Members of the Iranian women's soccer team have returned to Iran after traveling through Turkey. The athletes had previously sought asylum in Australia but subsequently withdrew their claims, leading to their return to their home country.
A Frontex border patrol vessel capsized off the coast of the Greek island of Megisti, leading to injuries among those on board. Among the injured was the Estonian Ambassador to Greece, Priit Turk. Local authorities and emergency services responded to the incident, which occurred during a patrol mission in the Aegean Sea.
A migrant boat capsized off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa, leading to a major rescue operation. Authorities successfully rescued 64 individuals, while a search continues for one child reported missing following the incident in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sri Lanka has officially handed over the remains of 84 Iranian sailors to representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sailors were killed during a historical maritime incident involving a U.S. submarine. The repatriation process marks the conclusion of a long-standing effort to return the deceased to their home country.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Doha is organizing a special repatriation flight in collaboration with Qatar Airways to assist Bangladeshi nationals wishing to return home. This initiative comes amid heightened regional security concerns, with the mission facilitating travel arrangements for citizens seeking to depart Qatar for Bangladesh.
The Irish government has officially extended the Temporary Protection Directive for displaced Ukrainians living in Ireland. This decision ensures that beneficiaries can continue to reside and access essential services in the country until March 4, 2027, aligning with the European Union's broader strategy to provide ongoing support to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has suspended study visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, and work visas for Afghans. This 'unprecedented' move, effective this week, addresses a reported 470% surge in asylum claims from individuals initially entering the UK via legal routes, aiming to curb alleged exploitation of the visa system.
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke assured Bangladesh of 'due consideration' for its candidacy for the 81st UN General Assembly presidency (2026-2027 term). The assurance came during a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, where discussions also covered broader bilateral cooperation. Bangladesh is contesting against Cyprus for the Asia-Pacific group's slot.
Former Law Minister Anisul Huq and his personal assistant have been formally arrested in a money laundering case involving nearly Tk 2.5 billion. The charges stem from alleged extortion and illicit financial transactions conducted through an NGO and a law firm.
New humanitarian aid convoys from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) have recently arrived in the Gaza Strip, delivering essential food baskets to support the Palestinian people. This initiative, implemented through the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, aims to address urgent food and relief needs, particularly with the advent of Ramadan.
Israel has closed the Rafah crossing and other Gaza entry points, effective Saturday, February 28, 2026, citing security concerns following joint Israeli-American strikes on Iran. The move halts critical humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, intensifying concerns for Gaza's over 2 million displaced residents.
Denmark is nearing the release of findings from a human rights investigation into its historical policies toward the Greenlandic people, including potential genocide allegations. The probe, expected in March 2026, examines practices like forced contraception and child relocation, which have drawn apologies and lawsuits.
Islamist militants launched a deadly assault in late February 2026 on communities in Adamawa State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people. The attacks, primarily targeting Madagali Local Government Area, saw homes destroyed and residents displaced, with Boko Haram and ISWAP cited as potential perpetrators.
Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime engaged in critical discussions with former Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Kenny Anthony during the 50th CARICOM summit in St Kitts and Nevis. The talks focused on Haiti's multifaceted crisis, including efforts to restore security, strengthen institutions, and organize long-delayed elections amidst widespread gang violence and humanitarian challenges.
A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 330,000 Haitians. The ruling allows beneficiaries to maintain legal status and work authorization while litigation challenging the termination proceeds.
United Nations officials, including Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan and Resident Coordinator Francisco Pichon, have issued urgent warnings regarding a deepening humanitarian crisis in Cuba. The crisis, exacerbated by a recent US executive order imposing a fuel blockade, threatens essential services like healthcare, water, and food security for millions across the island.
Australian women detained in Syria's al-Roj camp, with alleged ties to Islamic State, have expressed willingness to separate from their 23 children if it means the children can be repatriated to Australia. This comes amid a recent failed repatriation attempt and the Australian government's firm stance against assisting their return.
Greece has finalized a deal to acquire an archive of 262 historic photographs, including rare visual evidence of the 1944 Nazi execution of 200 Greek communists in Kaisariani, Athens, for approximately €100,000. The collection, originally from a Wehrmacht lieutenant, was purchased from a Belgian collector.
An armed attack on Tungan Dutsi village in Zamfara State, northern Nigeria, resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people and the abduction of several women and children. The assault, carried out by gunmen referred to as 'bandits,' occurred from Thursday evening into early Friday, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
The Supreme Court of India is set to begin final hearings on over 250 petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) from May 5, 2026. A three-judge bench will examine the constitutional validity of the law, which offers a path to Indian citizenship for non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
