Latest News
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Bessent: US targets digital assets and airlines as Iran-related targets
Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury secretary, said on Wednesday that digital assets and the maritime industry as well as airlines could be targets of the Trump administration's plan to squeeze Iran’s economy. Bessent warned that "everyone" should not support Tehran when asked about Russian support of Iran during a Fox News interview following the G20 gathering in North Carolina. "My message to everyone is to'stay away. We 'all want this war to end. The fastest way to make it end is to have no one?support this regime", he said to "Fox & Friends", one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin threw their?support - behind Iran. He added, "We have very full-blown talks with anyone who supports the regime." Bessent stated on?Tuesday that the administration may also target airline leasing companies, and that more Iran bank sanctions could be coming this week.
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Heat wave puts US electricity grids under stress
On Wednesday, the?risk of a power outage? is expected to increase across a large swath in the United States as the intense heat will put the electricity supply serving millions of homes from the Midwest up through the Mid-Atlantic. The U.S. Department of Energy has warned of increased blackout risks on?the PJM Interconnection. This is the largest U.S. electrical grid that serves 67,000,000 people across a?territorium extending from Washington D.C. up to Chicago. Last night, DOE Secretary Chris Wright gave PJM the authority to 'direct backup generation resources as a last-resort before declaring a Level 3 Energy Emergency Alert, which could be one of the final steps before ordering rotating blackouts. The DOE said the move was part of a plan to "stabilize the Mid-Atlantic Grid and reduce the risk of blackouts." Wright stated in a press release that "maintaining reliable, affordable and secure power during hot weather for hard-working American families and business is non-negotiable." The temperatures in Chicago, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. are expected to reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degree Celsius) at the peak of electricity demand. PJM issued an alert on "maximum generator emergency" early Wednesday, asking generators to report on how quickly they could restore units to service. Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a regional grid operator for 15 U.S. States in the Midwest, South and Midwest, has predicted that peak demand will be near a record on Wednesday, at about 121 gigawatts. MISO's record high is 127.1 GW. MISO warned of tight conditions, and increased its reserve requirement to protect against unexpected power plant failures and transmission line congestion. Howell-Oregon?Cooperative in rural Missouri's Ozark region advised its customers to unplug chargers and other appliances that were not being used due to the extreme heat. Customers were also asked to raise their thermostats in order to reduce the use of air conditioning.
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Germany investigates new sabotage incidents as the EU retaliates against Russia following a drone attack
European Union members demanded new sanctions against Russia on Wednesday after an attempted drone strike at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Germany. The EU's chief of foreign policy said that the attack bore hallmarks state-sponsored terrorism. Last month, airport workers discovered a drone with explosives and detonator. The airport is an important NATO logistics and civilian freight hub in eastern Germany. It also serves as a base for large Ukrainian Antonov An-124 freight planes. Germany blamed Moscow for this attack and described it as part hybrid warfare designed to intimidate countries who have rallied around Ukraine following the full-scale invasion of 2022. Russia has denied involvement and vowed to take action against what its spokesperson for the foreign ministry called "anti Russian actions". Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief of foreign policy, said that "the?Leipzig terrorist attacks" had all the hallmarks and characteristics of state-sponsored terror during a meeting with EU officials in Ireland. "We will react with resolve." Kallas stated that the EU was working to implement sanctions against Russia's military complex. The French foreign minister also called for action in relation to Russia's "shadow fleet", a group of ships accused by Russia of circumventing sanctions on energy. The EU and several member states summoned Russian Embassy officials. Germany announced that it would close the Russian consulate general at Bonn, and end its agreement with the Russian House Cultural Centre in Berlin. It is obvious that Russia doesn't see the political costs of its hybrid actions against us. For them, it's a cheap way to create tensions in society", said Lithuanian foreign minister Kestutis Budrys. Our goal is to demonstrate that these actions will not intimidate us or prevent us from continuing our support for Ukraine and keeping pressure on Russia. GERMANY PROBES SABOTSAGE CASES Germany had two suspected sabotage incidents within 24 hours as the EU prepared their response. First, the authorities investigated vandalism that occurred at a substation located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany. This caused lignite units totaling 4,200 Megawatts (MW). On Tuesday, devices containing conductive materials damaged power lines at one of Brandenburg's most important high-voltage nodes. The motive for the attack was not immediately known, but NRW's Interior Minister said that it could be foreign forces or left-wing radicals. Brandenburg's Interior Minister, Jan Redmann said there were parallels between the two attacks, but that investigations are still "at an early stage". The incidents occur at a sensitive time in politics, as the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party that calls for closer relations with Moscow, currently leads polls ahead of a state elections this weekend. Alexander?Throm is an expert in interior policy from Germany's ruling conservatives. The goal is to disturb the public. This is not just a Russian goal, but one that other extremists, like those on the left, also share.
