Spain rail crash toll hits 69 as Dnipro strike and Gulf tensions mount
A Russian drone strike killed at least 13 people at a railway station in Dnipro, while the death toll from the Toledo train crash in Spain reached at least 69. In the Gulf, Iran says four tankers struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi forces claim attacks on Saudi targets.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Toledo University Hospital on Thursday to see those hurt in the crash at Urda, where at least 69 people died. Fifteen of the injured are in intensive care. Audio recordings appear to show one high-speed train was cleared to move although another ahead had stalled.
A Russian drone hit a busy platform at the station in Dnipro. President Zelensky called the attack "horrific" and said it demands a response from Ukraine's allies. A Ukrainian official said aid will enter Oleshky on Friday as a localized ceasefire there entered a third day.
Iran's IRGC says four tankers struck naval mines after using "unauthorised" routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Atlantic reported that the US removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs, as Trump appears to be preparing to resume large-scale strikes. The Pentagon says the war has cost US taxpayers $47bn.
Houthi forces announced six attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities, despite talks between Iran and the Mecca pact countries in Tehran earlier this week. The UN says fighting near Taiz in Yemen has forced more than 281,000 people from their homes since the beginning of August.
Palestinians were injured and arrested in Israeli raids across the West Bank, and Israel has locked down Hebron for a week with raids and demolitions. Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks continue despite a ceasefire and urges the opening of Rafah, saying dozens died awaiting treatment abroad.
Final results show Netanyahu's bloc on 53 seats, short of a majority, with the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot on 48. Netanyahu claimed Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to steal the election, and critics accused him of smear tactics. The Central Elections Committee asked the Shin Bet chief to investigate alleged foreign interference.
A coalition of churches, unions and business groups says the El Niño-driven drought affects as many as 8 million people, with food and water shortages, blackouts and clinic closures. It says there is no coordinated plan to protect vulnerable communities.
A report says 72 people were held in a poorly ventilated 20-square-metre cell, where 33 suffocated over 11 hours last month. Guards are accused of inhumane treatment, including ignoring detainees' cries.