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At Least 68 Dead, Dozens Missing After Migrant Boat Capsizes off Yemen

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At least 68 people have died and more than 70 remain missing after a boat carrying Ethiopian migrants capsized off Yemen’s southern coast, according to the United Nations. The vessel, which was transporting 154 people, sank in the Gulf of Aden near the province of Abyan on Sunday.

The tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal shipwrecks in the region, where migrants fleeing poverty, violence, and instability in East Africa attempt to reach Gulf states in search of work and better living conditions.

Only 12 survivors have been confirmed, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. Abdusattor Esoev, head of IOM’s Yemen mission, confirmed that 54 bodies washed ashore in the Khanfar district, while another 14 were recovered and moved to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, Abyan’s provincial capital.

Authorities in Abyan say a large-scale search and rescue operation is under way, but the number of missing suggests the death toll could rise. “Dozens of bodies have been retrieved from various points along the coastline,” the provincial security directorate reported, noting the victims were scattered over a wide area.

Yemen continues to serve as a critical transit point for migrants from Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, despite ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Many migrants undertake perilous sea journeys across the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden, often in overcrowded boats arranged by smugglers.

The IOM and other humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of the increasing risks faced by migrants. In March this year, four boats carrying hundreds of migrants capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti, leaving at least two confirmed dead and 186 others missing.

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According to IOM figures, more than 60,000 African migrants have arrived in Yemen so far in 2024 — a notable decrease from the 97,000 recorded in 2023. The UN attributes this decline to increased maritime patrolling by Yemeni and regional authorities.

Despite these efforts, Sunday’s shipwreck underscores the persistent dangers along the Eastern migration route. Humanitarian organisations have urged stronger international cooperation to tackle the root causes of migration and to improve migrant safety in transit countries like Yemen.

As recovery efforts continue, the IOM and local authorities are working to support survivors and identify the deceased. The agency has called for increased resources to address the growing humanitarian needs of migrants in the region.

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France Records Around 1,000 Excess Deaths as Record Heatwave Strains Health Services

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France has recorded around 1,000 more deaths than expected since a record-breaking heatwave swept across the country, placing hospitals and emergency services under intense pressure as temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in several regions.

Public Health France said on Sunday that preliminary figures showed a sharp rise in fatalities since June 24, when the extreme heat began affecting much of the country.

“Since June 24, approximately 1,000 additional deaths have been observed compared to the deaths recorded in previous months,” the agency said, noting that the figures remain provisional and could be revised.

Authorities said the hardest-hit areas were those placed under the highest red-level heat alert, including Île-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Normandy and Pays de la Loire. Around 85 percent of the reported deaths involved people aged 65 and older, highlighting the particular danger extreme temperatures pose to elderly residents.

The heatwave has stretched healthcare services, with hospitals and emergency responders dealing with a surge in callouts throughout the week. More than 30 French departments remained under red heat alerts for several days as temperatures continued to climb.

France also recorded its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with the nationwide average temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius over a 24-hour period.

In Paris, officials introduced emergency measures to reduce pressure on public services. Authorities banned the public consumption of alcohol over the weekend and postponed the city’s annual Pride March because of the dangerous weather conditions.

Major tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, also reduced operating hours as officials sought to protect visitors and staff from the extreme heat.

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Thousands of residents sought relief by gathering in parks and along canals across the capital. Officials, however, warned against swimming in unsupervised areas after a man drowned in the Canal Saint-Martin on Friday night.

Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire urged residents to follow safety advice.

“We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: swimming outside the times when supervised swimming is permitted, and outside the supervised areas, is dangerous,” he wrote on social media platform X.

The heatwave also claimed the life of 21-year-old Ligue 2 footballer Kenzo Kies, who reportedly drowned in the Rhône River.

His club, Guingamp, expressed its sorrow in a statement, extending its condolences to his family and loved ones.

Weather forecasts indicate temperatures have begun to ease in some parts of France, but health officials continue to urge vulnerable people to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated and check regularly on elderly relatives and neighbours as the country recovers from one of its most severe heatwaves in recent history.

