Norway issues international wanted notice for man linked to exploding devices for Hezbollah. Ukrainian President meets Biden to discuss "victory plan" amid $8 billion US aid package.
Norway has issued an international wanted notice for a man linked to a Bulgaria-based company suspected of distributing exploding electronic devices to Hezbollah, causing numerous deaths and injuries in Lebanon. The man, working for DN Group, was last traced to the United States before vanishing, with the investigation spanning multiple countries like Taiwan and Hungary, whose firms deny involvement.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, President Rashad Al-Alimi has vowed to defeat the Houthi militia on the 62nd anniversary of the 1962 revolution, accusing them of trying to revive the Imamate era and foiling Iran's plans. He expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman for their support and called for international designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization amidst their ongoing attacks supporting Palestinian and Lebanese causes.
Transitioning to Europe, a merchant ship rescued around 70 migrants from a distressed yacht 15 nautical miles off the southwestern village of Koroni, Greece. The migrants, none reported ill, were taken to Kalamata's port, with suspicions of the yacht being part of smuggling operations from Turkey to Italy via the central Aegean Sea.
Turning to the Horn of Africa, escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, due to Ethiopia leasing a Somaliland coastline and arms shipments, are raising fears of instability. Somalia's strengthened ties with Egypt have led to concerns about increased weapon imports possibly falling into Al-Shabab militants' hands, while mediation efforts by Turkiye have seen little success.
In Niger, historic Agadez, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient mosque and ochre houses, faces severe flooding from an unusually heavy rainy season. At least 270 people have died, and significant damage has occurred, threatening the town's heritage amid ongoing weather challenges linked to climate change.
Across the Atlantic, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President
Joe Biden at the White House to present his "victory plan" following Biden's announcement of an $8 billion military aid package for Ukraine. This visit emphasized tensions with
Donald Trump, who criticized US financial support, and highlighted Moscow's nuclear threats, as Zelensky also addressed the UN General Assembly and US Congress amidst Ukraine's ongoing challenges two and a half years into Russia’s invasion.