North Korea building border ‘wall’, satellite images reveal
North Korea is building sections of what appears to be a wall in several places near its border with South Korea, new satellite images reveal.
Images analysed by BBC Verify also show that land inside the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) has been cleared, which experts say could be a violation of the long-standing truce with South Korea.
The DMZ is a 4km (2.5 miles) wide buffer zone between North and South Korea, who are still technically at war having never signed a peace treaty. The DMZ is split in two, with each side controlled by the respective nations. read more
North Korea is building sections of what appears to be a wall in several places near its border with South Korea, new satellite images reveal.
Images analysed by BBC Verify also show that land inside the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) has been cleared, which experts say could be a violation of the long-standing truce with South Korea.
The DMZ is a 4km (2.5 miles) wide buffer zone between North and South Korea, who are still technically at war having never signed a peace treaty. The DMZ is split in two, with each side controlled by the respective nations. read more
Putin warns South Korea against arming Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has warned South Korea it would be making "a big mistake" if it arms Ukraine in the war against Russia.
His comments come after Seoul said it was considering such a possibility, in response to Russia and North Korea's new pact to help each other in the event of "aggression" against either country.
Moscow "will... [make] decisions which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea" if Seoul decides to supply arms to Kyiv, Mr Putin told reporters on Thursday. read more
Vladimir Putin has warned South Korea it would be making "a big mistake" if it arms Ukraine in the war against Russia.
His comments come after Seoul said it was considering such a possibility, in response to Russia and North Korea's new pact to help each other in the event of "aggression" against either country.
Moscow "will... [make] decisions which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea" if Seoul decides to supply arms to Kyiv, Mr Putin told reporters on Thursday. read more
Red Cross says 22 killed in strike near its Gaza office
The International Committee of the Red Cross says its offices in Gaza have been damaged by shelling, which killed 22 people who had sought shelter around its compound.
"Heavy-calibre projectiles landed within metres of the office and residences of the International Committee of the Red Cross on Friday afternoon," an ICRC statement said.
It added that all parties had an obligation to take precautions to avoid harm to civilians and humanitarian facilities. read more
The International Committee of the Red Cross says its offices in Gaza have been damaged by shelling, which killed 22 people who had sought shelter around its compound.
"Heavy-calibre projectiles landed within metres of the office and residences of the International Committee of the Red Cross on Friday afternoon," an ICRC statement said.
It added that all parties had an obligation to take precautions to avoid harm to civilians and humanitarian facilities. read more
Israeli army strapped wounded Palestinian to jeep
The Israeli military has said its forces violated protocol by strapping a wounded Palestinian man to the front of their vehicle during a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the incident after it was captured on video and shared on social media. An IDF statement said the man was wounded in an exchange of fire during the raid, in which he was a suspect.
The injured man's family said that when they asked for an ambulance, the army took him, strapped him to the bonnet of their jeep and drove off. read more
The Israeli military has said its forces violated protocol by strapping a wounded Palestinian man to the front of their vehicle during a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the incident after it was captured on video and shared on social media. An IDF statement said the man was wounded in an exchange of fire during the raid, in which he was a suspect.
The injured man's family said that when they asked for an ambulance, the army took him, strapped him to the bonnet of their jeep and drove off. read more
Deadly attacks on Dagestan synagogues and churches
Attacks on police officers, churches and synagogues in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan have left many people dead.
Gunmen targeted the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala on the Orthodox festival of Pentecost.
The dead include at least 15 police officers, a priest and a security guard. Six of the attackers are dead and police are hunting for others. read more
Attacks on police officers, churches and synagogues in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan have left many people dead.
Gunmen targeted the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala on the Orthodox festival of Pentecost.
The dead include at least 15 police officers, a priest and a security guard. Six of the attackers are dead and police are hunting for others. read more
Wikileaks: Julian Assange freed in US plea deal
After a years-long legal saga, Wikileaks says that founder Julian Assange has left the UK after reaching a deal with US authorities that will see him plead guilty to criminal charges and go free.
Assange, 52, was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information.
