UK YouTuber Benjamin Rich held at Russian space centre
A British YouTuber has been detained at a Russia-controlled space centre in Kazakhstan, officials have said.
Benjamin Rich, known for his travel channel Bald and Bankrupt, was held near a launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos said.
Dmitry Rogozin said Mr Rich was being investigated over "illegal acts".
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was investigating the reports.
A woman named Alina Tseliupa and reported to be from Belarus was also apprehended, said Mr Rogozin. read more
A British YouTuber has been detained at a Russia-controlled space centre in Kazakhstan, officials have said.
Benjamin Rich, known for his travel channel Bald and Bankrupt, was held near a launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos said.
Dmitry Rogozin said Mr Rich was being investigated over "illegal acts".
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was investigating the reports.
A woman named Alina Tseliupa and reported to be from Belarus was also apprehended, said Mr Rogozin. read more
Otoniel: Colombia steps up operation against rioting cartel
Colombia has sent an additional 2,000 troops and police to help contain a gang that has burned cars and threatened people as reprisal for the extradition of its leader to the US.
President Iván Duque said Dairo Antonio Úsuga, better known as Otoniel, was the world's most dangerous trafficker.
Otoniel led the Gulf Clan cartel and was extradited to the US last week.
In response, the Gulf Clan announced a four-day so-called "armed strike" in the north of the country.
Gang members destroyed at least 100 vehicles on Friday during violent protests against their leader's extradition. They also intimidated civilians, warning them to stay at home. read more
Colombia has sent an additional 2,000 troops and police to help contain a gang that has burned cars and threatened people as reprisal for the extradition of its leader to the US.
President Iván Duque said Dairo Antonio Úsuga, better known as Otoniel, was the world's most dangerous trafficker.
Otoniel led the Gulf Clan cartel and was extradited to the US last week.
In response, the Gulf Clan announced a four-day so-called "armed strike" in the north of the country.
Gang members destroyed at least 100 vehicles on Friday during violent protests against their leader's extradition. They also intimidated civilians, warning them to stay at home. read more
Sri Lankan troops on streets after protesters torch leaders' homes in night of unrest
A curfew is in force across Sri Lanka after mobs burned down homes belonging to the ruling Rajapaksa family amid mounting anger at the economic crisis.
The overnight violence capped a day of unrest that saw PM Mahinda Rajapaksa quit, but this failed to bring calm.
Crowds besieged his residence and he was evacuated in a pre-dawn operation amid tear gas and warning shots.
Protests are continuing despite the curfew. Seven people have died and 200 have been injured since Monday.
The island-wide curfew has been extended to Wednesday morning as authorities seek to quell the violence. read more
A curfew is in force across Sri Lanka after mobs burned down homes belonging to the ruling Rajapaksa family amid mounting anger at the economic crisis.
The overnight violence capped a day of unrest that saw PM Mahinda Rajapaksa quit, but this failed to bring calm.
Crowds besieged his residence and he was evacuated in a pre-dawn operation amid tear gas and warning shots.
Protests are continuing despite the curfew. Seven people have died and 200 have been injured since Monday.
The island-wide curfew has been extended to Wednesday morning as authorities seek to quell the violence. read more
Ukraine war: Putin preparing for long haul, US intelligence says
Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war in Ukraine, with even victory in the east potentially not ending the conflict, US intelligence has warned.
The warning comes as fierce fighting continues in the east, where Russia is trying to take territory.
Moscow refocussed its troops on capturing the Donbas region after Ukraine resisted attempts to take its capital Kyiv.
But despite this, its forces remain in a stalemate, US intelligence said. read more
Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war in Ukraine, with even victory in the east potentially not ending the conflict, US intelligence has warned.
The warning comes as fierce fighting continues in the east, where Russia is trying to take territory.
Moscow refocussed its troops on capturing the Donbas region after Ukraine resisted attempts to take its capital Kyiv.
But despite this, its forces remain in a stalemate, US intelligence said. read more
Al Jazeera reporter killed during Israeli raid in West Bank
A veteran Palestinian-American correspondent for Al Jazeera has been killed while covering a raid by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
The Qatar-based network said Shireen Abu Aqla was shot "deliberately" and "in cold blood" by Israeli troops in Jenin. Her producer was also wounded.
Israel's prime minister said it was "likely" they were shot by Palestinian gunmen during an exchange of fire.
It comes amid a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Palestinian president said he held the Israeli government fully responsible for what he described as a "crime of execution". read more
A veteran Palestinian-American correspondent for Al Jazeera has been killed while covering a raid by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
The Qatar-based network said Shireen Abu Aqla was shot "deliberately" and "in cold blood" by Israeli troops in Jenin. Her producer was also wounded.
