Swedish police are investigating suspected sabotage of an undersea telecoms cable in the Baltic Sea, linking Germany and Finland. This follows a series of undersea infrastructure damages since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, prompting NATO to monitor the area. The Swedish coastguard dispatched a vessel to Gotland, where the latest breach occurred. Finnish operator Cinia reported minor damage but said the cable remains functional. This is the third incident in recent months, often caused by civilian ships. European leaders suspect Russian involvement, though weather and human error have also been factors. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
Al-Mujahedeen, an extremist Salafi group, held Shiri Bibas and her children after their abduction during the October 7 Hamas-led attack. Israeli assessments suggest they were murdered in captivity by November 2023. Founded in 2001, Al-Mujahedeen broke away from Fatah, initially part of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and follows radical Salafi ideology. Despite significant losses, including key leaders, during the ongoing Gaza conflict, the group remains distinct from Hamas, often aligning with global jihadist movements. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 1:00 pm
Australia warned airlines of potential hazards due to Chinese warships conducting exercises in the Tasman Sea, possibly involving live-fire. Although the risk has passed, flights were diverted as a precaution. Chinese warships, rarely seen this far south, were monitored by Australian and New Zealand military. Air New Zealand adjusted flight paths without operational impact, while Virgin Australia followed regulatory instructions. The situation will be discussed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong with her Chinese counterpart at a G20 meeting. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 9:30 am
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, labeled “radical” and “anti-democratic,” is poised to become Germany’s second-largest political force, signaling a significant shift in European politics. The AfD’s rise mirrors the growing support for populist right parties across Europe, sharing an “anti-woke,” tough-on-migration stance similar to Donald Trump’s. This development is particularly impactful given Germany’s status as Europe’s largest economy and its historical context. The Trump administration’s support for the AfD has sparked controversy in Germany. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 9:30 am
Tens of thousands may be trapped in illegal scam compounds in Myanmar near Thailand’s border, run by 30-40 Chinese gangs, says Thailand’s anti-trafficking chief. Thailand is cracking down, cutting electricity and fuel. Over 30 nationalities are involved, mostly Chinese. The Karen Border Guard Force plans to deport 10,000 linked to these compounds. Many are trafficked under false job promises, then forced into online scams. Repatriation efforts are ongoing, with some workers already returned. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 9:30 am
Mount Etna’s first 2025 eruption captivates with fiery displays but disrupts life in Sicily. Lava flows from the Bocca Nuova crater, reaching 1,950 meters, have incinerated vegetation and closed the Altamontana ski slope. Catania Airport faced flight diversions due to ash plumes, and the Aviation Color Code remains at Red. Tourists flock to witness the spectacle, complicating safety efforts. Authorities struggle with “wild tourism,” as visitors ignore barriers, prompting Adrano’s mayor to ban access to the lava front. Streets and rooftops are blanketed in volcanic dust. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 6:00 am
A new study reveals that climate change is rapidly accelerating the melting of global mountain glaciers. From 2000 to 2011, glaciers lost about 255 billion tons of ice annually, increasing to 346 billion tons in the following decade. In 2023, a record 604 billion tons were lost. Since 2000, over 7 trillion tons of ice have melted. Alaska’s glaciers are melting fastest, while Central Europe’s glaciers have shrunk by 39%. Experts warn this accelerated loss is due to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 6:00 am
U.S. DHS Secretary Kristi L. Noem announced a partial rollback of a Biden-era extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants, potentially making thousands eligible for deportation by August. Former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had extended TPS until February 2026, but the Trump administration argues the extension lacked sufficient justification. Acting DHS General Counsel Joseph N. Mazzara stated the Trump administration has until June to decide on a new extension. TPS for Haitians, initially granted after a 2010 earthquake, could expire for 520,000 people. The decision may face legal challenges. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 6:00 am
An airlift began repatriating over 1,000 Chinese nationals from Myanmar to China after they were rescued from online scam centers. Coordinated efforts by Thailand, China, and Myanmar aim to dismantle these centers, which exploited workers under false pretenses. Thai officials are processing the workers, with China handling investigations. Flights are scheduled to return the Chinese nationals, while repatriation for other nationalities will start soon. Thailand is cooperating with China to address the issue, fearing negative impacts on tourism. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 6:00 am
Arab leaders will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a response to US President Trump’s plan for Gaza, which involves US ownership and expulsion of Palestinians. The meeting includes Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf nations, preceding a larger Arab summit. Conflicting details about the Arab response have emerged, with Egypt proposing a 10-to-20-year plan to rebuild Gaza with Gulf funding, excluding Hamas. Egypt claims it can rebuild Gaza in three years, but international assessments suggest it would take longer and cost over $50 billion. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 6:00 am
