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WorldMar 24, 2026

American academic released by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, officials say

Afghanistan’s Taliban government says it has released American academic Dennis Coyle, who had been held in the country since January 2025. According to a statement issued Tuesday by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, Coyle was released in Kabul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. The ministry said the decision followed an appeal from Coyle’s family and came after the country’s Supreme Court determined that his time in custody was sufficient. Afghan authorities had previously detained Coyle on allegations of violating local laws, but did not publicly spe
WorldMar 24, 2026

Iran launches new missile strikes on Israel as cross-border attacks continue into day 25

Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting Israel from Monday night into Tuesday, marking the 25th day of ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States. According to statements attributed to Israeli authorities, Iran carried out seven missile attacks during that period. Israeli officials did not immediately release independent verification of damage or casualties from the latest strikes. In response, Israel continued its counter-offensive operations. The Israeli Air Force said it struck more than 50 Iranian-linked targets overnight, including missile launch sites an
modi-trump-discuss-middle-east-tensions-stress-importance-of-hormuz-shipping-route
WorldMar 24, 2026

Modi, Trump discuss Middle East tensions, stress importance of Hormuz shipping route

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the evolving security situation in the Middle East, according to a statement shared by the U.S. envoy in India. Sergio Gor said in a social media post that both leaders focused on regional stability and emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Ongoing tensions involving Iran have raised concerns about potential disruptions to the ro
WorldMar 20, 2026

Iran warns U.K. over potential use of military bases in U.S. operations

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned United Kingdom that it could be considered a party to any military action against Iran if it allows the United States to use British bases for such operations. According to statements attributed to Araghchi, he said any cooperation enabling U.S. strikes would be viewed by Tehran as direct involvement. He also accused the United States and Israel of violating international laws and principles in carrying out attacks against Iran. The claims have not been independently verified. Araghchi described the United Kingdom and some European countries
WorldMar 20, 2026

Premium petrol, industrial diesel prices rise in Delhi amid Middle East tensions

Premium petrol and bulk diesel prices have increased in New Delhi, with officials linking the change to rising global oil and gas costs amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. According to information from India’s Petroleum Ministry, the price of premium petrol rose by ₹2 per litre on Friday. The revised rate brings premium petrol in the capital to ₹101.89 per litre, up from ₹99.89. The price of diesel sold in bulk to industrial users has also seen a sharp increase of about ₹22 per litre. Industrial diesel is now priced at ₹109.59 per litre in Delhi, reflecting higher input costs
pentagon-submits-request-for-additional-200-billion-tied-to-iran-conflict-official-says
WorldMar 19, 2026

Pentagon submits request for additional $200 billion tied to Iran conflict, official says

The U.S. Department of Defense has submitted a request to the White House seeking an additional $200 billion in funding tied to the ongoing Iran conflict, according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations, said the request has not yet been formally transmitted to Congress for consideration. It remains unclear whether the White House will advance the proposal. According to the official, the funding request would come on top of supplemental defence spending approved last year as part
WorldMar 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warns Iran after reported drone strike on Yanbu oil facility

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has issued a warning to Iran following reports of a drone strike targeting a major oil refining facility in Yanbu amid escalating regional tensions. According to regional media reports, the Samref oil refinery in Yanbu, a key Red Sea export hub, was hit in an aerial attack during ongoing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The extent of damage and any disruptions to production have not been independently confirmed. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom has the capability to respond, cautioning Iran against test
WorldMar 18, 2026

Israel claims senior Iranian intelligence officials killed in overnight strikes

Israeli authorities say a series of overnight airstrikes on Iran targeted senior intelligence leadership and key energy infrastructure, as hostilities continue between Israel and Iran. According to a statement from Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, the strikes killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, along with several senior officials from the ministry. The claim has not been independently verified, and Iranian authorities have not confirmed any casualties as of publication time. Israeli officials also said their aircraft struck gas infrastructure in southern Iran. The re
WorldMar 16, 2026

Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed nearly 900 people since March 2

Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli air and ground attacks since March 2 has risen to nearly 900 as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least 886 people have been killed and 2,141 others injured during Israeli strikes across parts of Lebanon over the past two weeks. The ministry said the attacks have also affected the country’s health-care system. Medical teams responding to emergencies were among those hit during the strikes. At least 38 health workers have been killed and another 69 injured w

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CanadaApr 23, 2026

Carney rejects U.S. pressure ahead of potential CUSMA trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will not follow U.S. direction as it prepares for possible negotiations on the future of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, pushing back on recent comments from American officials about trade irritants. Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, Carney said tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian steel, aluminum and forest products go beyond minor disputes and are inconsistent with the existing trade deal. He did not outline specific retaliatory measures but indicated the federal government views the tariffs as a significant breach. Car
CanadaApr 23, 2026

Immigration minister criticized after policy details shared in influencer interview

Canada’s immigration minister is facing criticism from legal professionals after discussing details of a proposed immigration program during a social media interview before any formal government announcement. Minister Lena Metlege Diab, in an interview with influencer Max Medic, said the federal government is preparing a new pathway to permanent residency for thousands of temporary residents. According to the interview, the proposed program would focus on individuals living outside major metropolitan areas. The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association said in a statement it has sent a letter
one-taken-to-hospital-after-house-fire-in-surreys-newton-area
BCApr 23, 2026

One taken to hospital after house fire in Surrey’s Newton area

A person was taken to hospital after a house fire in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood on Wednesday, according to police. Surrey police said the individual experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke and was transported to hospital for treatment. No update on the person’s condition was immediately available. According to a police statement, officers temporarily closed a section near 72 Avenue and 140 Street following the incident as a safety precaution. The roads were reopened to traffic at 3:25 p.m. after the fire was brought under control. Police said there are no indications of suspicio
wildfire-incidents-rise-across-british-columbia-majority-linked-to-human-activity
BCApr 23, 2026

Wildfire incidents rise across British Columbia, majority linked to human activity

Wildfire activity is increasing across British Columbia, with 15 active fires currently burning in multiple regions, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said two of the fires are classified as out of control, including one in the Cariboo Fire Centre and another in the Prince George Fire Centre. Four of the active fires were reported on Wednesday. Since April 1, a total of 57 wildfires have been recorded across the province. The BC Wildfire Service says 93 per cent of these fires are believed to have been caused by human activity. Active fires are spread across several regions, inc
langley-rcmp-investigating-serious-crash-one-person-in-critical-condition
BCApr 22, 2026

Langley RCMP investigating serious crash; one person in critical condition

Langley RCMP say one person remains in critical, life-threatening condition following a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 264 Street and 24 Avenue on the morning of April 22. According to a Langley RCMP news release, officers were called to the scene at about 8:13 a.m., alongside the Township of Langley Fire Department and the British Columbia Ambulance Service. First responders provided emergency care before transporting the injured individual to hospital. Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service has been deployed to assi