Bangladesh and Qatar have signed a long-awaited agreement allowing the deployment of Bangladeshi armed forces personnel to the Qatar Armed Forces. The signing ceremony took place in Doha, where Bangladesh’s Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan and Qatar’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai signed the deal. Initially, around 800 Bangladeshi military members will be sent to Qatar on a three-year deputation, which may be extended to six years based on performance. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, enhance professional exchange, and generate foreign currency earnings for Bangladesh. The initiative follows the visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Qatar earlier this year, which helped accelerate the signing process. Officials from both countries, including Bangladesh’s ambassador to Qatar, attended the signing ceremony. The deployment marks a new phase in defense collaboration between the two nations.

The United States is reportedly preparing for a potential military strike against Venezuela, according to NPR. The Pentagon has announced a five-day naval exercise in Trinidad and Tobago, while the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is set to arrive in the northern Caribbean Sea on November 16. Although President Donald Trump has not officially declared a direct attack, reports suggest that military preparations are nearly complete, involving 15,000 troops and 2,000 marines. Trump has hinted at having made a 'mental decision' regarding Venezuela but has not elaborated. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. exercises, accusing Washington of preparing for war. The Pentagon insists the operations are aimed at intercepting drug trafficking vessels, though officials have hinted at possible ground operations targeting Venezuela.

Jordanian King Abdullah II and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly declared a 'zero-tolerance' stance against any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza during the king’s two-day state visit to Islamabad. The leaders reaffirmed their countries’ shared positions on the Gaza conflict and agreed to strengthen coordination among eight Arab-Islamic nations collaborating with the United States on a ceasefire and post-war reconstruction plan for the enclave. Discussions also covered expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, health, education, and technology. Several memoranda of understanding were signed, including in culture and media. King Abdullah’s visit, the first by a Jordanian monarch to Pakistan in 21 years, is part of his broader Asian tour that includes Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia. The visit underscores both nations’ alignment on the Palestinian issue and their intent to deepen strategic and economic ties.

Tensions between Japan and China have intensified following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that Japan could deploy its Self-Defense Forces if China attacks Taiwan. Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador to lodge a strong protest and urged Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. The dispute began after Takaichi’s comments during a parliamentary session, where she said that the use of force near Taiwan could be considered a 'threat to Japan’s survival' under its 2015 security law. In response, a Chinese diplomat made a controversial social media post implying violent rhetoric against Takaichi, which Tokyo condemned as offensive. Both governments have since exchanged formal protests. Despite the backlash, Takaichi refused to retract her statement, asserting it aligns with Japan’s long-standing policy. China later warned Japan to stop 'playing with fire' over Taiwan, calling any interference in the Taiwan Strait an act of aggression. The episode has reignited historical animosities and raised concerns about shifting regional stability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation focused on key Middle East issues, the Kremlin announced. The discussion covered the ongoing situation in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and developments in Syria. According to the Kremlin, Putin initiated the call, while Netanyahu’s office confirmed it was part of a series of recent communications between the two leaders. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office described the talks as addressing regional matters but did not provide further details. The conversation reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Jerusalem amid heightened tensions and shifting alliances in the Middle East. Both leaders have maintained periodic contact to coordinate positions on regional security and strategic concerns, particularly regarding Iran and Syria, where Russia plays a major role.

US President Donald Trump said he contacted the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to strengthen a peace deal he co-signed last month, following renewed border clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations. The truce, signed on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur during Trump’s Asia tour, was suspended earlier this week by Thailand after an alleged landmine explosion. Both countries have since exchanged accusations over new fighting that reportedly left one civilian dead. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he used the threat of tariffs to help stop further escalation, expressing optimism that the situation would stabilize. The White House confirmed that Malaysia, which has been mediating the conflict, remains involved in efforts to maintain the ceasefire. The long-running dispute centers on overlapping territorial claims dating back to French colonial-era border maps and has previously caused deadly confrontations and mass displacements along the frontier.

At least four people died after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of San Diego, California, late Friday night, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Four others were hospitalized, and one person was taken into Border Patrol custody. The small vessel, identified as a 'panga' boat, is commonly used by smugglers to transport migrants from Mexico to California across the Pacific Ocean. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. local time amid rough sea conditions. Rescue operations continued on Saturday near Imperial Beach as authorities searched for more survivors. Some of the passengers identified themselves as Mexican nationals, though several others remain unidentified. The Coast Guard and Border Patrol are investigating the cause of the accident and the identities of those involved, highlighting ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings into the United States.

