Morning Brief - 18 August 2026
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of August, covering the latest developments....
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said Thursday that his nation is ready to partner with Syria's new administration to rebuild and develop the country.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said Thursday that his nation is ready to partner with Syria's new administration to rebuild and develop the country. Speaking alongside Syria's interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a joint press conference, Al Thani emphasized the "urgent need" to lift sanctions on Syria to ensure the continuation of public services and kick-start economic recovery.
He further noted that the Emir of Qatar plans to visit Syria in the near future and announced "significant momentum" in upcoming Qatari-Syrian projects. Al Thani also condemned Israel's recent moves in the demilitarized zone, calling for an immediate withdrawal. In his remarks, al-Sharaa underscored that Israel's advances in the buffer area under the pretext of countering Iranian militias were no longer justified "after the liberation of Damascus." He reiterated Syria's readiness to welcome international peacekeeping forces and maintain respect for the 1974 disengagement accord. "We've informed global stakeholders of our willingness to receive UN troops and guarantee their safety," al-Sharaa said, adding that Qatar will play a "pivotal role" in opposing Israel's incursion and supporting Syria's nascent rebuilding efforts.
At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate to safety and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Residents of villages in eastern Indonesia hit by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 54 people were awaiting aid on Monday as rescuers prepared to comb through collapsed buildings in search of people trapped beneath the rubble.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of August, covering the latest developments.
At least two people were killed, including the alleged shooter, and a number were injured in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering a scheme to help local police officers cover the legal and financial risks of making immigration arrests under President Donald Trump’s crackdown.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
The economic losses from a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia last week are expected to reach 30 trillion pesos ($9.58 billion), Colombia's President Abelardo De La Espriella said on Monday.
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