Ankara reaffirms commitment to diplomacy for lasting peace
Türkiye has reiterated its readiness to play a leading role in efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in the Russia-Ukraine war....
The United States announced new security commitments for Ecuador on Thursday during Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, as Washington seeks to strengthen efforts against illegal immigration and drug cartels.
The measures include more than $13 million in general security funding for Ecuador, alongside $6 million to provide drones for the Ecuadorean Navy, Rubio said.
“This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together,” Rubio added, noting that the U.S. would consider establishing a military base in Ecuador if the country invites it.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has expressed support for such a base, but a referendum would be required for voter approval. The U.S. previously maintained a base in Manta, which was closed in 2009 under orders from Ecuador’s then-president.
Rubio also announced that two Ecuadorean criminal groups, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, have been designated as foreign terrorist organisations.
Jose Adolfo “Fito” Macias Villamar, reportedly the leader of Los Choneros, has been indicted on federal drug and gun charges in the United States, where he is currently in custody and has pleaded not guilty. Both gangs were first sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024.
The new designation will allow the U.S. to target their assets and improve intelligence-sharing with Ecuador.
“They are terrorists. We can assist Ecuador in combating these groups,” Rubio said.
Despite President Noboa’s ongoing efforts to tackle gang violence linked to the drug trade, killings have surged. Homicides increased by 40% in the first seven months of this year compared with the same period in 2024.
Noboa, elected earlier this year to a full term, has deployed the military to patrol the streets, while lawmakers have approved reforms—including tougher penalties—that the president says will help curb crime.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
More than 100,000 people are expected to take part in France’s “Block Everything” movement on 10 September, broadcaster France Info reported on Thursday. Energy, transport, and defence sectors are likely to be the most affected.
The death toll from Sunday’s powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has risen above 2,200, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Local officials warn that many people remain trapped under rubble, and the number of fatalities is likely to climb further.
Colton Herta, nine-time IndyCar race winner, is set to compete in Formula Two next year while also taking on a test driver role for Cadillac.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to propose updates to the certification process for new commercial aircraft, according to a notice released by the Trump administration on Thursday.
The United States has warned other countries that recognising a Palestinian state could lead to greater complications, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday.
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