JERUSALEM (BN24) — At least five people were killed and 15 others wounded in a deadly shooting attack near a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Friday, according to Israel’s national ambulance service. The incident is being investigated as a suspected act of terrorism.
Emergency responders reported that paramedics arriving at the scene discovered victims lying on the road and sidewalk, several of them unconscious and suffering from serious gunshot wounds. Among the injured, at least five remained in critical condition as of Friday evening.
Israeli police said that the perpetrators of the attack had been shot and killed, although they did not specify how many individuals were involved. Authorities described the attackers as “terrorists,” but offered no immediate information regarding their identities or the motive behind the assault.
The shooting occurred during a busy time of day at a public transportation hub, heightening concerns about security amid ongoing tensions in the region. Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area as investigations continue.
The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in recent months near the contested city, drawing swift responses from Israeli security forces. While no group has claimed responsibility so far, the situation remains flui
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (BN24) — The Colombian army said Sunday that hundreds of people abducted 45 soldiers in the country’s southwest, in a rural zone heavily influenced by a dissident rebel faction tied to the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
According to a military statement, the incident occurred in the Micay Canyon in Cauca department, a region long known for coca leaf cultivation and now considered a stronghold of FARC dissidents who have stepped up attacks on government forces.
The army said roughly 600 people surrounded and blocked the soldiers, who had been deployed to oversee crop substitution programs designed to replace coca cultivation. Once surrounded, the troops were prevented from carrying out their mission and declared “kidnapped” by the military.
It is the second abduction of Colombian soldiers in less than a month. In August, 33 soldiers were captured under similar circumstances in Guaviare department. Local villagers, allegedly acting under rebel orders, detained the troops after a gun battle that left 10 dissidents dead. They demanded the return of one rebel’s body before eventually releasing the soldiers four days later.
The abduction in Cauca highlights the ongoing security challenges Colombia faces in rural areas nearly a decade after the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC. Despite the accord, dissident groups and drug trafficking organizations continue to control swaths of countryside where state presence is limited.
The government has sought to expand substitution programs to curb coca production, but efforts have met fierce resistance in rebel-dominated regions. The latest incident underscores the volatile relationship between armed groups, local communities, and government forces, as Colombia struggles to maintain order in contested areas.
IZMIR, Turkey (BN24) — A 16-year-old gunman opened fire on a police station in western Turkey on Monday, killing two police officers and wounding at least six others in a shocking assault that officials say was carried out with a pump-action shotgun.
The attack took place in the Balcova district of Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, drawing heavy police and emergency response to the scene. Witnesses reported chaos as gunfire erupted inside the station, forcing bystanders to flee for safety.
Authorities said the teenager, who was masked during the assault, was swiftly overpowered and arrested. Izmir Chief Prosecutor Ali Yeldan confirmed that investigators are probing the motive, though early reports from Turkish media suggest the suspect acted out of retaliation after an earlier encounter with police.
According to private broadcaster NTV, the teen had been released from custody only days before the attack. The network reported that he blamed police officers for alleged mistreatment during detention and targeted the station in response.
The rampage left two police officers dead and several others wounded, along with civilians who were caught in the gunfire. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals as security forces sealed off the area.
The teenager’s use of a pump-action shotgun has raised renewed concerns in Turkey about access to firearms among youth and the rising trend of targeted attacks on law enforcement.
As night fell in Izmir, police cordoned off the Balcova station while forensic teams collected evidence from the site. The Interior Ministry condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous attack on those who protect our citizens,” and vowed accountability.
The attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents in Turkey involving minors, a growing concern for authorities and communities already grappling with political unrest and security threats.
EDO STATE, Nigeria (BN24) — Eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed and a Chinese expatriate abducted late Friday in a violent ambush near the BUA Cement facility in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigerian officials confirmed.
The deadly incident occurred around 10 p.m. on September 5, 2025, as the NSCDC officers were providing security escort to five Chinese nationals following a routine patrol near the company’s entrance. According to a senior NSCDC official in the state, the gunmen—believed to be kidnappers—opened fire on the security personnel, killing eight and fatally wounding a civilian driver.
The attackers managed to abduct one Chinese expatriate during the assault, while four of his colleagues were successfully rescued. Four other individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility, authorities said.
Commandant Agun Gbenga of the NSCDC has visited both the crime scene and the hospital where the injured are being treated. In response to the attack, a joint security task force comprising multiple agencies has launched a search operation in the surrounding forest areas in pursuit of the perpetrators.
In a statement released Sunday, BUA Cement expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian government. The company acknowledged the loss of the eight NSCDC operatives and a civilian driver, while also condemning the abduction.
