Ebola outbreak surges in DR Congo as WHO chief visits
The World Health Organization chief traveled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as confirmed Ebola cases nearly doubled in days amid a rare outbreak. Charity groups describe the spread as 'alarming,' with community distrust and insecurity hampering response efforts. The outbreak is concentrated in a region already plagued by conflict, making containment extremely difficult. Medical teams are struggling to keep pace as the virus continues to spread through affected communities.
Rescue teams successfully freed four men who had been trapped in a flooded cave in Laos, with search efforts continuing for two others still missing. The hazardous rescue operation drew comparisons to the 2018 Thai cave rescue, involving skilled divers navigating treacherous underwater passages. Authorities remain focused on locating the remaining missing individuals as the operation continues.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase military spending to counter China's growing regional influence. His remarks reflected a key pillar of US strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. However, after a recent meeting between Presidents Xi and Trump, Hegseth notably softened his tone toward Beijing, signaling potential shifts in diplomatic approach.