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US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After New Tanker Attack Near Strait of Hormuz

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The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iranian targets on Saturday after Tehran was accused of carrying out another drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, deepening tensions and placing a recently agreed ceasefire under renewed strain.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American naval and air forces struck Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defence positions, drone storage facilities and mine-laying capabilities. The operation came in response to what Washington described as a one-way drone attack on the Panama-flagged oil tanker M/T Kiku while it was transiting near the strategic waterway.

In a statement, CENTCOM said Iran had been given an opportunity to comply with the ceasefire following US strikes a day earlier but instead chose to continue military action.

“After yesterday’s U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement but elected not to,” the military command said.

CENTCOM also released unclassified video footage on social media that it said showed the latest strikes on Iranian military targets.

Friday’s US operation had targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar sites after a drone attack on the commercial vessel M/V Ever Lovely. Washington said those strikes were intended as a response to threats against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran rejected the US position and accused Washington of violating the terms of the provisional memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month. Tehran responded by launching missile and drone attacks against facilities linked to US forces in Bahrain and Kuwait.

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Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, said the American strikes demonstrated that President Donald Trump had “no commitment to the principles of negotiation or a ceasefire.”

“This reckless violation of the ceasefire will, as always, lead to retreat and regret on their part,” Azizi wrote on social media.

The latest exchange has raised fresh concerns over the future of the temporary agreement reached between Washington and Tehran. Under the arrangement, both sides committed to a ceasefire and pledged to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and gas shipping routes.

The agreement also required the United States to lift its naval blockade of Iran, while Tehran agreed to reopen the strait and reaffirm its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The two countries were given 60 days to negotiate a broader and permanent settlement.

With both sides accusing each other of violating the accord, prospects for those negotiations now appear increasingly uncertain as military activity intensifies across the region.

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Belgium Cruise Into Knockout Stage as Iran Wait on World Cup Fate

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Belgium booked their place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 with an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday, while Iran were left anxiously waiting to learn whether they would also progress after finishing their group campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt.

The convincing win in Vancouver secured Belgium top spot in Group G after a slow start to the tournament. The Red Devils had opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt before playing out a goalless stalemate with Iran, leaving qualification in the balance heading into the final round of group matches.

Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard led Belgium’s charge with two goals. He opened the scoring in the 28th minute, reacting quickest after a corner to give his side the breakthrough. The winger struck again early in the second half with a well-taken volley to double Belgium’s advantage.

Captain Kevin De Bruyne extended the lead with a powerful left-footed effort from outside the penalty area before Romelu Lukaku headed home Belgium’s fourth goal. Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoring late in the match as Belgium sealed one of the tournament’s most dominant victories.

The result sent Belgium into the knockout rounds as Group G winners. They are scheduled to face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams from Groups A, E, H, I or J in Seattle next week.

Egypt also secured qualification after finishing second in the group and will face Australia in Dallas in the round of 32.

Iran, however, must now wait for the remaining group-stage matches in Groups J, K and L to determine whether their record will be enough to earn one of the places reserved for the best third-placed teams. Their campaign ended with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Egypt, leaving qualification dependent on results elsewhere.

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New Zealand’s hopes ended with the heavy defeat to Belgium. The All Whites finished the group stage with just one point and exited the competition without recording a victory.

Elsewhere, Spain advanced as Group H winners after defeating Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara. Álex Baena scored the only goal of the match, ensuring Spain avoided a potential meeting with Argentina in the next round. Spain will now face the runners-up from Group J, with either Austria or Algeria expected to provide the opposition in Los Angeles.

France also maintained their perfect record by defeating Norway 4-1 to finish top of Group I. The victory ensured France progressed with maximum points, while Norway and Senegal also advanced from the group.

France are set to meet Sweden in the round of 32 at MetLife Stadium, while Norway will take on Ivory Coast as the knockout stage begins to take shape. The remaining fixtures over the weekend will determine the final qualification places and complete the round of 32 lineup.

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