For years, the US has argued that the Wikileaks files - which disclosed information about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars - endangered lives.
He has spent the last five years in a British prison, from where he has been fighting extradition to the US. read more
After a years-long legal saga, Wikileaks says that founder Julian Assange has left the UK after reaching a deal with US authorities that will see him plead guilty to criminal charges and go free.
Assange, 52, was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information.
For years, the US has argued that the Wikileaks files - which disclosed information about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars - endangered lives.
He has spent the last five years in a British prison, from where he has been fighting extradition to the US. read more
Macron's election gamble puts French democracy on the table
Two neighbouring countries are approaching elections that were called out of the blue.
Both have governments that are expected to fall.
In both countries political tensions have divided families and friends.
Stop. At this point, all attempts to draw parallels between the British and French elections must cease. read more
Two neighbouring countries are approaching elections that were called out of the blue.
Both have governments that are expected to fall.
In both countries political tensions have divided families and friends.
Stop. At this point, all attempts to draw parallels between the British and French elections must cease. read more
Bolivian police arrest leader of coup attempt
Bolivian police have arrested the leader of an attempted coup, hours after the presidential palace in the capital La Paz was stormed by soldiers.
Armoured vehicles and troops had taken up position on Murillo Square where key government buildings are located. They all later withdrew.
The rebel military leader in charge, Gen Juan José Zúñiga, had said he wanted to "restructure democracy" and that while he respected President Luis Arce for now, there would be a change of government. He is now under arrest. read more
Bolivian police have arrested the leader of an attempted coup, hours after the presidential palace in the capital La Paz was stormed by soldiers.
Armoured vehicles and troops had taken up position on Murillo Square where key government buildings are located. They all later withdrew.
The rebel military leader in charge, Gen Juan José Zúñiga, had said he wanted to "restructure democracy" and that while he respected President Luis Arce for now, there would be a change of government. He is now under arrest. read more
As young Iranians lose hope, a reformist runs for president
A snap election called after a deadly helicopter crash. A candidate promising a different approach both at home and abroad. And suddenly there’s an element of suspense and unpredictability in Iran, as voters go to the polls to choose a new president.
Elections in the Islamic Republic are tightly-controlled affairs - the candidates are all vetted by an influential committee of clerics before they can stand. And recently voter apathy has been widespread.
But this time there is a wild card: a reformist former heart surgeon and health minister, Massoud Pezeshkian, who has declared “immoral” the actions of Iran’s morality police, who enforce strict dress codes on women. read more
A snap election called after a deadly helicopter crash. A candidate promising a different approach both at home and abroad. And suddenly there’s an element of suspense and unpredictability in Iran, as voters go to the polls to choose a new president.
Elections in the Islamic Republic are tightly-controlled affairs - the candidates are all vetted by an influential committee of clerics before they can stand. And recently voter apathy has been widespread.
But this time there is a wild card: a reformist former heart surgeon and health minister, Massoud Pezeshkian, who has declared “immoral” the actions of Iran’s morality police, who enforce strict dress codes on women. read more
France's far right celebrates lead and seeks majority
France’s far right is in pole position after the first round of parliamentary elections that confirmed their dominance in French politics and brought them to the gates of power.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN) cheered as she said the president’s “Macronist bloc has been all but wiped out”.
RN was on course to win 33.2% of the vote, with a left-wing alliance behind on 28.1%, and the Macron alliance behind on 21%. read more
France’s far right is in pole position after the first round of parliamentary elections that confirmed their dominance in French politics and brought them to the gates of power.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN) cheered as she said the president’s “Macronist bloc has been all but wiped out”.
RN was on course to win 33.2% of the vote, with a left-wing alliance behind on 28.1%, and the Macron alliance behind on 21%. read more
Trump win as top court deals blow to Jan 6 case
Shortly after the Supreme Court issued its decision on his claim of presidential immunity, Donald Trump took to social media to celebrate.
“Big win for our constitution and democracy,” he posted on Truth Social. "Proud to be an American!"
