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2026-08-12 — GEOPOLITICS
Conflict

Death toll hits 239 in Colombia quake

Rescue operations in Colombia have entered their final phase following a devastating earthquake that has killed at least 239 people. Thousands remain missing as teams work to clear debris in affected regions. The government has declared three days of national mourning.

11 days ago  ·  60 sourcesarabnews.comSearch for Colombia earthquake survivors enters critical windowscmp.comChina offers Colombia quake relief as new president's US pivot leaves Beijing waitingaljazeera.comThousands missing after Colombia quake as rescue continuesnytimes.comA Bright Spot in Colombia as Rescuers Free Quake Victimhindustantimes.comSearch for Colombia earthquake survivors enters critical windowfrance24.comColombia: Bogota's search for survivors continuesbbc.co.ukWoman pulled alive from rubble 36 hours after Colombia quaketheglobeandmail.comColombian rescuers race against the clock to find survivors after devastating earthquakecbsnews.comBaby rescued from rubble in Colombia after devastating earthquake kills at least 181npr.orgEarthquake response strains Colombia's new government and rescuerscnn.comColombia earthquake: A whisper from the rubble led to remarkable rescue of a babystraitstimes.com'Waiting for any sign of life': Colombia reels after earthquakeindependent.co.ukColombia's deadly earthquake tests new president as search for thousands of missing continuesaa.com.trDeath toll from massive earthquake in Colombia rises to 234elpais.comColombia wakes up under a state of emergency after earthquake kills more than 200abc.net.auColombia quake death toll reaches 224 with more than 2,700 missingrte.ieIn pictures: Devastation in Colombia after quakeirishtimes.comColombia rescue efforts continue as earthquake death toll passes 160aawsat.comColombia Scrambles to Find Survivors as Quake Kills 132jpost.comIsraeli in Bogota: Colombia earthquake 'reminded me of sirens and bombs'time.comWhat to Know About the Earthquake in Colombiadw.comColombia earthquake: Death toll rises to over 100smh.com.auDeath toll rises after earthquake in Cali, Colombia: Dozens killed, trappedtheguardian.com7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia, causing serious damage – latest newsnbcnews.comStrong earthquake in Colombia and Ecuador as officials report injuries, collapsed buildings+35 more outlets  ·  🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇨🇳 China
Geopolitics

Secret missile threat forces Trump plane switch

President Trump confirmed he was diverted to a decoy aircraft during a recent secret flight following reports of a credible missile threat. The maneuver was designed to ensure presidential safety as the aircraft navigated a high-risk airspace. Trump noted that traveling on the decoy plane presented unique risks, though officials maintained the operation was essential to prevent a potential security breach.

11 days ago  ·  40 sourcesnytimes.comFor Trump, Secret Flight Was a Stunning Ruse. For Putin, ‘a Regular Tuesday.’cbc.caWhite House had an 'ethical requirement' to tell reporters about plane swap, former CIA director sayscnn.comThe Trump White House flat-out lied about his secret plane switchcbsnews.comRubio, Bessent took decoy Air Force One, Hegseth flew on secret flight with Trumptime.comTrump Breaks Silence on Secret Plane Switch in Turkey Over Iranian Threatirishtimes.comSecretly evacuating Trump from Air Force One left dozens of others as potential targetsfrance24.comDonald Trump says he faced ‘greater risk’ on swapped planealjazeera.comTrump says his decoy plane faced ‘greater risk’ in secret flight changeindependent.co.uk'I was at greater risk': Trump defends secret Air Force One plane swap after hiding in catering cartaawsat.comTrump Says His Plane Faced 'Greater Risk' in Secret Flight Changeaa.com.trTrump says Secret Service ordered switch to different plane during Türkiye triphindustantimes.com'There are things flying…': Marco Rubio makes UAP remarks amid Trump's secret plane change revelationschannelnewsasia.comTrump's secret plane swap triggers questions and confusionrte.ieTrump confirms he secretly switched planes over threatsmh.com.auTrump Air Force One plane swap: US President defends hiding in catering truck as he claims both planes had 'equal safety'straitstimes.comTrump says Air Force One ruse was Secret Service, military callnbcnews.comWarnings of a possible shoulder-fired missile led to Trump's secret plane swap, official saysbbc.co.ukTrump's dramatic plane swap hints at personal stakes of Iran wararabnews.comTrump's secret plane swap triggers questions and confusionabc.net.auReports say Donald Trump switched plane after alleged threat+20 more outlets  ·  🇺🇸 United States
Conflict

