Bahrain News Agency, Kingdom of Bahrain

Person dies after being hit by Frontier Airlines plane that was taking off at Denver airport

info@bna.bh — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:53:00 GMT

Denver, May 10 (BNA): A person who jumped a fence and was on a runway at Denver International Airport was struck and killed by a Frontier Airlines plane during takeoff, airport authorities said. The collision sparked an engine fire and forced passengers to evacuate. The plane, on route from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport, "reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday," according to a post on the airport’s official X...

Two Singaporeans confirmed dead in Indonesia volcano eruption, bodies found

info@bna.bh — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Jakarta, May 10 (BNA): Two Singaporean nationals missing for days were confirmed dead on Sunday from the eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia's Halmahera island, the local rescue agency said. Rescuers found the bodies around the crater rim, and evacuation was under way, agency head Iwan Ramdani told Reuters. "Evacuation of the bodies is still hampered by eruptions that continue to occur and bad weather," Iwan said, adding rain was falling in ⁠the area. Some...

Indonesia volcano eruption leaves 20 hikers missing

info@bna.bh — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:56:00 GMT

Jakarta, May 8 (BNA): Indonesian authorities launched rescue operations after the eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island, which left 20 hikers missing and sent a volcanic ash plume about 10 kilometres into the sky. The head of the local search and rescue agency said rescue teams, supported by police personnel, were deployed to search for the missing hikers, adding that no injuries had been confirmed so far. He said nine of the missing are Singaporean nationals, while the...

Eastern Poland forest fire kills pilot, scorches over 200 hectares

info@bna.bh — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:46:00 GMT

Warsaw, May 6 (BNA): A pilot was killed and more than 200 hectares of forest scorched after a firefighting plane crashed while battling a major blaze in eastern Poland's protected Solska Forest, the country's interior minister said on Wednesday. The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the village of Kozaki in Biłgoraj ⁠County, Reuters reported. There was no reason to suspect the fire was deliberately set, Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński told Radio...

Two killed, multiple injuries after car hits bystanders in Leipzig

info@bna.bh — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:38:00 GMT

Berlin, May. 5 (BNA): Two people were killed and three others were seriously injured on Monday when a car drove into a central pedestrian zone of the eastern German city of Leipzig, Mayor Burkhard Jung said, the latest in a spate of such incidents in recent years in Germany. Police arrested the driver, identifying him as a 33-year-old man with German citizenship. They said there was no further danger, Reuters reported. "We are mourning two deaths, currently three...

Earthquake hits southern Mexico, no victims reported

info@bna.bh — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:01:00 GMT

Mexico City, May. 5 (BNA): An earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hit southern Mexico on Monday morning, Mexico's National Seismological Institute said, while authorities reported no initial fatalities or damages. The earthquake struck ⁠24 kilometers (14.9 miles) northwest of Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, at a depth of 9 kilometers, the institute said, Reuters reported. There were no immediate reports of victims or damages, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a ⁠post on...

Muslim World League expresses support for all measures taken by Bahrain to protect its security, stability, and sovereignty

info@bna.bh — Sun, 03 May 2026 23:32:00 GMT

Makkah, May 3 (BNA): The Muslim World League (MWL) has expressed its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to safeguard its security and stability, affirming its complete rejection of anything that could undermine its sovereignty or threaten its national cohesion and stability. In a statement issued by the MWL, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al Issa, Secretary General of the League and Chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, affirmed its full solidarity with the...

Most of Europe experienced above-average temperatures in 2025

info@bna.bh — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:48:00 GMT

Brussels, Apr. 29 (BNA): European Union scientists and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said almost all of Europe experienced above-average heat in 2025, a year that broke records for wildfires, sea temperatures and heatwaves as climate change worsens. At least 95% of Europe experienced above-average temperatures, while wildfires burnt more than 1 million hectares of land - an area larger than Cyprus and the biggest annual total on record, the WMO and the EU's Copernicus...

Heavy rains threaten Bangladesh's rice harvest

info@bna.bh — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:41:00 GMT

Dhaka, Apr. 29 (BNA): Heavy pre-monsoon rainfall and surging upstream flows from India have swollen rivers in northeastern Bangladesh, threatening vast areas with flooding during the crucial summer rice harvest, officials said on Wednesday. Despite relentless rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, farmers have been rushing to their fields, wading through knee-deep water to cut partially submerged crops in a desperate effort to salvage what they can. The farmers in the haor...

Death toll rises to 14 after train crash near Jakarta

info@bna.bh — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:16:00 GMT

Jakarta, Apr. 28 (BNA): At least 14 people were killed and 84 injured when a long-distance passenger train collided with a stopped train near the Indonesian capital Jakarta. A total of 84 injured people were taken to hospitals for treatment, said Bobby Rasyidin, CEO of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia. The bodies of the dead were taken to a hospital for further identification, according to the Associated Press (AP). All 240 passengers on the Argo...

Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes Hokkaido, Japan

info@bna.bh — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:06:00 GMT

Hokkaido, Apr. 27 (BNA): An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Hokkaido, Japan, on ⁠Monday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences said.

The quake was at ⁠a depth of 80 km (49.71 ⁠miles), GFZ said, Reuters reported.

M.I, A.A

Lightning strikes kill 14 as Bangladesh lashed by seasonal storms

info@bna.bh — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:49:00 GMT

Dhaka, Apr. 27 (BNA): At least 14 people were killed after lightning strikes hit several parts of Bangladesh, officials said on Monday, as seasonal thunderstorms swept across the country. The deaths were reported from several districts after sudden storms brought heavy rain and intense lightning, Reuters reported. Most of the victims were ⁠farmers working in open fields and labourers caught in exposed areas, local authorities said. Several other people were injured...

