Iran poised to send missile launchers to Russia
Iran is set to deliver Fath-360 missile launchers to Russia, Western and regional officials report, marking a new phase in Tehran’s military support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
The launchers, which are due soon, will allow Russia to utilize the 120-kilometer-range missiles that were purportedly supplied last year but did not have delivery systems. Their deployment may target Ukrainian military and border areas, according to Reuters.
Neither Iran nor Russia have verified the move. US and European officials say Iran has already provided drones, artillery, and over 400 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.
Gunmen kill at least thirty in attack on travellers in Nigeria
At least 30 people were killed in southeastern Nigeria’s Imo State when gunmen attacked travellers along the Okigwe-Owerri road on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.
The attackers, suspected to be members of the banned separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), set fire to more than 20 vehicles, including trucks, in what Amnesty described as a “vicious attack.”
"The gunmen blocked the highway and carried out the assault with complete disregard for human life," the rights group stated, urging a thorough investigation and prosecution of those guilty.
Imo police spokesperson Henry Okoye acknowledged the event but did not disclose any casualty figures. He informed Al Jazeera that one of the attackers had been killed by police.
US launches private aid plan for Gaza amid blockade
The US is preparing a new aid system for Gaza using private firms, as Israel’s blockade continues into a third month.
Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel, stated that private contractors will oversee secure distribution centers to distribute food and supplies to more than a million people. He emphasized that Israel will not manage the aid, but instead safeguard the centers perimeters, BBC reported.
UN agencies have opposed the initiative, warning that it may "weaponize" aid. They argue existing mechanisms are effective, noting minimal looting and no theft of WHO medical supplies.
The Trump administration is leading the initiative, which includes a new NGO called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and is seeking financing from Gulf countries ahead of the president's regional visit, according to BBC.
Ukraine arrests two over alleged Hungarian spy plot
Ukraine's SBU security agency discovered a spying network purportedly operated by Hungarian military intelligence. Two former Ukrainian soldiers were detained for state treason after allegedly leaking military data from the Transcarpathia region, including air defense sites, according to Reuters.
The SBU said the suspects were recruited by a Hungarian intelligence officer, receiving cash and special communication equipment to carry out their activities. It is the first known case of a Hungarian spy network being uncovered in Ukraine, the agency added.
Hungary, a NATO and EU member, denounced the charges as "propaganda" and responded by removing two Ukrainian diplomats from its Budapest mission, Reuters reported.
Ties between Kyiv and Budapest remain strained, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban retaining close links with Russia and opposing Western military support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
