Italy
Italian Police Nab Nord 2 Pipeline Sabotage Suspect
Italian police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the sabotage of the Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline.
The multibillion-dollar pipeline was blown up in September 2022, and investigators believe the man in custody is part of a highly skilled team responsible for the attack on the key supply route for Russian gas destined for Europe.
Authorities suspect the sabotage was aimed at crippling Russia’s gas exports and weakening its ability to fund the war against Ukraine.
While details of the covert operation that led to the arrest remain undisclosed, officials confirmed that the suspect is Ukrainian. With one suspect now detained, police are intensifying efforts to track down other members of the network.
Colombia
18 Killed, Dozens Injured in Twin Explosions
At least 18 people have been killed and many others injured following two explosions in Colombia.
The first blast involved a car bomb, which killed several victims and left many more wounded. The second occurred when a police helicopter exploded after reportedly being sabotaged by an armed drone.
Authorities are investigating possible links between the two incidents, both of which occurred in the Medellín area.
While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion is directed at a splinter faction of the Medellín Cartel known as ECN. The area is said to have become a hub for illicit drug trafficking.
United Kingdom
Rugby World Cup Kicks Off Today
The United Kingdom opens the Rugby World Cup Championship later today, with the hosts facing off against their former colony, the United States of America.
The high-profile clash, featuring two of the world’s top teams, is expected to set the tone for the tournament.
Already, more than 25,000 tickets have been sold ahead of the opening fixture.
United States
Federal Reserve Meeting Holds Amid Trump–Podi Row
The U.S. Federal Reserve is holding a crucial meeting later today, attended by Chair Jerome Podi and leading American bankers.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing tension between Podi and President Donald Trump, who has recently demanded his resignation.
Trump has repeatedly urged for interest rate cuts, while Podi—constitutionally shielded from political pressure—has resisted, warning the President against interference in monetary policy.
The clash follows newly released government data showing rising inflation and higher-than-reported unemployment, which the Trump administration had previously downplayed.
Israel
Israel Threatens to Destroy Gaza Unless Hamas Surrenders
Israel has vowed to flatten Gaza unless Hamas, which it designates a terrorist organization, agrees to surrender under its ceasefire terms.
The warning came from the Ministry of Defence as Israeli forces escalated a fresh offensive against the densely populated enclave of around one million people. The operation, launched on Thursday, has already drawn widespread international condemnation.
Israel has threatened to call up 60,000 reserve soldiers for the offensive and has controversially approved the construction of 3,400 new housing units in the occupied West Bank.
According to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the new settlements are intended to block any future creation of a Palestinian state by severing territorial links between East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The escalation comes ahead of the September UN General Assembly session, where several of Israel’s allies—including France, Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand—are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