Six passengers injured evacuating from Swiss Air flight in India

info@bna.bh — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:14:00 GMT

New Delhi, Apr. 26 (BNA): Six passengers were injured and hospitalised after a ‌Swiss Air flight from Delhi to Zurich aborted takeoff and was evacuated ⁠on the runway at the Indira Gandhi International Airport early Sunday.

The incident occurred when one of ‌the ⁠aircraft's engines failed and caught fire during the takeoff roll, ⁠prompting the crew to stop the aircraft and ⁠initiate an emergency evacuation, Reuters reported.

H.K, A.A

Major forest fire reported in southern Austria

info@bna.bh — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:11:00 GMT

Vienna, Apr. 25 (BNA): A large forest fire has broken out across extensive areas in southern Austria. Firefighting teams reported that operations were ongoing to control the blaze, which began on Thursday near the village of Maria Luggau, close to the Italian border, and has spread over an area equivalent to around 150 football fields, or approximately 110 hectares. Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, while strong winds and dry conditions have contributed...

UN official warns disruption in fertilizer supplies threatens global food security

info@bna.bh — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:52:00 GMT

New York, Apr. 22 (BNA): A United Nations official has warned of the possibility of a widespread humanitarian crisis if an urgent solution is not found to ensure the continued flow of fertilisers and related raw materials through the Strait of Hormuz, as the planting season begins in different parts of the world. Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), said that one-third of all fertilisers in the world go through the Strait of...

UN Sec Gen welcomes US announcement of ceasefire extension

info@bna.bh — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:20:00 GMT

New York, Apr. 22 (BNA): António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations welcomed the announcement by the United States to extend the ceasefire. Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary General, said this is an important step toward de-escalation and creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States. He said they encourage all parties to build on this momentum, refrain from actions that could undermine the...

Petersberg Climate Dialogue kicks off in Berlin with over 30 countries participating

info@bna.bh — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:39:00 GMT

Berlin, Apr. 21 (BNA): The Petersberg Climate Dialogue begins in Berlin with the participation of over 30 countries, amid growing challenges related to the energy crisis and the global economy. The meeting aims to prepare for the upcoming United Nations climate summit scheduled for November in the Turkish city of Antalya. The talks address key issues, most notably accelerating the gradual phase-out of fossil fuel sources such as oil, coal and gas, which scientific data...

Strong 7.5-magnitude quake off Japan triggers tsunami warnings

info@bna.bh — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:01:00 GMT

Tokyo, Apr. 20 (BNA): A tsunami with a height of 80 centimeters struck in the waters off northern Japan on Monday, following a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency said that the wave was recorded shortly afterward along the coast of Iwate prefecture, after the quake occurred at 4:53 PM (0753 GMT) on Monday off the coast of the Sanriku region at a depth of 10 kilometres, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported. Tsunami warnings are the...

At least 250 people are missing, mostly Rohingya, after boat capsized

info@bna.bh — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:29:00 GMT

Dhaka, Apr. 15 (BNA): United Nations’ refugee and migration agencies said that at least 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, were missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea recently on the way to Malaysia. Lt. Com. Sabbir Alam Suzan, Bangladesh Coast Guard spokesperson said that on Wednesday nine people, including three Rohingya and six Bangladeshis, were rescued on April 9, according to the Associated Press (AP). The U.N. high...

Eastern United States faces record-breaking heat wave

info@bna.bh — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:21:00 GMT

Atlanta, Apr. 15 (BNA): A long-lasting weather pattern is poised to blast hot air like a furnace across the eastern United States, with the unusual heat wave threatening to shatter record high temperatures on Wednesday in big cities including New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The Associated Press (AP) reported that the heat is unusual for April, not only because it’s scorching much of the nation so early in the year but also for its duration. The near-record...

China launches eight satellites into space

info@bna.bh — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:48:00 GMT

Beijing, Apr. 15 (BNA): China launched the Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket to send eight satellites into space.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that the rocket was launched from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China. It successfully sent the satellites into their planned orbits.

N.B,H.F, s.a

Heavy rains in northwestern Haiti kill 12 people and damage hundreds of homes

info@bna.bh — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:38:00 GMT

Port-au-Prince, Apr. 15 (BNA): Authorities in the Republic of Haiti announced that due to heavy rains over the past few days in northwestern region of the country have killed at least 12 people, flooded farmland and damaged hundreds of homes. Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency reported that the rains flooded a local hospital and more than 900 homes. They also destroyed a bridge, dozens of roads and crops in a country where more than half of its nearly 12 million inhabitants...

Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts, sends pyroclastic flows 3 km

info@bna.bh — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:39:00 GMT

Jakarta, Apr. 14 (BNA): Mount Semeru in East Java erupted Tuesday morning, sending pyroclastic flows up to 3 kilometers. According to a statement in Indonesia News Agency (Antara), an eruption occurred at 5:22 A.M. local time, with an ash column rising around 1,500 meters above the peak, or 5,176 meters above sea level, Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Sigit Rian Alfian said. The eruption accompanied by pyroclastic flows did not reach residential areas...

