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Hundreds of Russian Drones and Missiles Attack Kyiv: 12 Killed, 48 Injured in Rare Strike on City Center

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Kyiv, Ukraine (BN24) — A mass Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s capital early Thursday killed at least 12 people and wounded 48 others, including children, in one of the most destructive air assaults in months. The rare strike on central Kyiv left apartment blocks in ruins, shattered windows across the city, and ignited fires as emergency crews pulled bodies from the rubble.

Local officials said it was the first large-scale Russian combined assault on Kyiv in weeks. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Moscow launched 598 strike drones and decoys along with 31 missiles of various types across the country, marking one of the biggest air offensives since the war began in 2022.

Among the dead were three children — ages 2, 14 and 17 — according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s city administration. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as rescuers continued searching collapsed buildings in multiple districts.

“Ballistics Instead of Negotiations”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a rejection of peace talks, accusing Russia of escalating violence instead of pursuing diplomacy.

“Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy wrote on X after the assault. “We expect a response from everyone in the world who has called for peace but now more often stays silent rather than taking principled positions.”

The assault came as U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate a settlement to the three-year war have stalled.

Central Kyiv Hit in Rare Attack

The bombardment struck at least 20 locations across seven Kyiv districts, damaging nearly 100 buildings, including a shopping mall in the city center. Tkachenko said thousands of windows were shattered, and residents were left sweeping up broken glass in apartment blocks and offices.

The European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv was damaged in the blasts. Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, condemned the attack as “a clear sign that Russia rejects peace & chooses terror,” posting images of smashed windows and doors at the EU offices.

A 21-year-old resident, Sophia Akylina, said the attack struck closer than ever before. “It’s never happened before that they attacked so close,” she said. “Negotiations haven’t yielded anything yet, unfortunately people are suffering.”

Scenes of Devastation

Smoke rose from a five-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district after a direct hit collapsed part of the structure. Firefighters battled flames and searched for survivors while neighbors stood by waiting for news of missing relatives. Bodies in black bags were placed beside the wreckage.

Witnesses described harrowing rescues. Oleksandr Khilko, whose sister lived in the destroyed building, said he pulled three survivors, including a boy, from under debris. “It’s inhuman, striking civilians,” he said, his clothes covered in dust. “With every cell of my body I want this war to end as soon as possible.”

Ukraine’s national railway operator reported damage to infrastructure in both Vinnytsia and Kyiv regions, causing significant delays and forcing trains onto alternate routes.

Russia Reports Drone Attacks on Its Oil Refineries

In response to Kyiv’s drone campaign, Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had downed 102 Ukrainian drones overnight, mostly in the southwest. Local officials reported a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar and another blaze at the Novokuibyshevsk refinery in Samara.

Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russia’s energy sector, hitting refineries and oil depots to undermine Moscow’s war economy. The strikes have triggered fuel shortages and price spikes in several Russian regions.

Diplomacy Stalled After Trump-Putin Talks

The massive attack followed a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the two leaders discussed paths to end the war. While initial reports suggested progress, momentum has since slowed, with Western leaders accusing Moscow of deliberately stalling.

This week, Ukraine’s military admitted Russian troops had advanced into an eighth region of the country, underscoring the continued expansion of the front. Zelenskyy has pressed Washington for harsher sanctions to cripple Russia’s economy if Putin does not engage seriously in peace efforts.

“All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined,” Zelenskyy said Thursday.

Trump, frustrated by Putin’s reluctance, said Friday he expects to decide on next steps within two weeks if direct peace talks with Zelenskyy are not scheduled.

AP

African Defence Chiefs Commit to Stronger Regional Security Cooperation at Abuja Summit

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ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — Defence chiefs from across Africa have pledged to deepen regional cooperation in intelligence sharing, border security, and joint military operations, as part of a unified strategy to confront terrorism, trafficking, piracy, and cyber warfare threatening stability across the continent.

The commitments were made during the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, which concluded Wednesday in Abuja. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the meeting underscored the urgency of an integrated security approach to combat transnational threats made worse by porous borders and fragmented national responses.

“In the first plenary of this summit, we discussed the need for more effective border management and regional security cooperation,” Musa said. “Porous borders continue to enable terrorism, trafficking, and armed banditry. It was evident from our discussions that integrated frameworks, intelligence sharing, and coordinated joint operations are the only effective ways to defeat these threats.”

