Cluster Bombs | What You Need to Know About Ukraine's Controversial New Weapon Summary: Cluster munitions are bombs that open in the air, releasing smaller bomblets across a wider area, targeting multiple objectives simultaneously. More than 120 countries have banned the use of cluster munitions due to the risks posed to civilians from unexploded bomblets. The United States has been providing cluster bombs to Ukraine to support its ground troops in countering heavily fortified Russian positions. The Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty, prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. The use of c...

Summary: The eighth week of the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian defenses is underway, with progress hampered by challenging obstacles like extensive trench systems and minefields. Ukraine strategically uses Western weapons to target Russian rear areas and ammunition dumps, attempting to break through the dense minefields obstructing their advance. The conflict's dynamics may shift as Ukraine's 9th Corps awaits reinforcement from the more seasoned fighters of the 10th Corps. The outcome of the battle for the city of Bakhmut could have broader implications for the conflict's trajectory and resource allocation f...

Summary: Russian air strikes target grain facilities in Ukraine's port cities, disrupting the grain trade. Ukraine's significant role as a grain supplier to African nations makes the attacks impactful on vulnerable communities. The motives behind Russia's aggressive actions remain unclear, but it could be an attempt to force the international community's hand in resolving the conflict. Russian air strikes have intensified as they target key grain supplies in Ukr...

Summary: Niger 's President Mohammed Bazoum removed from power by a group of soldiers on national TV . President Bazoum detained by his own guards in the presidential palace . Army spokesman declares closed borders, nationwide curfew , and suspension of institutions. Armed forces rebel citing deteriorating security situation and governance ">bad governance . Supporters of Bazoum gather outside National Assembly calling for his release. Protesters defend democracy and demand President Bazoum's return to power. ...

Summary: Odessa , a historic city in Ukraine , faces destruction as Russia n forces relentlessly bombard its Black Sea ports. The targeting of the Transfiguration Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sparks accusations of war crimes . Putin's attacks on Odessa aim to disrupt global food security and sow chaos worldwide. The destruction of cultural landmarks reflects a destructive mentality rather than an approach focused on development and progress. The conflict in Odessa serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of war on millions of lives and global stability. ...

Windsor Framework has received a 'cautious welcome' in Northern Ireland All right, let's get the view now of Michelle O'Neill, because this time last week all the talk was of the PM's deal with the EU over the Northern Ireland protocol. This seemed to get a decent enough reaction from most parts, but of course the big question is what do the DUP do, the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland? They say they won't rejoin power sharing if they're not happy. Well, the largest party at Stormont is Shinfeng, and its leader there would have been First Minister. That's Michelle O'Neill. She joins us live now. Thank you very much for being on the programme this morning. Has Rishi Sineq negotiated a good deal for Northern Ireland? Well, I think we've all had the best part of a week now to reflect on the deal, and I think it's fair to say that the ...

Summary: UK MPs criticize the government for underestimating Russia 's Wagner mercenary group 's growth and influence. The scathing report highlights the lack of understanding of Wagner's activities in Africa and calls for a task force to monitor the group's actions. Wagner group operates like a mafia network, collaborating with governments for mineral rights , leading to exploitation in Africa . Russia also seems to have underestimated the Wagner group , struggling to control its actions. ...

Summary: Growing concerns over the Wagner Group's alleged plans to destabilize Europe. Polish Prime Minister warns of Wagner Group troops moving towards the Poland-Lithuania border. Experts suspect a hybrid attack planned on the Sovalki territory, making identification difficult. Uncertainty remains about the leadership of the Wagner mercenaries after a reported coup. Reports suggest Ukrainian forces may soon enter Crimea amidst a slower-than-expected counteroffensive. Skepticism surrounds Putin's statements on peace talks with Ukraine given his previous actions. ...

Turkey-Syria earthquake: one month on | 5 News Danny, if you also knew that it's one month on from those devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey in Syria, the death toll now stands at over 53,000, and the effects of the disaster are visible across those affected areas in southern Turkey and in northern Syria. As you'd expect, there is a huge fundraising effort to help the millions of people who've been left homeless. Just a few weeks ago, we spoke to Tefel Hussein from Islamic Relief. He's in Turkey now, and today we invited him back on again to get an update, and we started by asking him just what the situation was like on the ground. I mean, the situation is still absolutely desperate. And I was in Gadyinte, I've been in Gadyinte for the last two days, and you don't understand the magnitude of this crisis until you've actually gone on the ground yourself....

