‘Down with dictatorship’: 19K protest, clash with cops over France COVID rules
Police in Paris fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators on Wednesday, as 19,000 people protested throughout France over new coronavirus restrictions.
Military
IDF launches first-of-its-kind international drone exercise
The Israeli Air Force launched a first-of-its-kind international drone exercise on Monday, hosting pilots from five other countries, the military said.
Nigeria Searches For Over 100 Abducted Christian Students; Schools Closed
Nigerian authorities were trying to establish contact with kidnappers Friday amid mounting concerns about the plight of more than 100 abducted Christian students.
US sanctions 34 companies over China, Russia, Iran ties
The United States on Friday announced sanctions against 34 companies and other entities involved with China’s military and policy towards the Uyghur Muslim minority, and for facilitating exports to Russia and Iran.
‘We Need Help’: Haiti’s Interim Leader Requests US Troops
Haiti’s interim government has asked the U.S. and U.N. to deploy troops to protect key infrastructure as it tries to stabilize the country and prepare for elections in the aftermath of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination.
U.S. Pacific intel chief: Coming Chinese attack on Taiwan could target other nations
China’s growing military power in Asia has increased the danger Beijing will launch a war against a neighboring state, with Taiwan just one of several likely future targets, the admiral in charge of intelligence for the Pentagon’s Indo-Pacific Command warned this week.
Myanmar: Three Baptist pastors face years in prison for organizing prayers
Three Baptist pastors from Kachin, Myanmar are facing three years imprisonment after the Burmese regime arrested them on June 28 for organizing prayers for peace, International Christian Concern reports.
US military confirms Afghanistan withdrawal ‘more than 90%’ complete
The US military announced on Tuesday that it has almost completed the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, where Afghan authorities have deployed hundreds of pro-government soldiers and militiamen to thwart a massive Taliban offensive in the north.
IDF launches overnight airstrike on Gaza Strip for incendiary balloons
The Israeli military launched an airstrike late on Saturday against Hamas facilities after the group launched incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip.
Sudan Detains Evangelical Church Leader As Tensions Rise
Rafat Obid, a leader of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) in Khartoum, was detained and freed on bail on controversial charges, a human rights official told Worthy News Wednesday.
Wuhan virologist who worked on bat coronaviruses tied to military scientists, report says
A top Chinese virologist has been tied to at least two Chinese military scientists who collaborated with her on coronavirus research in the past, including one now listed as deceased, a report Tuesday said.
Bush-era Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Dies At 88
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who oversaw the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and helped transform the American military, has died in Taos, New Mexico. He was 88.
California bill would legalize psychedelic drugs
Lawmakers in California have introduced a bill that would allow people aged over 21 to possess for personal use and “social sharing” a number of psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component of “magic mushrooms,” the Washington Times reports.
Israel develops “military robot” to patrol Gaza border
As the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip continues to have no resolution, Israel has developed a high-tech semi-autonomous “military robot” that could be used instead of IDF soldiers to patrol its border with Gaza, Eursasian Times reports. Known as ‘Jaguar,’ the “robot” is an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that will be able to identify and destroy enemy targets remotely.
Biden tells Rivlin he won’t allow Iranian nukes on his watch
US President Joe Biden sought to assure Israel that he would not tolerate a nuclear Iran as he met with outgoing Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Monday amid growing angst over the US administration’s effort to reenter the Iran nuclear deal.
Global Coalition Fears Islamic State Expansion in Africa
Western powers are promising recent successes by the Islamic State across Africa will not go unanswered, backing plans for a task force to focus on the terror group’s spread from Iraq and Syria to the African continent.
Putin, Xi Agree To Extend 20-Year-Old Friendship Treaty
Russia and China extended a 20-year-old friendship treaty, the latest in a series of moves that have drawn Moscow and Beijing closer together.
With Reagan’s Arrival, 2 US Carriers Are Now Supporting Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal
The Ronald Reagan carrier strike group is now in the Middle East to help support the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the Navy announced Friday.
U.S. Airstrikes Target Iran-Backed Militia; Several Killed
The U.S. confirmed Monday that it launched airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria.
US carries out air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria
The United States said on Sunday it carried out another round of air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria, this time in response to drone attacks by the militia against US personnel and facilities in Iraq.