AFP in headlines for 2024-25 roll: agency behind world news, born Havas in 1835; now AFP, Paris-based.
Multiple French naval personnel used fitness apps like Strava during deployment, revealing sensitive location data of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its fleet in the Mediterranean. French authorities are investigating potential security breaches amid ongoing tensions with Iran and regional conflicts.
The acting US ambassador to Ukraine has announced her retirement as talks toward a ceasefire remain stalled. The State Department denies that disagreements with President Trump motivated the departure, saying she has long supported administration efforts to achieve durable peace between Russia and Ukraine. Washington’s focus has shifted amid broader international concerns.
New Zealand's Court of Appeal has rejected Brenton Tarrant's bid to overturn his March 2020 guilty pleas for the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, finding his claim that harsh prison conditions forced those pleas to be "utterly devoid of merit." The decision preserves his life sentence without parole and avoids a retrial, relieving victims' families.
Since the April 17 ceasefire, Israel has been continuing air and drone strikes across southern Lebanon and near Beirut while Hezbollah has been launching explosive drones and rockets at Israeli forces and communities. Lebanese authorities have reported dozens of civilian deaths and injuries in recent days as US-brokered Israel–Lebanon talks proceed in Washington (19 May 2026).
The acting US ambassador to Ukraine has announced she will depart in June 2026 after less than a year in Kyiv, amid broader questions over U.S. support for Ukraine and ongoing ceasefire efforts.
The UAE has emerged as a more direct participant in the Iran conflict, with reports that it carried out strikes against Iran, including an attack on the Lavan Island refinery. The ceasefire holds but regional tensions are rising as Gulf states respond to Iran's actions and to allied pressures from the US and Israel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Beijing with Donald Trump amid Chinese sanctions that have been navigated by a name transliteration change. Beijing has reportedly shifted the first syllable of Rubio’s surname to a different Chinese character, enabling his entry while sanctions remain in place. The move follows Rubio’s history of criticizing China and backing human-rights measures.
Tens of thousands of Israeli nationalist marchers have marched through Jerusalem's Old City for Jerusalem Day, chanting anti‑Palestinian slogans, vandalising property and prompting many Palestinian shopkeepers to shut. Far‑right ministers have entered the Al‑Aqsa/Temple Mount compound and unfurled an Israeli flag. Activists have deployed to protect locals and regional governments have condemned the incursions.
Sudan's armed forces have used drones to strike towns across South Kordofan, East Darfur and West Kordofan, killing and injuring civilians. The UN tallies drone-related deaths since January at hundreds, as rights groups warn of escalated danger to civilians amid shifting oil-related interests and ongoing fighting.
Thailand is reducing visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries from up to 60 days to mostly 30 days, with some nations receiving 15 days. The move aims to curb crime and unlawful activities linked to foreign visitors, while allowing a single renewal. Authorities say the policy targets offenders, not nationalities, and follows broader border-security measures.
A gas explosion has struck the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi, where 247 workers were underground on Friday evening. Authorities have reported dozens hospitalised, two missing and an initial death toll that was revised downward after officials said the company's early figures were inaccurate. President Xi has ordered investigations and accountability.
A gunman fired near the White House as President Trump is in the building negotiating with Iran. Secret Service has returned fire; a bystander has been wounded. The shooter was taken to a hospital and pronounced deceased. FBI is assisting, and security remains on high alert.
A bomb attack has hit a passenger shuttle carrying military personnel and families near Quetta, Balochistan, on 24 May 2026, killing at least two dozen people and wounding dozens more. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility; carriages have overturned, nearby buildings have been damaged and hospitals have declared emergencies.