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Zurich (AFP) – A knife attack by a man reportedly shouting “Allahu akbar” that wounded three people at a Swiss train station was an “act of terrorism”, says a regional security official. “A terrible act of terrorism, which the police handled very well. It was a situation where it was possible to prevent even greater harm,” says Mario Fehr, in charge of security in the Swiss canton of Zurich, adding, “We take this very seriously indeed”.

Seoul (AFP) – Humanoid robots wearing designer outfits join models on the catwalk at a physical AI fashion show in Seoul, which was hosted by the South Korean entertainment company Galaxy Corporation. South Korea is one of the world leaders in robot production. With 1,012 robots per 10,000 workers, Korea boasts one of the world’s highest robot densities.

Gilgil (Kenya) (AFP) – Kenya reels in shock after a deadly fire in a girls’ school kills at least 16 and leaves a further 79 hospitalised. The blaze broke out shortly before 1:00am local time at the Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Nakuru County, southwestern Kenya, officials have said. “We are currently handling lots of anxiety and tension from parents,” says Anthony Muchiri, of the Kenyan Red Cross, adding that medical teams are “doing lots of counselling.” Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Paris (France) (AFP) – Parisians cool off in the city’s Saint-Martin canal amid an early heatwave despite a ban on swimming. “The police came by, but there wasn’t much of a crackdown, which was what was nice, just a few reminders. No one was detained, and I thought that was pretty nice,” says Paris resident, Ira.

Dhaka (AFP) – A buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its flowing blonde hair has been spared from sacrifice after shooting to online fame, and will instead be cared for at the national zoo. The 700-kilogramme (1,500-pound) bull, a rare albino buffalo with a flowing helmet of light hair resembling the signature look of the US president, was due to be slaughtered to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

Washington (United States) (AFP) – US President Donald Trump says he is not yet satisfied with Iran’s offers to make a deal, after Iranian state television reported details of what it claimed was a draft agreement. Speaking at a cabinet meeting in the White House, Trump adds that he is in no rush to reach an accord to end the Middle East war, despite saying at the weekend that one was close. “Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal. So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be,” Trump says.

Bunia (DR Congo) (AFP) – The Muslim community of Bunia, celebrates Eid al-Adha under health restrictions due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. “Yes, it penalises us greatly, because usually the holiday is a celebration that should be full of joy, that should bring together many people,” says Alex Shabdina, spokesperson for the Islamic community in Bunia. According to the World Health Organization, the current outbreak has a fatality rate of 25 percent, significally lower than previous outbreaks in DR Congo.

Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Gazans inspect the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Gaza City’s Rimal neighbourhood that killed Mohammed Odeh, the new head of Hamas’s armed wing. A Hamas source contacted by AFP said the strike also killed Odeh’s wife and two children. Gaza has been living under a fragile ceasefire since October 2025. But since the ceasefire was declared, at least 910 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Quito (AFP) – In Ecuador’s capital Quito, traditional healers are tapping into a new market for herbal remedies: the anxious “parents” of pampered pets. While the practice is not backed by scientific evidence, owners bring their dogs, cats and rabbits to the San Francisco market for a ceremonial “limpia” (cleansing), an ancient Andean ritual that the healers say can banish physical, emotional and spiritual blockages.

Mina (Saudi Arabia) (AFP) – Muslim devotees carry out the final major ritual of the hajj pilgrimage: the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat devil in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The ritual sees pilgrims throw pebbles at pillars representing the devil, reenacting the Prophet Abraham’s stoning of the devil at three places where Satan is said to have tried to dissuade him from obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael.

Castel Gandolfo (Italy) (AFP) – Pope Leo XIV appeals for “respect” for human rights worldwide, calling on authorities to support the people of Gaza and advance reconstruction efforts. He also mentions the Global Sumud flotilla, a protest against the humanitarian aid blockade of Gaza, which saw hundreds of activists detained by Israeli authorities. The treatment of the activists was denounced by governments worldwide.

Santiago (Chile) (AFP) – Leaning on a cane or the barre in her Santiago dance studio, Evelyn Cordero lifts an arm and gently corrects the posture of her ballet students. “Even in my dreams, I dance,” says the 100-year-old. Cordero opened her dance school in 1994, having started to dance aged just four. Despite reaching age 100, she has no plans to hang up her ballet shoes yet.