Syrian government forces launched a counterattack against Islamist-led rebels around the key city of Hama on Wednesday after suffering a string of staggering losses, a war monitor said.Hama is strategically located in central Syria and for the army, it is key to safeguarding the capital and seat of power Damascus.The fighting around Hama follows a …
Syrian army launches counteroffensive against rebels Read More »
The Philippines said the China Coast Guard fired water cannon and “sideswiped” a government vessel Wednesday during a maritime patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, after Beijing said it had “exercised control” over the ship.China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing off rival claims from other countries — including the Philippines — and …
Philippines says China Coast Guard fired water cannon, ‘sideswiped’ govt vessel Read More »
South Koreans took to the streets Wednesday for a day of rage laser-focused on President Yoon Seok Yeol, whose failed attempt at imposing martial law sparked anger and dismay in the vibrant democracy.The streets of Seoul teemed with protesters and police throughout the day as labour unions called a general strike and the opposition demanded …
South Korea’s day of rage as Yoon’s martial law founders Read More »
Lucy Letby, the most prolific child serial killer in modern British history, has been questioned in prison over further baby deaths and collapses at two hospitals where she worked, police said Wednesday. Former nurse Letby, 34, is serving a whole-life sentence after being convicted of murdering seven newborn babies and attempting to kill seven others at …
UK police question killer nurse Letby over further baby deaths Read More »
The UN on Wednesday appealed for more than $47 billion to deliver vital aid next year in a world ravaged by surging conflicts and the climate crisis, but warned many in need would not be reached. “The world is on fire,” the United Nations’ new humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told reporters in Geneva, acknowledging he was …
‘World on fire’: UN seeks $47 bn for aid in 2025 Read More »
A gunman who attempted to shoot a Sikh political leader at the faith’s holiest shrine in India was arrested Wednesday after the thwarted attack, police said.The assailant entered the Golden Temple in northwestern Amritsar city as a visitor and attempted to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of a Sikh political party. Badal’s security tackled the …
Gunman held after failed attack on Sikh leader in India Read More »
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrived in the tiny Pacific nation of Tuvalu on Wednesday, as part of a trip aimed at shoring up international support for Taiwan as China seeks to poach its few remaining allies.Taiwan calls itself a sovereign nation, but Beijing insists the democratic island of 23 million people is part of its …
Taiwan’s Lai arrives in Tuvalu to shore up Pacific allies Read More »
A French appeals court is to decide Wednesday whether French-Polish filmmaker Roman Polanski owes a British actor damages after he was acquitted of allegedly defaming her when she accused him of rape.A Paris criminal court in May found Polanski, 91, not guilty of defaming Charlotte Lewis, 57, after he said her rape accustion was a …
French appeals court to rule in Polanski defamation case Read More »
South Korea’s opposition moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday after his extraordinary but short-lived imposition of martial law that brought thousands of protesters to the streets.Yoon’s shock bid to suspend civilian rule for the first time in over four decades — before being overturned by lawmakers in a night of drama — …
South Korean opposition move to impeach president after martial law bid Read More »
Months of fighting on the Ukrainian front have not taken away Kostya’s sense of humour — even when it comes to the topic of Donald Trump.Fears are high across Ukraine that the US president-elect, who claimed he would secure a ceasefire within 24 hours of coming to office, will push Kyiv into accepting peace on …
Trump’s vows of quick peace fall flat on Ukraine frontlines Read More »
