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World news — August 18, 2026

World publications published on August 18, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive.

123 publications

  1. WorldMiddle EastChina

    Moldova Backs Ukrainian Grain Transit Despite Farmer Concerns

    Moldova's President Maia Sandu has reiterated the country's support for the transit of Ukrainian grain through its territory, despite concerns from local farmers about potential market disruption. Sandu emphasized that Ukraine's ability to sell its products and fund its defense is crucial for regional security, including Moldova's. The Moldovan government has agreed to reduce tariffs on Ukrainian grain transit by 50% until the end of 2026.
    22 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldLocal GovCorruptionMiddle East

    East Timor Police Raid Online Fraud Dens, Arrest 14 Suspects

    East Timor police conducted raids in Dili, dismantling three online fraud dens hidden in residential areas. A total of 14 foreign suspects were arrested, including 12 Chinese nationals, one Indonesian national, and one Vanuatu national, with two female suspects. Electronics such as computers, mobile phones, and network antennas were seized as evidence. The case is still under investigation.
    22 sourcesSee all sources
  8. WorldMiddle East

    Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 6,438

    The death toll from the double earthquake in Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 6,438, according to authorities who added 137 fatalities. The tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 devastated northern Venezuela, with at least 190 buildings collapsed and nearly 60,000 homes affected. Rescue efforts continue as families search for missing people among the rubble. The government has delivered 335 homes to affected families and treated 86,358 people in hospitals. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing, with the World Bank estimating direct physical damages at $19.6 billion.
    65 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldMiddle EastOceanographyHealthcareDefense

    Egypt Accuses Rosatom of Nuclear Safety Violations

    Egypt's Nuclear Power Plants Authority has accused Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy corporation, of violating safety standards and regulations during the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant. The accusations include structural defects, safety breaches, deliberate negligence, and deceptive practices to overstate construction progress. The same reactor design is used in Hungary's Paks 2 project, raising concerns about its safety and reliability.
    36 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldMiddle East

    Remains of Lt. Col. Yehuda Katz Returned After 44 Years

    The remains of Lt. Col. Yehuda Katz, who fell in the Battle of Sultan Yakub during the First Lebanon War in 1982, have been returned to Israel after 44 years. The operation was conducted by the IDF and Mossad, with the support of the Minister of Defense and Prime Minister. Katz's family, who had been advocating for his return, is grateful for the efforts. His funeral will unite the nation and take place according to his unique personality.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  14. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Latin Stars Raise $1.3M in Miami Concert for Venezuela and Colombia Earthquake Relief

    Over 30 Latin artists, including Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, and Chayanne, united for a benefit concert in Miami to raise funds for earthquake victims in Venezuela and Colombia. The 'Unidos por los Nuestros' event, held at the Kaseya Center, raised $1,377,928.05 for humanitarian programs such as food, medical care, and infrastructure reconstruction. The initiative initially focused on Venezuela but expanded to include Colombia after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck there on Aug. 10.
    14 sourcesSee all sources
  15. WorldMiddle East

    Ukrainian Attacks on Belgorod Region Injure and Kill Civilians

    Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) carried out numerous attacks on the Belgorod region, injuring and killing civilians. According to reports, 20 people were injured, with three in critical condition, and one person died. The AFU attacked the region 130-142 times using artillery, aviation, and drones, damaging infrastructure and vehicles. The acting governor of Belgorod Oblast, Alexander Shuvayev, confirmed these attacks.
    22 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldMiddle East

    Trump Shares Edited Photo of Kim Jong-un, Suggesting Good Relations

    U.S. President Donald Trump shared an edited photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his social media platform Truth Social, depicting Kim on the phone saying, 'Hey Donald, we cool...right?' This move comes as Trump has been highlighting his personal relationship with Kim and suggesting that Kim has responded to America's dialogue offers. The photo, believed to be from 2014, shows Kim observing a missile test and has been edited to include a phone in Kim's hand.
    10 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldBillMiddle East

    Palestinian-American Raises U.S. Flag Against Settler Attacks

    A Palestinian-American man, Loui Ridi, returned to his home in Qusra, West Bank, after Israeli settlers besieged it for nine days. In response, he hoisted an American flag, hoping it would deter further attacks. The incident gained international attention, sparking discussions about why it took a Palestinian-American's involvement for major media to notice. However, the flag did not prevent a settler from entering Ridi's land, and soldiers ordered him inside, indicating that the U.S. flag offered no protection.
    8 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldRegulatorsCentral Asia

    Fire Engulfs Village of Chanište, Arson Suspected

    A fire broke out near the village of Chanište around 13:30, quickly spreading and entering the village, burning down several houses and a barn. Director Stojanče Angelov of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DZS) suspects arson due to the long line of fire and its spread from different directions. Firefighters from Prilep, DZS rapid intervention team, and volunteers from Bitola are battling the blaze. Two residents inhaled smoke but are stable. The fire has the potential to become one of the largest in this fire season due to the terrain and vegetation.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldMiddle EastEarthPublic Health

    Nigeria Hospital Collapses After Landslide

    A hospital building in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, has collapsed following a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall and severe soil erosion. The UNICEM Hospital reportedly gave way on Thursday after torrential rain saturated the ground and destabilized the hillside on which the structure was built. The incident has raised concerns over the risks posed by building on erosion-prone slopes, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. The extent of damage and casualties is not immediately clear.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  22. WorldMiddle East

    Israeli Aircraft Activity Over Middle East

    Israeli military aircraft have been conducting intensive aerial activities over central and northern Palestine, as well as in the skies of Daraa and on the border with Lebanon. The Israeli Air Force has been flying over areas of confrontation north and south of Lebanon. Jamming on communication and radar systems has been reported, coinciding with the overflight of an Israeli Oaks aircraft for inspection and monitoring of radio, land, and sea transmission operations. The Israeli enemy has updated a new target bank in preparation for targeted operations or special security operations or assassinations on the fronts of Lebanon, Syria, and occupied Palestine, as well as Iran. There are warnings of a potential new Israeli aggression in the region.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  23. WorldRegulatorsConstitutionMiddle East

    France to Expel Two Iranian Diplomats

    The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has announced that France will expel two Iranian diplomats in the coming days. This decision is a response to the 'outrageous' attack on two French diplomats that occurred on July 19. The French Foreign Minister stated that this action was taken because France stands with the people of Iran and supports its artists, scientists, and researchers.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  24. WorldMiddle EastInflationPlatforms

    Rupee Falls Against US Dollar Amid Rising Crude Oil Prices

    The Indian rupee depreciated against the US dollar, falling by 7 paise to 95.68 in early trade. Forex traders attributed this to increased demand for dollars due to soaring Brent crude prices near $91 per barrel. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India's closure of the concessional FCN (B) forex-swap facility raised concerns about future dollar inflows. Domestic equities also opened lower, with foreign investors continuing to sell shares.
    11 sourcesSee all sources