According to the official, who spoke anonymously, the operation was intended to address security concerns in the strategically vital region. US forces also reportedly intercepted and destroyed several Iranian drones that were seen as a threat to American personnel and vessels operating near the waterway.

The official told Reuters that the strike targeted an Iranian ground-control centre in Bandar Abbas, which was allegedly preparing to launch a fifth drone. The reported attack came after explosions were heard near the Iranian port city early Thursday. Iranian media reported at least three blasts east of Bandar Abbas around 1:30 a.m. local time, followed by the activation of air defence systems for several minutes.

The strikes, previously unreported, took place amid ongoing negotiations aimed at ending a three-month conflict that has killed thousands and driven up global energy prices since erupting on February 28 after US and Israeli attacks.

The latest escalation follows US military strikes earlier this week in southern Iran. At the time, US Central Command described the operations as “self-defence strikes” targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels allegedly attempting to place naval mines near the key maritime route.

Iran later accused Washington of breaching a nearly seven-week-old ceasefire through repeated military activity near the Strait of Hormuz.

The fragile ceasefire now appears increasingly unstable after Iran warned of retaliation over the recent US strikes, which Washington again defended as acts of self-defence.

Meanwhile, talks between Washington and Tehran have yet to result in a formal agreement, with both sides continuing to send mixed signals over a possible de-escalation deal. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday also dismissed a report by Iranian state media claiming that Iran and Oman would jointly oversee shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz under a proposed peace arrangement. Trump insisted that the crucial waterway would remain open.

The Peel Regional police, in a release, said the group, known as "Four Brothers", carried out multiple violent incidents against restaurants, trucking companies, and other businesses in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon and parts of British Columbia, with links to California in the United States.

The network is alleged to have intimidated, threatened and used violence to extort local businesses. 

The accused arrested in April 2026 are: Iqbal Singh Bhagria, 25, of Brampton; Akashdeep Singh, 24, of Norval; Ravinder Singh, 25, of Surrey, BC; Jashanbir Singh, 21, of Surrey, BC; Dilawarpreet Singh, 26, of Brampton; Mandeep Singh, 21, of Brampton; Prabhdeep Sohal, 22, of Brampton; Partapbir Ghuman, 22, of Brampton; Ajaydeep Singh, 29, of Brampton; Navroop Singh, 24, of Brampton; Rajan Singh, 28, of Barrie; Amritjot Singh, 22, of Brampton; Jashanpreet Singh, 22, of Brampton; Guneet Guneet, 27, of Brampton; Sukhwinder Singh, 32, of Brampton; Mohinder Singh, 30, of Brampton; and Gautam Gautam, 22, of Manteca, California.

In one of the incidents, two of the accused were allegedly involved in a shooting and arson attack at a home in Caledon. Minutes later, they were also allegedly linked to another shooting targeting a business in Brampton.

Police filed a total of 106 criminal charges against the 17 accused men. During the investigation, officers seized six firearms, illegal drugs, several mobile phones, SIM cards, and fake identification documents.

Authorities also said that six of the accused could face immigration action, including possible deportation from Canada after their criminal proceedings conclude.

Separately, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) arrested and detained six people for immigration-related violations. Of them, three have already been deported, two remain in custody, and one has been released under certain conditions.

According to meteorologists, the extreme heat has been caused by a “heat dome” carrying hot air from northern Africa into Europe, resulting in unusually high temperatures more commonly experienced during peak summer months.

In the United Kingdom, temperatures surged to 34.8 degrees Celsius at London’s Kew Gardens on Monday, making it the hottest May day ever recorded in the country. The UK Met Office said the temperature exceeded the previous May record by nearly two degrees and described the conditions as highly unusual for this time of year.

The country also experienced what experts called a “tropical night,” with overnight temperatures remaining exceptionally high. Weather officials noted that such heat is generally expected in mid-summer rather than during spring.

Climate experts in Britain recently warned that the country’s infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. They stressed the need to redesign schools, hospitals and transport systems to cope with rising temperatures linked to global warming.

Germany too has been experiencing an early spell of intense heat. Temperatures crossed the 30-degree Celsius mark for the first time this year over the weekend, while forecasters predicted even hotter conditions in several regions during the week.

France has also been severely affected by the heatwave. The country’s weather agency stated that Monday became the hottest May day ever recorded nationwide since records began. Several regions, particularly in northwestern France, have been placed under an orange-level heat alert.

Paris recorded temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius for the first time this year, touching nearly 32 degrees over the weekend.

