Inside Bashar al-Assad’s secret flights to UAE as Damascus fell

Morocco's women's futsal team won the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON Morocco 2025) title with a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory over Tanzania in Rabat, overcoming a two-goal deficit with a last-second goal from Jasmine Demraoui. The match, attended by notable officials including CAF President Patrice Motsepe, showcased Morocco's dominance throughout the tournament, as they secured their place in the upcoming FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. Demraoui was named Best Player, while teammate Doha El...

SummaryTwo Palestinian girls, Ghena (5) and Rama (12), suffering from serious health conditions, have arrived in the UK for medical treatment, marking the first temporary UK visas granted since the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel in October 2023. Their healthcare needs cannot be met in Gaza, where hospitals are overwhelmed; Ghena requires surgery to prevent potential loss of sight, while Rama has a lifelong bowel condition exacerbated by the war. Their families hope...

Israel's military launched air strikes near Damascus after Syria's defense minister threatened intervention to protect the Druze minority amidst ongoing sectarian violence that has resulted in 102 deaths. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned the violence as a "genocidal campaign" and called for international intervention, while Syrian authorities sought to ensure stability through unity, despite accusations of neglecting their duty to protect civilians. The conflict, fueled by recent massacres and extremist pressures, reflects the...

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning to Iran regarding its support for the Houthis, as the US engages in indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program, mediated by Oman. The US has conducted extensive military operations against the Houthis, emphasizing that Iran will face consequences for its actions, with Hegseth stating, "You will pay the CONSEQUENCES at the time and place of our choosing." The US military has significantly increased its presence...

Russia addressed the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing a "crisis of legality and humanity" due to Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly criticizing its blockade of Gaza and military operations in the West Bank. The Russian representative, Maksim Musikhin, emphasized Israel's failure to meet international humanitarian law obligations and the crucial role of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in preventing a humanitarian catastrophe. Other nations, including the US, France, and...

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a Syrian Druze spiritual leader, accused the government of a "genocidal attack" on his community following sectarian clashes that resulted in 101 deaths, primarily between Druze and Sunni Syrians. He condemned the Damascus government, calling for immediate international intervention and expressing distrust in its ability to protect its citizens, particularly after violence erupted due to a controversial recording involving a Druze man. The Syrian government has since deployed security forces to restore...