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Chile copper thieves are undermining security measures on mine train
In a memo, Antofagasta Plc, a miner in Chile, warned that gangs are raiding copper trains across the remote Atacama Desert, becoming more bold and tactically sophisticated. They have breached anti-theft measures which had been effective for years. In a meeting this year, the copper miner and railroad operator raised alarms. Chilean prosecutors claim that some 'thieves' jump from trucks to rail cars, crossing isolated desert stretches. They then throw 80-kilogram copper slabs to waiting gangs and escape into the desert. Other people use hook lines in order to remove entire stacks from slow-moving trains. Copper stolen from illegal scrap yards is sold, melted to remove the identifying marks and sent abroad, disguised as scrap cargo, to destinations such as China. The memo was prepared by Antofagasta in May as a follow-up meeting to the March meeting with former Security minister Maria Trinidad Steinert. Copper is essential for manufacturing and the fast-growing markets of electric vehicles and renewable energies. The scale of robberies is still modest when compared with the monthly exports of one of the largest copper producers in the world, which were $5.37 billion last July. But any increase in copper theft remains a serious problem for Chile, which relies heavily on the export of this red metal. It supplies about a quarter the world's supply of copper. Antofagasta’s subsidiary Ferrocarril de Antofagasta Bolivia (FCAB), operates about 700 km (435 mi) of rail used to transport copper from Antofagasta’s own mines and operations run by competitors?to port. The thefts take place in isolated parts of northern Chile where trains transport copper cathodes over miles of desert terrain, with little nearby infrastructure or communication coverage. Antofagasta has not responded to our request for further information. PICKING UP THE PACE The rate of robberies is increasing. Antofagasta recorded 86 train heists in 2018, more than twice the 39 reported by local media in 2022. In the first four month of 2026, 34 robberies had been reported, with 169 metric tonnes of stolen goods, or 71% of total 2025. The train that carries copper from the state-owned Codelco mine in Chuquicamata is a frequent target. Antofagasta reported that it was targeted dozens of time last year. Thieves made off with $2.4million worth of red metal. Since then, the rail operator has budgeted almost the same amount for the installation of an anti-theft enclosure and the assignment of a security team to the line. Antofagasta stated that the "most effective control" the company had against desert heists was the cages bolted to train cars. The firm claims that recent attacks have become brazener. Antofagasta reported that in early 2026 a train equipped with a cage containing ore from Freeport McMoRan’s El Abra Mine was struck twice within two weeks. The train operator stated that "this shows a higher level in terms of adaptability, coordination, sophistication, and risk appetite from the gangs." Typically, copper cargo is insured for transit to limit financial losses. The company also said that its employees are in danger. One train was attacked by criminals who stole copper in the past. COPPER SMUGGLING CRACKDOWN Security analysts claim that gangs are now quasi-paramilitary organizations, equipped with guns and bulletproof vests. Authorities dismantled in April a major copper-smuggling network that had allegedly moved $917 million of the red metal from 2020 to 2025. This was the first major bust for President Jose Antonio Kast who took office in March and promised to crackdown on crime. Andres Jouannet, the then Deputy Minister of Public Safety, promised to make rapid progress in combating copper theft. He also pledged to create working groups to address the problem. Early June, he was replaced. The ministry has not responded to any requests for comments on the working group or the actions taken after the meeting between the Antofagasta office and the Ministry. Codelco, and Freeport McMoRan were both targets of the thefts. Both companies did not respond to inquiries for comment. Legislators are pledging to address the problem. Even as the number of robberies has increased, a bill to make copper theft an offense specific in the lower chamber since it passed the Senate in 2020 is still stuck. The House Mining Committee did not provide any comment on the actions of several members. Kast has "pushed for stronger powers to fight crime. These proposals have been met with resistance by Congress. But he also made security improvements an economic necessity, as mining companies are currently being forced to pay for increasing protection costs. Kast stated last week that mining companies should not have to dig trenches in order to prevent the theft of equipment, or send armed guards into mines to remove product. "That's what we want." Kast stated that "organized crime has changed." These are transnational organisations that need a different legal frame work. "We need to agree what this framework should be."