Musa emphasized that terrorism and insecurity in one part of Africa threatens peace across the entire continent, stressing the need for countries to transcend bilateral security efforts in favor of broader, collective arrangements. The summit, he added, provided an unprecedented opportunity for Africa’s top military leaders to forge both professional and personal ties essential for coordinated action on the ground.

“This summit is a declaration of Africa’s determination to take ownership of its peace, stability, and future,” Musa said. “We explored key areas, including joint training, investment in indigenous defence technologies, and youth engagement as long-term strategies.”

A key part of the summit’s dialogue focused on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can be harnessed to bolster early warning systems, improve situational awareness, and neutralize hostile networks operating across borders.

Musa urged participants to move beyond deliberation and take tangible steps to implement the recommendations made during the summit. “Let us not allow these rich discussions to remain within the conference halls,” he said. “Let this summit be a turning point for decisive and collective action.”

Looking ahead, the Nigerian defence chief announced that Lagos will host an international defence exhibition next year. The event is expected to showcase regional capabilities and strengthen defence partnerships across Africa.

The summit marks a significant step toward building a cohesive, continent-wide response to increasingly complex and interconnected security threats—an approach African leaders say is essential for sustainable peace and development.

Credit: Punching.Com

Equatorial Guinea Court Jails President’s Son Over Sale Of National Airline Aircraft

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MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (BN24) — A court in Equatorial Guinea has sentenced Ruslan Obiang Nsue, the son of long-serving President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, to six years in prison for the unauthorized sale of a state-owned aircraft belonging to the national carrier, Ceiba Intercontinental.

The ruling, handed down Tuesday, August 26, follows a months-long investigation into the disappearance of a Ceiba ATR 72-500 aircraft, which was later traced to a private Spanish company. According to Hilario Mitogo, director of press at the Supreme Court, Obiang Nsue, 50, was convicted of fraudulently selling the plane and keeping the proceeds for personal gain.

The court ruled that Obiang Nsue must reimburse the national airline approximately $255,000 or face full imprisonment. Additional penalties include damages and a state-imposed fine. However, he was acquitted of separate charges of embezzlement and abuse of office.

The verdict marks one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Equatorial Guinea’s recent history, involving the immediate family of the president, who has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation since 1979. Obiang Nsue, a former director of Ceiba Intercontinental and previously secretary of state for sports and youth, had been under house arrest since 2023. The arrest order came from his half-brother, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who has himself been the subject of international legal scrutiny.

In 2012, Vice President Obiang Mangue was convicted by a French court for embezzling public funds, receiving a suspended prison sentence and a $35 million fine. That case, involving luxury real estate and high-end vehicles, drew global attention to the Obiang family’s vast wealth and longstanding allegations of corruption.

The latest conviction adds to a complex legacy of governance in Equatorial Guinea, where the ruling family has faced repeated criticism for lack of transparency and misuse of public resources. While critics question whether the ruling signals meaningful accountability, it underscores internal rifts and a potential shift in how corruption cases involving top officials are addressed.

Grimsby Town Stun Manchester United In Historic Carabao Cup Upset

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BLUNDELL PARK, England (BN24) — In one of the most stunning upsets in Carabao Cup history, fourth-tier Grimsby Town eliminated Premier League powerhouse Manchester United in a gripping penalty shootout Wednesday night, prevailing 12–11 after a dramatic 2–2 draw in regulation.

Grimsby, currently competing in League Two, surged into a shock two-goal lead within the opening 30 minutes, capitalizing on defensive lapses from a disjointed United side. Charles Vernam opened the scoring before Tyrell Warren doubled the advantage, sending the Blundell Park crowd into disbelief.

Manchester United, fielding a mix of youth and experience, looked unconvincing and were forced to chase the game deep into the second half. Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back in the 75th minute, injecting urgency into United’s play. Captain Harry Maguire then rose to the occasion with a late header to level the match and force a shootout.

What followed was a tense and extended penalty duel that reached deep into sudden death. With neither side willing to concede ground, it was Grimsby who ultimately held their nerve. The decisive moment came as Grimsby’s final penalty rippled the net, igniting euphoric celebrations from home supporters and players alike.

