South Korea’s former first lady jailed in landmark bribery ruling
Kim Keon Hee has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after a Seoul court found she accepted bribes while married to former president Yoon Suk Yeol. The ruling marks the first time a former presidential couple has both been jailed in South Korea, closing a long chapter of political scandal.
Starmer defends China reset on first UK prime ministerial visit in eight years
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has begun a three-day visit to China, saying closer engagement with Beijing will deliver economic and cultural benefits. The trip includes talks with Xi Jinping and comes amid domestic criticism over security concerns and human rights.
Trump warns Iran ‘time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf
Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran over its nuclear programme, saying negotiations must move quickly as US forces amass in the Gulf. Tehran says its armed forces are ready to respond to any aggression, highlighting escalating tensions.
Rubio defends Maduro abduction as ‘strategic necessity’
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has defended the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, rejecting claims it amounted to an act of war. The remarks have drawn sharp scrutiny over Washington’s use of force and adherence to international law.
Search intensifies for missing plane carrying Colombian lawmaker
Rescue teams in Colombia are searching for a passenger aircraft that vanished near the Venezuelan border with 15 people on board. Authorities say flight data shows a sudden loss of altitude shortly before the plane disappeared from radar.
AFRICA
South Sudan launches major offensive against opposition forces
South Sudan’s army has announced a new military operation in Jonglei state, ordering civilians and aid groups to evacuate. The move has raised fears of civilian harm following reports of abuses by government forces.
DRC and UN seek $1.4bn as humanitarian crisis deepens
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations are appealing for $1.4bn to address a growing humanitarian emergency caused by conflict with M23 rebels. Millions remain displaced as funding shortages force aid agencies to scale back operations.
Mozambique flood toll expected to rise as rescues continue
Authorities in Mozambique say the death toll from weeks of severe flooding is likely to increase. Around 100,000 people remain in temporary shelters after one of the country’s worst floods in decades.
Ethiopia arrests 22 in major human trafficking crackdown
Ethiopian police have detained 22 suspects accused of smuggling nearly 2,000 migrants and extorting families for ransom. Officials say the network earned millions while exposing migrants to deadly routes through North Africa.
