Middle East news — August 27, 2026 - Page 5

156 publications

1. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 09:32 UTC

   

   Four to Eight Russians Missing in Nepal Floods

   At least four Russian citizens were in the flood zone in Nepal, with contact lost. The number of missing Russians later rose to eight. Search and rescue operations are underway, but weather conditions and communication disruptions are hindering progress. The Russian embassy is working to establish their whereabouts.

   53 sourcesSee all sources
2. PoliticsJudiciaryPeaceMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 09:32 UTC

   

   Zelensky Accused of Concealing Corruption

   Ukrainian activists, including Daria Kaleniuk, have accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of concealing corruption within his inner circle and appointing only loyal personnel. They argue that this behavior undermines state institutions and weakens Ukraine's ability to resist Russia. Kaleniuk also claims that Zelensky's actions suggest he is preparing for elections despite publicly denying it.

   15 sourcesSee all sources
3. CultureMiddle EastGenderMotorsports

   Aug 27, 2026, 09:32 UTC

   

   Spanish Footballer Esther González Deletes Family Photos After Saudi Arabia Contract

   Spanish footballer Esther González, a World Cup champion, has sparked controversy after deleting photos of her wife and child from social media following her signing with Saudi Arabian club Al Qadisiyah. The striker's decision has led to accusations of her disowning her sexual orientation and family to secure the lucrative contract.

   4 sourcesSee all sources
4. WorldMiddle EastEarth

   Aug 27, 2026, 09:08 UTC

   Syria Opens 2027 Hajj Registration for Elderly

   The Syrian Ministry of Awqaf has opened the first phase of registration for Hajj in 1448H (2027) for those born on or before 01/01/1959, using a lottery system within the allocated 35% quota. Registration is open until 10/09/2026 and can be done through the 'Shuoni' app, approved offices, or Syrian consulates. Successful applicants will pay for Hajj and travel expenses, with departure points from Damascus, Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Istanbul, Gaziantep, and Cairo. Fingerprinting is required for a Hajj visa in Saudi Arabia.

   5 sourcesSee all sources
5. SocietyMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 09:07 UTC

   

   Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria

   Nigerian troops have successfully rescued a total of 18 kidnap victims across different states in recent operations. In Zamfara, troops foiled an abduction attempt and rescued 14 victims. In Plateau, soldiers rescued two kidnap victims on two separate occasions. Additionally, troops in Kebbi state rescued one kidnap victim while attempting to scuttle a ransom exchange.

   5 sourcesSee all sources
6. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 08:45 UTC

   Umay Women's Mortgage Program Starts Accepting Applications

   The 'Umay' women's mortgage program will start accepting applications on August 31, offering loans up to 50 million tenge at an annual interest rate of 14.8%. The initial deposit ranges from 15% to 20% depending on the city, with a maximum average monthly net income per family of 1.25 million tenge. Applications can be submitted at 'Otbasys Bank' or online.

   5 sourcesSee all sources
7. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 08:43 UTC

   Air Raid Alerts Across Ukraine

   Multiple districts across Ukraine are experiencing air raid alerts and alarms. The affected areas include Boryspilsky, Brovarsky, Bucha, Vyshhorodsky, Obuhivsky, Fastivsky, and Bila Tserkva districts. Some alerts have been lifted in certain areas, but the situation remains dynamic with ongoing alerts in various districts.

   329 sourcesSee all sources
8. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 08:42 UTC

   

   Enemy Drones Downed in Kyiv Districts

   In the Holosiivskyi and Pechersky districts of Kyiv, enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were downed. In Holosiivskyi, a 'Geran-4' type drone caused a fire in a park, while in Pechersky, a UAV damaged a car and a sports complex building. No casualties were reported, and emergency services extinguished the fires.

   16 sourcesSee all sources
9. WorldMiddle East

   Aug 27, 2026, 08:42 UTC

   

   Poland's Weather: Sunny Days and Storms Ahead

   Poland is experiencing a mix of weather conditions, with high-pressure systems bringing sunshine and moderate temperatures. Some regions may face passing showers, local storms, and morning fog. High temperatures are expected to return temporarily on Friday. However, a powerful atmospheric front is forming over Western Europe, set to bring a sudden change in weather by the end of August.

   13 sourcesSee all sources
10. SportsMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 08:42 UTC

    

    PAOK's European Mission: Norway Trip for Conference League Playoff

    PAOK has traveled to Norway to face Brann in the playoff round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Greek football club aims to secure a victory and qualify for the League Phase after drawing 1-1 in the first leg.

    6 sourcesSee all sources
11. WorldMiddle EastWeatherClimate

    Aug 27, 2026, 08:19 UTC

    

    Wildfires in Algeria Kill 12, Injure Dozens

    Forest fires in Algeria have resulted in at least 12 deaths and over 50 injuries. The fires, which broke out due to severe heatwave, have affected several provinces, with the most affected being Jijel, Béjaïa, and Tizi Ouzou. Civil protection teams are battling the fires both on land and from the air.

    132 sourcesSee all sources
12. WorldEuropeMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 08:18 UTC

    

    Russian Foreign Ministry Summons Romanian Diplomat

    The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Liliana Burda, the acting chargé d'affaires of Romania, for a meeting on August 27. The reason for the summons was not explicitly stated in the provided texts. This diplomatic move comes amidst tensions between Moscow and Bucharest following recent drone incidents and the expulsion of a Russian diplomat by Romania.