While Trump did not get the sweeping protections that he and his lawyers had sought, he got more than enough to achieve his immediate objective of delaying another trial until after November's election. read more
Shortly after the Supreme Court issued its decision on his claim of presidential immunity, Donald Trump took to social media to celebrate.
“Big win for our constitution and democracy,” he posted on Truth Social. "Proud to be an American!"
While Trump did not get the sweeping protections that he and his lawyers had sought, he got more than enough to achieve his immediate objective of delaying another trial until after November's election. read more
Biden faces donor pressure as he digs in on re-election bid
President Joe Biden is facing pressure from some major Democratic donors as he faces a critical few days in his campaign for re-election.
A number of donors are publicly warning they will withhold funds unless Mr Biden is replaced as the party's candidate following his disastrous debate performance last week. read more
President Joe Biden is facing pressure from some major Democratic donors as he faces a critical few days in his campaign for re-election.
A number of donors are publicly warning they will withhold funds unless Mr Biden is replaced as the party's candidate following his disastrous debate performance last week. read more
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian elected Iran's president
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran's new president, beating his hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili.
The vote was declared in Dr Pezeshkian's favour after he secured 53.3% of the more than 30 million votes counted. Mr Jalili polled at 44.3%.
The run-off came after no candidate secured a majority in the first round of the election on 28 June, which saw a historically low voter turnout of 40%. read more
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran's new president, beating his hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili.
The vote was declared in Dr Pezeshkian's favour after he secured 53.3% of the more than 30 million votes counted. Mr Jalili polled at 44.3%.
The run-off came after no candidate secured a majority in the first round of the election on 28 June, which saw a historically low voter turnout of 40%. read more
French people reject the far right - again
The French have said it again: they do not want the far right in power.
They gave them a big win in the European elections; they gave them a big win in the first round of this parliamentary election.
But when it came to a vote that really counted, just as in the presidentials, they drew back from the brink. read more
The French have said it again: they do not want the far right in power.
They gave them a big win in the European elections; they gave them a big win in the first round of this parliamentary election.
But when it came to a vote that really counted, just as in the presidentials, they drew back from the brink. read more
Ukraine in mourning after day of deadly attacks
A day of mourning is being observed in Ukraine after one of the worst waves of Russian missile strikes in months, with at least 41 people killed and 166 injured.
The main children's hospital in the capital Kyiv was among buildings hit in cities across the country on Monday.
Two people died when a missile flattened part of the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital - Ukraine's biggest paediatrics facility - and a search for survivors beneath the rubble continued into the early hours of Tuesday. read more
A day of mourning is being observed in Ukraine after one of the worst waves of Russian missile strikes in months, with at least 41 people killed and 166 injured.
The main children's hospital in the capital Kyiv was among buildings hit in cities across the country on Monday.
Two people died when a missile flattened part of the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital - Ukraine's biggest paediatrics facility - and a search for survivors beneath the rubble continued into the early hours of Tuesday. read more
Pressure builds on Biden as news conference fails to stop rebels
Joe Biden's press conference in which he insisted he was still fit to run for US president has failed to silence critics from his own party.
Three Democratic politicians joined the growing list calling on Mr Biden to drop out of the US presidential race.
Calls for the 81-year-old to step aside have escalated since he stumbled through a TV debate with Republican Donald Trump last month.
At an hour-long briefing taking reporters' questions on Thursday night he was more steady and fluent but there were also gaffes. read more
Joe Biden's press conference in which he insisted he was still fit to run for US president has failed to silence critics from his own party.
Three Democratic politicians joined the growing list calling on Mr Biden to drop out of the US presidential race.
Calls for the 81-year-old to step aside have escalated since he stumbled through a TV debate with Republican Donald Trump last month.
At an hour-long briefing taking reporters' questions on Thursday night he was more steady and fluent but there were also gaffes. read more
Alec Baldwin's Rust trial dismissed over hidden evidence
Alec Baldwin broke down in tears as a New Mexico judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against him for a fatal shooting on the set of the film Rust.