French authorities confirmed multiple deaths linked directly or indirectly to the ongoing heatwave. A participant in a 10-km race in Paris died during the event, while another woman reportedly suffered fatal heat stroke after taking part in a fitness competition in Lyon.

France’s government said at least seven deaths have been associated with the extreme weather conditions so far. Officials noted that several victims drowned while attempting to cool off in rivers, lakes and beaches amid the intense heat.

The French government has directed local administrations to implement safety measures during sporting and outdoor events as temperatures continue to rise.

Elsewhere in southern Europe, Spain is expected to witness the most severe conditions later this week, with temperatures in some regions forecast to approach 40 degrees Celsius. In Italy, authorities have already imposed restrictions on outdoor work activities in several areas to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that Europe is warming faster than many other parts of the world due to climate change caused by human activity. Experts say heatwaves across the continent are becoming more frequent, arriving earlier in the year and lasting longer than before.

The action came even as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran over a ceasefire and regional de-escalation continue behind closed doors.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was conducted in “self-defence” to protect American naval assets and commercial maritime routes in the region.

CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins said the US military acted after identifying threats to international shipping lanes and American warships operating near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

“The measures were necessary to ensure the safety of US personnel and maritime traffic,” Hawkins said, adding that Washington was still exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire discussions.

Trump signals tough stand on Iran

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would eventually be neutralised as part of any future understanding between the two countries.

Trump indicated that the material could either be handed over to the United States for destruction or dismantled under a monitored arrangement involving Iran itself.

He also ruled out the possibility of any agreement resembling the nuclear deal negotiated during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

“There will either be a strong agreement or no agreement at all,” Trump said while addressing reporters.

No formal agreement yet

Despite reports suggesting that Washington and Tehran were close to extending a ceasefire framework and reopening maritime routes through Hormuz, no official agreement has been signed so far.

Diplomatic discussions involving Iranian representatives in Doha are currently focused on two major issues — the future of the Strait of Hormuz and the handling of Iran’s highly enriched uranium reserves.

Talks are also reportedly covering the release of frozen Iranian financial assets.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said no major decision regarding negotiations or regional security would be finalised without approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Iran lists conditions for any future deal

Iranian officials have outlined a series of demands they say must be addressed before any broader understanding with the United States can move forward.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Tehran expects an end to conflicts involving Lebanon and other regional fronts, guarantees against future attacks, removal of naval restrictions, easing of oil sanctions and the return of Iranian assets seized abroad.

He also insisted that Iran’s role and security mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz must be recognised as part of any settlement.

Azizi claimed the United States and Israel had initially sought a quick military outcome but later shifted toward negotiations after facing resistance from Iran and its allies.

At the same time, he acknowledged that mistrust between Tehran and Washington remains deep-rooted.

Iran yet to respond to US strike claims

Iran has not officially confirmed or denied the American claims regarding the strikes near Bandar Abbas.

Iranian media outlets reported hearing three explosions in the region, though it remains unclear whether the blasts occurred directly inside Bandar Abbas city or in nearby coastal waters.

So far, Iranian authorities have avoided issuing a formal response to the reported military action.

Israel continues strikes in Southern Lebanon

Meanwhile, regional tensions extended beyond the Gulf as Israel carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

According to local media reports, Israeli fighter jets targeted areas near the town of Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district. Additional strikes were also reported in parts of Tyre district and the western Bekaa Valley.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s support for Lebanon and Hezbollah, stating that Iran stood by Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid continuing Israeli operations.

According to reports, the train was passing a signal at Chaman Pattak in Quetta when a car with explosives hit one of its carriages - resulting in a huge blast.

Shortly after the blast, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for what it described as a 'fidayeen' or suicide attack targeting Pakistani military personnel travelling on a train.

According to the police officials, explosion caused extensive damage in the adjoining areas, shattering windows and glass panes of nearby buildings. Several houses and vehicles parked close to the railway line were also damaged in the impact.

As the rescue operation remained underway security officials cordoned off the area soon after the incident. 

Balochistan's Special Assistant for Home Affairs, Babar Yousafzai, said authorities have launched investigation and are collecting the evidence and further details will be shared after the verification. He added that all relevant institutions had been placed on alert and urged residents to avoid gathering near the blast site while rescue work continued.