Japan's greenhouse gas emissions fell to record low

info@bna.bh — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:36:00 GMT

Tokyo, Apr. 14 (BNA): Japan's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions fell by 1.9% in fiscal 2024, which ended in March 2025, government data showed, the third straight annual fall and the lowest since records began on lower manufacturing energy use and greater use of renewable and nuclear power. According to a report in Reuters, the figure marks the lowest level since records ⁠began in 1990 / 91 and the third consecutive annual decline. Japan's GHG emissions totalled 1.046...

South Korea, Poland agree to expand cooperation

info@bna.bh — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:12:00 GMT

Seoul, Apr. 13 (BNA): South Korea and the Republic of Poland agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and boost cooperation in the defence industry and energy supply chains, following talks between Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea, and Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland. According to Yonhap News Agency, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors, with the South Korean President expressing hope for further advancing mutually...

Cyclone Maila kills at least 11 in Papua New Guinea

info@bna.bh — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:08:00 GMT

Sydney, Apr. 13 (BNA): Cyclone Maila has triggered severe flooding and landslides in Papua New Guinea, killing at least 11 people. According to the German News Agency (DPA), entire villages were destroyed in the storm, which hit coastal areas with full force. Papua New Guinea's public broadcaster NBC reported initial estimates put more than 10,000 people affected and nearly 20,000 in need of immediate assistance across Bougainville. James Marape, Papua New Guinea Prime...

China successfully launches test satellite for satellite internet technology support

info@bna.bh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:10:00 GMT

Beijing, Apr. 12 (BNA): China launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea, sending a test satellite into its planned orbit to promote satellite internet technology.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the SD-3 rocket blasted off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in south China's Guangdong Province.

This offshore launch mission was carried out by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

N.B, H.F, S.H.A

New Zealand issues evacuation orders ahead of Cyclone Vaianu

info@bna.bh — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Wellington, Apr. 11 (BNA): Thousands of residents in New Zealand have been ordered to evacuate their homes as the country’s North Island prepares for Cyclone Vaianu, which authorities warned could cause coastal flooding and landslides. New Zealand’s meteorological service said the cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, making landfall on Sunday before passing west of the remote Chatham Islands on Monday. A state of emergency was declared in...

EU emissions under trading system fall 1.3% in 2025

info@bna.bh — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:46:00 GMT

Brussels, Apr. 10 (BNA): The European Commission announced that carbon dioxide emissions covered by the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) decreased by 1.3% in 2025, supporting progress towards the 2030 climate target of reducing emissions by 62%. The ETS covers around 45% of total greenhouse gas emissions across the 27-member bloc and is considered a key tool in tackling climate change by placing a cost on carbon emissions from industrial, energy, and aviation sectors. The...

Europe records second-warmest March on record

info@bna.bh — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:29:00 GMT

Cologne, Apr. 10 (BNA): The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union reported that last March recorded the second-warmest in Europe, which also reported the second-highest global sea surface temperature for the month. According to German Press Agency (dpa), globally, March ranked as the fourth-warmest since records began, with an average temperature of 13.94 degrees Celsius. That was 1.48 degrees above the estimated pre-industrial average for the month in 1850-1900 and...

Artemis 2 astronauts embark on their return journey from the moon

info@bna.bh — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:08:00 GMT

Houston, Apr. 10 (BNA): The four Artemis II astronauts, returning from the world's first crewed moon voyage in over half a century, hurtled back toward Earth on Friday aboard their gumdrop-shaped Orion spacecraft, headed for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California. According to Reuters, the finale to NASA's celebrated 10-day mission was expected ‌to begin with separation of Orion's crew capsule from its service module, followed by a fiery re-entry through Earth's...

EU, US near agreement on critical minerals

info@bna.bh — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:41:00 GMT

London, Apr. 10 (BNA): The European Union (EU) and the United States are nearing an agreement to coordinate on the production and supply of critical minerals, Reuters reported. According to the report, the potential deal may include incentives such as minimum price guarantees under what was described as a joint “action plan”. The report added that both sides will also enhance cooperation on standards, investments, and joint projects, in addition to improving coordination to address...

Millions of Indians cast votes as local elections begin

info@bna.bh — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:38:00 GMT

New Delhi, Apr. 9 (BNA): Millions of Indians headed to polling stations to vote in local elections in two states, marking the start of four key electoral contests this month. Voting is taking place in Assam and Kerala, along with the federally administered territory of Puducherry, while elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will be held later this month. The results of all elections are scheduled to be announced on May 4, Reuters reported. Opinion polls predict an easy...

IOM reports nearly 1,000 migrant deaths in Mediterranean in 2026

info@bna.bh — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:57:00 GMT

Geneva, Apr. 8 (BNA): The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that nearly 1,000 migrants and refugees have died in the Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2026. More than 180 people were reported dead or missing in recent shipwrecks, bringing the total number of fatalities this year to at least 990, according to IOM. Around 765 deaths were recorded in the Central Mediterranean, an increase of more than 150 per cent compared with the same period in...

Vietnam’s National Assembly elects To Lam as State President for 2026–2031 term

info@bna.bh — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:57:00 GMT

Hanoi, Apr. 7 (BNA): Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly (NA) elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam, a deputy to the 16th legislature, as State President for the 2026–2031 term at its first session. According to the Vietnam News Agency, the voting results showed unanimous support from the National Assembly for Lam’s selection. Lam secured 495 votes out of 495. The National Assembly also elected Le Minh Hung as Prime Minister for the...