Syria court sentences Assad to death

A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad and former official Atef Najib to death in absentia. The ruling follows judicial proceedings regarding atrocities and crimes against humanity committed during their tenure. The verdict marks a significant symbolic development in ongoing efforts to address the legacy of the Syrian regime.

Geopolitics

Trump asserts control over Hormuz strait

President Trump has claimed the U.S. maintains total control over the Strait of Hormuz to keep Iran in check. Iranian officials continue to refute these assertions while the standoff persists. The administration has suggested that Iran faces significant financial pressure, leading to ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding maritime transit in the region.

11 days ago  ·  42 sourcesjpost.comDonald Trump claims US will keep control over the Strait of Hormuzchannelnewsasia.comTrump says US will 'keep' Hormuz strait controlaawsat.comTrump Says US Will 'Keep' Hormuz Strait Controlaljazeera.comAs Strait of Hormuz transit drops, Trump again says US has ‘control’hindustantimes.com'Praise be to Allah': Trump claims 'total control' of Hormuz, says Iran has 'no money' leftindependent.co.ukIran-US war latest: Trump again claims 'total control' over Hormuz as US fires on ship for violating blockadeaa.com.trTrump claims US has 'total control' of Strait of Hormuz, says he does not trust Irancnbc.comCNBC Daily Open: Trump's Strait of Hormuz claim meets crude realitylatimes.comTrump eases off strikes on Iran, bets sanctions will reopen Strait of Hormuznbcnews.comLive updates: Trump shifts to pressuring Iran economy after signaling a deal to end war was closenytimes.comIran Insists Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Closed Until Trump Agrees to Demandscbsnews.comLive Updates: Trump says U.S. only "semi-negotiating" with Iran after Tehran sets demands to reopen Strait of Hormuzforbes.comIran Issues Trump Long List Of Demands Over Strait Of Hormuz Reopeningtheglobeandmail.comDeal to reopen Strait of Hormuz could come within next two days, Trump saysfrance24.comDonald Trump says oil execs have made too much money since blockade of Hormuz Straithaaretz.comU.S., Iran Trade Conflicting Claims Over Talks as Hormuz Tensions Persistthehindu.comIran media denies Trump claim that Tehran asked U.S. not to strike+25 more outlets  ·  🇮🇷 Iran, 🇺🇸 United States
Conflict

Oil spill from grounded tanker fouls Oman

A tanker grounded off the coast of Oman has leaked oil covering 400 square kilometers, with satellite imagery indicating the vessel is sinking further. The slick has reached mainland beaches, threatening the delicate ecosystem of the Hallaniyat Islands and surrounding bird and turtle habitats. The Omani Environment Authority is working to contain the spill as local agencies warn of an impending environmental disaster.

Diplomacy

Saudi, Turkiye, Pakistan ink defence pact

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have formalised a new joint defence agreement. Turkish officials have suggested that Egypt could potentially join the alliance in the future. The pact is seen as a significant shift in regional security architecture, potentially altering the traditional influence of external powers in the Middle East.

