UK nuclear weapons
Campaigners slam the UK government’s plan to increase the country’s nuclear weapons stockpile by 40 percent, saying the move amounts to a violation of international law. The planned increase also drew criticism from Labour leader Keir Starmer, who accused the Tory government of having a worldwide reputation for breaking international law. Scottish National Party Defense spokesperson, Stewart McDonald also slammed the increase as nothing short of abhorrent. The government's integrated defense review on Tuesday said the UK would be increasing the size of its nuclear arsenal to 260 warheads. The review noted that Britain reserves the right to withdraw assurances that it will not use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear armed state.
Confronting Israeli aggression
Syrian media say the country’s air defenses have shot down a number of Israeli missiles in Damascus countryside.
Niger deadly attacks
Fifty-eight people have been killed in what the Niger’s government has called barbarous attacks near the country’s border with Mali. A number of vehicles were burned or seized in the attacks. The raids took place in the Tillaberi region, a flashpoint area where the frontiers of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali converge. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. The government announced three days of national mourning from Wednesday. Niger officials also called for greater vigilance from the population and reaffirmed their determination to pursue the fight against criminality in all its forms. Violent insurgency in the region has left hundreds of people dead and led to the displacement of many more.