Argentina expels Iranian chargé d’affaires

info@bna.bh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:58:00 GMT

Washington, Apr. 2 (BNA): Argentina's government declared Iran's chargé d’affaires, Mohsen Tehrani, persona non grata and expelled him from the country, Argentina's Foreign Minister said in a statement, Reuters reported. The measure orders Tehrani to leave the country within 48 hours. The decision comes in response to a statement released by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which accused Argentina's President Javier Milei, an ally of US President Donald Trump, and Foreign Minister...

European Commission President: Iran’s actions are putting global economic stability at risk

info@bna.bh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:46:00 GMT

Brussels, Apr. 2 (BNA): Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, held a telephone call with His Excellency Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, where she condemned Iran’s actions and described them as putting global economic stability at risk. In a post on the 'X' platform, Von der Leyen stated that she discussed with HE Prime Minister Starmer, in particular, the situation in the Middle East and the challenges related to the...

Australian Prime Minister urged citizens to reduce their fuel consumption.

info@bna.bh — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:58:00 GMT

Sydney, Apr. 1 (BNA): Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister in a rare address to the national address urged its citizens to reduce fuel consumption and to take public transport. "He said, "And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. Albanese has asked Australians to trade their cars for public transport if they can, while reassuring those who need to drive that they can...

Afghanistan reports 42 deaths from severe flooding over past five days

info@bna.bh — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:09:00 GMT

Kabul, Mar. 31 (BNA): Extensive flooding in many parts of Afghanistan has killed a further 14 people in the past 24 hours, authorities said, bringing the total number of deaths over the past five days to 42, with more heavy rain expected. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said another 66 people have been injured over the last five days, as thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting nearly every province triggered floods, landslides and lightning strikes. The agency...

Pakistani Prime Minister discusses regional developments with European Council President

info@bna.bh — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:51:00 GMT

Islamabad, Mar. 30 (BNA): Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, discussed during a telephone call the latest developments in the Middle East and means to enhance and develop cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union. Both sides reviewed efforts aimed at mediation and de-escalation in the region, and discussed the potential repercussions of the current crisis on the global economy. They expressed...

Floods in Afghanistan kills 17 and injures 26

info@bna.bh — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:33:00 GMT

Kabul, Mar. 29 (BNA): Severe flooding caused by thunderstorms in parts of Afghanistan has left 17 people dead and 26 injured, causing widespread damage to property and infrastructure. The number of casualties could increase as crews from the country’s National Disaster Management Authority continue to survey the affected areas and assess the damage, the authority’s spokesman Yousuf Hammad said in a statement. Hammad said the severe weather also left 147 homes either completely or...

UK issues statement for urgent debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Iran against GCC countries

info@bna.bh — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:42:00 GMT

Geneva, Mar. 26 (BNA): Eleanor Sanders, Ambassador for Human Rights and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, delivered the UK Statement for the Urgent Debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Iran against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The UK’s statement denounced the irresponsible missile and drone strikes carried out by Iran. It highlighted that the...

Joint statement from leaders of UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan on Strait of Hormuz

info@bna.bh — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:12:00 GMT

London, Mar. 19 (BNA): The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan issued the following statement on the Strait of Hormuz. We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to...

Union of OIC News Agencies launches integrated digital media ecosystem to advance digital transformation and combat disinformation

info@bna.bh — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:06:00 GMT

Jeddah, Mar. 17 (BNA): The Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) has launched an integrated digital media ecosystem comprising a range of modern technological projects and platforms, in a step aimed at strengthening digital transformation in media work, enhancing the efficiency of news content production, and combating media disinformation, in line with the requirements of the digital era and reinforcing the presence of media across the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation...

NATO air defences intercept third ballistic missile over Turkey; no casualties reported

info@bna.bh — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:32:00 GMT

Istanbul, Mar. 13 (BNA): NATO air defences intercepted and destroyed the third ballistic missile to enter Turkish airspace since the beginning of the war in Iran, with no casualties reported, the Turkish Ministry of Defence announced. In a statement and remarks by a NATO spokesperson, the alliance said the air defences stationed in the eastern Mediterranean successfully engaged the missile. Residents of Adana reported hearing an explosion as warning sirens sounded at Incirlik Air...

UK, Germany and Italy affirm critical importance of freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz

info@bna.bh — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:22:00 GMT

London, Mar. 10 (BNA): The United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Italian Republic affirmed the utmost importance of ensuring freedom of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, announcing joint trilateral coordination to address Iranian threats affecting the security and stability of the region. The UK government stated that this position came during telephone calls held by Prime Minister Keir Starmer with the leaders of Germany and Italy, during which...

Turkish Foreign Ministry summons Iranian ambassador in protest over ballistic munition entering its airspace

info@bna.bh — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:31:00 GMT

Ankara, Mar. 9 (BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye summoned Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh, Ambassador of Iran to Ankara, to convey Türkiye’s concern and displeasure regarding the ballistic munition fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace.

According to the Anadolu Agency, the ministry requested that the Iranian ambassador provide an explanation of the incident.

A.S, A.A.M

Ballistic missile fired from Iran toward Türkiye neutralized by NATO defense systems in East Mediterranean

info@bna.bh — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Ankara, Mar. 9 (BNA): The Turkish Ministry of Defence announced today that a ballistic munition fired from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ministry said that some debris from the munition fell onto vacant land in Gaziantep Province, with no casualties or injuries reported. The statement noted that Türkiye places great importance on good neighbourly relations and regional...

