People who got trapped in 1,000 vehicles in heavy snow for more than 24 hours have been evacuated, Swedish authorities say. Rescuers worked through the night to free people stuck…
Niger: French embassy officially closes
France said its embassy in Niger has now closed, confirming previously announced plans. The closure is one of the final chapters in Paris winding down its presence in its former…
Morocco: Police seize 1.4 tonnes of cocaine concealed as bananas
Police in Morocco have seized 1.488 tonnes (3,280lb) of cocaine in a joint operation with Spanish security forces. The cocaine was found concealed in banana boxes inside a shipping container…
USA: Trump challenges his removal from Maine’s ballot
Donald Trump has appealed against the decision by Maine’s top election official to remove him from the ballot in the 2024 presidential election. Mr Trump, the current Republican frontrunner, asked…
DRC: Opposition presidential candidates rule out poll petition
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s main opposition candidates say they will not challenge the re-election of incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi. The electoral commission on 31 December declared Mr Tshisekedi…
Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri killed in Beirut blast
Israel has insisted the assassination of a Hamas leader in Beirut was not an attack on Lebanon, as its enemies warned of “punishment” for his death. Israel has neither confirmed…
Turkey: Authorities detain 34 on suspicion of spying for Israel
Turkey says it has seized 34 people who are alleged to have been involved in spying and planning abductions for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Officials said 57 addresses were raided…
Israel: Authorities to fight South Africa’s Gaza genocide claim in court
Israel will fight South Africa’s claim that it is committing “genocidal” acts in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, an Israeli spokesman has said. “History will judge you, and…
Egypt: President Abdul al-Sisi pledges support for Somalia’ amid row with Ethiopia
Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has pledged support for Somalia amid a row with Ethiopia over a sea access deal with Somaliland. Ethiopia on Monday signed a deal to utilise…
Japan: Jet crashes and catches fire killing 5
Passengers dashed to the emergency exits of a burning Japan Airlines jet without their hand luggage, in compliance with the flight crew’s instructions. Leaving their valuables behind was a “major…