11 days ago  ·  36 sourcesjpost.comJeddah bets on Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan Pact to distance nation from waraa.com.trMecca Agreement vision extends beyond Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan: President Erdoganhindustantimes.comAssessing ramifications of new defence pact between Pak, Türkiye and Saudi: MEAaljazeera.comWhat are Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan’s joint military capabilities?theconversation.comSaudi defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan is a verdict on the reliability of US security guaranteesarabnews.comPakistan says pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is 'purely defensive'thehindu.comPakistan says new defense pact with Saudi and Turkiye is 'purely defensive' and open to othersscmp.comHow Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact acts as 'insurance' over US disengagementfrance24.comSaudi, Turkey, Pakistan: Deal for joint support amid regional waraawsat.comPalestinian Authority, Bahrain, Muslim World League Welcome Saudi-Pakistan-Türkiye Defense Pactirishtimes.comSaudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey sign Nato-style defence pactcbsnews.comSaudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign key defense agreement, officials saynbcnews.comSaudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan pledge mutual defense as Middle East turmoil escalatesnikkei.comSaudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan seal joint defense agreementnytimes.comSaudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Sign Joint Defense Pactbbc.co.ukSaudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign defence pacttheglobeandmail.comSaudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to sign joint defence deal amid Gulf turmoil+19 more outlets  ·  🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, Turkiye
Conflict

Houthi attack kills six at sea

Six people were killed following an attack on a cargo vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemeni government officials. The incident involved the Tanzania-flagged Tihamah, which sustained severe damage from Houthi strikes. This marks a deadly escalation in regional shipping attacks that have forced many commercial vessels to reroute away from the strategic waterway.

Diplomacy

Trump orders childhood vaccine policy overhaul

President Trump signed an executive order directing changes to childhood immunization protocols, including a mandate to split the combined MMR vaccine into separate doses. The World Health Organization and medical experts have criticized the move, warning that it lacks scientific evidence and may heighten public confusion. Critics argue the directive threatens established public health safeguards and could lead to increased disease vulnerability among children.

Conflict

Iran threat forced Trump plane ruse

Reports indicate Donald Trump utilized a decoy aircraft to depart Turkey following a NATO summit due to a specific security threat linked to Iran. The Secret Service and military officials orchestrated the switch to protect the former president during his transit out of the country. This elaborate maneuver marks an unusual public confirmation of high-level protective measures.

11 days ago  ·  52 sourcestheglobeandmail.comTrump downplays secret plane swap used to leave Turkey amid threats from Iranlatimes.comWhy the elaborate ruse Trump used in Turkey isn't like other secret presidential tripsaljazeera.comDid Trump flee an Iranian assassination plot on a catering truck?jpost.comDonald Trump confirms secret service snuck him off Air Force One due to Iran threatscmp.comTrump says Secret Service, military insisted on Air Force One decoy in Turkeynbcnews.comTrump says security threat spurred secret plane swap in Turkeybbc.co.ukTrump says he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible threatsmh.com.auHow Trump slipped away from Air Force One in Turkeyabc.net.auWhy was Trump sneaked out of Air Force One in a catering truck?independent.co.ukExpendables: Internet explodes over Trump letting journalists and staff serve as decoys for him aboard Air Force Onenytimes.com3 Presidents Before Trump Who Obscured Their Risky Travel Planscbc.caTrump was shuttled between planes in a catering truck during NATO trip as a ruse, major U.S. papers reportfrance24.comTrump boarded secret flight via catering truck due to Iran threat, US media reportsforbes.comTrump Secretly Swapped Planes While Flying Out Of Turkey Over Iran Threatthehindu.comTrump secretly flew out of Turkiye after NATO summit because of Iran threat: reportcbsnews.comTrump secretly switched to different plane in Turkey amid Iran missile threataawsat.comReport: Trump Left NATO Summit on Secret Flight Due to Iranian Threatarabnews.comTrump used elaborate ruse to fly out of Turkiye following summit because of Iran threat, report sayscnn.comTrump secretly transferred planes in Turkey amid security concerns, reports saychannelnewsasia.comTrump took secret flight out of Türkiye due to Iran threat: Reporthindustantimes.comDonald Trump 'smuggled off Air Force One in catering cart' in bid to foil Iran threat: Reportaa.com.trTrump left Türkiye on secret flight amid Iranian threat: Report+30 more outlets  ·  🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇷 Turkey
Conflict

Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis deepens

Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have resulted in approximately 80 ships linked to Hong Kong becoming stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. Industry analysts warn that the current threat to oil tankers is the most severe since the start of the conflict. In response to the instability, the U.S. Navy maintains a deployment of three warships at critical maritime choke points to secure transit.