The defeat marks a new low for United, who entered the competition as defending champions but now exit at the hands of a club ranked three divisions below them. The loss is expected to intensify scrutiny on United’s current form and squad depth, while for Grimsby, the victory stands as a defining moment in their modern history.

Grimsby Town’s triumph over Manchester United not only sends shockwaves through English football but also cements their place among the most memorable giant-killers in Carabao Cup folklore.

Credit: Sky Sport

Asylum Seeker on Trial in Essex Denies Trying to Kiss 14-Year-Old Girl, Says ‘I’m Not a Wild Animal’

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Colchester, England (BN24) — An asylum seeker accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl outside a hotel in Essex has denied the allegations in court, insisting through an interpreter, “I’m not a wild animal.”

On the second day of his trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, repeatedly rejected claims that he tried to kiss the teenager, touched her thigh, and brushed her hair. The Ethiopian national, who told the court he had been a sports teacher in his home country, arrived in Britain just days before the alleged incidents after traveling through Italy and France and paying around €2,500 (£2,155) to cross the Channel in a rubber dinghy.

Prosecutors allege Kebatu approached the girl and asked her to return with him to the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, where asylum seekers were being housed. He is further accused of telling the girl she would be a “good wife” and asking her to “have babies” with him before suggesting they could go to Kenya together.

The alleged incident has fueled community tensions, sparking protests and counter-protests outside the Bell Hotel, echoing demonstrations that have taken place at other hotels across the country where asylum seekers are being accommodated.

Witness Testimony

The court heard from a female witness who accused Kebatu of sexually assaulting her the day after the alleged incident with the teenager. She testified that the defendant touched her thigh and attempted to kiss her, leaving her feeling “shocked” and “uncomfortable.”

She told the court she confronted Kebatu after seeing him speaking with a schoolgirl in uniform, describing how he “begged, pleaded, and apologized” while saying he had made “a mistake.” Her 999 call to police was also played, during which she described the man as a “paedophile” and told officers he was living at the Bell Hotel.

Defense lawyer Molly Dyas suggested the witness fabricated her claims out of anger toward asylum seekers. The woman strongly rejected that suggestion, saying, “I know exactly what I saw. I’ve no issue with asylum seekers.”

Accounts From Teenagers

Testimony from the girl’s teenage friends was also played in court. A 14-year-old boy said Kebatu followed their group into a Tesco store and repeatedly stared at them. Another boy said Kebatu described two girls in the group as “pretty,” asked them for kisses, and offered pizza before suggesting they accompany him to the Bell Hotel.

According to the witness, Kebatu allegedly told the girls, “Come back to Africa, you would be a good wife.”

The Defendant’s Position

Kebatu has denied all charges, which include two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.

When asked in court about the allegations, he responded: “I can’t do these kind of things. These are children, new generation.” He also reportedly told police, “She’s young enough to be my child,” during an initial interview before refusing to answer further questions.

Footage of his arrest was shown in court, revealing Kebatu crying and dropping to his knees before police officers.

The trial, now in its second day, continues at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Trump takes more control of Washington by seizing management of Union Station from Amtrak.

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump’s administration has taken management of Union Station away from Amtrak, marking another step in the Republican president’s bid to consolidate federal control over the nation’s capital.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the federal takeover Wednesday at Washington’s iconic rail hub, standing alongside Amtrak President Roger Harris during the unveiling of the rail service’s updated Acela train. The federal government owns Union Station, a landmark just blocks from the U.S. Capitol that has served as a critical transit artery since its opening in 1907.

Duffy said the move was necessary because the station has “fallen into disrepair” and should instead be “a point of pride” for the District of Columbia. He emphasized that the Trump administration’s plan was aimed at both restoring the building’s historic stature and enhancing safety.

“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today is part of that,” Duffy said, echoing Trump’s broader agenda.

The takeover represents Trump’s latest attempt to assert direct authority over Washington. In recent weeks, the president has expanded the presence of federal law enforcement and immigration agents in the city, assumed control of the Metropolitan Police Department, and activated thousands of National Guard members to patrol city streets. Last week, Trump called on Congress to approve $2 billion for beautification projects across the capital.