British PM discusses Middle East situation with European leaders

info@bna.bh — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:02:00 GMT

London, Mar. 6 (BNA): Prime Minister Keir Starmer held telephone calls with the leaders of France, Germany, and Italy to discuss the situation in the Middle East and its implications for regional security, according to a statement issued by the UK government. The statement indicated that the leaders condemned the Iranian attacks, adding that the Prime Minister briefed them on the defensive measures taken by the United Kingdom in recent days to protect and reinforce partners in the...

Cyprus postpones EU meetings or holds them via video conference due to regional developments

info@bna.bh — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:34:00 GMT

Brussels, Mar. 6 (BNA): The Republic of Cyprus announced the postponement of all European Union meetings scheduled to be held on its territory during March, or their conversion to video conference, due to the latest developments in the Middle East.

The Cypriot capital Nicosia had been scheduled to host a meeting of EU defence ministers next week, in addition to a planned visit by EU economy ministers later this month.

M.A.

Austria affirms commitment to working with partners in Middle East to protect regional stability

info@bna.bh — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:57:00 GMT

Vienna, Mar. 6 (BNA): Christian Stocker, Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, affirmed his country’s full commitment to working closely with partners in the Gulf and the Middle East to protect regional stability, emphasising Austria’s support for all diplomatic and political efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation and preventing the conflict from expanding. Chancellor Stocker expressed Austria’s full solidarity with countries in the region targeted by Iran, stressing that these...

Turkish President: Türkiye continues diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation in region

info@bna.bh — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:33:00 GMT

Ankara, Mar. 5 (BNA): Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, said that Türkiye will continue its diplomatic efforts to stop the bloodshed and prevent the conflict in the region from spreading. The Turkish President warned that missile and drone attacks launched from Iran toward countries in the region increase the risk of the conflict spreading more widely. In remarks delivered on Thursday in Ankara, President Erdogan stressed that Türkiye will not hesitate to...

Türkiye condemns attacks on Azerbaijan

info@bna.bh — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:21:00 GMT

Ankara, Mar. 5 (BNA): The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attacks carried out using two drones launched from Iranian territory targeting the Republic of Azerbaijan. In a statement, the ministry affirmed Türkiye’s full solidarity and continued support for Azerbaijan. It also stressed the need for an immediate end to attacks targeting countries in the region, warning of the danger of such actions increasing the risk of the conflict expanding and its...

Congo: Mine collapse claims more than 200 lives

info@bna.bh — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:09:00 GMT

Kinshasa, Mar. 5 (BNA): More than 200 people were killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall at the Rubaya coltan mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the country’s Ministry of Mines announced. The Ministry stated that approximately 70 children were among the victims, adding that many of the injured were transferred to health facilities in the city of Goma, according to Reuters. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the exact death toll and the circumstances...

Türkiye summons Iranian ambassador over ballistic munition incident

info@bna.bh — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:18:00 GMT

Ankara, Mar. 4 (BNA): The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Ankara, Mohammad Hassan Habibollah zadeh, following the detection and neutralisation of a ballistic munition launched from Iran towards Turkish airspace. Diplomatic sources said the Iranian ambassador was informed at the ministry of Türkiye’s strong concern and protest over the incident, which required the intervention of NATO air and missile defence elements...

NATO condemns Iranian targeting of Türkiye, reiterates commitment to protect allies

info@bna.bh — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:17:00 GMT

Brussels, Mar. 4 (BNA): The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) condemned the Iranian targeting of the Republic of Türkiye and reaffirmed its firm support for all allies in addressing current security threats. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement that the alliance stands firmly with all allies, foremost among them Türkiye, amid the continued indiscriminate Iranian attacks in the region. She emphasised that NATO’s deterrence and defence systems remain at the highest...

Turkey intercepts ballistic missile launched from Iran

info@bna.bh — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:56:00 GMT

Ankara, Mar. 4 (BNA): Turkey announced that it intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkish airspace. In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Defence said the missile was neutralised at the appropriate time by NATO air and missile defence elements in the eastern Mediterranean, Anadolu Agency reported. The statement added that a piece of debris fell in the Dortyol district of Hatay province and was identified as part of air defence munitions used...

EU High Representative statement on Middle East developments

info@bna.bh — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:10:00 GMT

Brussels, Mar. 2 (BNA): The European Union (EU) issued a statement affirming that it follows developments in Iran and the Middle East with utmost concern. It has adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iranian authorities and threats to the region and will continue to protect its interests, including through additional sanctions. The EU stated that the Middle East stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war. Iran’s attacks and violations of the...

US Secretary of State, Greek counterpart discuss strategic partnership and regional security

info@bna.bh — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:20:00 GMT

New York, Feb. 27 (BNA): Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, met with Giorgos Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, who is currently visiting Washington.

The two sides discussed means to advance the strategic partnership between their countries, particularly in the fields of energy and trade, as well as supporting European defence and enhancing regional security.

The meeting also addressed joint efforts to tackle illegal migration.

M.A.

Congo and US agree to $1.2 billion health partnership

info@bna.bh — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:21:00 GMT

Kinshasa, Feb. 27 (BNA): The United States and Congo signed a $1.2 billion health partnership Thursday, the two countries’ governments said in a joint statement. The Department of State said it will provide up to $900 million over the next five years to support the Central African country to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child mortality, and other infectious diseases. Congo’s government will commit to increasing its own domestic health expenditures by $300 million...

Germany recalls sand filled children’s toys suspected of containing asbestos

info@bna.bh — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:08:00 GMT

Berlin, Feb. 26 (BNA): German authorities announced the withdrawal of an additional set of products from the market in Germany due to possible traces of asbestos in toys filled with sand. The Consumer Warning website stated that the measure covers certain varieties of stretchable rubber dolls marketed under the trade name "Pufferz", which have been widely sold in numerous shops across the country, due to the possibility that the hazardous substance may be present in the...