Israel's prime minister said it was "likely" they were shot by Palestinian gunmen during an exchange of fire.
It comes amid a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Palestinian president said he held the Israeli government fully responsible for what he described as a "crime of execution". read more
North Korea orders strict lockdown with first official Covid cases
North Korea has ordered a strict national lockdown after confirming its first official Covid infections.
State media have reported an Omicron outbreak in the capital Pyongyang but did not state the number of cases.
KCNA said leader Kim Jong-un had vowed to eradicate the outbreak, which they called a "severe national emergency" that had breached the country's "quarantine front".
But observers believe the virus has long been present in the country. read more
North Korea has ordered a strict national lockdown after confirming its first official Covid infections.
State media have reported an Omicron outbreak in the capital Pyongyang but did not state the number of cases.
KCNA said leader Kim Jong-un had vowed to eradicate the outbreak, which they called a "severe national emergency" that had breached the country's "quarantine front".
But observers believe the virus has long been present in the country. read more
Finland Nato: Russia threatens to retaliate over membership move
Russia has said it will be forced to take "retaliatory steps" over its neighbour Finland's move to join Nato.
A foreign ministry statement said the move would seriously damage bilateral relations, as well as security and stability in northern Europe.
Earlier, Finland's president and PM called for the country to apply for Nato membership "without delay".
It comes amid a surge in public support for Nato membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. read more
Russia has said it will be forced to take "retaliatory steps" over its neighbour Finland's move to join Nato.
A foreign ministry statement said the move would seriously damage bilateral relations, as well as security and stability in northern Europe.
Earlier, Finland's president and PM called for the country to apply for Nato membership "without delay".
It comes amid a surge in public support for Nato membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. read more
Elon Musk puts Twitter deal on hold over fake account details
Elon Musk has said his $44bn (£35bn) deal to buy Twitter is on hold after he queried the number of fake or spam accounts on the social media platform.
He said he was waiting for information "supporting [the] calculation that spam/fake accounts do indeed represent less than 5% of users".
Mr Musk has been vocal on cleaning up spam accounts.
However, analysts speculated he could be seeking to renegotiate the price or even walk away from the takeover.
Following Mr Musk's tweet, Twitter's share price fell as much as 25% in pre-market trading. read more
Elon Musk has said his $44bn (£35bn) deal to buy Twitter is on hold after he queried the number of fake or spam accounts on the social media platform.
He said he was waiting for information "supporting [the] calculation that spam/fake accounts do indeed represent less than 5% of users".
Mr Musk has been vocal on cleaning up spam accounts.
However, analysts speculated he could be seeking to renegotiate the price or even walk away from the takeover.
Following Mr Musk's tweet, Twitter's share price fell as much as 25% in pre-market trading. read more
Shireen Abu Aqla: Violence at Al Jazeera reporter's funeral in Jerusalem
Israeli police have hit mourners at the funeral of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Aqla, whose killing in the occupied West Bank has caused a surge of anger.
Her coffin almost fell as police, some using batons, waded into a crowd of Palestinians gathered around it.
Police said they acted after being pelted with stones.
Abu Aqla was shot dead in disputed circumstances on Wednesday, with Israel and Palestinians trading blame. The killing has been widely condemned.
Footage showed a standoff between police and Palestinians gathered around the coffin in the hospital compound, before officers push the crowd back, with some beating and kicking mourners. Police said officers "were forced to use riot dispersal means". read more
Israeli police have hit mourners at the funeral of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Aqla, whose killing in the occupied West Bank has caused a surge of anger.
Her coffin almost fell as police, some using batons, waded into a crowd of Palestinians gathered around it.
Police said they acted after being pelted with stones.
Abu Aqla was shot dead in disputed circumstances on Wednesday, with Israel and Palestinians trading blame. The killing has been widely condemned.
Footage showed a standoff between police and Palestinians gathered around the coffin in the hospital compound, before officers push the crowd back, with some beating and kicking mourners. Police said officers "were forced to use riot dispersal means". read more
Buffalo shooting: Ten dead in attack at supermarket in New York state
Ten people have been killed in a shooting in New York state that is being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
An 18-year-old man was detained after a stand-off at the scene in the city of Buffalo. Police have not named him.
The suspect entered a busy supermarket on Saturday afternoon before opening fire. He used a camera to live-stream the attack online, police said.
The FBI described the shooting as an act of "violent extremism". read more
Ten people have been killed in a shooting in New York state that is being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
An 18-year-old man was detained after a stand-off at the scene in the city of Buffalo. Police have not named him.
The suspect entered a busy supermarket on Saturday afternoon before opening fire. He used a camera to live-stream the attack online, police said.
The FBI described the shooting as an act of "violent extremism". read more
Ukraine war: Finland confirms Nato bid despite Putin warning
Finland has confirmed that it will apply for Nato membership, despite warnings from Russia's President Vladimir Putin that abandoning neutrality would be a "mistake".
