Former French President Sarkozy found guilty of conspiracy, but not corruption, in Libya trial
A Paris court has found former French president Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy in a trial in which he was accused of receiving millions...
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 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.
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.
Video from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) showed on Friday (19 September) the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupting and spewing lava.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
A Paris court has found former French president Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy in a trial in which he was accused of receiving millions of euros in illegal financing from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi for his successful 2007 presidential bid.
Italy has sent a second navy ship in support of the international aid flotilla that has come under drone attack while trying to deliver aid to Gaza, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday.
A man in his 40s has been arrested in West Sussex in connection with a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace that disrupted check-in systems across multiple European airports, including Brussels, Berlin and Heathrow.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 25th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Thailand and Cambodia should scale back their military presence along their shared border and work together to de-escalate tensions, Thailand's new foreign minister told reporters on Thursday.
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