Syria secures $14bn in global investment to rebuild economy
Syria has signed $14bn worth of international deals to revive its war-ravaged economy, focusing on infrastructure, transport, and real estate, according to Al Jazeera.
Key projects include a $4bn upgrade of Damascus airport with Qatar’s UCC Holding and a $2bn metro deal with the UAE. Other developments include the $2bn Damascus Towers with Italy’s UBAKO.
The agreements come as President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government seeks to attract foreign investment following years of conflict and the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
US envoy Tom Barrack, present at the signing, praised the move as a sign of Syria’s economic turnaround, Al Jazeera reported.
Five soldiers injured in shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia
Five soldiers were injured in a shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia on Wednesday. The suspected shooter was taken into custody, and the base was briefly locked down, according to BBC.
The injured were treated on site before being moved to Winn Army Community Hospital. Authorities say there’s no ongoing threat, and the incident is under investigation.
Governor Brian Kemp and President Trump have been briefed and expressed concern for the victims and their families, BBC reported.
US sanctions hip-hop artist El Makabelico over cartel ties
The US has sanctioned Mexican hip-hop artist El Makabelico for allegedly laundering money for the Cartel del Noreste. Authorities say 50 percent of his streaming royalties go directly to the group, which is accused of drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling, BBC reported.
Three senior cartel members—Abdon Rodriguez, Antonio Romero, and Francisco Esqueda—were also sanctioned. The Treasury called the cartel one of Mexico’s most violent and reaffirmed its commitment to cutting off its funding.
El Makabelico’s label, DEL Records, has not commented, according to BBC.
Wildfires and heatwaves grip southern Europe as evacuations ordered
Southern Europe is battling deadly wildfires and extreme heat, forcing evacuations in France, Spain, and Portugal, Al Jazeera reported.
In France’s Aude region, the largest wildfire this season has killed one person, injured nine, and burned an area bigger than Paris. Over 1,800 firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze amid drought and dry conditions worsened by climate change.
Spain faces multiple fires amid a heatwave reaching 43°C (109°F), with evacuations near Tarifa, Galicia, and Cadiz. Heat-related deaths rose sharply in July.
Portugal has seen huge wildfires this year, with tens of thousands of hectares burned and several fires still active. Lisbon declared a state of alert as fire risks soar, according to Al Jazeera.
Experts say rising temperatures are making Southern Europe’s fire seasons longer and more intense.