"This morning, the Majeed Brigade, the fidayee (self-sacrificing) unit of the Baloch Liberation Army, targeted a train transporting personnel of the occupying forces from Quetta Cantt in a highly organized fidayee attack. The Baloch Liberation Army accepts full responsibility for this operation. Detailed information regarding the operation, along with the specific material and human casualties inflicted upon the enemy as a result of the attack, will be released shortly in an official statement to the media," the BLA said.

Officials have not yet confirmed why he carried out the attack, but reports suggest he was mentally unstable and had often been seen loitering near White House security checkpoints. Last year, he was arrested twice for offences such as blocking traffic and entering a restricted pedestrian area near the White House. During questioning by Washington DC Police and Secret Service officers, he reportedly claimed he wanted to be arrested because he believed he was a modern-day version of Jesus Christ.

Investigators suspect his mental condition may have played a role in the shooting, though they are still examining whether there was any political motive behind the attack. A court had earlier ordered Best to stay away from the White House area, but reports say he ignored that order.

On May 24 (IST), Secret Service officers noticed Best acting suspiciously near 17th Street Northwest. He then pulled out a gun and fired several shots, seriously injuring at least one bystander.

Officers from the Secret Service uniformed division quickly responded by shooting back and stopping him. Best was injured in the exchange and later died at a hospital.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation is ongoing and more details will be shared once they become available.

"FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds - we will update the public as we’re able," Patel said, through a post on X.

According to expedition officials in Nepal, Sandeep Are scaled the 8,848.86-metre peak on Wednesday, while Arun Kumar Tiwari reached the summit on Thursday evening. However, both climbers reportedly became severely exhausted while making their way back down from the mountain.

Rishi Bhandari, secretary general of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal, said Sherpa guides made continuous efforts to rescue the climbers and bring them to safety. Despite repeated attempts, the two could not survive the harsh conditions on the mountain.

Officials said Are collapsed due to extreme fatigue during the descent. Sherpa guides managed to move him from the Balcony area to the South Col overnight, but his condition continued to deteriorate and he later died.

Tiwari was descending with two experienced Sherpa guides when he reportedly became weak near the Hillary Step, one of the most dangerous sections close to the summit route. Rescue teams tried to assist him, but he could not be saved.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact time of Tiwari’s death.

The latest tragedy has pushed the death toll on Everest this season to five. Earlier, three Nepali climbers had also lost their lives during the ongoing expedition period.

This year’s Everest season has also witnessed record-breaking activity. On Wednesday alone, 274 climbers successfully reached the summit from the Nepal side, setting a new record for the highest number of ascents in a single day during the spring climbing season.

According to reports, Burhan was attacked in Muzaffarabad and suffered multiple bullet injuries. He was also known by the alias “Doctor” among terror circles. Security sources said the attackers fled the spot immediately after opening fire.

Originally from the Kharbatpora area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, Burhan had crossed over to Pakistan in 2017, reportedly on the pretext of pursuing higher education. However, he later joined the banned terror outfit Al-Badr and eventually rose through its ranks to become a commander.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had declared Burhan a terrorist in 2022 for his alleged involvement in terror-related activities and cross-border operations.

The February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack remains one of the deadliest terror strikes on Indian security forces. A suicide bomber linked to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy at Lethpora in Pulwama district, killing 40 personnel.

The attack had sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan, days after the incident.

The illustration was carried alongside an opinion reportedly titled 'A clever ans slightly annoying man' depicted PM Modi holding what appeared to be a fuel-station pipe shaped like a snake.

The controversy grew after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a press event in Norway, where Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng questioned why he did not take questions from the media during a joint appearance with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Modi did not reply, but later Indian diplomat Sibi George strongly responded on behalf of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The issue became even more controversial after a cartoon was published, leading to massive criticism online. Many people called the cartoon racist and said it repeated old colonial stereotypes that showed India as a country of “snake charmers.” Critics argued that the image was disrespectful toward India and its elected prime minister.

"This cartoon is blatantly racist," a user wrote on X, adding, "What also stands out is the irony. PM Modi used to speak about how earlier the world thought of India as a 'land of snake charmers'. And now, during his visit to Oslo, a major European newspaper depicts him exactly that way".

One social media user named Prady wrote that “Europeans still can't come out of their colonial fantasies,” while criticising the newspaper. Many others also reacted strongly, saying that “colonial arrogance” still exists in parts of Western media.

A similar controversy had happened in 2022 when a Spanish newspaper used snake-charmer imagery while reporting on India’s economic growth.