    7 sourcesSee all sources
13. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Aug 27, 2026, 08:18 UTC

    

    Russian Foreign Ministry Summons Romanian Envoy

    The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Romanian ambassador or chargé d'affaires on August 27, with Romania suspecting it's in response to recent diplomatic measures taken due to drone incidents. The reasons for the summons were not officially disclosed.

    15 sourcesSee all sources
14. WorldEuropeMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 08:18 UTC

    

    West Nile Virus Outbreak in Greece and Spain

    The West Nile virus is spreading in Spain and Greece, with Greece reporting 232 cases and 19 deaths as of August 26. The virus can cause severe neuroinvasive disease in about one in 150 infected people. Experts predict that the current outbreak may exceed the record levels of 2018. In Greece, the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is developing a portable rapid diagnostic test using artificial intelligence models for predicting outbreaks.

    18 sourcesSee all sources
15. WorldMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:58 UTC

    

    Nepal Floods: 826 Unaccounted For

    Flooding in Nepal has left 826 people unaccounted for, including 579 tourists, according to reports from Nepalese authorities.

    3 sourcesSee all sources
16. PoliticsMiddle EastIsraelConflict

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:54 UTC

    Russian DRG Infiltrates Druzhkovka, Kills Ukrainian Drone Operators

    A Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) infiltrated several kilometers into Ukrainian positions in Druzhkovka, Donetsk region, eliminating multiple drone operators. The group reportedly used knives and withdrew unimpeded. Ukrainian sources confirmed the incident and released images and videos of the attack.

    21 sourcesSee all sources
17. WorldMiddle EastSoutheast AsiaWeather

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:54 UTC

    

    Seven Dead, Nine Missing After Fire at Russian Gas Chemical Complex

    A fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia's Far East has resulted in the deaths of seven people, including six Chinese nationals, with nine others still missing. Over 150 people were injured, and the fire has been extinguished.

    24 sourcesSee all sources
18. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastNorth America

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:33 UTC

    Drone Attacks Target Ozon Logistics Facilities in Orenburg and Ufa

    Overnight drone attacks targeted logistics facilities of Russian e-commerce company Ozon in Orenburg and Ufa. No casualties were reported, and while the Orenburg facility resumed operations, the Ufa complex sustained minor damage and is closed for inspection.

    12 sourcesSee all sources
19. WorldMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:31 UTC

    

    Kazakhstan Proposes VAT Exemption for QR Payments and Mobile Transfers

    In Kazakhstan, financial regulators have proposed exempting value-added tax (VAT) on services for maintaining QR payments, mobile transfers, and digital tenge calculations. Currently, such exemption applies only to payment card operations. The Ministry of National Economy discussed this proposal at a meeting, noting the growing popularity of digital payments and the need for uniform tax conditions. The final decision is pending further discussion with relevant agencies and an economic impact assessment.

    3 sourcesSee all sources
20. PoliticsMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:30 UTC

    

    ADD Commemorates Atatürk's Great Offensive and Victory

    The Atatürk Thought Association (ADD) released a statement commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Great Offensive (August 26, 1922) and the Victory at the General Headquarters Battle (August 30, 1922). The statement criticized Milli Eğitim Bakanı Yusuf Tekin's remarks about the Ottoman Empire, stating that the Battle of the General Headquarters was not being given enough importance and was being forgotten by certain groups. The statement emphasized that history is a science that makes judgments.

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21. PoliticsMiddle EastCentral AsiaConflict

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:29 UTC

    

    Ukraine Attacks Russian Oil Refineries

    Ukrainian drones have attacked multiple Russian oil refineries over the past few months, causing fires and disrupting operations. The most recent attacks occurred on August 25 and 26, targeting refineries in Afipsky, Kstovo, and other locations. These attacks are part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to hamper Russia's war efforts and reduce its financial revenues.

    161 sourcesSee all sources
22. WorldMiddle EastBudget

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:06 UTC

    

    Iranian President Describes Economic Crisis as 'Worst Conditions'

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the current situation in Iran as 'the worst conditions of an economic war.' He stated that Iran is under pressure and living in a state of war, attributing this to U.S. sanctions due to Iran's non-compliance with an agreement. Despite these challenges, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran continues to carry out development projects.

    15 sourcesSee all sources
23. WorldLawAsiaMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 07:06 UTC

    

    DR Congo Suspends University Activities in M23-Controlled Areas

    DR Congo authorities have ordered the suspension of activities at public universities in eastern areas controlled by the M23 armed group. The decision follows condemnation of 'illegal' appointments made by the M23 to university management committees. The suspension affects 11 universities and institutes in Goma and Bukavu, with final-year students allowed to complete their studies at recognized institutions. An M23 official announced plans to establish a system for students to continue studying.

    5 sourcesSee all sources
24. WorldMiddle East

    Aug 27, 2026, 06:43 UTC

    

    Teen Dies in Electric Bike Accident

    An 18-year-old woman, identified as Esra Turan, lost her life in a traffic accident while riding an electric bicycle in Samsun's Çarşamba district. She was hit by a car while crossing an intersection. Security camera footage of the incident has been released.

    2 sourcesSee all sources