Rubio tries to reassure Nato allies over US troop deployments
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to reassure Nato allies amid confusion over shifting US troop deployments in Europe, according to the BBC.
Conflicts & Security
Cubans grapple with fuel shortages and blackouts as US steps up pressure
Cubans are facing fuel shortages and 20-hour blackouts as the US escalates pressure on the island, according to BBC.
Rubio doubtful of diplomacy with Cuba as Trump renews threat of military action
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have renewed U.S. threats of military action against Cuba, following the administration’s announcement of criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, according to NPR and Impacto Media.
US Deepens European Uncertainty with 5,000 Troop Deployment to Poland
The United States will deploy an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, according to President Donald Trump, who cited his endorsement of Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
US Pauses $14B Arms Sale to Taiwan Over Iran War, Navy Official Says
A top U.S. military official said Washington is pausing a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to conserve munitions for its war on Iran, according to a Senate hearing and reports from Al Jazeera and AOL.com.
Trump Announces 5,000 More Troops to Poland
President Donald Trump has said the US will send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, according to BBC.
Tennessee execution called off after botched IV attempt
Tennessee officials called off the execution of Tony Carruthers after a botched lethal injection attempt due to an inability to establish a proper IV line, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction. Carruthers, who has spent over 30 years on death row, remains on the row after Gov. Bill Lee granted him a one-year reprieve.
Over 2,000 gather in San Diego to mourn three killed in mosque attack
More than 2,000 people gathered in a San Diego park to mourn three men killed as they tried to stop an attack on the city’s largest mosque, according to Al Jazeera.
Cuba-US Tensions Rise as Raúl Castro Indicted
Cuban residents near top officials are on edge as the US files criminal charges against former president Raúl Castro, raising fears of military action, according to The Guardian.
Charges Dismissed Against School Official in 6-Year-Old Gun Incident
A judge in Virginia has dismissed charges against a former assistant principal in a school where a six-year-old student shot his teacher, according to court records.
Iran Expands Claims on 22,000 sq km of Strait of Hormuz
Iran has significantly expanded the area around the Strait of Hormuz over which it claims military control, according to a BBC report.
US military jets and drones tracked near Cuba as tensions rise
The US military has been broadcasting the location of surveillance flights near Cuba on tracking websites, as Washington exerts pressure on the island's leadership. According to BBC Verify, at least five US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft and three MQ-4C Triton drones have been operating near Cuba since 11 May.
Cuba faces U.S. charges against Raúl Castro, new sanctions, and energy crisis
The U.S. has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy and murder in 1996, as Cuba's president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, denounced the move as politically motivated. At the same time, Washington continues to tighten economic pressure on the island.
MPs Demand Channel 4 Answers Over ‘Horrifying’ MAFS Allegations
A group of MPs has written to Channel 4 seeking answers over what they call 'horrifying' allegations linked to the reality TV show Married at First Sight UK, according to BBC reports.
Google to Release First Smart Glasses Since 2013 Flop
Google is set to release new smart glasses in autumn, its first such product since the 2013 Google Glass failure, according to the BBC.