Interestingly, Modi himself had spoken about this stereotype during his 2014 speech at Madison Square Garden in the United States. He said India was once seen abroad as a country of “snake charmers” but had now become a nation of “mouse charmers” because of its progress in technology. He later repeated the same comparison at other international events as well.

Jonathan Andic, 45, was alone with his 71-year-old billionaire father Isak Andic who fell to his death in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona. According to Catalan regional police, Jonathan was taken into custody and later escorted in handcuffs to a court in Martorell near Barcelona for questioning.

People close to the family said they had “complete” confidence in Jonathan Andic’s innocence. They insisted there was no valid evidence against him and said they believed the investigation would eventually clear him. They also called for respect for the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

At the time of the incident, authorities said Isak Andic had fallen from a height near the Salnitre caves in Collbató, an area known for steep cliffs and ravines. Investigators initially treated the case as an accident, with early findings suggesting that he may have slipped while hiking.

A judge officially closed the case in January 2025 after finding no signs of criminal activity.

However, the investigation was reopened in October 2025 by Catalonia’s regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, along with prosecutors and the court, after authorities reportedly found inconsistencies in Jonathan Andic’s testimony.

The announcement was made by Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported. Ushakov said President Putin would participate in the summit hosted by India, which is holding the BRICS chairmanship this year.

He also confirmed that a bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to take place on the sidelines of the summit in New Delhi.

President Putin last visited India in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended a two-day BRICS meeting in New Delhi.

BRICS was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping expanded in 2024 with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, while Indonesia joined the bloc in 2025.

The BRICS alliance has grown into a major global platform representing nearly half of the world’s population, around 40 per cent of the global economy and nearly 26 per cent of global trade.

The aircraft involved were two EA-18G Growler fighter jets, which crashed about two miles outside the base. Videos circulating online captured the moment the jets collided before breaking apart in the air. Shortly afterward, four parachutes were visible descending to the ground.

BREAKING: 2 U.S. Navy Super Hornets/Growlers crash and collide during Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

Aviation sources tell KTVB that both aircrews ejected safely. pic.twitter.com/GPsdrwTFWq

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 17, 2026

An announcer at the event informed spectators that all four crew members had safely ejected before the crash, the Idaho Statesman reported. The US Navy later confirmed that all four personnel survived after ejecting from the aircraft.

Mountain Home Air Force Base said emergency responders remain at the site while investigators work to determine the cause of the accident. “Emergency responders are on the scene and investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available,” a spokesperson told Reuters.

Following the crash, authorities canceled all remaining events scheduled for Sunday. Mountain Home Police also confirmed that the base was placed under lockdown after the incident.

"The Embassy condoles the loss of life and is working with the company management and local authorities to provide necessary assistance to the workers," the embassy said in a statement posted on X. The identities of the victims have not yet been made public. Authorities are also yet to release further details about the drone strike.

Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks on Moscow in recent months overnight on Sunday, setting off air raid sirens, explosions, and falling debris in several parts of the Russian capital and nearby regions. Russia’s defence ministry claimed that more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the country within 24 hours.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defence systems shot down at least 81 drones heading toward the capital overnight. The strikes reportedly damaged residential buildings and infrastructure in multiple areas. Authorities said at least four people were killed in the attacks, including three in the Moscow region. Another death was reported in Russia’s Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border.

Moscow regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said a woman died after drone debris hit a house in Khimki, north of Moscow. Two other men were killed in the village of Pogorelki in the Mytishchi district. Several people were also injured during the attacks. Some of the injured were reported near Moscow’s oil refinery, although officials said the facility remained operational and did not suffer major damage.

The drone strikes came just days after Russia carried out one of its heaviest aerial attacks on Kyiv since the war began more than four years ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier vowed retaliation after the Russian bombardment.

In a video shared on X, Zelenskyy posted footage showing smoke rising from targeted locations and emergency teams trying to control fires. He said the attacks were in response to continuing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and civilians.

The image, shared on Donald Trump’s social media account, showed him wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap while standing aboard a US Navy vessel with a naval officer. The background featured rough seas, lightning, and Iranian ships. The post came at a time when reports suggested that the Trump administration was considering renewed military action against Iran after a temporary pause in tensions.

According to a report by The New York Times, Trump returned from Beijing facing important decisions regarding Iran, with senior officials reportedly preparing plans for possible fresh military strikes if diplomatic talks fail.