Duffy argued that federal management could generate more revenue for upgrades by attracting new shops and restaurants, while also funding long-delayed repairs. Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury cited $170 million in needed improvements, including a new roof and new public restrooms.

The history of Union Station has been marked by alternating periods of decline and renewal. In 1981, the National Park Service declared the building unsafe after water leaks damaged the structure, prompting a five-year closure until Congress, with the help of President Ronald Reagan’s Union Station Redevelopment Act, funded a major restoration.

The station again suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, when passenger numbers plunged, shops shuttered, and the facility became a site for encampments of homeless individuals. In 2022, the Park Service cleared tents from Columbus Circle outside the terminal after concerns grew over safety and accessibility.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said the federal takeover was welcome given the city’s limited resources. “It has suffered from not being able to get the money that it needs for the renovation,” Bowser said.

The latest move follows months of federal concern over crime at the station. In March, Duffy pressed Amtrak in a letter demanding new safety measures. National Guard troops have patrolled Union Station and its surrounding streets since Trump announced his citywide anti-crime initiative earlier this month. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were heckled by opponents of the intervention when they toured the area last week.

Amtrak, meanwhile, sought to emphasize progress with the introduction of its NextGen Acela service. Harris said the high-speed trains, capable of reaching 160 mph, will begin operating Thursday along the busy Northeast Corridor, replacing the older Acela fleet. After Wednesday’s announcement, Duffy and other officials boarded one of the new trains for an inaugural ride to New York’s Penn Station.

Union Station’s ownership and management have shifted multiple times during its nearly 120-year history. Trump’s decision to bring it under tighter federal control underscores his administration’s determination to make the capital a showcase for what he calls “a new era of safety and pride.”

Kabul Bus Crash Kills 26, Dozens Injured In Afghanistan Road Accident

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KABUL, Afghanistan (BN24) — A deadly bus crash in Kabul claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left 27 others injured in the early Wednesday, marking one of the most severe road accidents in Afghanistan in recent weeks. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. in the Arghandi area of Kabul as the vehicle, a 580-model passenger bus, was traveling from the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar toward the capital.

According to Taliban government spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani of the Interior Ministry, the crash was caused by reckless driving. The bus veered off the road and rolled down a steep embankment, leaving many passengers trapped inside the wreckage. Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the scene to assist in recovery and rescue operations, pulling victims from the debris and transporting the wounded to hospitals.

Many of the 27 injured remain in critical condition, officials said, raising fears that the death toll could rise. The majority of the passengers were believed to be traveling for work or medical purposes from southern Afghanistan to Kabul.

The Afghan transportation safety crisis has come under renewed scrutiny, as this incident follows a separate fatal collision in Herat province less than a week ago, where nearly 80 people were killed. Poor road infrastructure, aging vehicles, and insufficient enforcement of traffic laws have contributed to a pattern of deadly crashes across the country.

This Kabul embankment crash underscores growing concerns about road safety in Afghanistan, where public transportation remains a lifeline despite mounting risks. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, but no further details about the bus company or driver have been released.

As families mourn the victims, the latest deadly traffic accident in Kabul adds to the human toll of Afghanistan’s overburdened and under-regulated transportation network.

Israeli Forces Seize $450,000 in Alleged Hamas ‘Terror Funds’ During Ramallah Raid

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RAMALLAH, West Bank (BN24) — Israeli forces seized approximately $450,000 in what officials described as “terror funds” during a rare and heavily armed raid in central Ramallah on Tuesday, deepening tensions in the occupied West Bank amid ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The early morning operation, which took place in the heart of Ramallah—the administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority—targeted a currency exchange business suspected of channeling funds to Hamas. According to Israeli police, the seized cash, totaling around 1.5 million shekels, was collected in multiple currencies, including U.S. dollars, Jordanian dinars, and euros. Authorities claimed the raid was part of an effort to disrupt financial networks tied to militant activity.

Nine suspects were arrested during the operation, with police saying evidence was recovered linking the business to the financing of Hamas activities. Video footage circulating on social media showed Israeli forces moving through the city’s streets under the cover of darkness, while witnesses reported a significant deployment of troops and armored vehicles in Ramallah’s city center—an unusually aggressive posture in the area.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said 14 people were injured during the raid, including an elderly woman who suffered from tear gas inhalation. Clashes reportedly erupted as residents confronted the Israeli forces, further fueling local outrage.

