International
US set to deliver 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of vast arms deal
The Trump administration is planning to deliver powerful 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal, weapons that prompted such concerns about the possibility of mass casualties in Gaza that the Biden administration paused their delivery two years ago.
Saudi Arabia seeks Israeli intelligence help against Houthis
Saudi Arabia has sought intelligence assistance from Israel to counter Yemen’s Houthi forces, according to Israeli and Middle Eastern media reports, with discussions reportedly facilitated by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Laos suspends work permits and labour visas for Bangladeshis
Laos has suspended the issuance of new work permits, labour-import approvals and labour project clearances for Bangladeshi nationals until the end of 2026, according to a directive from the country’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
US warns citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia
The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing risks including armed conflict, terrorism and potential attacks targeting US interests.
Saudi Arabia says drone downed before reaching Mecca airspace
Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched from Yemen toward Mecca before it could enter the holy city’s restricted airspace, escalating tensions with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
Three killed as helicopter crashes in Los Angeles suburb
Three people were killed after a helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of suburban Los Angeles on Tuesday evening (September 15), according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Global oil prices slip despite supply disruption risks grow
Global oil prices edged lower on Wednesday (September 16) after a surprise increase in US crude inventories, although concerns over potential supply disruptions following an attack on a key Saudi oil facility kept the market on alert.
US deploys weapons in space, China-Russia call to stop ‘war preparations’
China has called on Washington to stop ‘war preparations’ in space after the US Space Force confirmed the deployment of weapons in orbit for the first time.
Secret meeting of US, Israel and Arab military chiefs on Iran
The military chiefs of the United States, Israel and several Arab countries have met in a secret meeting in Germany amid the ongoing war with Iran and regional tensions. Citing two Israeli officials, US media outlet Axios has reported that the meeting was organized by US Central Command (Centcom) commander Admiral Brad Cooper. However, no formal announcement was made in advance by any country regarding the meeting.
Number of centenarians in Japan rises past 100,000 despite falling population
The number of centenarians in Japan has risen rapidly even though the trend of declining population has continued for a long time. For the first time in the country’s history the number of people aged 100 years or more has exceeded 100,000. At present the number of centenarians in Japan stands at 107,677.