QtrendsAnti-immigration violence erupts in Belfast after a knife attack, with vehicles and homes set ablaze. South Carolina's Republican congressional primary heads to a runoff. Tensions escalate sharply between the US and Iran, with retaliatory airstrikes exchanged after an American helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz. Israel intensifies its operations in east Jerusalem with evictions and demolitions, while reports detail abuse of Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
Violent protests broke out in Belfast following a knife attack, with demonstrators setting vehicles and homes on fire. Police and British politicians have condemned the unrest as 'thuggery' and appealed for calm. A man is due to appear in court in connection with the stabbing incident. The violence has drawn widespread condemnation from both local authorities and UK political leaders.
The Republican primary for an open congressional seat in South Carolina has headed to a runoff, with no candidate securing a decisive victory. Senator Lindsey Graham won his own GOP primary outright, avoiding a runoff. Meanwhile, a fired Navy admiral advanced to the Democratic runoff in a separate South Carolina House race, setting up competitive general election contests.
The United States launched airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for the downing of an American Army helicopter. Iran retaliated with its own strikes, escalating the conflict. President Trump blamed Iran for the helicopter incident near an undisclosed location and ordered military action. The exchange of fire marks a significant escalation in US-Iran hostilities.
An American patrol helicopter was shot down by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Trump to vow retaliation. The US military confirmed the incident and said it would respond. NPR reports that Trump called for a strong response, and China Daily covered Trump's statement that US forces 'must' respond. The incident has heightened tensions in the strategic waterway.
Israel is tightening its grip on east Jerusalem through forced evictions and demolitions, according to AP News. Al Jazeera reports that Palestinians have described being shackled, bleeding, and raped in Israeli prisons. The Guardian reports that a Palestinian doctor has been placed in solitary confinement after 17 months of detention without charge. The reports have drawn international concern over human rights conditions.