Middle East news — August 18, 2026 - Page 7

154 publications

1. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 18, 2026, 02:03 UTC

   Israeli Air Strikes Target Syrian Military Airport in Idlib

   Israeli air strikes targeted Abu al-Zuhour Military Airport in Idlib, Syria, causing material damage but no casualties. The attack was reportedly aimed at preventing a Turkish military buildup in the area. Damascus blamed Israel for the strike, which is the first in many months.

   20 sourcesSee all sources
2. WorldMiddle EastEarth

   Aug 18, 2026, 02:03 UTC

   Earthquake Aftermath in Colombia: Families Live in Tents, Hospitals Struggle

   After a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia, families in Cali live in improvised shelters due to damaged homes. The city's hospital is overwhelmed, with 70% of its facilities unusable. Residents in smaller towns like Roldanillo and Toro face similar challenges, with many shops destroyed and people without jobs. The government has declared an economic emergency and plans a three-stage reconstruction plan, but remote areas may be overlooked. Shakira and Live Nation have pledged $1 million to rebuild schools.

   14 sourcesSee all sources
3. PoliticsLawRegulatorsPeaceMiddle East

   Aug 18, 2026, 02:02 UTC

   PAN Accuses 'Andy' López Beltrán of Fuel Theft, Demands Investigation

   The National Action Party (PAN) has escalated its allegations against Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, accusing him of being the 'head' of a suspected network related to fiscal fuel theft in Mexico. PAN demands that the Attorney General of the Republic (AGR) open an investigation against him. The party has presented complaints and exhibited charges to support their accusations. PAN also requested the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) to investigate López Beltrán's assets and freeze his accounts. The controversy comes as López Beltrán seeks to advance his political career.

   10 sourcesSee all sources
4. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 18, 2026, 01:42 UTC

   UN Warns Yemen at Risk of Full-Scale Conflict

   The United Nations' human rights chief has warned that Yemen is at risk of returning to 'full-scale conflict' if Houthi rebel strikes continue. Earlier this month, the rebels launched their deadliest attacks in years, killing 58 government troops in the oil-rich Marib province. The UN also expressed concern about the rising civilian toll from escalating hostilities.

   3 sourcesSee all sources
5. WorldMiddle EastCentral Asia

   Aug 18, 2026, 01:42 UTC

   American Destroyer Adrift for Four Days in South China Sea

   An American destroyer was left adrift for four days in the South China Sea after a power system failure. The incident occurred in July and resulted in the loss of independent movement and essential facilities such as air conditioning, kitchen, and bathroom. The cause of the generator failure is still under investigation.

   13 sourcesSee all sources
6. WorldRegulatorsLocal GovMiddle East

   Aug 18, 2026, 01:23 UTC

   UN, NSCDC Partner to Combat Illegal Mining and Terror Funding

   The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is collaborating with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle illegal mining in Nigeria, focusing on its links to organized crime and terrorism. The partnership aims to disrupt terror funding and combat illegal mining through initiatives like the CONNECT project.

   4 sourcesSee all sources
7. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 18, 2026, 01:03 UTC

   American Tourist Dies After Being Struck by Lightning on Mount Etna

   A 29-year-old American tourist died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily. He was in a restricted area during a storm when the incident occurred. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at a hospital.

   125 sourcesSee all sources
8. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

   Aug 18, 2026, 00:44 UTC

   Russia, North Korea Advocate for New World Order

   Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent a congratulatory message to North Korea on the anniversary of its liberation from Japanese occupation. Lavrov emphasized the historical ties between the two countries, including their joint efforts in defeating Japan and 'liberating' the Korean people. He also highlighted their shared goal of establishing a new, multipolar global system based on equality and respect for national interests. This comes amid improving Moscow-Pyongyang relations and close military cooperation, as demonstrated by North Korean soldiers' participation in Russia's military operations.

   2 sourcesSee all sources
9. PoliticsRegulatorsLocal GovMiddle East

   Aug 18, 2026, 00:25 UTC

   Russian Drone Strikes Disrupt Ukrainian Forces in Zaporozhye Region

   The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that operators of strike drones from the 'East' troops grouping disrupted the supply and rotation of Ukrainian forces in the Zaporozhye region. The drones detected and targeted small tactical groups and enemy personnel, destroying equipment and supplies.

   3 sourcesSee all sources
10. WorldLocal GovMiddle EastChina

    Aug 18, 2026, 00:25 UTC

    Pakistan Detains Chinese Nationals in Call Center Raids

    Pakistani media reported that over 100 Chinese nationals were arrested for operating 'illegal call centers'. The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded, stating that the Chinese government severely cracks down on telecom fraud crimes and requires overseas Chinese nationals to abide by local laws. In two separate operations, 372 foreign nationals were detained, including 40 Chinese nationals, for illegal call centers, visa violations, and cybercrimes.

    6 sourcesSee all sources