August 2025 | Trendbrio.com

Houthis Storm UN Offices in Sanaa After Israeli Strike Kills Rebel Prime Minister

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Sanaa, Yemen – Iran-backed Houthi forces stormed United Nations offices in the Yemeni capital on Sunday, just days after an Israeli airstrike killed the head of the rebel-controlled government, Ahmed al-Rahawi. The attacks targeted the local offices of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), both based in Sanaa. According to official statements from both agencies, Houthi-aligned security forces entered the premises and detained a number of staff members. “A WFP staff member and several UNICEF staff have been detained,” spokespersons confirmed to CNN. “We are urgently seeking additional information from local authorities. Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our staff.” It remains unclear if the raids were a direct response to Israel’s recent strike or part of broader Houthi hostility toward international organizations, which they have previously targeted. The storming of the UN offices follows the killing of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday, a move confirmed by the head of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council. Other senior Houthi officials were also reportedly killed in the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the strike and signaled more are to come. “This is only the beginning,” Netanyahu said during a government meeting on Sunday. “We will reach all of them. The Houthis will pay a very heavy price for their aggression against the State of Israel.” The Houthis have been a persistent threat to Israel in recent months, launching missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and attacking international vessels in the Red Sea, which the group says is retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Meanwhile, Yemen remains deeply divided. Since 2014, the Houthis have controlled Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, while the internationally recognized, UN-backed government maintains authority in the south. The Yemeni information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, condemned the Houthi actions in Sanaa, describing the raid on UN facilities as “a dangerous escalation” and calling on the international community to respond. The situation remains tense in Sanaa, with the UN and aid organizations closely monitoring developments amid growing concerns for staff safety.

Szoboszlai’s Stunner Sinks Arsenal as Liverpool March On; Man City Stumble Again

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Liverpool, England – Dominik Szoboszlai fired Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal with a spectacular late free kick, while Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes took another hit following a surprise 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Szoboszlai broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute at Anfield, curling a powerful free kick into the top corner from nearly 30 yards out — a moment of individual brilliance in an otherwise tightly contested affair between two early title contenders. “I thought I would take a risk,” the Hungarian international told Sky Sports post-match. “Trent [Alexander-Arnold] usually takes them, but I was confident. I had to try.” Typically deployed as a midfielder, Szoboszlai was filling in at full back due to injuries, but delivered a finish worthy of the league’s best set-piece takers. The win marks Liverpool’s third consecutive victory to open the season, reinforcing their status as defending champions and current title favorites. Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season — and their first goal conceded — extending their winless run at Anfield since 2012. Despite the loss, Szoboszlai offered praise for Mikel Arteta’s side: “Arsenal had an unbelievable season last year. They’ve come second three times in a row. It’s never easy competing with clubs like City, Chelsea, and us.” City’s Woes Deepen with Brighton Defeat At the Amex Stadium, Manchester City’s troubles continued as they fell 2-1 to Brighton, following last week’s 2-0 home loss to Tottenham. The result marks back-to-back defeats for Pep Guardiola’s side, raising questions over the squad’s form and depth early in the campaign. Brighton’s win was capped by a landmark goal from former Liverpool midfielder James Milner, who scored to set a new Premier League appearance record. City, who relinquished their four-year title reign to Liverpool last season, now face mounting pressure amid a shaky start that has exposed some of the same vulnerabilities seen in their 2024 campaign. The latest round of results sees Liverpool top the early standings, while Arsenal and City face early-season soul-searching in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive title race.

2026 W’Cup Qualifier: Rwanda’s Amavubi to Storm Nigeria on Tuesday

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Rwanda’s delegation to Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon. A one-man advance party will be in Lagos on Monday, but the full delegation will make landfall in Lagos on Tuesday aboard a Rwandair Airline flight at 1.15pm, and will proceed to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State by 4pm of the same day. The Matchday 7 encounter has become very crucial to both teams as they are both wide away from group leaders South Africa, who have 13 points (prior to FIFA’s decision on their use of an ineligible player in the win over Lesotho in March this year). Rwanda are second in the pool with eight points, same as Benin Republic, with Nigeria in fourth on seven points. Lesotho have 6 points, with Zimbabwe propping up the table on four points. While the world still awaits FIFA’s decision, Nigeria and Rwanda will go for each other’s jugular in order to be appropriately-placed to benefit from Bafana Bafana’s error. The Crocodiles will leap to 9 points if South Africa are penalized for their infraction.

WAFU-B U17 Boys Tourney: Golden Eaglets Defeat Darazo, Draw with Gombe U17 Boys

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets have continued their preparations ahead of the forthcoming WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament. The team played two friendly games on Friday and Saturday respectively, winning one and drawing the other. After a tough contest in the first half with Darazo Football Academy of Bauchi, Golden Eaglets showed their superiority in the second half with sublime goals to end the game 2-0 in their favour. It was a different atmosphere against the Gombe U17 team, as the game played under raining conditions ended in a stalemate. So far, the Golden Eaglets have played 11 friendly games. The team were victorious on nine occasions, drew one and lost one.

