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Middle East news — August 21, 2026 - Page 5

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 21, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 5 of 6.

130 publications

  1. PoliticsMiddle EastPublic Health

    Ukraine Strikes Power Facilities in Crimea, Causing Widespread Outages

    Ukrainian forces struck power supply facilities in Crimea overnight, leaving large areas without electricity. The attacks targeted the southern energy region, with some populated areas still without power. Power restrictions are in effect throughout the republic, and outages are occurring operatively depending on the situation in the energy regions. Emergency repair work is underway.
    38 sourcesSee all sources
  2. PoliticsLocal GovWarMiddle East

    Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukrainian Businesses and Infrastructure

    Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian businesses and infrastructure, with intensified rocket strikes on retailers, logistics companies, and ships in the Black Sea, effectively blocking exports from Ukrainian seaports. The Economist reports that expected losses from the blockade of ports are already estimated at 0.6% of Ukraine's GDP by the end of the year. In Kyiv, a Russian strike on August 20 resulted in 12 deaths and over 30 injuries, with military factories and warehouses identified as targets. The war has entered its 1639th day, and its impact on Ukrainian society is profound, with citizens expressing exhaustion, anger, and a longing for peace.
    16 sourcesSee all sources
  3. PoliticsRegulatorsCorruptionMiddle East

    Islamabad Busts Cyber Fraud Den, Arrests 273 Foreign Suspects

    Pakistani authorities raided a suspected cyber fraud den in Islamabad, arresting 273 foreign nationals. The group, posing as an IT company called 'Aofu Group', was involved in network impersonation fraud and sextortion. Nationalities of the detainees included 71 Indonesian, 69 Vietnamese, 47 Thai, 42 Chinese, 14 Myanmarese, 1 Korean, and 1 Vanuatu national. Most suspects entered on tourist visas. Devices seized will undergo forensic examination. Suspects are being held in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with visas to be canceled and deportation procedures initiated for those found guilty.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  5. WorldEuropeMiddle East

    Drone Debris Found Near Moldovan-Ukrainian Border After Russian Attacks

    Following Russian attacks on the port of Reni in Ukraine, drone debris was found near the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. Two incidents were reported in Giurgiulești: an explosion on Ukrainian territory caused a vegetation fire that spread to around 70-100 m² in Moldova, and later, approximately 1 km from the border, police discovered a crater with remains of a drone. The drone was identified as a Geran type. Authorities advise citizens not to approach suspicious objects and to call 112 immediately.
    26 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldMiddle EastIsrael

    Colombia and Israel Eliminate Visa Requirement

    Colombia and Israel have mutually eliminated the visa requirement starting September 1, 2026. This decision, announced by both countries' foreign ministers, allows citizens of each country to enter the other without a prior visa. The move is part of a broader process of diplomatic and economic normalization between Bogotá and Jerusalem, which includes the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. The exemption covers various types of trips, such as tourism, business, and academic exchanges.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  8. PoliticsRegulatorsCorruptionMiddle EastBudget

    Malaysia: Minister Demands Explanation Over Mass SIM Card Registrations

    Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has summoned CEOs of telecommunications companies to explain allegations of mass registrations of SIM cards under single identities. The ministry suspects these numbers could be misused for online fraud. The issue was raised at the launch of the 2026 National Anti-Scam Awareness Campaign. The minister has not named any specific companies or revealed the exact number of registered SIM cards.
    8 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaWeather

    Russia Attacks Kyiv Again, Killing Dozens and Injuring Many

    Russia launched a wave of rocket and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and surrounding regions overnight on August 19-20, killing at least 17 people and injuring 42. Residential buildings, warehouses, a children's hospital, and an educational institution were damaged. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning. The attack also spread to Romania, where a Russian drone crashed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and demanded that Russia account for its actions.
    21 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldMiddle East

    Barcelona Pursues Lautaro Martinez After Alvarez Deal Fails

    Barcelona has turned its attention to signing Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan following the collapse of their pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Catalan club is now focused on securing the Argentine striker as their top priority, despite the complexity of the deal and Inter's reluctance to sell. Barcelona is working to finalize the deal, with Martinez reportedly open to a move to Camp Nou.
    85 sourcesSee all sources
  15. SocietyIndictmentMiddle EastBiodiversityFraud