At least 10 people were killed and 31 others injured when an interstate bus collided head-on with a truck on the N-8 highway between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo in South Africa’s Free State province early Saturday, November 15. Among the deceased were seven men and three women. According to Sifiso Toya, chairperson of the Free State Road Incident Management, six of the injured are in critical condition and all have been taken to the Pelonomi Trauma Unit for treatment. The crash occurred about five kilometers from Mandela View, causing severe damage to both vehicles and disrupting traffic on the busy route. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which is one of the deadliest road incidents in the region this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Washington may take military action against Venezuela, though he declined to disclose details. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he had already decided on certain measures but did not elaborate. He emphasized that U.S. efforts to curb drug trafficking were showing positive results, while acknowledging ongoing challenges with Mexico and Colombia. In recent months, U.S. forces have reportedly attacked at least 21 vessels allegedly involved in drug transport from South America, resulting in around 80 deaths, though evidence of smuggling was unclear. In response, Venezuela has mobilized both regular military units and civilian militias nationwide. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new mission, Operation Southern Spear, aimed at eliminating drug-linked terrorism from the Western Hemisphere, confirming that Trump has authorized the operation’s implementation.

At least four Bangladeshi migrants have died after two boats carrying migrants sank off the coast of Libya near Al-Khums, about 118 kilometers east of Tripoli. The Libyan Red Crescent confirmed the incident on Saturday, reporting that the first boat carried 26 Bangladeshis, of whom four bodies were recovered. The second boat had 69 migrants, including Egyptians, Sudanese, and eight children, though their fate remains uncertain. The Libyan Coast Guard and Al-Khums port security participated in the rescue operation, and the recovered bodies were handed over to authorities under the supervision of the public prosecutor. The tragedy follows a series of deadly migrant boat accidents in Libyan waters in recent months, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

Israeli authorities have closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to Muslim worshippers and imposed a curfew in the Old City to facilitate Jewish settlers’ religious celebrations. According to local sources, Israeli forces sealed off military checkpoints, restricted movement, and prevented many Palestinians from returning home. Hundreds of settlers, under heavy military protection, reportedly held provocative marches through the streets. Palestinian officials claim the move is part of Israel’s broader effort to take full control of the mosque and convert it into a synagogue. The Ibrahimi Mosque, already divided since a 1994 massacre, remains heavily guarded by Israeli troops, with most of its area allocated for Jewish worship. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs said Israel has been increasingly restricting Muslim access since the Gaza war began in October 2023, closing gates and covering windows of the mosque.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia following renewed border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The conversation, held on Friday, came after both sides accused each other of violating a previously U.S.-brokered ceasefire arranged in Malaysia. The Thai government had suspended the truce last week after a landmine explosion near the border, which reignited hostilities. Cambodia reported that one civilian was killed in the latest exchange of gunfire. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters he had urged both nations to strengthen their peace commitments, claiming that his threat of tariffs helped halt further escalation. The century-old territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in colonial-era French maps, continues to fuel periodic violence along their shared frontier. Despite the renewed tension, Trump expressed optimism that both governments would de-escalate and return to dialogue.

Heavy rainfall on Saturday inundated refugee camps in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, intensifying the suffering of displaced Palestinians already facing dire conditions from ongoing conflict and cold weather. The downpour, triggered by a low-pressure system, submerged many tents in the Al-Mawasi area, prompting emergency responses from Gaza’s Civil Defense. According to Gaza authorities, 93% of the 135,000 tents sheltering displaced people are now uninhabitable due to weather damage and Israeli bombardments. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has urged Israel to allow the entry of essential shelter materials, warning that winter rains are worsening the humanitarian situation. Despite having supplies ready, UNRWA claims Israel is blocking the delivery of tents and mobile homes, violating ceasefire terms. The ceasefire plan, reportedly based on a 20-point proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, includes prisoner exchanges and reconstruction efforts. Since October 2023, Israeli strikes have killed over 69,000 people in Gaza, most of them women and children.

The Emirates Astronomical Society has forecast that Eid al-Fitr in 2026 will likely be observed on March 20, following a 30-day Ramadan. According to the society’s chairman, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijri is expected to appear on the evening of February 17, though it may be difficult to see with the naked eye. Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19. If the month completes 30 days, the UAE’s public holiday schedule suggests a four-day Eid break from March 19 to March 22, with regular work resuming on March 23. The official date of Eid will be confirmed later by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, but current projections indicate March 20 as the most probable date for the first day of Shawwal.

China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following heightened diplomatic tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. Takaichi suggested that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces could respond if China attacks Taiwan, sparking a sharp exchange between Beijing and Tokyo. Both countries have lodged formal protests, and Chinese officials have issued strong verbal reactions, with some statements perceived as threatening. Despite mounting pressure, Takaichi refused to retract her comments, asserting they align with Japan’s long-standing policy, though she pledged to be cautious in future remarks. In response, China summoned Japan’s ambassador in Beijing and warned Japan to stop “playing with fire.” The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its stance on social media, while Japan’s embassy in China urged Japanese citizens to avoid travel to Japan in the near future, reflecting the deepening strain in bilateral relations.