The raid comes amid a broader escalation of Israeli military operations across the West Bank since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by a surprise Hamas assault that led to a prolonged and deadly conflict. The Israeli military has since intensified its presence across the West Bank, targeting what it calls terror infrastructure, weapons caches, and militant financing channels.

According to Palestinian Authority data, at least 972 Palestinians, including both militants and civilians, have been killed in the West Bank since the conflict’s escalation last year. Israeli officials report 36 Israelis have died in the same period due to attacks and violent confrontations.

Tuesday’s operation highlights the widening reach of Israel’s campaign against Hamas beyond Gaza, underscoring the fragile and volatile situation in the West Bank. As the violence continues, Ramallah—traditionally considered a political and administrative center—has now become an increasingly prominent stage in the ongoing conflict.

India Risks Second FIFA Ban in Three Years Amid Football Governance Crisis

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NEW DELHI (BN24) — India faces the looming threat of a second suspension from world football in just three years as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) jointly warned the country to adopt a long-delayed football constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk being banned from international play.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and the AFC expressed “profound concern” over India’s failure to finalize and implement the revised AIFF constitution, which has been stuck in legal limbo at the Supreme Court since 2017. The international governing bodies said the delay undermines the rights and obligations of AIFF as a member federation and warned that non-compliance would trigger disciplinary proceedings.

“Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision,” the letter read, labelling the October deadline as binding and urgent.

If imposed, the suspension would bar India’s men’s and women’s national teams, as well as clubs, from taking part in any FIFA- or AFC-sanctioned competitions. It would also escalate a worsening crisis in Indian football, where the Indian Super League (ISL)—the country’s top-tier professional league—has already been hit by operational uncertainties.

The ISL season, traditionally held between September and April, has yet to kick off due to unresolved disputes between the AIFF and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). Their existing rights agreement is set to expire on December 8, 2025, with no clear renewal strategy, putting the jobs of thousands of players, coaches, and support staff at risk.

India had previously faced a similar suspension in August 2022, when FIFA banned the AIFF over third-party interference after the Supreme Court appointed a committee of administrators to manage federation affairs. That ban was lifted within days, clearing the way for Kalyan Chaubey’s election as AIFF president. However, the underlying constitutional reform demanded by FIFA and the AFC remains unresolved.

The growing turmoil has also drawn the attention of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, the global players’ union, which has raised concerns with FIFA over the welfare of players and the long-term sustainability of football in India.

As the deadline looms, the future of Indian football hangs in the balance, with international participation, league operations, and grassroots development all at stake.

Shooter at a Minneapolis Catholic school kills 2 children, injures 17 people

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MINNEAPOLIS (BN24) — At least two children were killed and more than a dozen others injured in a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis during a morning Mass marking the first week of the new school year, police said Tuesday. Authorities described the attack as a “deliberate act of violence,” shaking a community still reeling from recent incidents of gun violence.

Law enforcement officials confirmed the suspect is dead, though details about the individual’s identity and motive have not yet been released. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, and a Minneapolis-area healthcare system reported it is currently treating multiple victims.

According to police, the shooter opened fire from outside the church building, shattering windows and firing directly at students and staff seated inside the chapel pews. The gunfire erupted during a religious service attended by children, teachers, and family members, turning what was meant to be a peaceful gathering into a scene of panic and chaos.

At least 17 people were reported injured, in addition to the two confirmed child fatalities. The conditions of the wounded range from critical to stable, with trauma teams working urgently to stabilize the most seriously hurt.

Authorities have not said whether the shooter had any connection to the school. Federal and local investigators are on-site, combing through evidence and interviewing witnesses, while school officials have closed the campus and canceled classes indefinitely.

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis released a statement expressing deep sorrow and extending prayers to the victims’ families, calling the violence “a devastating blow to our community and our faith.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he is in close contact with local officials and pledged full state support for the investigation and recovery efforts. “Our hearts are broken for the families affected by this senseless tragedy,” he said.

This is the latest in a string of school-related shootings across the United States, reigniting urgent national conversations around school security, mental health, and gun control legislation.

More information is expected as authorities continue to investigate the incident and provide updates on the condition of the injured.

Credit: BBC News.com

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