Death toll from Brazil floods rises to 46; 21 people still missing

info@bna.bh — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:07:00 GMT

Brasília, Feb 26 (BNA): The death toll from the heavy rains in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais has risen to 46. According to Reuters, the fire department reported that the flooding and landslides displaced around 3,600 people in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, about 110 km (68 miles) apart, while 21 people remain missing, according to the latest figures released by the state. As the rains subsided, relief teams and volunteers continued to aid those affected,...

5.5 magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan-Tajikistan border

info@bna.bh — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:26:00 GMT

Kabul, Feb. 25 (BNA): A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the border area between Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 90 kilometres.

M.S.A, A.S

At least 25 killed in floods in southeast Brazil

info@bna.bh — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:35:00 GMT

Juiz de Fora, Feb. 25 (BNA): Severe floods in southeastern Brazil have killed at least 25 people and left dozens missing in the state of Minas Gerais. Meteorologists warned that more rain is expected in the region in the next few days. The torrential rains began on Monday in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, approximately 310 kilometres (192 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro, forcing around 440 residents to evacuate their homes, according to the Associated Press (AP). Minas...

US airlines cancel over 2,000 flights as storm disruption continues

info@bna.bh — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:48:00 GMT

Washington, Feb. 24 (BNA): United States airlines cancelled over 2,000 flights, as a powerful winter storm that disrupted airports across the Northeast was expected to ease by evening, with strong winds expected to continue into the early hours. Data from FlightAware showed that more than 2,000 flights were cancelled and 600 delayed in the eastern United States. Nearly 6,000 flights were cancelled on Monday, along with about 4,000 delays. The National Weather Service...

Canadian Prime Minister to visit India, Australia, Japan

info@bna.bh — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:50:00 GMT

Toronto, Feb. 24 (BNA): His Excellency Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, will begin an official tour to India, Australia and Japan this week. HE the Prime Minister’s office announced that HE Prime Minister Carney will first visit Mumbai on Thursday for talks with His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and business leaders, according to the Associated Press (AP). During a stop in Canberra, HE Prime Minister Carney will address both houses of...

Storm paralyzes travel, forcing more than 8,000 US flight disruptions

info@bna.bh — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:42:00 GMT

Massachusetts, Feb. 24 (BNA): U.S. airlines are set to add flights on Tuesday, even as they wrestle with thousands of scrubbed flights the day after a powerful Northeast winter storm forced more than 8,000 cancellations and delays. The storm blanketed parts of the U.S. Northeast, closing roads and cancelling schools. With cancellations frustrating travelers on Monday evening, U.S. carriers including United Airlines said they had early plans to ramp up operations on...

Taiwan rattled by 5.6 magnitude quake, no reports of damage

info@bna.bh — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:40:00 GMT

Taipei, Feb. 24 (BNA): A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast of Taiwan's northeastern county of Yilan on Tuesday, the island's weather administration said, with no reports of damage. The quake briefly shook buildings in the capital, Taipei. The quake had a depth of 66.8 km (41.5 miles), the weather administration said. The fire department said the quake's epicentre was 16.9 km (10.5 miles) from the county government seat and in coastal...

Air ambulance plunges into eastern India forest, killing 7

info@bna.bh — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:17:00 GMT

New Delhi, Feb. 24 (BNA): An air ambulance crashed into a dense forest in eastern India, killing all seven people on board. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft operated by Redbird Airways Pvt. lost control minutes after taking off from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand state, on Monday, the country’s aviation watchdog said in a statement. The plane was carrying a critically ill burn patient to New Delhi for advanced medical treatment. He was accompanied by a doctor, a...

South Korean and Brazilian Presidents agree to elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership

info@bna.bh — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:14:00 GMT

Seoul, Feb. 23 (BNA): South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva agreed to elevate bilateral ties during their summit, followed by a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the two sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in economy, space, the defense industry, critical minerals and other areas alongside practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. This is...

New York City under blizzard warning, travel ban as winter storm hits Northeast

info@bna.bh — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:12:00 GMT

New York, Feb. 23 (BNA): Millions of people in New York City and a large swath of the northeastern U.S. were stuck at home under road travel bans and blizzard warnings Monday as a fierce winter storm barreled into the densely populated region with heavy snowfall and high winds. Cellphones across New York City received push alerts Sunday night announcing a ban on non-emergency travel on all streets through noon Monday because of "dangerous blizzard conditions." ...

Germany Interior Minister plans to speed up asylum seeker work access

info@bna.bh — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:48:00 GMT

Berlin, Feb. 22 (BNA): Alexander Dobrindt, German Interior Minister, plans to speed up the integration of asylum seekers into the labour market with a new "immediate work plan", according to DPA. In a statement to the tabloid Bild newspaper, Dobrindt said: "People who come here should be able to work and quickly," he said, adding that the best form of integration is into the workforce. Under the plan, asylum seekers could be allowed to work after three...

China renews blue alert for cold wave, strong winds

info@bna.bh — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:47:00 GMT

Beijing, Feb. 22 (BNA): China's National Meteorological Centre renewed a blue alert for a cold wave as the country braces for cold fronts. Temperatures are expected to fall by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius on February 22 and 23, across regions including north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the northeast China provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning, as well as Jiangsu Province in east China. In parts of Heilongjiang and Jilin, temperatures could plummet by more than 12...

