The USS George Washington, the last US aircraft carrier operating in the western Pacific, is leaving the region for the Middle East, where it is expected to replace the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The redeployment will temporarily leave the western Pacific without a US aircraft carrier, raising concerns among American allies as China expands military activity in the region. The Lincoln has remained at sea for more than 240 days, prompting concerns over crew welfare, supplies and mental health. The US Navy could deploy another carrier to the Pacific within months, but maintenance pressures may limit availability. (PC: X)

Iran has demanded that Qatar release three Iranian pilots it says were captured alive after their aircraft were shot down during a March military operation. Iran’s Missing Persons Search Committee asked the International Committee of the Red Cross to investigate and secure access to the pilots. Qatar, however, categorically denied detaining any Iranian pilots, calling Tehran’s claims misleading. Doha said its forces had conducted search-and-rescue operations after Iranian aircraft violated Qatari airspace and that the remains of one pilot were recovered. The dispute adds another layer of tension between Iran and Qatar amid ongoing regional conflict and diplomatic efforts. (PC: X)

At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanese authorities said. Seven people, including three children and two women, were killed when a house near Ansar was hit. Four others died in another strike on Deir al-Zahrani. Israel’s military said it targeted Hezbollah commander Ali Samir al-Haj Hassan after an attack on Israeli soldiers. The IDF said Hassan was a lawful target and accused him of using family members as human shields. Lebanon’s leaders condemned the strikes and called for an end to the escalation. Hezbollah also warned that Israeli attacks would face a response.

Indonesia was hit by another strong earthquake on Saturday, hours after a deadly 7.7-magnitude quake killed at least 38 people. The latest quake had a magnitude of 6.5 and was recorded at 4:24 pm IST, according to India’s National Centre for Seismology. It struck at a depth of 165 km. There were no immediate reports of deaths or damage from the latest tremor. Earlier, the 7.7-magnitude quake hit Nagekeo district in East Nusa Tenggara. It caused buildings to collapse and landslides. Around 2,000 people were evacuated. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted as rescue teams continued operations.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sparked controversy after saying the country “tolerates” its Hindu population. Speaking on Pakistan’s Independence Day, Zardari claimed Hindus make up 3–4% of the population and said they are free in Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s 2023 census puts the Hindu population at 5.2 million, or 2.17%. His remarks have drawn criticism over the treatment of religious minorities. Rights groups have reported cases of forced conversions, abductions and violence against Hindu and Christian communities. Pakistan’s Constitution promises religious freedom, but critics say the word “tolerate” raises questions about whether minorities receive equal rights.

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed seven people early Saturday, according to Lebanese state media, making it the deadliest reported incident since a June lull in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike reportedly hit a home on the outskirts of Ansar village, with three others wounded. The attack comes amid continuing tensions despite agreements aimed at reducing fighting and facilitating Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament. Israel has said its military operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and are intended to protect Israeli forces and communities. The latest casualties underscore the fragile security situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, where sporadic strikes continue despite diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed escalation. (PC: AFP)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, August 15, causing buildings and homes to collapse and triggering widespread panic. At least 20 people were killed, six injured and two remained trapped or missing after landslides, according to reports. Residents fled to safer areas as strong aftershocks continued. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning after the shallow quake, but later lifted it after only minor waves were recorded. Rescue operations were complicated by landslides, damaged roads and communication disruptions. Hospitals also evacuated patients as emergency teams assessed damage across affected areas. (PC: Reuters)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia, killing at least five people and injuring several others. The quake caused building collapses, landslides and widespread panic across parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Authorities issued a tsunami warning following the shallow offshore earthquake, prompting around 2,000 residents to evacuate to safer areas. The warning was lifted about three hours later after tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded. Emergency teams continued assessing damage and responding to affected communities as aftershocks were reported. The disaster highlighted Indonesia’s vulnerability to powerful earthquakes because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. (PC: X)

Nearly 500 people, including 183 minors, have been detained in France since July 1 on suspicion of starting wildfires, with authorities saying around 70% are suspected of deliberate arson. The arrests come as France and several European countries battle severe fires amid record-breaking heat, drought and strong winds. In southwestern France, more than 525 people were evacuated from Luglon after a blaze spread across nearly 1,100 hectares. Croatia reported one death and dozens of injuries, while thousands were evacuated elsewhere. Scientists say climate change is intensifying extreme heat and worsening wildfire conditions across Europe. (PC: The Guardian)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, August 15, causing buildings and homes to shake, crack and collapse. The shallow quake occurred about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara, according to the US Geological Survey. At least two deaths were initially reported, with later updates putting the toll higher as authorities assessed the damage. Several strong aftershocks followed the main tremor. A tsunami warning was issued for nearby coastal areas, prompting residents to evacuate to higher ground, but the alert was later lifted. Hospitals also moved patients outdoors amid safety concerns.