AFP UK

Pattaya (Thailand) (AFP) – Around 5,000 US sailors and Marines arrive in Thailand’s resort city of Pattaya after a Middle East deployment that sparked concerns over conditions on board. Dressed in civilian shorts and T-shirts, some US service members are given traditional garlands at a welcoming ceremony at a central hotel. “We’re very, very happy to be here,” commanding officer Captain Dan Keeler tells reporters. “We really look forward to our time here to get a little rest and relaxation,” he adds.

Hollywood superstar George Clooney says the United States will get through an “unfortunate” time in its history under the Trump administration, calling it a government run by the “least qualified”. Speaking at Venice Film Festival, he says he is “ashamed” of the US government’s actions, adding that “we will get through it, and we will come out better on the other side”.

Hollywood superstar George Clooney says the United States will get through an “unfortunate” time in its history under the Trump administration, calling it a government run by the “least qualified”. Speaking at Venice Film Festival, he says he is “ashamed” of the US government’s actions, adding that “we will get through it, and we will come out better on the other side”.

Kūhestak (Iran) (AFP) – The US and Iran exchange fire after claims that shrapnel from a US strike hit a wedding ceremony in southern Iran, killing at least four people. Reciprocal strikes from Iran hit US military targets in the Middle East. The latest strikes are the biggest in the last few weeks of the six-month conflict, and come as peace talks have been largely halted.

Virtual (AFP) – “We must make the overshoot as small and short as possible,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says of rising global temperatures. In a much-anticipated report, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) stated unequivocally that 1.5C would be surpassed. “Now is a time to raise ambition and accelerate action,” urges Guterres.

Virtual (AFP) – “We must make the overshoot as small and short as possible,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says of rising global temperatures. In a much-anticipated report, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) stated unequivocally that 1.5C would be surpassed. “Now is a time to raise ambition and accelerate action,” urges Guterres.

Oslo (AFP) – Norway’s King Haakon VIII swears an oath before parliament, the first major institutional step of his reign, after he automatically ascended to the throne after the death of his father King Harald V. “I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws,” he says.

Oslo (AFP) – Norway’s King Haakon VIII swears an oath before parliament, the first major institutional step of his reign, after he automatically ascended to the throne after the death of his father King Harald V. “I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws,” he says.

Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – People in Buenos Aires express their admiration for Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, as he announces his retirement from international football. “For me, he is one of the greats,” says vendor Dangelo Cayetano. “There will not be another one like him in the world,” he adds. Messi played for Argentina 207 times over his 21-year career and captained his team to a World Cup win at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – People in Buenos Aires express their admiration for Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, as he announces his retirement from international football. “For me, he is one of the greats,” says vendor Dangelo Cayetano. “There will not be another one like him in the world,” he adds. Messi played for Argentina 207 times over his 21-year career and captained his team to a World Cup win at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Rasuwa (Nepal) (AFP) – Nepali army rescuers crawl through tunnels leading to the Rasuwagadhi hydroelectric power station site, searching for dozens of workers believed to be trapped. It is six days since devastating mudslides hit the border region between Nepal and Tibet. In all, 933 workers at hydropower plants in Nepal are unaccounted for.

London (AFP) – The Notting Hill Carnival, one of the world’s largest street festivals, returns to west London for its 60th anniversary, filling the streets with music, colourful costumes and dancing. The three-day celebration of British Afro-Caribbean culture traces its roots back to the 1950s after the first surge in arrivals from former British colonies post-World War II. “Let’s hope it goes for another 60 years,” says carnival-goer Stephanie. “It can only mean good things if it’s still here 60 years on,” she adds.