adding that it was engaging with the platforms on a “daily basis” to streamline the work.
“Bringing in the fact-checkers will, in our view, make this work even more targeted and even more streamlined and coordinated in the context of this concrete crisis,” the spokesperson explained. “And what we hear is that this cooperation is proving highly effective and action is being taken by the platforms on this basis.”
The Commission also held a separate meeting earlier on Thursday that allowed an “exchange of information and discussion on the online dimension of the current crisis in Ceuta”, with Spanish representatives also taking part.
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