    Police Bust Online Fraud and Drug Cases, Arrest 35 People in Xiangtan and Xiamen

    Western and Xiamen police conducted surprise administrative inspections at 'Haishan Apartment' and 'Haichang Apartment', respectively, busting cases involving online fraud and drug-related crimes. A total of 35 suspects were arrested in each case, including 12 suspects involved in online fraud (10 Vietnamese, 2 Chinese), 2 drug suspects (1 Chinese male, 1 Vietnamese female), and 21 illegal residents without valid passports (18 Chinese, 3 Vietnamese). Police seized computers, mobile phones, weapons, drugs, and other tools used in the crimes. All suspects and evidence were handed over to the respective public security bureaus for further investigation and trial.
    14 sourcesSee all sources
  16. SportsMiddle EastAmerican FootballWinter Sports

    Four Killed in Post-Soccer Match Shooting in Mexico

    Four young men were killed by gunshots following an amateur soccer match in Mexico. The incident occurred in the state of Guanajuato, with the victims being chased and shot at two different locations. The motive remains unknown, but drug cartel activity is prevalent in the area. Three others were injured. This is the second such incident in Guanajuato this year.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldJudiciaryRegulatorsMiddle East

    Germany Launches Hotline for Exiles Facing Threats from Home Countries

    The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has opened a hotline for people in Germany who are exiles from Russia, China, Iran, and other authoritarian countries. These individuals, including dissidents, journalists, and LGBTQ community members, may face intimidation, surveillance, or other threats from representatives of repressive regimes. The hotline, advertised in a 16-page brochure, encourages affected individuals to share information to help BfV analyze repressive strategies and potentially prevent specific threats. This initiative comes amid Berlin's efforts to expand intelligence agencies' powers to counter foreign interference and hybrid threats.
    20 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaEuropean Union

    China Urges South Korea to Maintain Neutrality Amid US-China Tensions

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Seoul, urging South Korea not to take sides between China and the US. He called for 'genuine strategic autonomy', avoiding bloc confrontation, and maintaining relations with both countries without treating them as contradictory. Wang also emphasized the resumption of North-South Korea dialogue and deeper China-South Korea economic cooperation.
    12 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldMiddle East

    Bishkek Completes Half of Planned Road Works; Eight Streets Opened

    Bishkek city administration has completed 50% of the planned road construction for this year, totaling 136 roads and sidewalks. Eight streets have been opened after reconstruction, including Krasnodar Street (510 meters), Luchishin Street (600 meters), Ak-Shyrakum Street (600 meters), Semetei Street (1,200 meters), Tokombayev Street (3,200 meters), Mirakhimov Street in the 5th microdistrict (350 meters), Skryabin Street (600 meters), and Osmonkul Street (450 meters). All opened streets have arranged sidewalks and tidied adjacent territories.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldMiddle East

    Economic Crisis in La Guaira's Productive Sector After Earthquakes

    The earthquakes have caused significant damage to La Guaira's productive sector, with 78.3% of businesses inoperable and 80% reporting a drop in income. The crisis has led to labor market instability, with 85.4% of companies unable to maintain their staff and 31.7% considering layoffs. The situation is so severe that the productive sector is on the verge of economic collapse.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldBillRegulatorsMiddle EastChina

    Ukrainian Rocket Fuel Plant in Denmark Delayed, Cost Triples

    The construction of a Ukrainian rocket fuel plant in Denmark, led by Fire Point, has been delayed until the end of 2027. Initially planned to be completed by the end of 2026, the project's cost has more than tripled from €50 million to over €150 million. The delay is due to the need to build a new facility after the previously acquired building was deemed unsuitable for producing solid rocket fuel. Danish authorities have removed over 20 legislative barriers to facilitate the project.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  23. WorldMiddle East

    Egypt Vows to Block New Dams on Nile River

    Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reiterated the country's stance that it will not allow the construction of additional dams on the Nile River. Abdelatty stressed Egypt's legitimate right to defend its interests and water security, stating that Cairo will not accept any agreement regarding the Nile River unless it is legally binding. This comes amid ongoing disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its filling and operating rules.
    10 sourcesSee all sources