The trial collapsed three days into Baldwin's trial in Santa Fe, at a court just miles from where Halyna Hutchins, a cinematographer, was shot with a revolver that Mr Baldwin was using in rehearsals.
It is the second time the case against the actor has been dismissed since the October 2021 shooting. He will not be tried again. read more
Alec Baldwin broke down in tears as a New Mexico judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against him for a fatal shooting on the set of the film Rust.
The trial collapsed three days into Baldwin's trial in Santa Fe, at a court just miles from where Halyna Hutchins, a cinematographer, was shot with a revolver that Mr Baldwin was using in rehearsals.
It is the second time the case against the actor has been dismissed since the October 2021 shooting. He will not be tried again. read more
Trump 'safe' after shots fired at rally
Donald Trump was rushed off stage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after loud bangs were heard
Trump, the leading Republican presidential contender, dropped to the ground and was seen with what appeared to be blood on the side of his face
He appeared to raise a fist into the air as he was escorted off stage
Trump's condition is reportedly 'fine' according to his campaign
source
Donald Trump was rushed off stage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after loud bangs were heard
Trump, the leading Republican presidential contender, dropped to the ground and was seen with what appeared to be blood on the side of his face
He appeared to raise a fist into the air as he was escorted off stage
Trump's condition is reportedly 'fine' according to his campaign
source
Tragedy at Trump rally upends election campaign - for now
The 2024 election campaign has a new iconic image: Donald Trump, moments after narrowly avoiding serious injury or death from an assassin’s bullets, standing with his fist raised, lines of blood streaked across his face, an American flag billowing in the breeze behind him.
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” the former president said, as some of the supporters, who moments before had feared for their lives, began cheering.
The bloodshed in Pennsylvania will leave a lasting mark on the American psyche, puncturing the veneer of security around the highest levels of presidential politics – of magnetic screening, bulletproof limousines and heavily armed Secret Service agents. Even former presidents are not insulated from the violence that can erupt in everyday American life. read more
The 2024 election campaign has a new iconic image: Donald Trump, moments after narrowly avoiding serious injury or death from an assassin’s bullets, standing with his fist raised, lines of blood streaked across his face, an American flag billowing in the breeze behind him.
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” the former president said, as some of the supporters, who moments before had feared for their lives, began cheering.
The bloodshed in Pennsylvania will leave a lasting mark on the American psyche, puncturing the veneer of security around the highest levels of presidential politics – of magnetic screening, bulletproof limousines and heavily armed Secret Service agents. Even former presidents are not insulated from the violence that can erupt in everyday American life. read more
Why Trump picked JD Vance as his running mate
In 2016, when Donald Trump picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it was widely viewed as an effort to court evangelical Christian voters who may have been wary of supporting Trump, a thrice-married former Democrat.
This time around, he opted for JD Vance. And like his previous choice, the Ohio senator’s selection offers some insight into the former president’s campaign strategy – and, possibly, how he would govern if he returns to the White House.
The pick suggests Trump knows this election will be won and lost in a handful of industrial Midwest battleground states. read more
In 2016, when Donald Trump picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it was widely viewed as an effort to court evangelical Christian voters who may have been wary of supporting Trump, a thrice-married former Democrat.
This time around, he opted for JD Vance. And like his previous choice, the Ohio senator’s selection offers some insight into the former president’s campaign strategy – and, possibly, how he would govern if he returns to the White House.
The pick suggests Trump knows this election will be won and lost in a handful of industrial Midwest battleground states. read more
Ursula von der Leyen secures five more years in top EU job
Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as president of the European Commission following a secret ballot among MEPs.
She secured the backing of 401 Members of the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg on Thursday - 41 more than she needed.
Ms von der Leyen, of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), was first elected in 2019.
She will now serve another five years at the helm of the EU. read more
Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as president of the European Commission following a secret ballot among MEPs.
She secured the backing of 401 Members of the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg on Thursday - 41 more than she needed.
Ms von der Leyen, of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), was first elected in 2019.
She will now serve another five years at the helm of the EU. read more