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Middle East news — August 19, 2026 - Page 4

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 19, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 4 of 7.

165 publications

  2. WorldMiddle East

    Helicopter Carrying Tourists Crashes in Kenya's Samburu County

    A helicopter transporting tourists crashed in Kenya's Samburu County, according to multiple reports. The helicopter, believed to be an Eurocopter EC130 operated by Tropic Air, went down near Mount Oloolokwe in the Samburu National Reserve. Initial reports suggest six tourists and a pilot were on board, with all seven fatalities confirmed. The nationalities of the tourists are yet to be determined.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  4. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Montenegrin Carriers Struggle as Croatian Bilateral Permits Remain Unrenewed

    Montenegrin carriers are facing difficulties due to the non-renewal of Croatian bilateral permits, which are necessary for transit transport through Croatia. The Traffic Authority has sent notifications to the Ministry of Transport urging Croatian colleagues for new permits, but no information has been received yet. Carriers are forced to park their vehicles as they cannot transport goods from or through Croatia without the required permits. The issue is being addressed, and an increase in the quota of bilateral permits has been requested.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldMiddle East

    Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Sparks Controversy with Taiwan Stance

    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sparked intense debate and controversy after stating in an interview with Al Jazeera that he sees Taiwan as part of China. His remarks have been criticized by Taiwanese officials and have strained relations between the two countries. Anwar's comments come amidst growing tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing refusing to rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. The Malaysian PM's stance has been seen as legitimizing Beijing's claims over Taiwan, despite the island's status as a sovereign, independent state.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  7. PoliticsMiddle EastIsrael

    Moscow Denies Israeli Arms Supplies to Ukraine

    Moscow has received assurances from Israel that reports of Israeli weapons being supplied to Ukraine are false, according to statements from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Interfax news agency. The Russian director of the Middle East and North Africa department, Alexander Kinshchak, stated that while they occasionally see such 'leaks', Israel has confirmed that these reports are not accurate.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  9. TechMiddle EastBudgetPlatforms

    Apple Overhauls EU App Store Fees

    Apple has revised its App Store fees in the European Union, simplifying the structure and resolving disputes with the European Commission. Key changes include replacing the per-install Core Technology Fee with a 5% commission on digital transactions outside the App Store. EU app developers will now pay a 26% commission for Apple in-app purchases, 20% for alternative payments, and 15% for external purchase links. Apple is also expanding alternative app distribution and introducing additional child-safety measures. The new terms go into effect on October 1, 2026.
    53 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldMiddle East

    Tourists Find Human Remains on Almaty Glacier

    A group of Belarusian tourists discovered human remains on the Svyatovsky glacier in the Almaty region while descending after a two-week trek. They immediately reported the find to emergency services, providing coordinates, photos, and videos. The remains were found alongside a backpack containing documents. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and remove the remains from the glacier.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  12. WorldMiddle East

    Parliamentary Travel Expenses in Montenegro Exceed One Million Euros

    A new analysis by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) reveals that official travel expenses for Montenegrin parliamentarians have exceeded one million euros since the establishment of the 28th legislature in late 2023. In the first six months of 2026 alone, €212,769.87 was spent on 181 trips, with 164 of them being abroad. However, the public lacks systematic information about the concrete results of these trips, making it difficult to assess their real contribution to the work of the parliament and the representation of Montenegro's interests. The CGO calls for increased transparency regarding the purpose and results of these trips.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  13. PoliticsMiddle EastDefenseBorder Security

    Strike on Russian Rocket and Space Complex 'Progress' in Samara

    On August 15, 2026, the rocket and space complex 'Progress' in Samara, Russia, was struck by missiles. The attack hit the production shop for assembling engines for 'Soyuz' type launch vehicles and the shop for servicing aviation equipment of the 'Aviakor - Aviation Plant'. A fire covering an area of about 5,000 m² was recorded. The complex is a key enterprise in the Russian rocket and space industry, producing 'Soyuz' launch vehicles used for launching satellites into orbit and deploying Russian satellite communication groups in the interests of the Russian army. The strike significantly reduces Russia's military-technological capabilities.
    17 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldRegulatorsMiddle East

    German Digital Ministry's New Location Sparks Security Concerns

    Germany's Federal Ministry of Digitalization and Modernization has moved to a new building next to the 'Russian House' in Berlin, sparking security concerns. The 'Russian House', managed by Rossotrudnichestvo, has been suspected by several German media outlets of being used by Russian intelligence services. The new ministry office houses departments responsible for digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital identification, raising concerns about potential security risks due to its proximity to the 'Russian House'.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  18. PoliticsSanctionsWarMiddle East

    Hamas and Israel Violate Gaza Ceasefire

    Both Hamas and Israel have been violating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Hamas is accused of planting explosives, attempting to steal IDF equipment, and manufacturing weapons, among other violations. Israel is reported to have conducted airstrikes, artillery shelling, and obstructed humanitarian access, while only allowing a fraction of the agreed aid and fuel into Gaza. Since August 3rd, Hamas has violated the ceasefire 229 times, according to one source.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldMiddle East

    Maharashtra to Take Action Against Taxi, Auto Drivers Who Don't Speak Marathi

    The Maharashtra government is set to take action against taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers who have not learned the Marathi language, as the 100-day deadline given by the government to learn the language has expired. The Transport Department will decide on the next course of action in a meeting. Possible actions include suspending licenses or permits, or giving drivers another chance. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned that legal action will be taken against drivers who do not know Marathi, and their licenses may be permanently suspended. The government has issued over 9 lakh valid permits, with most auto-rickshaw drivers already knowing Marathi. The Marathi language campaign will continue, with both Transport and Marathi Language Ministers involved.
    19 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldBillMiddle EastBudget

    Latvia Proposes Stricter Language Requirements, Higher Fines for Catering Workers

    In Latvia, deputies of the Union of Greens and Farmers faction have proposed amendments to the Law on Supervision of Food Circulation. These amendments suggest fines of between 200 and 750 euros for insufficient knowledge of the state language among workers in the food circulation sector, including catering. This could impact waiters and couriers, including those working as self-employed for companies like Bolt and Wolt. The fines, ranging from 40 to 150 penalty units (one unit being €5), aim to ensure workers have adequate proficiency in Latvian to maintain health and food safety.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldEuropeMiddle EastCentral Asia

    Navtex to be Issued for Great Sea Interconnector Surveys

    A navtex will be issued soon to inform ships between Cyprus and Crete about seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector project. The surveys, conducted by a French ship, will cover the remaining 40% of the impacted seabed in disputed waters claimed by both Greece and Turkey. The project has faced previous obstacles due to Turkish naval interventions, but EU support is seen as a shield against expected Turkish opposition.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  22. PoliticsRegulatorsLocal GovMiddle East

    Florida Primaries Test Appetite for Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Politics

    Florida's primary elections on Tuesday will pit prominent Jewish political figures against challengers from the ideological fringes, offering a test of how antisemitic rhetoric and hard-line opposition to Israel are resonating on both the Left and the Right. Pro-Israel Democrats Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz face progressive rivals, while Republican Randy Fine faces a challenge from Dan Bilzerian, whose campaign has leaned heavily on antisemitic conspiracy theories.
    7 sourcesSee all sources