India committed to improving ties with China, Modi tells Xi before SCO meet

Modi Signals Reset in China Ties Amid US Tariff Spat, Meets Xi Ahead of SCO Summit

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Tianjin, China – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed a strong commitment to strengthening ties with China, during a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, signaling a potential strategic pivot following recent U.S. trade tensions. In remarks delivered during a sideline conversation on Saturday, Modi told Xi, “We are committed to progressing our relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities.” His statement comes just days after the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed steep tariffs on a range of Indian exports — a move seen by analysts as straining Washington-New Delhi ties. This marks Modi’s first visit to China in seven years and comes as leaders from across Asia and the Middle East, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, gather in Tianjin for the two-day SCO summit — widely viewed as a show of Global South solidarity amid shifting global alliances. Chinese President Xi welcomed Modi’s overture and emphasized the importance of managing border tensions, which have long strained relations between the two Asian giants. “The two sides should not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship,” Xi said, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. He stressed that economic development should remain the central focus for both nations, adding, “As long as they remain committed to the overarching goal of being partners, not rivals… China-India relations will flourish.” Both leaders expressed hope that the Tianjin summit would mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and regional stability, even as broader geopolitical realignments take shape in response to shifting U.S. trade policy. Modi also shared a brief video of the meeting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the renewed diplomatic engagement. The SCO summit, which continues through Sunday, is expected to focus on regional security, trade, and multilateral cooperation, with growing attention on how India and China position themselves within a rebalancing global order.

At Least 15 Dead, 3 Missing in Boat Tragedy While Fleeing Bandit Attack in Zamfara

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 31, 2025 Gummi, Zamfara State – Tragedy struck over the weekend in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as at least 15 people lost their lives and three others remain missing after an overloaded boat capsized in the Nasarawar Kifi community. According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were among dozens of residents attempting to flee a bandit attack when their boat overturned while crossing a river near Birnin Tudu ward. The vessel, designed to carry a maximum of 16 passengers, was reportedly carrying far more due to the panic caused by the attack. Most of the deceased are said to be women and children from the communities of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, and Nasarawar Kifi. Confirming the incident, the village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, described the mood in the area as somber and heartbroken. He noted that among the dead were eight housewives, three toddlers, and four youths. Local divers are still combing the waters in search of the missing persons. Chigari made a passionate appeal to both federal and state governments for humanitarian support, including the provision of adequate and safe water transport to aid communities whose livelihoods depend on river crossings. A resident from one of the affected communities, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the recurring loss of lives due to lack of transport infrastructure, especially during emergencies like bandit raids. “The boat had already made two trips. It capsized on the third when two women, out of fear, forced themselves onboard, despite the boat being clearly overloaded,” the resident said. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the incident through the Head of its Sokoto Field Office, Aliyu Shehu. He stated that NEMA, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), is already mobilizing relief efforts and will visit the site to assess the situation and support affected families. “We learned about the tragic incident today. Our team, along with ZEMA, will be visiting the community tomorrow to verify details and deliver assistance,” Shehu said. This latest tragedy echoes a similar incident in August 2024, when 20 people died under comparable circumstances in the same local government area while fleeing a bandit attack. The deceased have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Former IGP Solomon Arase Passes Away in Abuja Hospital

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has reportedly died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja following a period of illness. As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by his family or the Nigeria Police Force confirming the news. Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. He retired from active service in 2016 but remained active in national affairs. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) under President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until June 2024 when President Bola Tinubu relieved him of the position. A respected intelligence officer, Arase led the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Force’s top intelligence unit. His distinguished career also included roles as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. Internationally, he served on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia. More details are expected as the story develops.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Premier League Clash Set for Early-Season Title Implications

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

Anfield is set to host one of the Premier League’s marquee fixtures on Sunday, as defending champions Liverpool face perennial challengers Arsenal in a match that could shape the early title race. Both sides come into the clash with perfect records from their opening fixtures, but arrive via contrasting paths. While Liverpool have battled through dramatic late winners, Arsenal have remained defensively solid, yet are now dealing with a mounting injury list. Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have shown early signs of grit and attacking versatility. The Reds opened the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth and followed it up with a last-gasp 3-2 victory at Newcastle, where 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha netted the winner from a Mohamed Salah assist in stoppage time. New signing Hugo Ekitike has impressed with two goals and an assist in as many matches, helping reduce the team’s reliance on Salah. Slot praised Ekitike’s impact both in scoring and build-up play:“He’s been a big influence already — not just finishing, but starting and linking attacks.” The club’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak continues, with a second bid reportedly being prepared. Arsenal began the season with a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford and followed that with a dominant 5-0 home victory over Leeds United. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad now faces a major test of depth after injuries to key players. Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (knee surgery), and Martin Odegaard (shoulder) are all doubts or confirmed absentees for Sunday.“It’s the start of the season and we’ve lost three of our main players,” said Arteta. “That’s why you need a big squad to cope and sustain the level.” Summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke are expected to step up, while Eberechi Eze could make his Arsenal debut following his high-profile transfer from Crystal Palace. This will be the 245th meeting between the two clubs. Liverpool lead the all-time series with 94 wins, compared to 81 for Arsenal. Arsenal are winless at Anfield in the Premier League since 2012, though their last three visits ended in draws. Arteta acknowledged the challenge of ending that drought:“The favourite is always the reigning champion. Someone has to take the crown from them — that’s what we’re trying to do.” Team NewsLiverpool have no new injury concerns. Conor Bradley returned from injury as a substitute last match. Alexis Mac Allister is available after missing the Newcastle game. Virgil van Dijk is fit despite a heavy tackle last week. For Arsenal, Saka is out for several weeks with a hamstring issue. Havertz is sidelined after undergoing minor knee surgery. Odegaard is a doubt and will undergo a late fitness test. Christian Norgaard and Ben White are also being assessed.