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Sudan's al-Burhan Offers Dialogue Immunity, Rules Out RSF Leader's Return

Sudan's al-Burhan Offers Dialogue Immunity, Rules Out RSF Leader's Return

Sudan's de facto leader and army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has pledged temporary immunity and legal, political, and security guarantees for participants in an upcoming national dialogue. Speaking during celebrations for the 72nd anniversary of the Sudanese Armed Forces, al-Burhan stated that criminal proceedings against dialogue participants would be temporarily suspended, allowing them to engage without fear of prosecution, while still preserving the rights of those who filed complaints. He emphasized that this measure is not a pardon but a temporary suspension. The dialogue is intended to be an open-ended process, conducted in a public space, allowing for free expression without restrictions. Al-Burhan also indicated that a group of Sudanese figures independently proposed and would oversee this initiative, with the state not organizing or determining its agenda or outcomes. However, al-Burhan firmly rejected what he termed an 'incomplete peace' that would see the return of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo,...

Eritrea's Strategic Role in Horn of Africa Geopolitics Amidst Regional Tensions

Eritrea's Strategic Role in Horn of Africa Geopolitics Amidst Regional Tensions

Eritrea is emerging as a key geopolitical player in the Horn of Africa due to its strategic location along the Red Sea. The country, ruled by President Isaias Afwerki, controls important coastal points, including the ports of Assab and Massawa. Eritrea's position is becoming increasingly significant amidst international trade conflicts and regional security challenges. The country's stability contrasts with the turmoil in neighboring regions like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen. Eritrea's strategic importance is underscored by its role in facilitating trade and addressing security issues in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.

Ukraine's Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Oil Refineries, Impacting Fuel Exports

Ukraine's Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Oil Refineries, Impacting Fuel Exports

Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, targeting Gazprom's Neftekhim Salavat complex in the Urals. This attack caused a fire at the 200,000-barrel-per-day facility in Bashkortostan, approximately 750 miles east of Moscow. The regional governor, Radiy Khabirov, confirmed that falling drone debris initiated the fire. This is part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to disrupt Russian oil revenue and tighten domestic fuel supplies. Another refinery, the Orsknefteorgsintez plant in the Orenburg region, has completely halted operations due to similar attacks, with repairs expected to take up to six months due to sanctions hindering equipment replacement. These strikes have led to gasoline shortages in Russia, prompting the country to import gasoline from India.

Attacks on healthcare in conflict zones averaging more than four a day in 2026, World Health Organization says

Attacks on healthcare in conflict zones averaging more than four a day in 2026, World Health Organization says

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Attacks on healthcare facilities, workers and patients in conflict zones including Ukraine and Gaza have continued to rise in 2026, reaching an average of more than four per day, the World Health Organization said on Friday.

Ukrainian drones strike a major refinery deep inside Russia, setting it ablaze

Ukrainian drones strike a major refinery deep inside Russia, setting it ablaze

Ukrainian drones have struck a major refinery deep inside Russia, marking the fourth attack in three days

Ukraine Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Oil Refinery Operations, Fuel Shortages Resurface

Ukraine Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Oil Refinery Operations, Fuel Shortages Resurface

Ukrainian drones have targeted the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil-refining and petrochemical complex in Russia's Bashkortostan, causing a fire and marking the second attack on the facility within a month. The strike is part of Ukraine's broader campaign to disrupt Russian oil refining capabilities, which has led to significant operational challenges for Russia. The Salavat complex, one of Russia's largest, processes a substantial portion of the country's crude oil and produces various fuels. The repeated attacks have forced several refineries to halt operations, contributing to fuel shortages across 16 Russian regions.

Civilian deaths in Ukraine jumped in July as Russia hit cities, UN says

Civilian deaths in Ukraine jumped in July as Russia hit cities, UN says

By Aleksandar Vasovic Aug 14 (Reuters) - Civilian casualties from the war in Ukraine rose by nearly a third month-on-month in July, to the highest level since May 2022, as Russia struck towns and cities far from the battlefield with missiles and drones, the U.N. said on Friday.

Professor Jiang Predicts Pakistan Could Use Nuclear Weapons First Due to Vulnerabilities

Professor Jiang Predicts Pakistan Could Use Nuclear Weapons First Due to Vulnerabilities

Professor Jiang Xueqin, a Chinese-born Canadian educator known for his geopolitical predictions, has suggested that Pakistan might be the first country to use nuclear weapons in a conflict. In a podcast, Jiang described Pakistan as a weak, disorganized, and corrupt nation with nuclear capabilities, which might not have the control systems in place to prevent the use of nuclear weapons in an emergency. He contrasted this with India's declared No First Use policy, noting that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is intended to deter India's larger conventional military capability. Jiang's prediction is based on the strategic asymmetry between the two nations, with Pakistan's nuclear doctrine historically compensating for its conventional military weaknesses.

UN Warns Yemen Conflict Could Escalate Amid Houthi Attacks on Maritime Routes

UN Warns Yemen Conflict Could Escalate Amid Houthi Attacks on Maritime Routes

The United Nations has raised alarms over the potential for Yemen to become further embroiled in the broader Middle East conflict due to recent Houthi attacks on critical maritime routes. Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, briefed the Security Council on the escalating military activities by the Houthis, which threaten global trade and regional stability. The attacks have intensified along Yemen's frontlines, with recent incidents including missile strikes on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These developments jeopardize a fragile truce mediated by the UN in 2022, which had previously reduced violence significantly. The UN is urging both the Yemeni government and the Houthis to de-escalate and work towards a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for economic stability and the resumption of oil exports to aid Yemen's recovery.

Ukraine Proposes Ceasefire on Civilian Targets in Black Sea Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine Proposes Ceasefire on Civilian Targets in Black Sea Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine has proposed a mutual cessation of attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea to Russia, as reported by Reuters. This proposal was delivered through a third party, and as of now, Moscow has not responded. The offer comes amidst ongoing tensions and military actions in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has indicated that Turkey is closely monitoring the situation and has suggested a moratorium on military actions to both parties involved in the conflict. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Moscow has not received any formal proposal regarding a moratorium on military actions in the Black Sea.

Taiwan holds naval drill during war games as China steps up maritime pressure

Taiwan holds naval drill during war games as China steps up maritime pressure

By Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin Lee TAIPEI, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan's armed forces carried out an anti-blockade drill during annual war games, using the navy and coast guard to simulate escorting a merchant ship, the defence ministry said on Thursday, as China steps up its maritime pressure.

Taiwan Simulates Internet Blackout Amid Rising Tensions with China

Taiwan Simulates Internet Blackout Amid Rising Tensions with China

Taiwan conducted a large-scale internet disruption exercise across 14 cities and counties, simulating a coordinated attack that drastically reduced internet speeds. This drill, a first of its kind, aimed to prepare the population for potential emergencies by encouraging alternative communication methods. The exercise affected data-heavy services like video calls, streaming, and mobile payments, making them difficult or impossible to use. The initiative is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to enhance civil resilience against growing military threats from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. The drill also tested an open-source platform allowing text communication via long-range, low-power radio signals, highlighting the importance of backup communication systems.