Politics

The leader of al-Qaeda's Yemen branch has issued threats against US President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, citing American support for Israel's military operations in Gaza. Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki delivered the message in a 30-minute video distributed online Saturday by supporters of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). "There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza," al-Awlaki stated. "Reciprocity is legitimate." The video included images of Trump, Musk, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, along with logos from Musk's companies, including Tesla. Al-Awlaki also called for lone wolf attacks against leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states regarding the Gaza conflict, which has resulted in at least 54,772 Palestinian deaths over 20 months. AQAP emerged in 2009 from a […]

The relationship between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has deteriorated into a public dispute, with both men exchanging harsh criticisms over Trump's domestic spending legislation. The conflict escalated throughout Thursday on their respective social media platforms, marking a dramatic turn in their previously collaborative partnership. Trump initially expressed disappointment with Musk's opposition to his administration's major tax and spending bill, questioning whether their "great relationship" could continue. Musk responded by accusing Trump of "ingratitude" and claiming ", Without me, Trump would have lost the election." However, both appeared to moderate their positions later, with Trump telling Politico, "It's going very well, never done better" and his aides scheduling a Friday phone call with Musk. Musk also acknowledged the need for reconciliation in response to a post by Trump supporter Bill Ackman. The dispute centers on Trump's spending […]

At least four people died and 20 were injured during overnight Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, according to local officials. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported Friday morning that search and rescue operations continued across multiple locations, with 16 wounded individuals hospitalized. Ukrainian authorities stated that Russian forces launched 407 drones and 45 missiles, including cruise and ballistic types. Ukraine's defense systems successfully destroyed approximately 200 drones and 30 missiles. The attack created widespread fear and destruction across the capital. Multiple explosions echoed through Kyiv as falling debris sparked fires in several districts while air defense systems worked to intercept incoming projectiles, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Administration. "Our air defence crews are doing everything possible. But we must protect one another – stay safe," Tkachenko wrote on Telegram. Ukraine's human rights chief, […]

China has issued a stern warning to the United States following comments by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a major security summit in Singapore, where he characterized China as a regional threat. At the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, Hegseth stated that China was "credibly preparing" for military action that could alter Asia's power dynamics, specifically alleging that Beijing was rehearsing a potential invasion of Taiwan. The comments triggered an immediate response from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which emphasized that Taiwan is an internal Chinese matter and cautioned foreign nations against exploiting the issue. China considers Taiwan, which governs itself independently, to be part of its territory and has committed to reunification by force if necessary. Taiwan's government disputes Beijing's sovereignty claims, maintaining that only Taiwan's residents can determine their future. "The US should not entertain illusions about using the […]

President Donald Trump announced the US will increase tariff rates on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday. Speaking at a Pittsburgh rally Friday, Trump said the measure would strengthen the local steel industry and national supply while reducing dependence on China. He also revealed that $14bn would be invested in regional steel production through a US Steel-Nippon Steel partnership, though he later told reporters the final deal remained under review. The announcement represents another shift in Trump's tariff strategy since returning to office in January. "There will be no layoffs and no outsourcing whatsoever, and every US steelworker will soon receive a well-deserved $5,000 bonus," Trump told the crowd of steelworkers to enthusiastic applause. Steelworkers had expressed concern about how Japan would honor union contracts regulating pay and hiring under the US-Japan trade arrangement. Trump claimed […]

China's Defence Minister Dong Jun was notably absent from this weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier security forum, marking the first time since 2019 that Beijing has not sent its defence minister to the high-level event. Instead of Dong, China dispatched a delegation of lower-ranking representatives to the annual gathering at Singapore's Shangri-La Hotel. The absence occurred during heightened tensions between China and the United States, raising questions about Beijing's diplomatic strategy. The no-show meant no face-to-face meeting between Dong and his US counterpart, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, who delivered pointed warnings about China's military intentions during his address to delegates. "It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific," Hegseth told the forum, citing China's military drills around Taiwan and […]