The United States government has issued a fresh security alert for its citizens in Nigeria following recent military airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked militants in the country’s northeast, raising concerns over possible retaliatory attacks and heightened security risks.

The warning was issued by the United States Embassy in Nigeria after a series of joint operations carried out by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian security forces against Islamic State fighters operating around the Lake Chad Basin and northeastern Nigeria.

According to the embassy advisory, American citizens and diplomatic personnel in Nigeria have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and monitor local security developments closely due to concerns that extremist groups could attempt retaliatory attacks.

Rising Security Concerns Across Nigeria

Security analysts say the latest airstrikes could increase the risk of retaliatory attacks by extremist groups against civilians, military facilities or foreign interests in Nigeria.

Nigeria has battled insurgent violence for more than a decade, particularly in the northeast where Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out deadly attacks against communities, security forces and humanitarian workers.

The U.S. Embassy warned that terrorist attacks in Nigeria can occur without warning and may target public places including hotels, markets, transportation hubs, places of worship and government buildings.

Authorities in several northern states have reportedly increased security monitoring following the strikes, while intelligence agencies remain on alert over possible revenge attacks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing on Monday as China sought to project itself as a pillar of global stability and diplomatic balance following last week’s high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Putin’s two-day visit comes just days after Trump concluded a closely watched summit with Xi, placing Beijing at the center of global diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine, Iran and global trade disputes.

Chinese state media described the Putin visit as a reaffirmation of the “all-weather strategic partnership” between Beijing and Moscow, while Kremlin officials said the leaders would discuss energy cooperation, regional security and coordination on international affairs.

In remarks released ahead of the meeting, Putin said relations between Russia and China had reached “a truly unprecedented level,” reflecting Moscow’s growing reliance on Beijing as Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine continue to isolate Russia economically.

Analysts say the carefully timed summit is intended to send a broader message that China remains a stable global actor capable of maintaining strong ties with both Washington and Moscow despite intensifying rivalry between major powers.

The back-to-back visits by Trump and Putin have highlighted Beijing’s increasingly influential diplomatic position. During Trump’s visit, discussions reportedly focused on trade, Taiwan and Middle East security, while Xi’s talks with Putin are expected to emphasize energy cooperation and strategic coordination against Western pressure.

One of the key issues expected to dominate the Xi-Putin meeting is the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a major energy project designed to expand Russian gas exports to China. Although negotiations have faced delays over pricing disagreements, both sides continue to present the deal as central to their long-term economic partnership.

China has become Russia’s largest trading partner since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, purchasing large volumes of Russian oil and gas while providing Moscow with a critical economic lifeline. Western governments have repeatedly accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort through trade and diplomatic backing, allegations China denies.

Despite strengthening ties with Moscow, Beijing has also attempted to stabilize relations with Washington after years of tensions over technology, tariffs and regional security. Chinese officials have framed the recent diplomatic engagements with both Trump and Putin as evidence of China’s role as a responsible global power capable of maintaining dialogue with rival nations.

Observers say the symbolism of hosting both leaders within days underscores Xi’s ambition to position China as a central force in shaping a new global order at a time of growing uncertainty in international politics.

The death toll in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has surpassed 3,000, according to Lebanese health authorities, as renewed airstrikes and cross-border attacks continue despite a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 3,020 people have been killed and more than 9,000 wounded since the latest round of fighting erupted in early March. Officials said the casualties include hundreds of women and children, though the figures do not distinguish between civilians and Hezbollah fighters.

The conflict intensified after regional tensions linked to the broader Iran-Israel confrontation spilled into Lebanon, reigniting hostilities between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Although a ceasefire first announced in April was recently extended for another 45 days through U.S.-mediated negotiations, violence has continued across southern Lebanon and border regions.

On Monday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted areas near Baalbek and southern Lebanese villages, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for fresh drone and missile attacks against Israeli military positions. Israeli officials said the operations were aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure and commanders believed to be planning attacks.

Lebanese authorities warned that the humanitarian situation is worsening rapidly, with more than one million people displaced by the fighting. Entire communities in southern Lebanon have been evacuated, while hospitals and emergency services are struggling under the growing pressure of casualties and damaged infrastructure.

The ongoing conflict has also complicated diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon. Talks held in Washington last week focused on extending the ceasefire and preventing a wider regional war, but major disagreements remain over Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has rejected calls to surrender its weapons, insisting that resistance against Israel will continue as long as Israeli forces remain active in Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, Israel says military operations are necessary to stop Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities near the border.

International organizations have expressed alarm over the mounting civilian toll and the risk of further escalation. The United Nations and several humanitarian agencies have urged both sides to fully respect the ceasefire agreement and allow greater access for aid operations in affected areas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda a global health emergency, raising fears of wider regional spread as cases and deaths continue to rise.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that the outbreak now qualifies as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC), the organization’s highest level of global alert. The declaration follows reports of more than 300 suspected cases and at least 88 deaths linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

Health officials say the outbreak began in eastern DRC’s Ituri Province before spreading across several health zones, including Bunia, Mongbwalu and Rwampara. Uganda has also confirmed cases in Kampala involving travelers arriving from Congo, heightening concerns over cross-border transmission.

The Bundibugyo strain is especially worrying for health experts because there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for it. Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, which has licensed vaccines, the Bundibugyo variant remains largely understudied.

WHO warned that the true scale of the outbreak may be far greater than current figures suggest due to underreporting, delayed detection and limited access to conflict-affected communities in eastern Congo. The organization has begun deploying emergency medical teams, laboratory equipment and protective supplies to affected areas.

Authorities in both Congo and Uganda are intensifying screening measures, contact tracing and isolation efforts in an attempt to contain the disease. However, health workers face major challenges including insecurity, misinformation and weak healthcare infrastructure in remote regions.

Despite the emergency declaration, WHO stressed that the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic similar to COVID-19. The agency also advised countries against closing borders, warning that such measures could disrupt aid delivery and encourage unmonitored movement of people.

The latest outbreak marks one of the most serious Ebola emergencies in Africa in recent years and has revived memories of the devastating 2014–2016 West African epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people. Health experts say rapid international support and community cooperation will be critical in preventing another large-scale humanitarian crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump has paused a planned military strike on Iran, signaling a renewed push for diplomacy amid rising tensions in the Middle East and fears of a broader regional conflict.

The decision, announced on Monday, came after what Trump described as “very big discussions” between Washington and Tehran, with Gulf leaders reportedly urging the United States to give negotiations more time before resorting to military action.

According to multiple international reports, the proposed strike was expected to target Iranian military infrastructure following weeks of escalating hostilities linked to the ongoing crisis surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Trump said the operation would be suspended temporarily to allow diplomatic channels to continue.

“We are going to see if we can make a deal,” Trump told reporters, while warning that military options remain on the table if negotiations collapse.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by insisting Tehran would negotiate “with dignity” and would not surrender under pressure. Iranian officials also reportedly submitted a revised diplomatic proposal through Pakistani mediators aimed at easing tensions and reopening stalled talks with Washington.

Regional powers including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are said to have played a key role in persuading the White House to delay military action. Gulf leaders reportedly warned that another round of strikes could destabilize oil markets and trigger wider unrest across the region.

The temporary pause has already affected global energy markets. Oil prices fell more than two percent after Trump’s announcement, reflecting investor optimism that immediate conflict may be avoided.

Despite the diplomatic opening, tensions remain high. U.S. officials have continued to stress that American forces remain on alert, while Iran’s military has warned of severe retaliation if attacked. Analysts say the coming days could determine whether negotiations lead to a breakthrough or merely delay another confrontation.