At least 5 killed in a string of avalanches in western Austria

info@bna.bh — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 11:11:00 GMT

Vienna, Feb. 22 (BNA): At least five people have been killed in a string of avalanches in western Austria, authorities said Saturday. The government office of the Tyrol region said intense snowfall over the last week led to accumulations of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Combined with windy conditions and weak snowpack below, the conditions were especially susceptible to avalanches, it said. Tyrol police said five off-piste skiers were caught up in a nearly 450 meter-...

Blizzard warnings issued for New York area as storm heads to East Coast

info@bna.bh — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 11:07:00 GMT

New York, Feb. 22 (BNA): Cities and towns along the East Coast scrambled to prepare for a bout with heavy snow and damaging winds after forecasters issued blizzard alerts for communities from Maryland to Massachusetts. The National Weather Service warned that once the storm intensifies Sunday, it could prove significantly more severe than projections made just a few days ago. It also said 1 to 2 feet (about 30 to 61 centimetres) of snow was possible in many areas as it put...

4.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Iran’s Gilan province

info@bna.bh — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:17:00 GMT

Tehran, Feb. 21 (BNA): A 4.4-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale struck the city of Rudboneh in Gilan Province, northern Iran.

The Seismological Centre of the University of Tehran reported that the tremor occurred at a depth of 20 kilometres and was clearly felt by residents, prompting many of them to leave buildings and head into the streets.

No reports have yet been received of any material or human losses as a result of the earthquake.

A.S

4.1 magnitude earthquake hits Bangladesh

info@bna.bh — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:59:00 GMT

Dhaka, Feb. 20 (BNA): A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Sylhet district in northwestern Bangladesh.

According to local broadcaster Channel 24, the epicentre was in the city of Chhatak and tremors were felt in surrounding areas. Authorities confirmed that no casualties or damage were reported.

The district has recorded several tremors since early February, including quakes measuring 3.0 and 4.0 in magnitude on February 1 and February 10, respectively.

M.S.A, A.S

Peru elects Jose Balcázar as Interim President

info@bna.bh — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:20:00 GMT

Lima, Feb. 20 (BNA): Peruvian Congress elected José María Balcázar as Interim President, making him the eighth President to lead the country in ten years. According to Reuters, Balcázar was elected by a majority of votes in the 130-member legislature, following a contest with three other candidates: Héctor Acuña, Edgar Reymundo, and María del Carmen Alva. Balcázar is scheduled to serve as Interim President until 28 July, when the elected President will be sworn in following...

World Food Programme warns that Afghanistan faces major hunger crisis

info@bna.bh — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:31:00 GMT

Kabul, Feb. 19 (BNA): The United Nations World Food Programme has warned that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe hunger crises. John Aylieff, Afghanistan Country Director for the United Nations’ World Food Programme said, "We have a catastrophic nutritional crisis on our hands with two-thirds of the country at a very serious or crisis level for acute malnutrition. This is the highest surge in malnutrition ever recorded in the country. And the lives of 4 million...

US, Uzbekistan sign critical minerals pact

info@bna.bh — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:31:00 GMT

London, Feb. 19 (BNA): The US government has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan to secure better access to the Central Asian country's critical minerals. The "Joint Investment Framework" between the US International Development Finance Corp (DFC) and Central Asia's most populous nation aims to advance the two countries' strategic cooperation, Reuters reported. It will prioritise investments across the critical mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction...

Fire in a storage room in northeastern Spain kills five children

info@bna.bh — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:40:00 GMT

Madrid, Feb. 18 (BNA): A fire broke out in a top-floor storage room at an apartment building in northeastern Spain, killing five children who were trapped inside and injuring five other people elsewhere in the building, officials said Tuesday. The fire started around 9 P.M. Monday in Manlleu, a town of about 21,000 people in the Catalonia region north of Barcelona. The victims who died were identified as minors who ranged in age from 14 to 17 and who did not live in the...

Spain approves $8 billion in aid for storm-battered regions

info@bna.bh — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:34:00 GMT

Madrid, Feb. 18 (BNA): The Spanish government approved financial aid worth around 7 billion euros ($8 billion) on Tuesday for people affected by the storms that battered the Extremadura and Andalusia regions in the past weeks. Spain and Portugal have been hit by several storms since the start of the year that have caused widespread damage to infrastructure and crops, while forcing authorities to evacuate thousands of people. "The help will compensate more than...

As many as 10 skiers missing, at least six stranded in California avalanche

info@bna.bh — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:08:00 GMT

Los Angeles, Feb. 18 (BNA): As many as 10 skiers were missing, and at least six others were stranded and awaiting rescue in heavy snow after an avalanche struck a backcountry slope in California's Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday, authorities said. Hours after the late-morning calamity, as darkness fell and a nearby highway was closed due to zero visibility in the midst of a winter storm, a spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Captain Russell Greene, said rescue...

Heavy rain batters New Zealand's South Island, triggers flood warnings

info@bna.bh — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:53:00 GMT

Sydney, Feb. 17 (BNA): Heavy rain pummelled New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, triggering flooding and forcing the closure of roads and bridges, as a powerful storm that caused widespread destruction in the capital Wellington since the weekend moved south. New Zealand's weather bureau said a low-pressure system off the east coast could bring further bursts of heavy rain through Tuesday, warning that rivers and streams could rise rapidly and that landslips were...