President Sauli Niinisto called it a "historic day". He says the shift in policy is in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Nato foreign ministers say they want a rapid accession process for Finland.
Sweden could also announce its intention to join as soon as Monday.
Finland shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia. Until now, it has stayed out of Nato to avoid antagonising its eastern neighbour. read more
Finland has confirmed that it will apply for Nato membership, despite warnings from Russia's President Vladimir Putin that abandoning neutrality would be a "mistake".
President Sauli Niinisto called it a "historic day". He says the shift in policy is in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Nato foreign ministers say they want a rapid accession process for Finland.
Sweden could also announce its intention to join as soon as Monday.
Finland shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia. Until now, it has stayed out of Nato to avoid antagonising its eastern neighbour. read more
Full lunar eclipse creates rare super blood Moon
Stargazers have been treated overnight to a stunning and unusual sight - a super blood Moon.
Shortly after 03:30 GMT on Monday, Earth's orbit meant that for several minutes our planet was positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon.
In that time the Moon fell completely into Earth's shadow - temporarily turning it a dusky shade of dark red.
Its hue was created by sunlight being projected through Earth's atmosphere onto the Moon's shadowed surface.
The lunar eclipse coincided with a separate event - a super Moon. This is when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit and so appears larger than usual. read more
Stargazers have been treated overnight to a stunning and unusual sight - a super blood Moon.
Shortly after 03:30 GMT on Monday, Earth's orbit meant that for several minutes our planet was positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon.
In that time the Moon fell completely into Earth's shadow - temporarily turning it a dusky shade of dark red.
Its hue was created by sunlight being projected through Earth's atmosphere onto the Moon's shadowed surface.
The lunar eclipse coincided with a separate event - a super Moon. This is when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit and so appears larger than usual. read more
Buffalo shooting: Gunman deliberately sought black victims - mayor
The man suspected of shooting dead 10 people at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, deliberately sought a site with a high black population, authorities say.
The suspect, Payton Gendron, 18, drove more than 320km (200 miles) to carry out the attack, police say.
The attack is being investigated as an act of racially motivated violent extremism.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the suspect arrived intending to take "as many black lives as possible".
A 180-page document seemingly authored by Mr Gendron has emerged, in which he describes himself as a fascist and a white supremacist. read more
The man suspected of shooting dead 10 people at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, deliberately sought a site with a high black population, authorities say.
The suspect, Payton Gendron, 18, drove more than 320km (200 miles) to carry out the attack, police say.
The attack is being investigated as an act of racially motivated violent extremism.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the suspect arrived intending to take "as many black lives as possible".
A 180-page document seemingly authored by Mr Gendron has emerged, in which he describes himself as a fascist and a white supremacist. read more
Turkey threatens to block Finland and Sweden Nato bids
Turkey's president has restated his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining Nato - just hours after they said they would seek membership.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two Scandinavian nations need not send delegations to convince Turkey, a key Nato member, of their bids.
He is angered by what he sees as their willingness to host Kurdish militants.
Earlier, Sweden said Europe was living in a dangerous new reality, referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. read more
Turkey's president has restated his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining Nato - just hours after they said they would seek membership.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two Scandinavian nations need not send delegations to convince Turkey, a key Nato member, of their bids.
He is angered by what he sees as their willingness to host Kurdish militants.
Earlier, Sweden said Europe was living in a dangerous new reality, referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. read more
Drugs tunnel connecting US and Mexico found
A huge drugs tunnel has been found running from Tijuana in Mexico to a warehouse in San Diego in the US.
With a length of 1,744ft (531m), the passage had a rail track, electricity and a ventilation system.
US authorities had been carrying out surveillance at a property previously used as a stash house for smuggling cocaine when they made the discovery.
They seized cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. Six people are being held on drug-trafficking charges. read more
A huge drugs tunnel has been found running from Tijuana in Mexico to a warehouse in San Diego in the US.
With a length of 1,744ft (531m), the passage had a rail track, electricity and a ventilation system.
US authorities had been carrying out surveillance at a property previously used as a stash house for smuggling cocaine when they made the discovery.
They seized cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. Six people are being held on drug-trafficking charges. read more
Mariupol: Ukraine doing everything to save remaining fighters
Ukraine is doing "everything possible and impossible" to save the remaining fighters trapped in Mariupol's Azovstal steelworks, a senior official has said.
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said Kyiv knew how many soldiers were still at the plant, but stressed that it was "sensitive information".
On Monday, 264 fighters - many badly wounded - were evacuated to areas held by Russian-backed rebels.
On Tuesday, another seven buses were seen leaving the site, Reuters said.
