Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. National Guard armed in Washington as Trump extends crime crackdown
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to be armed as part of the Trump administration's controversial crime crackdown. Deployed earlier this month to address rising crime, the troops have not yet conducted law enforcement operations but are stationed near landmarks. Polls show strong opposition, with nearly 80% disapproving of the federal deployment. The operation has led to over 700 arrests and the seizure of 91 illegal firearms. Local officials express concern over federal intervention.
2. Overnight blasts in Gaza as enclave faces famine, warns global hunger monitor
Multiple blasts shook northern Gaza early on Sunday (August 24), as a global hunger monitor declared Gaza City and surrounding areas to be officially in famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on Friday (August 22) that 514,000 people, nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population, are experiencing famine, with the number expected to rise to 641,000 by September's end. The northern Gaza region, including Gaza City, is most affected. This marks the first time famine has been recorded outside of Africa. The IPC also warned that famine could spread to central and southern areas by next month. Israel rejected the findings, claiming they were based on biased data from Hamas and failed to account for recent food aid.
3. Azerbaijani, Russian FMs hold phone talk
Azerbaijan and Russia’s foreign ministers held a phone conversation on 23 August, focusing on bilateral cooperation and key regional security issues.
The two officials reviewed the bilateral and multilateral agenda, touching on political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as regional and global security matters.
They also exchanged views on the outcomes of the Azerbaijan-Russia Intergovernmental State Commission on Economic Cooperation meeting, held on 2 August in Astrakhan, which both sides praised.
4. India says trade talks with the U.S. continue ahead of new tariffs
India’s foreign minister says trade talks with Washington are ongoing, but New Delhi must defend its key interests as U.S. tariffs loom.
Just days before additional U.S. tariffs take effect, India’s foreign minister confirmed that negotiations with Washington are still underway. Indian goods are set to face tariffs as high as 50% due to New Delhi’s increased purchases of Russian oil.
A 25% levy is already in place, with another 25% scheduled to be enforced on 27 August.
Hopes of easing tensions dimmed after U.S. trade negotiators canceled a planned visit to New Delhi from 25–29 August, leaving little room for compromise before the deadline.
5. Zelenskyy urges global south to “push Russia towards peace”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on nations in the global south to "send relevant signals" and push Russia towards peace. In a post on X, he shared details of a conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, updating him on diplomatic efforts to end the war. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s invasion was an unnecessary war, and reiterated his call for direct talks with President Putin. He also mentioned future collaboration with South Africa and African nations to address food security and foster dialogue. Zelenskyy visited South Africa in April for a state visit.
Iranian authorities say about 2,000 people have been killed during more than two weeks of nationwide anti-government protests, marking the first time ...
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer deliv...
Business and political leaders are gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting as uncertainty over the global economic and poli...
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Tuesday that authorities seized 6,850 kilograms of drugs in the southern state of Bolívar as pa...
Greenlanders voiced support for diplomacy ahead of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, following renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Tru...
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
Business and political leaders are gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting as uncertainty over the global economic and political order deepens, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies challenging long-standing international norms.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Tuesday that authorities seized 6,850 kilograms of drugs in the southern state of Bolívar as part of an anti-narcotics operation earlier this month.
Greenlanders voiced support for diplomacy ahead of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, following renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Arctic territory.
Real Madrid have parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso, appointing former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
Israel has sharply escalated its warnings to Lebanon amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, according to a report by the Lebanese newspaper Nida Al Watan.
Iranian authorities have taken steps to disrupt access to Starlink satellite internet, according to users and digital-rights groups, in what appears to be the latest effort to tighten control over people’s access to the internet inside the country.
The U.S. has issued an urgent security notice calling all American citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing escalating protests, growing violence and widespread communication shutdowns across the country.
The United Nations’ top court at The Hague has begun hearings on whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Gambia told judges on Monday that Myanmar targeted minority Muslim Rohingya for destruction and made their lives a nightmare in a landmark case.
Iranian authorities say about 2,000 people have been killed during more than two weeks of nationwide anti-government protests, marking the first time officials have given an overall death toll from the unrest.
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
Business and political leaders are gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting as uncertainty over the global economic and political order deepens, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies challenging long-standing international norms.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Tuesday that authorities seized 6,850 kilograms of drugs in the southern state of Bolívar as part of an anti-narcotics operation earlier this month.
Greenlanders voiced support for diplomacy ahead of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, following renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Arctic territory.
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