Cyclone Gezani leaves 59 dead in Madagascar

info@bna.bh — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:24:00 GMT

Antananarivo, Feb. 16 (BNA): The National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management in Madagascar announced that the death toll from Cyclone Gezani has risen to 59, after it struck the country last week, while authorities continue to assess the impact of the second tropical storm to hit the island nation in the Indian Ocean this year. The bureau stated that the cyclone displaced 16,428 people, 15 remain missing, 804 were injured, and about 423,986 were classified as affected by the...

Wild New Zealand storm disrupts transport, leaves thousands without power

info@bna.bh — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:08:00 GMT

Sydney, Feb. 16 (BNA): Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted flights, trains and ferries, forcing the closure of roads across large parts of New Zealand's North Island on Monday, while snapping power links to tens of thousands. Domestic media reported a few flights had resumed operating by afternoon from the airport in Wellington, the capital, although cancellations were still widespread after airport authorities said most morning flights were disrupted. Air New Zealand said...

New Zealand braces for more flooding after road collapses, one death

info@bna.bh — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:35:00 GMT

Sydney, Feb. 15 (BNA): New Zealand's weather forecaster on Sunday warned more flooding could hit the country's North Island, a day after floods caused power outages, road collapses, home evacuations and was linked to the death of a man whose vehicle was submerged on a highway. There was "threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips" as a deepening low-pressure system east of the North Island brought heavy rain and severe gales to several...

Three migrants died, two boats capsized off the coast of Panama

info@bna.bh — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:26:00 GMT

Panama City, Feb. 11 (BNA): The Panamanian authorities announced the death of three people believed to be migrants and a fourth was hospitalised after two boats capsized off Panama’s Caribbean coast. According to the Associated Press (AP), the Panama Maritime Authority said in a statement that the incidents occurred along a remote stretch of coastline near the border with Colombia. They said that the area has seen increased reverse migration over the past year as migrants try...

Ten dead after shooter opens fire at high school in Canada

info@bna.bh — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:56:00 GMT

Tumbler Ridge, Feb. 11 (BNA): Ten people, including the shooter, are dead after an assailant opened fire at a high school in western Canada on Tuesday in one of the country's deadliest mass casualty events in recent history. Six people were found dead inside a high school in the town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, two more people were found dead at a residence believed to be connected to the incident, and another person died on the way to the hospital, Reuters...

Türkiye, International Energy Agency explore opportunities within the framework of COP31

info@bna.bh — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:02:00 GMT

Ankara, Feb 10 (BNA): Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar discussed potential cooperation opportunities with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), within the scope of the COP31 climate conference which Turkey is hosting later this year. According to the Turkish Anadolu Agency, Bayraktar stated that Türkiye wants to position itself as one of the strongest actors in the global energy transition process through energy...

Avalanches in Italy kill three off-piste skiers in Winter Olympics regions

info@bna.bh — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:15:00 GMT

Milan, Feb. 8 (BNA): Avalanches on Saturday killed three people skiing off-piste in the mountains of Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy. These two regions are home to some of the venues for the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Two avalanches hit the Marmolada area in the Dolomites, not far from Cortina d'Ampezzo, where the women's Alpine skiing competitions are taking place, Reuters reported. The Alpine rescue service said they recovered the body of a man who had gone off-piste with...

Denis Sassou Nguesso announces candidacy for presidential election

info@bna.bh — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:32:00 GMT

Brazzaville, Feb. 7 (BNA): President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for March 15, during a visit to Bambou Mingali, around 60 kilometres north of Brazzaville.

The ruling Congolese Labour Party had unanimously endorsed President Sassou Nguesso as its candidate on December 30, extending a political career spanning more than four decades.

M.A.

China launches reusable spacecraft for fourth time since 2020

info@bna.bh — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 18:18:00 GMT

Beijing, Feb. 7 (BNA): China successfully launched an experimental reusable spacecraft aboard a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. According to Xinhua News Agency, the mission will conduct technical verification tests to support the peaceful use of outer space. No details were provided on the spacecraft’s orbital duration, altitude, or the technologies being tested. This marks the fourth launch of a reusable spacecraft by China since...

US president launches a $12 billion strategic reserve for rare earth elements storage project

info@bna.bh — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:55:00 GMT

Washington, Feb. 3 (BNA): His Excellency Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced that the US will establish a $12 billion strategic reserve for rare earth elements. According to the Associated Press (AP), Trump said that the reserve aims to prevent supply shortages for American companies. President Trump announced the start of "Project Vault," which would initially be funded by $10 billion from the US Export-Import Bank and nearly $1.67 billion in...

NASA begins practice countdown for first moonshot with astronauts in over 50 years

info@bna.bh — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:29:00 GMT

Cape Canaveral, Feb. 1 (BNA): NASA began a two-day practice countdown Saturday leading up to the fueling of its new moon rocket, a crucial test that will determine when four astronauts blast off on a lunar flyby. Already in quarantine to avoid germs, Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew will be the first people to launch to the moon since 1972. They will monitor the dress rehearsal from their Houston base before flying to Kennedy Space Centre once the rocket is cleared for...

Over 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DR Congo

info@bna.bh — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:57:00 GMT

Kinshasa, Jan. 31 (BNA): More than 200 people were killed after the Rubaya coltan mine collapsed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to local sources. The incident occurred on Wednesday, with initial estimates indicating that up to 227 people remain missing. Victims included miners as well as civilians present at a nearby market, while several injured people were rescued and taken for treatment. The Rubaya mine produces around 15 percent of global coltan...