“BUA is deeply saddened by the attack of Friday, September 5, 2025, in which eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a civilian driver lost their lives near our Okpella facility in Edo State,” the company said. “We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen, the NSCDC, and the Government of Nigeria, and wish the injured officers a swift recovery.”
The company confirmed it is working closely with Nigerian security forces to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped expatriate and to bring the attackers to justice.
“The safety of our people, partners, and host communities remains paramount. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices borne daily by our security personnel. Their courage will never be forgotten,” BUA added.
The NSCDC is expected to issue a formal statement from its Abuja headquarters. Meanwhile, security efforts have intensified across the region, with authorities calling on local communities to report any suspicious activity as the manhunt continues.
NEW YORK (BN24) — Carlos Alcaraz reaffirmed his dominance over Jannik Sinner on Sunday night with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory in the U.S. Open men’s singles final, securing his second title at Flushing Meadows and sixth Grand Slam overall. The win marked the third consecutive major final contested between the two rising stars, cementing a rivalry that has reshaped men’s tennis.
The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium was played under heightened attention, with President Donald Trump attending as the first sitting U.S. president to appear at the tournament since Bill Clinton in 2000. Trump drew a mix of cheers and boos when acknowledged by fans, and his presence contributed to extra security measures that delayed the start of play by about 30 minutes.
Alcaraz, 22, entered the final intent on avenging his July loss to Sinner at Wimbledon. From the outset, he displayed superior consistency and shot-making, dominating with his forehand and breaking Sinner’s serve five times. The victory gave Alcaraz a 10-5 career edge in their head-to-head meetings, a 6-4 advantage in Grand Slam titles, and a 2-1 lead in U.S. Open championships. It also returned him to the world No. 1 ranking, dethroning Sinner, 24, of Italy.
“This win means everything,” Alcaraz said. “Every time I play Jannik, I need to give my best. He pushes me like no one else.”
The rivalry has become historic. Sunday’s clash marked the first time in men’s tennis that the same two players met in three consecutive Slam finals within a single season. The streak began with Alcaraz’s dramatic five-set victory at the French Open, followed by Sinner’s Wimbledon triumph, and concluded with Alcaraz’s hard-court win in New York. Together, the pair have claimed 10 of the last 13 Grand Slam titles, with Novak Djokovic accounting for the other three.
Sinner, who entered with a 27-match unbeaten streak on hard courts at majors, showed flashes of brilliance in the second set but struggled to match Alcaraz’s power and precision across four sets. Alcaraz finished with 42 winners to Sinner’s 21, overwhelming the defending champion during key moments.
“Carlos was just better tonight,” Sinner said. “He deserved this win. I will keep working and I know I will come back stronger.”
The numbers underline the rivalry’s imbalance in recent years: since the start of 2023, Sinner is 1-7 against Alcaraz and 109-4 against everyone else. Meanwhile, Alcaraz has won 37 of his last 38 matches since May, with his only loss coming to Sinner at Wimbledon.
Sinner attempted tactical adjustments in the final, targeting Alcaraz’s backhand to blunt the Spaniard’s ferocious forehand. The strategy worked briefly in the second set, when Alcaraz’s errors piled up, but it was not enough to halt the Spaniard’s relentless aggression.
The win capped a remarkable season for Alcaraz, who now owns a tour-leading seven titles in 2025 alongside a 61-6 match record. At just 22, he continues to carve a legacy as the defining player of his generation.
Fans in New York largely sided with Alcaraz, cheering his every winner under the closed roof on a rainy evening. For Sinner, it marked his second loss to Alcaraz in a Slam final this year, underscoring the Spaniard’s growing edge in their rivalry.
With two U.S. Open titles now to his name and the world No. 1 ranking secured, Alcaraz leaves New York not just as a champion but as the undisputed leader of men’s tennis.
GATUNDU SOUTH, Kenya (BN24) — Authorities in Kiambu County ordered the indefinite closure of 29 boarding schools in Gatundu South, Kenya, after a wave of arson attacks destroyed classrooms and dormitories, throwing learning into turmoil just weeks into the third term.
At least 25 students have been arrested in connection with the fires, which investigators believe were carefully orchestrated during the recent school holidays. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since taken over the probe, with the suspects expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
Parents rushed to collect their children Friday from affected institutions, including Mururia Boys’ High School, Ucekeini Girls, Gathiru Boys and Muhoho Boys, where flames gutted critical facilities, forcing administrators to shut down operations. Similar evacuations unfolded at dozens of other schools.
