After Assad's fall, the task of unearthing the dead from Syria's mass graves is just beginning

In Moscow, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, was assassinated with his assistant by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter, allegedly orchestrated by Ukraine's SBU intelligence service. Unverified footage showed the explosion outside an apartment building, marking a high-profile killing linked to the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops. Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed the incident, attributing the attack to the SBU. Full Article

Rebecca Turner died in Thailand after unknowingly taking a lethal cocktail of drugs, prompting her mother Anita to caution young travelers to avoid buying drugs from persistent dealers. Rebecca and her boyfriend were found dead in their hotel room after ingesting a mix of nine different drugs disguised as cocaine. Anita is devastated by the loss of her daughter and urges others to refrain from taking drugs to avoid such tragic consequences. Full Article

Actress Phyllis Quek chose to halt her career to focus on her health due to gastric problems and sensitive skin, leading to her departure from Mediacorp in 2001. Despite wondering about her potential accomplishments if she continued in showbiz, she is now happily married to Australian businessman David Cox and enjoying a stable life. Quek, known for iconic roles in Mediacorp dramas, still receives recognition from fans and can be seen in Uniquely Ours on...

Europe has faced challenges in 2025, with political unrest, weak economic data, and concerns about growth potential. The European Central Bank has cut its growth forecast to 1.1%, while GDP is expected to expand by 0.8% in the euro area. Despite these issues, analysts are hopeful for some bright spots in the region's outlook for the year. Full Article

French judges in Avignon are set to deliver verdicts in a drugging-and-rape trial involving victim Gisèle Pelicot, who endured years of abuse by her now ex-husband and dozens of accomplices. Over the course of the trial, evidence of drugging, videotaping, and rape emerged, with 50 men facing charges. Pelicot's bravery and resilience have turned her into a feminist icon, sparking calls for exemplary prison sentences and raising awareness about sexual violence and the use of...

An overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in Congo, killing at least 25 people, including children, with dozens still missing. This marks the fourth boat accident in Maï-Ndombe province this year, highlighting the dangers of river transportation in the region. Calls for government action to improve safety measures and equip the province with flotation devices have been made following the tragic incident. Full Article