It added that the convoy later arrived in Olenivka, a village held by pro-Russian rebels in the eastern Donbas region. read more
Ukraine is doing "everything possible and impossible" to save the remaining fighters trapped in Mariupol's Azovstal steelworks, a senior official has said.
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said Kyiv knew how many soldiers were still at the plant, but stressed that it was "sensitive information".
On Monday, 264 fighters - many badly wounded - were evacuated to areas held by Russian-backed rebels.
On Tuesday, another seven buses were seen leaving the site, Reuters said.
It added that the convoy later arrived in Olenivka, a village held by pro-Russian rebels in the eastern Donbas region. read more
Netflix cuts 150 US-based jobs after losing subscribers
Netflix has made about 150 staff redundant, a month after the streaming service said it was losing subscribers for the first time in a decade.
The redundancies, announced by the entertainment giant on Tuesday, will mainly affect its US office in California. They account for about 2% of its North American workforce.
Netflix said the job losses were due to the slump in the company's revenue.
The streaming service is battling an exodus of viewers this year. read more
Netflix has made about 150 staff redundant, a month after the streaming service said it was losing subscribers for the first time in a decade.
The redundancies, announced by the entertainment giant on Tuesday, will mainly affect its US office in California. They account for about 2% of its North American workforce.
Netflix said the job losses were due to the slump in the company's revenue.
The streaming service is battling an exodus of viewers this year. read more
President Rodrigo Chaves says Costa Rica is at war with Conti hackers
The president of Costa Rica says his country is "at war", as cyber-criminals cause major disruption to IT systems of numerous government ministries.
Rodrigo Chaves said hackers infiltrated 27 government institutions, including municipalities and state-run utilities.
The Conti ransomware cartel, which is thought to be run from Russia, has upped its ransom demand to $20m (£16m).
The criminals posted an appeal online to Costa Ricans to "go out on the street and demand payment".
Mr Chaves held a press conference on Monday to outline his "Plan for Implementation of Cyber-security Measures". read more
The president of Costa Rica says his country is "at war", as cyber-criminals cause major disruption to IT systems of numerous government ministries.
Rodrigo Chaves said hackers infiltrated 27 government institutions, including municipalities and state-run utilities.
The Conti ransomware cartel, which is thought to be run from Russia, has upped its ransom demand to $20m (£16m).
The criminals posted an appeal online to Costa Ricans to "go out on the street and demand payment".
Mr Chaves held a press conference on Monday to outline his "Plan for Implementation of Cyber-security Measures". read more
Global stock markets fall as growth fears rattle investors
Fears about rising prices and slowing economies have spread to UK and European stock markets following sharp falls in the US and Asia.
The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 2.5% on Thursday while the main stock markets in France and Germany saw similar declines.
On Wednesday, US shares recorded their biggest one-day drop since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Markets were spooked by gloomy forecasts from major US retailers. read more
Fears about rising prices and slowing economies have spread to UK and European stock markets following sharp falls in the US and Asia.
The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 2.5% on Thursday while the main stock markets in France and Germany saw similar declines.
On Wednesday, US shares recorded their biggest one-day drop since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Markets were spooked by gloomy forecasts from major US retailers. read more
Canada to ban China's Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks
Canada says it will ban two of China's biggest telecoms equipment makers from working on its 5G phone networks.
The restrictions against Huawei and ZTE were announced by the country's industry minister on Thursday.
Francois-Philippe Champagne says the move will improve Canada's mobile internet services and "protect the safety and security of Canadians".
But Huawei Canada said it was "disappointed" by the decision, which it said was "political". read more
Canada says it will ban two of China's biggest telecoms equipment makers from working on its 5G phone networks.
The restrictions against Huawei and ZTE were announced by the country's industry minister on Thursday.
Francois-Philippe Champagne says the move will improve Canada's mobile internet services and "protect the safety and security of Canadians".
But Huawei Canada said it was "disappointed" by the decision, which it said was "political". read more
Colonel in Iran Revolutionary Guard assassinated
A colonel in the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards has been shot dead in a rare assassination in Tehran.
Two gunman on a motorbike are reported to have shot Colonel Sayad Khodai five times in a car outside his home.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack, and a manhunt is under way for the gunmen.
It is the biggest security breach in Iran since 2020 when a leading nuclear scientist was killed, the BBC's Middle East Editor Sebastian Usher says. read more
A colonel in the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards has been shot dead in a rare assassination in Tehran.
Two gunman on a motorbike are reported to have shot Colonel Sayad Khodai five times in a car outside his home.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack, and a manhunt is under way for the gunmen.
It is the biggest security breach in Iran since 2020 when a leading nuclear scientist was killed, the BBC's Middle East Editor Sebastian Usher says. read more