Education officials said the closures, unprecedented in scale, were meant to prevent the unrest from spreading further. Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe said the decision to suspend learning across all boarding schools in the sub-county was a precaution to safeguard both students and property.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attacks were coordinated through social media, particularly Instagram. Students allegedly cited grievances ranging from strict frisking procedures at reopening, to tough examination rules, and even demands for reporting hours to be pushed to the afternoon.
The arson spree has rattled education stakeholders, who warn the shutdown could severely disrupt preparations for upcoming national examinations. A crisis meeting has been scheduled to discuss long-term measures to restore calm and strengthen school safety.
Parents expressed deep anxiety over the closures and destruction. “We are worried about our children’s safety and education, especially with exams so close,” said Peninah Mburu, a parent at one of the shuttered schools. Charles Mwangi, another parent, warned of the financial strain families would face in rebuilding burned infrastructure.
Authorities are concerned that unless the perpetrators are swiftly prosecuted and security reinforced, the coordinated unrest could trigger similar incidents elsewhere in the county and beyond.
TEHRAN (BN24) — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a sharp warning to European powers, accusing Britain, France, and Germany of pursuing a “reckless” and legally unfounded course in their handling of the 2015 nuclear agreement. In a strongly worded opinion piece published in The Guardian on Sunday, Araghchi criticized the so-called E3 for aligning with Washington in a manner he said undermines both the nuclear accord and Europe’s credibility on the world stage.
Araghchi condemned the European trio’s recent decision to initiate the snapback mechanism—an automatic restoration of United Nations sanctions originally lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). “The truth is that they are intently pursuing a reckless course of action,” Araghchi wrote, calling it “a grave miscalculation that is bound to backfire.”
The E3 triggered the snapback process in August, citing what they called “significant violations” by Tehran of its JCPOA obligations. The United States, which bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in June amid a broader Israeli assault, has welcomed the European initiative, despite having withdrawn from the deal under former President Donald Trump in 2018.
Araghchi pointedly rejected the E3’s move as lacking “any legal standing,” arguing that Iran’s actions were lawful and within the framework of the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism. He said Tehran took “remedial measures” only after the U.S. exited the agreement and reimposed sanctions—a breach the E3, in his view, failed to counteract.
“European leaders once promised to protect trade with Iran,” Araghchi noted, referencing pledges made after the U.S. withdrawal. “None of it materialised.” He accused the E3 of abandoning their commitments under U.S. pressure, undermining their own professed goal of “strategic autonomy.”
The Iranian diplomat also took aim at Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who reportedly praised Israel’s military campaign against Iran. “Openly cheerleading illegal military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities protected by international law… does not constitute ‘participation’ in the deal,” Araghchi said. Merz had previously described Israel’s bombing of Iranian sites as “dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.”
Despite the sharp tone, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s continued openness to diplomacy. He reiterated that Tehran is prepared to negotiate a “realistic and lasting bargain” that includes stringent oversight and limits on uranium enrichment—if sanctions are fully lifted. “We are ready for a bargain that entails ironclad oversight in exchange for the termination of sanctions,” he said, warning that missing this opportunity could escalate tensions across the region.
The foreign minister also alluded to Israel’s role in provoking regional instability. “The powerful armed forces of Iran are ready and able to once again pummel Israel into running to ‘daddy’ to be bailed out,” he wrote, suggesting that further Israeli attacks could drag the U.S. into another costly Middle East conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded last month by reaffirming Washington’s readiness for dialogue, stating, “The United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran—in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue.” He defended the snapback move, saying it “does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it.”
A new round of direct nuclear negotiations had been scheduled for June 15 but was postponed indefinitely after Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran two days before the talks were to begin.
A core disagreement remains unresolved: while the U.S. insists Iran must halt all domestic uranium enrichment, Tehran maintains that enrichment for peaceful purposes is its sovereign right—an entitlement explicitly recognized under the JCPOA, provided it remains under international oversight.
The JCPOA’s snapback provision allows any signatory—initially including the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China—to trigger the reimposition of U.N. sanctions, bypassing any veto by other Security Council members. In 2020, Washington attempted to invoke the snapback despite having exited the accord—a move widely rejected by other signatories and deemed legally invalid. Now, with the E3 invoking the clause in concert with the U.S., Iran sees a familiar pattern of unilateral pressure wrapped in the language of diplomacy.
PARIS (BN24) — Barcelona and Brazil international Raphinha has publicly accused Disneyland Paris of racial discrimination, alleging that a park mascot deliberately ignored his young son during a character meet-and-greet, while warmly interacting with white children.
