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Middle East news — August 20, 2026 - Page 4

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 20, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 4 of 6.

131 publications

  3. CultureEuropeMiddle East

    Tula Region Authorities File Police Report Against Child for Playground Drawings

    In the Tula region, local authorities have sparked controversy by filing a police report against a child and their parents for drawing characters from 'Smeshariki' on the rubber surface of a children's playground. The incident, which occurred in the city of Bologoye, was caught on CCTV cameras. Authorities have warned of potential liability under vandalism and property damage laws, while residents have criticized the administration's actions.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  4. PoliticsBillMiddle East

    Mossad Chief Discusses Turkish Military Presence in Syria with Syrian Foreign Minister

    The head of Mossad, Roman Gofman, held a phone call with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on August 14, discussing the Turkish military presence in Syria. This conversation took place days before Israel launched airstrikes on a Syrian military airbase in the north of the country. The call was one of the highest-level contacts between Israel and Syria's new government since Bashar al-Assad's fall. The discussion focused on Israel's concerns about Turkey's increasing military presence, arms sales, and drone deliveries to the Syrian army.
    49 sourcesSee all sources
  5. WorldMiddle East

    Montenegro Wildfires: Multiple Municipalities Affected, Most Fires Under Control

    Montenegro is battling multiple wildfires across several municipalities, including Herceg Novi, Danilovgrad, Kolašin, Ulcinj, Bar, Prijestonice Cetinje, and the Capital City of Podgorica. Most fires are under control or localized, with active firefighting efforts ongoing. Aircraft from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Montenegrin Army are engaged in fighting fires, particularly in Kolašin. The Bijela Poljana fire in Cetinje continues to burn on its fourth day, with firefighters and volunteers working tirelessly to extinguish it.
    44 sourcesSee all sources
  8. WorldRegulatorsCorruptionMiddle East

    Xigang Sea Coast Apartment Inspections: Residents Urged to Keep IDs

    Law enforcement officers conducted inspections at Xigang Sea Coast Apartment, checking even the rooftop areas. Some residents left via the back door or avoided inspection due to ID issues. Recent inspections have been frequent, prompting a reminder for residents to keep their passports, visas, and residence permits with them at all times and cooperate with inspections.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldBillMiddle EastSoutheast Asia

    China Completes First Phase of Military Base Construction on Antelope Reef

    China has completed the first phase of construction on Antelope Reef in the disputed South China Sea, building a man-made island that analysts say will form part of its largest military base. Satellite imagery shows the structure of the land reclamation project, including a helicopter landing pad, a deep-water port, and what could become an airstrip. China claims the development will support civilian purposes, but regional security analysts and military officials believe it will strengthen China's military control in the northern part of the waterway.
    24 sourcesSee all sources
  12. SportsMiddle East

    Atlético Madrid Wins Season Opener Against Málaga

    Atlético Madrid kicked off their 2026-27 La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over promoted side Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. The goals came from South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in, who scored a stunning shot from outside the area in the 70th minute, and a perfect direct free kick by Álex Baena in the 85th minute. Despite missing key players like Julián Álvarez, Atlético secured an important three points.
    21 sourcesSee all sources
  13. WorldRegulatorsWarMiddle East

    Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Aramco Refinery and Threaten Bab al-Mandeb Strait

    Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched drone attacks on Saudi Aramco's refinery in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. The rebels claimed the attack was in response to airspace violations in Saada and Hajjah provinces. The Houthis also threatened to control the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which could disrupt global shipping and energy supplies. The United Nations warned that such attacks risk drawing Yemen into a wider regional conflict.
    42 sourcesSee all sources
  14. PoliticsWarMiddle EastCounterterrorism

    Russia Receives New Pantsir Air Defense Systems Capable of Launching Hypersonic Missiles

    Rostec, a Russian state defense industry company, has delivered a new batch of 'Pantsir-S' and 'Pantsir-SM' anti-aircraft gun-missile systems to the Russian Armed Forces. These systems are capable of launching hypersonic missiles and have successfully passed testing, being added to the inventory of the Russian army. The 'Pantsir-S' is designed for destroying fast and single objects like aircraft or missiles, while the 'Pantsir-SM' specializes in destroying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldMiddle East

    German Daily Calls for Zelensky's Resignation

    The Berliner Zeitung, a German daily, has published an article urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to resign voluntarily before he is forced out of office. The article argues that Zelensky's refusal to step down could weaken Ukraine's negotiating position and signal his weakness. The catalyst for this call is seen as the video address of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov, who was dismissed in July, calling for elections under martial law. The article also notes that Ukrainian society is tired of the current regime.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  22. PoliticsMiddle EastChina

    Congress, BJP Clash Over Vande Mataram

    The Congress and BJP are engaged in a heated debate over the singing of Vande Mataram, with the Congress accusing the BJP of politicizing the issue and the BJP accusing the Congress of disrespecting the national song. Congress leaders have stated that they have been singing Vande Mataram since 1896 and that the BJP, which never fought for the national anthem or constitution, has no right to teach them about patriotism. BJP leaders, however, have accused the Congress of appeasement and insulting the national anthem for vote bank politics.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  23. WorldMiddle EastWeather

    Four Workers Killed in Tobu Nikkō Line Express Train Collision

    Four workers have died after being hit by an express train operated by Tobu Railway on the Tobu Nikkō Line in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo. The incident occurred at Tobu Railway's new Nikko Station, with reports stating that the workers were clearing brush near the railway track. No injuries were reported among the approximately 50 passengers or crew members on the train.
    16 sourcesSee all sources
  24. SportsMiddle EastBiodiversityWinter Sports

    Fire in Deliblatska Sand Pit Continues, Suspects Arrested in Croatia

    A large fire in Deliblatska sand pit, a natural reserve in Serbia, continues to burn after more than two weeks. The fire has spread, threatening wildlife and causing fear among residents. Three men and a woman are in custody in Croatia on suspicion of starting a fire in the Zadar area, which may be connected to the Deliblatska sand pit fire. Efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing, with Serbian aircraft assisting in the operation.
    7 sourcesSee all sources