Hundreds of people protested in Kenya's Nanyuki town on Monday against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The centre was reportedly planned to house American citizens exposed to the Ebola virus.   The protests came after Kenya's High Court temporarily blocked the project and suspended the admission of foreign patients. Petitioners argued that Kenya's healthcare system is not prepared to handle foreign Ebola cases.   Health Minister Aden Duale said the facility was intended for everyone, not only Americans. The US has pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya's Ebola preparedness. Kenya has reported no Ebola cases, though neighbouring Uganda has confirmed infections. (PC: AP)

The US military is expanding its drone programme and testing thousands of low-cost combat drones. The Pentagon has launched an 18-month competition called "Drone Dominance" to identify the best drone manufacturers.   The programme offers companies a share of $1.1 billion in contracts to build up to 300,000 drones. The Trump administration has also proposed spending $54.6 billion on drone warfare programmes in the next defence budget.   Many competing firms are startups founded by drone racers, hobbyists and technology entrepreneurs. The drones cost about $5,000 each and are designed for one-time combat missions. Officials say future wars are likely to rely heavily on large drone swarms. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has suspended indirect communications with the United States through mediators, insisting that no diplomatic engagement can continue while Israeli military operations persist in Lebanon and Gaza. According to Iranian media reports, Tehran views the ongoing offensives as violations of broader ceasefire understandings and has halted exchanges of messages and documents with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any breach in Lebanon undermines the entire ceasefire framework and could trigger wider consequences. The development comes as Israel expands military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and continues actions in Gaza. The diplomatic setback raises fresh concerns over regional stability, maritime security and the future of Iran-US engagement. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has suspended indirect exchanges with the United States through mediators, citing Israel’s expanding military operations in Lebanon and alleged violations of ceasefire conditions. According to Iranian state media, Tehran halted the exchange of messages and documents with Washington, arguing that developments in Lebanon undermine broader efforts to maintain regional stability. Iranian officials stated that talks would not resume unless Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon cease and forces withdraw from disputed areas. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that escalation in Lebanon would be treated as a violation of the wider ceasefire framework, raising concerns over renewed regional tensions. (PC: AFP)

French naval forces, with support from the British military, intercepted and boarded a Russian-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday. The vessel, named Tagor, was suspected of carrying oil in violation of international sanctions imposed on Russia.   French President Emmanuel Macron said the operation was carried out with help from allied countries, including the UK. British forces provided tracking and monitoring support before the tanker was boarded.   The ship is believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet", used to transport oil despite sanctions. Russia condemned the seizure and called such actions illegal.

Israel has ordered new strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, as fighting between the two sides intensifies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were in response to Hezbollah's rocket and drone strikes on Israel.   Following the announcement, many families fled the area, causing heavy traffic on roads leading out of Beirut. Lebanese officials said they were relying on US mediation efforts to prevent further violence.   Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli forces in response to Israeli attacks. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, both sides continue to exchange strikes, raising fears of a wider conflict in the region. (PC: Reuters)

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks over the weekend, raising tensions in the Gulf region. The US military said it carried out "self-defence strikes" on Iranian radar and drone control sites after a US drone was shot down.   Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it responded by targeting a US air base in Kuwait. Kuwaiti authorities said missiles and drones were intercepted and no major damage was reported.   The latest attacks come as talks to extend a ceasefire remain stalled. Both sides have accused each other of violating agreements, while negotiations over a broader peace deal continue without a breakthrough. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has allegedly directed overground workers (OGWs) in Jammu and Kashmir to join mainstream political parties to conceal terror-related activities, according to findings from recent police interrogations. Investigators reportedly recovered membership cards of national political parties from several arrested OGWs. Security officials believe the strategy is aimed at helping operatives avoid scrutiny while facilitating recruitment, fundraising and movement of weapons. Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP S.P. Vaid said political party membership could be misused as a shield during security checks. Central agencies are now tracking suspected OGW networks and working to disrupt their logistical support systems. (PC: NDTV)

Satellite images analysed by media and defence experts suggest Iranian strikes have damaged several US military facilities across the Gulf region since the conflict began on February 28. The reported targets include airbases and military installations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman.   According to the analysis, air defence systems, surveillance aircraft, fuel storage facilities and communications infrastructure suffered significant damage. Experts said some of the affected equipment is worth billions of dollars. The findings indicate Iran’s retaliatory attacks may have been more extensive than publicly acknowledged, even as US officials maintain that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened. (PC: X)

The United States said it carried out self-defence strikes on Iranian radar and drone command sites near the Strait of Hormuz after accusing Tehran of hostile actions, including the downing of a US drone. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it responded by targeting a US-linked air base and warned of stronger retaliation if attacks continue. Meanwhile, Kuwait reported intercepting hostile missiles and drones and condemned what it called repeated Iranian attacks. The latest military exchanges have raised tensions in the Gulf region, even as efforts continue to secure a broader ceasefire and diplomatic agreement.