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Two sailors were killed by Bahri, a Saudi shipping company, in an incident on the Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia's national shipping firm, Bahri?said Wednesday that two Filipino seafarers were killed in a?security?incident on its vessel?SIDR" on August 31, as it was transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. The company has not disclosed any further information. The UKMTO maritime security agency reported that on?August 31 a tanker reported being hit by three unknown projectiles as it was leaving the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has threatened to shut down any tankers that attempt to pass through the narrow waterway without authorisation. In its statement, the company said that "Bahri is in constant contact with the vessel. It coordinates closely with relevant authorities and industry stakeholders while closely monitoring developments." Another Bahri vessel had been?hit by the strait a month before. At the time, the Wedyan supertanker was?sailing near Oman's coastline. After the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, two other Bahri ships,?AMZAN? and MASA?, were also?attacked? in the Red Sea.
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Minister Zelenskiy says that despite Zelenskiy’s threats, Russia will not allow Ukraine seriously to disrupt civil aviation
The Russian Transport Minister said that despite the threat of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia would not allow Ukraine to disrupt civil aviation operations. Zelenskiy, a Russian aviation expert, warned Tuesday airlines and insurance firms that the presence Ukrainian drones made Russian airspace dangerous and closed it effectively. "Of Course, We are Preparing for This?and Taking into Account All These Threats. We constantly improve?flight security and airport requirements.?And we have a?solution for all of it. "We have solutions to all of the terrorist threats," Andrei Nikitin was quoted as saying by Interfax, Russia's news agency. "We work closely with the?Ministry of Defence, and the Russian National Guard." "I believe we won't allow any disruption to civil aviation." On Tuesday, President Vladimir 'Putin stated that Zelenskiy’s warning sounded as if Ukraine intended to commit "state terror." He said that if this happened, Moscow would find a way to react.
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Hong Kong court refuses to allow Evergrande founder's funds to be used for legal fees
Hong Kong High Court rejected a?request?from an attorney for the founder Evergrande, a Chinese?property?company that is embroiled in a legal saga. The lawyer wanted to use liquidators' funds to?pay HK$1.2m ($153.039) of legal s costs. The liquidators have been fighting to recover $6 billion in dividends, remuneration and bonuses paid to Hui Ka Yan and other former executives. Evergrande, once China's largest property developer, defaulted on the majority of its $300 billion liabilities. The company is now a symbol of the property crisis in China, which has been a drag for years on the second largest economy. Hui, once Asia's wealthiest man, was sentenced last week to life imprisonment by a Chinese court, which confiscated all of his personal belongings. Hui’s?lawyer said to the Hong Kong 'court on Wednesday, that Hui’s legal team didn't have access the the complete Chinese judgment. She also added that she did know how confiscation would affect the Hong Kong proceeding. Hui's lawyer said that Hui was prohibited by the authorities from talking about his assets. Offshore creditors were worried that after the?sentence was passed in China, the confiscation his personal assets could affect their debt recovery as it could complicate liquidation. But Xinpeng Xhu, a Shanghai lawyer at the?Rongying Law Firm said he thought that impact would be limited. In liquidations, he said that confiscations often include assets offshore but that creditors' rights would be protected. Evergrande was ordered to liquidate by the Hong Kong High Court in 2024. Edward Middleton & Tiffany Wong from Alvarez & Marsal were appointed as liquidators. Separately the liquidators have also sued PwC for 57 billion Yuan ($8.5 billion), accusing them of negligence in their auditing work.