11 days ago  ·  26 sourcescnbc.comStrait of Hormuz ship traffic near three-month low as U.S.-Iran deal in doubtarabnews.comHormuz shipping traffic falls to one-week low amid hostilitiesforbes.comHow The Global Business Community Is Responding To Tariffs & The Strait Of Hormuz Impasse: Expertjpost.comGulf states pay the price as Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis drives costsaljazeera.comIran’s grip on trade is a potent weapon, but it has an expiry datetheconversation.comShips stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?theglobeandmail.comProposed Hormuz deal giving Iran control of inbound traffic not feasible for shipping industry, sources sayscmp.comUp to 80 Hong Kong-linked ships stuck around Strait of Hormuz, trade group saysbbc.co.ukThreat to oil tankers in Middle East worst since start of Iran war, analysts sayindependent.co.ukTrump let ships sit in the Strait of Hormuz for months. They now might be 'superspreaders'aa.com.trUS sanctions 8 tankers, 10 entities for alleged role in Iranian oil tradeaawsat.comUS Issues New Iran-Related Sanctions Targeting Insurers, More Tankersindianexpress.comUS-Iran Conflict Explained: How the War Is Reshaping Gulf Security and Shippingcbsnews.comShipping insider says "nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. insisting it's openfrance24.comFears over Gulf shipping and water rise as US-Iran trade strikeshindustantimes.comHormuz traffic dwindles as Iran tensions disrupt global oil shipping+10 more outlets  ·  🇮🇷 Iran, 🇺🇸 United States
Conflict

Irish crime boss Kinahan extradited from Dubai

Daniel Kinahan, the suspected head of a major international organized crime syndicate, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to Ireland. He appeared in Dublin's Special Criminal Court to face charges related to directing a criminal organization. The extradition follows a long-running investigation involving international law enforcement agencies.

12 days ago  ·  29 sourcesirishtimes.comGarda Commissioner came 'face to face' with Daniel Kinahan – The Irish Timesbbc.co.ukWatch: What we know about suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahantheguardian.comFrom Dubai luxury to an Irish jail cell: Daniel Kinahan’s drastic lifestyle shiftfrance24.comSuspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan lands in Dublin after extradition from Dubaiarabnews.comAlleged cartel boss Kinahan charged in Ireland after extradition from Dubaialjazeera.comAlleged Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan in court after Dubai extraditionnytimes.comDaniel Kinahan Extradited From the U.A.E. to Irelandsmh.com.auDaniel Kinahan extradition: Alleged Irish crime boss returned from Dubai to face criminal organisation chargesscmp.comAlleged Irish crime boss charged in Dublin with directing criminal organisationhindustantimes.comSuspected Irish crime boss lands in Dublin after extradition from Dubai to face allegationslatimes.comSuspected Irish crime boss lands in Dublin after being extradited from Dubaicbsnews.comSuspected Irish crime boss with operation that reached U.S. extradited from Dubaithehindu.comSuspected cartel boss Kinahan lands in Ireland after extradition from Dubaicnn.comUAE extradites alleged Irish crime gang boss Daniel Kinahanabc.net.auAlleged Irish international crime boss Daniel Kinahan extradited from the UAE to Irelandindependent.co.ukIrish 'gangland boss' Daniel Kinahan extradited from Dubairte.ieKinahan being extradited as Government jet leaves UAE+12 more outlets  ·  🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Economy

Oil prices surge on Hormuz tensions

Global oil prices have climbed as persistent instability around the Strait of Hormuz creates supply anxiety. Traders are weighing the impact of potential trade disruptions against ongoing diplomatic communications between Washington and Tehran. The energy market remains sensitive to military posturing in the region, with benchmark prices reflecting a significant risk premium.