China, Russia hold joint naval drills in Sea of Japan
China and Russia have launched joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, aiming to boost military ties and counterbalance US influence. The three-day “Joint Sea-2025” exercises near Vladivostok include anti-submarine, air defense, and maritime combat operations, according to Al Jazeera.
Four Chinese warships are participating alongside Russian vessels, with joint patrols planned in the Pacific afterward. While both sides say the drills are defensive, Japan has voiced concerns over their growing military cooperation amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Over 20 migrants dead, dozens missing after boat sinks off Yemen
Over 20 African migrants died and many remain missing after a smuggling boat carrying around 150 people capsized off Yemen’s Abyan coast late Saturday due to strong winds.
Bodies were found along the shores of Shaqra and Zinjibar, while 12 survivors were taken to hospital. Most victims are believed to be Ethiopian, according to Xinhua.
Rescue teams continue searching, as authorities urge international help to address the ongoing flow of dangerous migrant crossings through Yemen.
Red Crescent blames Israel for deadly Gaza HQ strike
The Palestine Red Crescent Society says Israeli forces hit its headquarters in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing one staff member and injuring three others. The strike sparked a fire and caused major damage, Al Jazeera reported.
The group called the attack “deliberate,” noting its building is clearly marked and known to Israeli forces. The IDF said it had no knowledge of any strike there.
The incident comes as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens. Over 1,300 Palestinians have reportedly died seeking food since May. Aid agencies warn of famine, while Israel denies blocking supplies and blames Hamas for chaos at distribution sites, according to Al Jazeera.
Russian volcano erupts for first time in more than 500 years
A volcano in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has erupted for the first time in over 500 years, possibly triggered by last week’s powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake. The Krasheninnikov Volcano sent ash six kilometers into the air, though no towns are at risk, officials said.
Hours later, a 7.0 quake hit the nearby Kuril Islands, prompting mild tsunami warnings. Experts say more aftershocks are likely, as the region lies in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, according to BBC.
