SYRIA: A bomb exploded today on a Syrian Defence Ministry bus in the country’s east, killing four soldiers and wounding others, the country’s oil minister said.

Oil Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said the soldiers were killed and wounded while on their way to work as guards at an oil facility.

Al-Ikhbariah TV said the explosion occurred on the road linking the eastern cities of Deir el-Zour and Mayadeen. The report said the soldier worked at a facility in the oil-rich region that borders Iraq.

BANGLADESH: Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam called today for a special domestic tribunal in Bangladesh to impose the death penalty on the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in a case involving charges of crimes against humanity in a mass uprising last year that forced her to leave the country.

Hundreds of people including students, security officials and political activists were killed during the July and August 2024 protests.

NORWAY: A former security guard at the US embassy in Norway was convicted on Wednesday of spying for Russia and Iran.

The Norwegian man, whose name has not been made public, was sentenced to three years and seven months behind bars. The man had denied any guilt.

PAKISTAN: The United Nations today urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to bring “a lasting end to hostilities” to protect civilians, after days of fighting killed dozens of people in both countries and injured hundreds more.

The two sides agreed to a ceasefire on Wednesday following appeals from major regional powers although key border crossing remain closed.