Conflict

Three hundred North Korean soldiers have died and approximately 2,700 have been wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to South Korean legislator Lee Seong-kweun, who cited a briefing from Seoul's National Intelligence Service (NIS). The North Korean military presence has expanded to Russia's Kursk region, with total casualties exceeding 3,000. The NIS reports that North Korean forces demonstrate limited understanding of modern warfare tactics, contributing to their high casualty rate. The disclosure follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's announcement that Ukrainian forces captured two injured North Korean soldiers. Zelenskyy has proposed exchanging these soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. The Kremlin has declined to comment on the captures, stating they cannot verify the information while emphasizing their commitment to prisoner exchanges for Russian soldiers. South Korean officials claim North Korea has deployed over 10,000 soldiers […]

An Austrian woman has become the first European citizen kidnapped in Niger since the military seized power in 2023. The incident occurred in Agadez, a city located 900km from the capital Niamey. Austrian authorities confirmed Sunday that their embassy in Algeria, which oversees Niger, has been notified about the kidnapping and is coordinating with local officials. According to a Nigerien security source speaking to Reuters, unidentified assailants driving a four-wheel vehicle abducted the woman from the Fada district of Agadez, near the Sahara Desert. Local media outlet Air-Info Agadez identified the victim as Eva Gretzmacher, a 73-year-old who has resided in Agadez for 28 years. Reports indicate armed kidnappers arrived at her home Saturday evening, forcing her security guard to open the door at gunpoint before taking her away in a vehicle. Gretzmacher is known locally for her humanitarian work. […]