Summary: Ukrainian President Zelensky justifies war returning to Russian territory after drone attack on Moscow . The recent attack damaged an office block in Moscow , the fourth attempt on the capital region this month. One person injured in the attack; another drone crashed near Tuganruk , a Russian city on the sea of Asov. Ukraine previously avoided claiming responsibility for attacks in Russia, but President Zelensky 's recent remarks indicate a shift. Following a dr...

Summary: Russia accuses Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow, hitting non-residential buildings and an ammunition depot in Crimea. No casualties reported in both incidents. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated after several airstrikes on Odessa and the end of a grain shipment agreement. The situation in Odessa remains challenging as Russia continues to target port infrastructure. Unverified claims and footage raise questions about the true nature of the drone attack on Moscow. ...

Israel Palestine: days of violence in Gaza It's a decades old conflict, but no amount of time can numb the shock when a missile lands in your neighbourhood. Israel says the destroyed houses in the Gaza Strip were being used by the militant group Islamic Jihad to shoot rockets at them across the border. But the residents of these shattered homes beg to differ. This is a false narrative. We have no rocket launching pads at all and this is a residential area. There are no launching pads among houses. This is nonsense and we have no rockets here. Israeli forces launched the airstrike campaign against the Islamic Jihad leadership in the early hours on Tuesday, accusing them of planning attacks on Israel. The second largest armed group in Gaza after Hamas has since fired almost a thousand rockets. Israel's national security adviser said they aren't currently engaged in ceasefi...

Summary: July 2023 declared the hottest month on Earth since records began, according to the UN's weather body. Climate change , primarily driven by human activities, is responsible for the alarming increase in global average temperatures. Extreme heatwaves and wildfires in various regions are consequences of rising temperatures due to greenhouse gases. The urgency to address climate change and adhere to the Paris Agreement 's goals has become paramount. The UN's...

US Soldier Detained in North Korea: A Complex Diplomatic Challenge Summary: A US soldier, Travis King, has been detained in North Korea after crossing the border from South Korea. Previous cases of detained Americans in North Korea required lengthy back channel negotiations for their release. The lack of diplomatic relations between the US and North Korea necessitates involvement from intermediary countries like Sweden. Former US presidents have been involved in previous negotiations for the release of detainees in North Korea. ...

Summary: The Africa-Russia summit, usually attended by 43 to 44 countries, saw a significant decline in participation, with only 17 countries present. Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal adversely affected African countries, prompting discussions at the summit about food supply challenges. Putin 's offer of 50,000 tons of free grain to affected countries is minimal compared to the 30 million tons of grain previously supplied by Ukraine . Yevgeny Prigosin 's presence at the conference indicates continued patronage from Putin , despite controversial actions by his mercenary groups. ...

Summary: Wildfires threaten tens of thousands in British Columbia , prompting evacuations and a state of emergency . Over a thousand wildfires burn across Canada, with a significant portion in British Columbia . Evacuations from affected communities and towns, including Colona and Yellowknife , have stretched resources and impacted thousands. International reinforcements, even from as far as South Africa , join the battle against the unprecedented fires. ...

Russian infighting 'out of control' in Bakhmut The agreement, the understanding is that Ukraine will not strike targets on Russian territory. Well, this is the grey area. I mean, yes, the UK is saying we don't want these weapons to be used to strike Russian territory, but it's interesting that US, for example, so far has been reluctant to offer anything of the range of storm shadow. Perhaps where that grey area is crystallised is Crimea, because Crimea is de facto Russian territory now, but of course it's regarded by the UK and Western Allies as part of Ukraine still. So one thinks that that would be seen as a legitimate target in Western capitals, although obviously the reaction from Moscow would probably be pretty strong. Yeah, and it is true over the weekend that a Russian military aircraft, a couple of helicopters, a bomber and a combat aircraft were shot down ...