Abha makes headlines as the capital of Asir Province, perched high in the Asir Mountains. Its climate and location shape its role in regional politics and security.
Britain is preparing a ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank in response to new settlement expansion. The move follows Prime Minister Netanyahu's government pushing settlement construction, and ministers say the policy aims to revive momentum toward a two-state solution. The action is expected to be announced in Parliament today.
Yemen's Houthi movement has declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, saying it will close the Bab al‑Mandab to Saudi vessels in retaliation for a reported Saudi blockade of Houthi ports and last week's strikes on Sanaa airport. The announcement has raised fears of renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping and wider disruption to oil routes that already bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, citing an eye-for-an-eye logic after Sanaa airport was attacked. The move threatens Red Sea shipping, while tensions draw in the US and Iran amid broader regional pivot in energy routes. Analysts warn of renewed conflict and humanitarian risk as oil flows face disruption.
A total solar eclipse has crossed parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from the UK since 1999. Scientists have used airborne and balloon experiments to study the Sun's corona and the event has drawn large crowds despite patchy clouds and local viewing limits.