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Two injured after blast at southern German train station
German police reported that an unknown object exploded in the early morning hours of Wednesday near a train station?in the southern city of Augsburg. Two passersby, aged 17 and 18 years old, suffered minor injuries. Bavaria State Police said that the explosion occurred in a passageway of a building. They added that two Ukrainians were injured. Police?added hours later that the city's main train station had been?closed following an additional suspicious item being found. Police announced on X that "train services have been suspended." Bild, the news outlet in Germany, reported that the hand grenade was detonated early in the morning in front of an jewelry store. Uncertainty remained about the details of the explosive device, according to a police spokesperson. Augsburg is an important regional transport hub, located about 55 km (35 miles) north of Munich.
How are the search and rescue operations in Nepal progressing a week following a deadly flash flood?
Authorities in Nepal are working to find survivors of the flash flood that devastated the Himalayan nation, and the neighbouring Tibet. The disaster killed over 1,000 people, while thousands remain missing.
Here's a look at what the situation is like on the ground a week after the tragedy.
What happened?
Experts suspect that a glacier's collapse was the cause of the?unprecedented avalanche of debris, ice and rock which swept down the mountains in the early morning hours of the 26th of August.
In Nepal, 1,114 people are dead and 2,916 people missing. China has 16 deaths with 546 still missing.
How was the infrastructure affected?
According to the United Nations Development Programme, the disaster produced 2.2 million tonnes of debris including building parts, rocks, and sediment.
The floods have damaged eight power plants that are already in operation and four others under construction. Officials have said that only "some" can be repaired.
Authorities estimate that 20 suspension bridges can be repaired. The remaining suspension bridges will have to be rebuilt.
The floods also washed out 31 motorable bridges.
According to the Finance Minister, Nepal could need between $4 and $5 billion dollars to rebuild following the flood.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESS OF THE SEARCH EFFORTS?
Rescuers deployed heavy machinery such as helicopters and excavators in order to reach more than?11,000 victims.
Over 9,200 troops are deployed to the area in order to assist with rescue operations, body management, and clearing blocked roads.
At the moment, however, the focus is on the tunnels and powerhouses of destroyed hydroelectric plants. These have rooms and spaces for people to live.
Authorities are battling collapsed debris and flooding water to reach the 639 people believed trapped in the ruins. This includes dozens of people believed to be inside the tunnels. Around 279 people have been rescued.
OTHER COUNTRIES HELPING?
Nepal's Foreign Minister said last week that the country needs foreign assistance in areas of specialised expertise and technology.
Nepal has received aid and relief worth more than $42 billion from countries.
India and China both have already sent tunnel experts, specialised forensic teams and South Korea is sending a 44-member team of emergency relief workers.
Beijing says it will send additional DNA experts and supplies.
Singapore also sent six members of a 'victim identifcation team'. Thirteen more are expected to arrive on Wednesday, along with DNA testing equipment.
WHAT IS the situation in Tibet?
After China rebuilt the only road leading to the border crossing, washed out by the flood, heavy machinery and other equipment arrived at the worst-affected Gyirong Border Crossing into Nepal on Wednesday.
Earlier, equipment and supplies were airdropped on the frontline rescuers who had trekked up the mountain to reach the scene.
CCTV, the state broadcaster, showed footage of rescue teams with excavators and life detection devices. It also said that search dogs and rescue crews were deployed.
(source: Reuters)