Wednesday

February 18, 2026

Armed conflicts and attacks

Middle Eastern crisis

Syrian conflict

United States intervention in Syria

U.S. officials say the United States Armed Forces will withdraw all remaining troops from Syria, formally ending its 12-year military presence in the country. (The Wall Street Journal)

Gaza war

Two Palestinians, including one child, are killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza. (Al Jazeera)

Disasters and accidents

A gas explosion at a lead mine in Bashar, Plateau State, Nigeria, kills at least 38 miners working underground and injures 27 others. (AFP via Arab News)

Twelve people are killed in an explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in Xiangyang, Hubei, China. (CBC News)

International relations

China–Poland relations

Poland bans all Chinese-made vehicles from entering its military sites, citing data security concerns regarding onboard sensors. (Reuters)

Law and crime

Terrorism in Australia

Australia issues a temporary exclusion order barring one citizen held in a Syrian detention camp from returning to the country under counter-terrorism legislation, citing the citizen's possible links to Islamic State members. (Reuters)

Politics and elections

2026 Japanese general election

Sanae Takaichi is re-appointed Prime Minister of Japan by the House of Representatives after winning the legislative election. (AP)

2028 Philippine presidential election

Philippine vice president Sara Duterte announces her candidacy in the next presidential election. (AFP via France 24) (Reuters)

Science and technology

Human rights in Gabon

Gabon indefinitely suspends access to social media platforms YouTube and TikTok citing concerns they undermine social cohesion and threaten national security. (Reuters)

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