Month: January 2025

Dubai (AFP) – Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports.

Douma (Syria) (AFP) – A few dozen protesters gathered in the Syrian city of Douma on Wednesday demanding answers about the fate of four prominent activists abducted more than a decade ago.

London (AFP) – 36RU3N2

Rennes (France) (AFP) – Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday, after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia.

Milan (Italy) (AFP) – Smokers in Italy’s financial and fashion capital of Milan risk being fined for lighting up on city streets or crowded public areas, after the country’s toughest ban came into effect on Wednesday.

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Brazil’s Amazon rainforest experienced its highest number of fires in 17 years in 2024, government data published Wednesday showed, after the vast biome suffered months of a lengthy drought.

Glasgow (AFP) – Celtic captain Callum McGregor has insisted his side’s recent domination of the Glasgow derby has in no way diminished the fixture’s importance ahead of Thursday’s clash with Rangers.

Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – The Palestinian Authority is determined to score a win against militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank ahead of Donald Trump’s presidency, aiming to demonstrate its ability to control post-war Gaza, analysts told AFP.

Gaza Strip (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Israel warned Wednesday that it will intensify its strikes in Gaza if Hamas keeps up its rocket fire, as Palestinian rescuers reported dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes on the first day of the New Year.

London (AFP) – World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin believes social media sensation Ilona Maher is ideally placed to excite fans in the lead-up to this year’s Women’s World Cup in England.