Bail Granted to PTI Lawmakers Amidst Political Crackdown; Global Tensions Rise with Drone Downing and Middle East Conflict
Islamabad court grants bail to 10 PTI lawmakers; Yemen's Houthis down third US-made Reaper drone in a week.
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted bail to 10 MPs from former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. These lawmakers were detained after leading a rally and charged under new protest laws, reflecting the ongoing crackdown on PTI since Khan's ousting in 2022.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, Houthi rebels claim to have downed a US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Dhamar province. This marks the third Reaper drone reportedly downed in a week, signaling increased tensions as the Houthis also continue their broader campaign targeting ships in the Red Sea.
Shifting to Europe, severe flooding in Central Europe has claimed at least 15 lives and caused extensive damage across Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania. The floodwaters have led to significant evacuations and infrastructure damage, with authorities in places like Wroclaw and Litovel preparing for further crises.
Over to Ukraine, which is urging the UN and the Red Cross to assist around 100 settlements in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have taken control of these areas, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law amidst this new development.
In political news, Thierry Breton, France's EU Commissioner, has resigned and accused EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen of influencing France's candidature for the next EU executive body. Breton's resignation follows disagreements with von der Leyen and marks a notable shift as she prepares to announce a new team.
Finally, escalating tensions in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicating the diminishing chance of a diplomatic solution. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is in Israel, discussing strategies to handle the crisis amidst fears of a broader regional conflict involving major powers.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, Houthi rebels claim to have downed a US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Dhamar province. This marks the third Reaper drone reportedly downed in a week, signaling increased tensions as the Houthis also continue their broader campaign targeting ships in the Red Sea.
Shifting to Europe, severe flooding in Central Europe has claimed at least 15 lives and caused extensive damage across Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania. The floodwaters have led to significant evacuations and infrastructure damage, with authorities in places like Wroclaw and Litovel preparing for further crises.
Over to Ukraine, which is urging the UN and the Red Cross to assist around 100 settlements in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have taken control of these areas, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law amidst this new development.
In political news, Thierry Breton, France's EU Commissioner, has resigned and accused EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen of influencing France's candidature for the next EU executive body. Breton's resignation follows disagreements with von der Leyen and marks a notable shift as she prepares to announce a new team.
Finally, escalating tensions in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicating the diminishing chance of a diplomatic solution. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is in Israel, discussing strategies to handle the crisis amidst fears of a broader regional conflict involving major powers.
