WORLD IN BRIEF: Iran warns US of war, Swiss bar fire, Congo mine collapse disaster, other stories
Swiss Alpine bar fire death toll rises to 41
The death toll from the New Year’s Day fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has risen to 41, authorities said, after an 18-year-old victim died in hospital.
The blaze tore through the basement of Le Constellation bar during New Year celebrations, injuring more than 115 people, many of whom remain hospitalised.
Prosecutors believe the fire was sparked when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers were raised too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling.
Investigators are examining whether the insulation met safety regulations and whether the use of sparklers was permitted indoors.
Officials also confirmed that fire safety inspections had not been carried out at the venue since 2019.
The tragedy is one of the deadliest fires in Switzerland’s modern history and has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards in nightlife venues.
Epstein files reveal payments linked to Lord Mandelson
Newly released US Justice Department documents suggest Jeffrey Epstein transferred $75,000 to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States.
The payments, made between 2003 and 2004, appear in a large tranche of financial records released under a transparency law.
Mandelson said he had no recollection of receiving the money and questioned the authenticity of the documents.
He reiterated his regret for maintaining contact with Epstein after the financier’s conviction and issued an apology to Epstein’s victims.
The latest document release also included personal images and correspondence linked to Epstein’s associates.
The revelations are likely to fuel further political and legal scrutiny in both the US and the UK.
Russian drone attack on bus kills Ukrainian miners
At least 12 Ukrainian mine workers were killed after a Russian drone struck a bus carrying them home from work in the Dnipropetrovsk region, officials said.
The attack took place near the city of Ternivka, with footage showing the burned-out shell of the vehicle by the roadside.
Ukraine’s energy minister described the strike as a “targeted attack” on civilian energy sector workers.
Seven others were injured and remain in the hospital, according to emergency services.
The strike occurred despite recent claims of a temporary pause in attacks on major Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian authorities say the incident underscores the ongoing risks to civilians far from the front lines.
Iran warns a US attack would trigger regional war
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has warned that any US military action against Iran would lead to a wider regional conflict.
The warning comes as the United States continues to reinforce its military presence in the Gulf, including deploying an aircraft carrier.
US president Donald Trump has said talks with Iran over its nuclear programme are ongoing, but has repeatedly threatened intervention.
Iran’s foreign minister said negotiations were progressing but stressed Tehran’s lack of trust in Washington.
Iran has also signalled it will not be intimidated by military displays in nearby waters.
The escalating rhetoric has raised concerns among regional allies and global energy markets.
Gaza’s Rafah crossing set to reopen after months of closure
Israel has confirmed that Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen, allowing limited pedestrian movement.
The crossing has been largely closed for almost two years and placed under Israeli military control following the war.
Israeli authorities said the reopening would be coordinated with Egypt and the European Union.
A pilot operation has already begun to test procedures on the ground.
Rafah is Gaza’s only direct exit point not controlled by Israel and a crucial route for humanitarian aid.
Aid agencies say the reopening could ease pressure on civilians, though restrictions are expected to remain tight.
AFRICA
Families seek legal action after British tourists die in Cape Verde
Families of six British tourists who died after contracting stomach illnesses in Cape Verde are pursuing legal action against tour operator Tui.
The deaths occurred over several months, with victims reporting severe gastric symptoms shortly after arrival.
Lawyers representing the families say more than 1,500 tourists have also fallen ill after visiting the islands.
Tui said it was investigating the claims and providing support to affected customers.
Cape Verde’s tourism sector is a major pillar of the economy, and the allegations risk reputational damage.
Health standards and food safety practices at resorts are now under closer scrutiny.
South Africa expels Israeli envoy
South Africa has ordered the expulsion of Israel’s charge d’affaires, declaring him persona non grata.
The foreign ministry accused the envoy of repeatedly violating diplomatic norms and disrespecting South African sovereignty.
Officials cited public attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa and failures to notify authorities of visits by Israeli officials.
The envoy has been given 72 hours to leave the country.
The move marks a further deterioration in already strained relations between Pretoria and Tel Aviv.
It also reflects South Africa’s increasingly confrontational stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
More than 200 killed in DR Congo mine collapse
More than 200 people have been killed following a landslide at a coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, officials said.
The collapse occurred at the Rubaya mine in North Kivu province during heavy rainfall.
Victims included miners, children, and traders working near the site.
Local authorities said many people remain trapped underground, with rescue efforts ongoing.
Rubaya produces around 15 percent of the world’s coltan, a key mineral for electronics manufacturing.
The disaster has reignited debate over safety conditions in the region’s largely informal mining sector.
Morocco deploys army to evacuate thousands after floods
Morocco has deployed army rescue units to evacuate more than 20,000 people after severe flooding in the northwest.
Weeks of heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, inundating homes and farmland.
Authorities said controlled releases from a nearby dam worsened flooding in some areas.
Schools have been closed in several districts as a precaution.
While the rains have ended a prolonged drought, they have overwhelmed infrastructure.
Officials say emergency measures will remain in place until water levels fully recede.
US judge blocks end of deportation protections for Ethiopians
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the government’s move to end deportation protections for thousands of Ethiopians. The ruling delays a deadline that would have forced more than 5,000 people to leave the country. The judge said the pause would allow time to review the government’s decision-making process. Advocacy groups argue conditions in Ethiopia remain unsafe due to ongoing conflict. The case is part of broader legal challenges to efforts to roll back temporary protections for migrants. A final ruling could have wider implications for US immigration policy.