The report said US officials and allied nations were trying to reach a compromise that could persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, while also allowing Trump to present the development as a diplomatic success. It added that the Pentagon had already prepared backup plans for restarting “Operation Epic Fury,” which had been paused after Trump announced a ceasefire last month.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly said that the United States had “a plan to escalate if necessary,” even as discussions were also taking place about the possibility of withdrawing troops from the Middle East.

The report further stated that the Trump administration was considering several options against Iran, including wider bombing campaigns targeting Iranian military bases and infrastructure. Another option reportedly being discussed involves sending Special Operations forces to target deeply buried nuclear material at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility.

Kulvinder Singh Johal, who was born in Phillaur in Punjab’s Jalandhar district, has become the first turbaned Lord Mayor of Leicester. He took oath a day earlier and was officially presented with the Chain of Office during a ceremony held at Leicester Town Hall.

The appointments hold significant revarance and being seen as expanding Punjabi representation in British public life highlighting their growing influence in politics and civic leadership.

Preet Kaur Gill, whose roots trace back to Jamshher village in Jalandhar district, has been appointed Junior Minister in the UK Health Department. She began her political career at the local level after being elected as a councillor in 2012 on a Labour Party ticket. She served as a councillor in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, where she also held the role of Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection.

In the June 2017 general election, Gill was elected as Member of Parliament from Birmingham Edgbaston on a Labour Party ticket for the first time. With this victory, she became the first female British Sikh MP in UK history. She was re-elected with a strong mandate in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections.

Officials said the divers failed to return to the surface after entering the caves on Thursday. Rescue operations have so far recovered only one body, while harsh sea conditions and limited underwater visibility have slowed further recovery efforts.

The victims have been identified as Monica Montefalcone, Giorgia Sommacal, Federico Gualtieri, Muriel Oddenino and Gianluca Benedetti. The group had reportedly used a yacht named Duke of York during the expedition.

According to Maldivian authorities, Benedetti’s body was located near the entrance of the cave network. Rescue officials believe the remaining divers may still be trapped deeper inside the cave system.

Several members of the group were associated with the University of Genoa in Italy. Montefalcone was a noted marine biologist and professor specialising in tropical marine ecology and underwater science. She was also involved in environmental monitoring projects in the Maldives.

Her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, reportedly shared the same interest in marine exploration and had studied biomedical engineering. Muriel Oddenino, 31, was known for her work in marine ecology and had contributed to multiple scientific studies. Federico Gualtieri, also 31, had recently completed studies in marine biology and worked as a certified scuba instructor.

Benedetti, 44, had earlier worked in banking and finance before relocating to the Maldives several years ago to pursue professional diving and marine operations.

Search operations were temporarily suspended due to rough weather and strong underwater currents. Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said teams of divers explored deeper sections of the cave before conditions became unsafe. Rescue personnel have prepared a preliminary underwater map to support the next phase of operations.

Two Italian diving specialists are expected to join the recovery mission, while Italian authorities are coordinating with international diving organisations for the repatriation process.

Reports suggest the cave network contains multiple chambers connected through narrow passages, making the operation highly complex. Recovery teams have already searched two chambers but had to halt further movement because of decompression limitations and deteriorating underwater conditions.

Investigators are examining several possible causes behind the tragedy. Poor weather and reduced visibility are believed to have played a significant role. Strong winds in the region may have disturbed underwater sediment, causing divers to lose orientation inside the cave system.

Experts are also considering whether one diver became trapped, leading others to exhaust their oxygen supply while attempting a rescue. Another possibility being examined is oxygen toxicity, a condition that can occur when breathing gas mixtures are not suited for extreme diving depths.

Underwater cave diving is considered one of the most dangerous forms of scuba diving because of confined spaces, darkness, and the absence of a direct route to the surface. Technical dives beyond 40 metre require specialised training, advanced equipment and extensive experience.

The Maldives, known globally for diving tourism, rarely witnesses accidents of this scale involving experienced technical divers.

Explosions were heard across the Ukrainian capital through the night as air raid sirens forced residents to rush into underground shelters and metro stations for safety.

Heavy bombardment targets Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched more than 670 attack drones along with 56 missiles during the assault, with Kyiv emerging as the main target.

According to him, over 20 locations across the capital suffered damage, including residential buildings, a school, a veterinary clinic and other civilian infrastructure.

Zelensky said the scale of the attack showed that Moscow was not interested in ending the war. He also warned that additional victims could still be trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings.

Rescue operations continue

Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed that one person died in the strikes while several others were injured.

Later, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service updated the toll, saying 31 persons, including a child, had been wounded in attacks across the Kyiv region.