The 28-year-old football star, who is currently on international duty with Brazil, posted footage on social media showing the moment his son, Gael, appeared to be bypassed by the costumed character. In the video, the mascot is seen hugging several white children before walking past Gael, who stood waiting nearby. Despite visible encouragement from family members, the mascot continued moving without engaging the child.
A relative eventually carried Gael to the mascot, prompting a brief and seemingly reluctant interaction. The family then walked away, with visibly upset expressions.
In a scathing social media post, Raphinha condemned the park’s staff, writing, “Your employees are disgraceful. You shouldn’t treat people like this, especially a child. You’re supposed to make children happy, not ignore a child. I prefer to say ‘ignore’ rather than anything else. You’re a disgrace.”
The Brazilian winger, who helped lead Barcelona to a domestic treble last season and is one of the club’s four Ballon d’Or nominees in 2025, further implied that the incident was racially motivated.
“I understand the fatigue of those who work with this, but why did all the white children get hugs and not my son?” he asked. “I hate you, Disneyland. He just wanted a hello and a hug.”
Disneyland Paris, which welcomes approximately 12 million visitors annually, has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations. However, the park has faced similar controversies in recent years. In 2022, another family accused a Disneyland Paris employee—dressed as Princess Rapunzel—of deliberately ignoring their Black daughter during a meet-and-greet. The park responded at the time by promising to reinforce its inclusivity training.
In 2024, Disneyland introduced its first attraction featuring a Black princess—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—replacing the previously controversial Splash Mountain ride, in what was seen as a broader effort to promote diversity and representation.
The current incident has sparked renewed debate over how inclusive the entertainment giant’s global parks are for children of all backgrounds.
Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, has had a stellar season, scoring 34 goals across all competitions. He played a key role in Brazil’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile on Friday and is expected to feature against South Korea before returning to Spain for Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Valencia.
As public attention around the incident grows, all eyes are on Disneyland Paris for a response, as the conversation around racism in family entertainment environments continues to evolve.
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (BN24) — FIFA has named Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho to officiate the high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa, scheduled for Tuesday at Toyota Stadium.
The Matchday 8 fixture is regarded as one of the pivotal encounters in the African qualification race, with both the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana pushing for maximum points in their pursuit of a World Cup berth.
FIFA confirmed Atcho’s appointment in its official release, noting that the experienced Gabonese referee, who has overseen several CAF Champions League matches, will lead the officiating crew in Bloemfontein. He will be supported by compatriots Boris Marlaise Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong as assistant referees, while Cregue Fleury Moukagni has been assigned as the fourth official.
Additional oversight will be provided by Olivier Safari Kabene of the Democratic Republic of Congo as referee assessor, and Ugandan Mike Letti as match commissioner, according to a statement obtained from the Nigeria Football Federation.
Nigeria enters the contest on the back of a vital 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, where substitute Tolu Arokodare struck in the 51st minute to secure three points despite the early loss of star striker Victor Osimhen to injury. The result lifted the Super Eagles to 10 points after seven matches, closing in on group leaders South Africa, who sit narrowly ahead in the standings.
The appointment of Atcho is expected to bring a measure of calm and neutrality to Tuesday’s fiery clash, as both nations fight to strengthen their positions in the tightly contested group.
FIFA had previously assigned Chadian referee Allaou Mahamat to Nigeria’s Matchday 7 victory against Rwanda in Uyo, where he was assisted by a team of compatriots and overseen by officials from Egypt and Gambia.
Tuesday’s showdown in Bloemfontein is widely anticipated as a decisive battle in Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United have reached a loan agreement with Turkish club Trabzonspor for goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to transfer reports, giving the Cameroon international the option to leave Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.
France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League third place play-off football match between Germany and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany on June 8, 2025. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP)
Onana, 29, has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this campaign, with Altay Bayindir starting in goal for Manchester United’s first three matches. Although the former Inter Milan goalkeeper had pledged to fight for his place, his opportunities have narrowed after missing much of pre-season through injury and with Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens arriving from Royal Antwerp in an £18.4 million transfer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the clubs have struck a verbal agreement for a season-long loan. With the English transfer window closed, Onana’s situation remains possible because the Turkish Super Lig window remains open until Sept. 12, allowing Trabzonspor to complete the deal.
Trabzonspor, currently second in the Turkish league, are not involved in European competition this season, which could ensure regular playing time for Onana if he accepts the move. The club views the Cameroonian as a major addition to strengthen their push in domestic competition.
The decision now rests with Onana, who must weigh the chance of consistent football in Turkey against his ambition to reclaim the No. 1 role at Manchester United.