Military officials said six districts in Kyiv and six nearby areas were affected by the strikes.

At first light, emergency workers and rescue teams were seen searching through damaged buildings for survivors. Journalists at the scene reported seeing rescuers carrying an injured resident out of a partially destroyed apartment block.

Authorities said search and rescue operations were still underway.

Ceasefire collapses as attacks intensify

The fresh wave of strikes came after Russia ended a three-day ceasefire earlier this week. Fighting between both countries resumed almost immediately after the pause collapsed.

US President Donald Trump had announced the temporary ceasefire days earlier, around the same time Russian President Vladimir Putin attended Victory Day celebrations in Moscow marking the anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.

Zelensky has meanwhile urged Trump to raise the issue of ending the war during his ongoing diplomatic meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

War continues to devastate Ukraine

A day before the latest Kyiv attack, Ukraine reported another major Russian drone barrage involving around 800 drones, mostly targeting western parts of the country. That assault reportedly killed six people and left dozens injured.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has triggered Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The war has resulted in massive destruction, hundreds of thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions of people.

According to the Surrey Police Service, officers rushed to a home in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue shortly after midnight on April 22 following reports of gunfire. Investigators later found bullet damage at the property as well as a nearby vehicle. No injuries were reported in the incident.

The case was later handed over to the Extortion Response Team, which traced a suspect vehicle and carried out a search operation at another Surrey property. The raid was conducted with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and the Canada Border Services Agency.

The police have identified the accused as 22-year-old Damanjeet Singh and 30-year-old Pardaman Singh. Both have been charged with firing a gun into a property while being aware  or allegedly disregarding the possibility  that people may have been inside. They also face charges related to possession of restricted or prohibited firearms without valid licences.

Authorities said both accused are foreign nationals and remain in custody. Damanjeet Singh is scheduled to appear in court on May 19, while Pardaman Singh’s next hearing is set for June 1.

Investigators have also publicly released photographs of the two men, saying the move is aimed at encouraging potential witnesses and victims to come forward with information connected to violent extortion operations.

The arrests come amid growing concern over organised extortion rackets targeting members of the South Asian diaspora in Canada. Recently, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) issued a special alert warning about the exploitation of young Indian men studying in Canada by criminal gangs involved in violence and intimidation.

In its report, FINTRAC highlighted the role of the Bishnoi gang and the rival Bambiha gang in escalating such criminal activities. The agency noted that the Canadian government formally listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation in September 2025.

Jaspal Singh Gill, who moved from India to Canada in 2021, said he always dreamed of becoming a police officer because both his father and grandfather had served in the police force in India. Speaking to Canadian broadcaster CTV News, Gill said joining the police had been his long-term goal.

Gill became a permanent resident of Canada in 2024 and moved to Winnipeg last summer. Since arriving in Canada, he had been preparing for police recruitment exams and was called to appear for the Winnipeg Police Service recruitment test in late April.

However, Gill claimed he was stopped before the exam started. The police service said it welcomes applicants from different religious backgrounds and has earlier made temporary secure arrangements for Sikh candidates to store their kirpans.

Gill argued that the restriction violated his constitutional rights. He referred to a 2006 ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada, which said banning Sikhs from carrying kirpans goes against religious freedom.

He also pointed out that Sikhs are allowed to wear kirpans in courthouses, legislative assemblies, and even on domestic flights in Canada.

Gill said he has filed a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to seek details about the police department’s policies. He added that he may also approach the Manitoba Human Rights Commission over the matter.

The incident took place in the Kamala Beach area of Kathu district during the early hours of Saturday. According to local reports, five Indian nationals had arrived together at the cafe late on Friday evening. A few hours later, four of them suddenly became unconscious one after another, creating panic among staff members present at the spot.

All four were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Thai authorities later confirmed that one of the tourists died during treatment, while the remaining three are currently in stable condition and continue to receive medical care.

The Indian Embassy in Thailand expressed grief over the death and said officials are in touch with both the family of the deceased and local authorities.

In a statement shared on X, the embassy said it is closely following the case and extending all possible assistance to the affected individuals and their families.

The exact reason behind the tourists losing consciousness has not been officially confirmed so far. Thai authorities are investigating the matter to determine what led to the incident.

Local media reports stated that security staff at the cafe noticed the group collapsing one after another around 1.54 am and immediately alerted emergency services.

Further details regarding the deceased tourist and the ongoing investigation are awaited.