In other news

A family of six from Midland, Texas, went missing during a flash flood on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on the Fourth of July. The flood swept away their campsite, and only one family member, Devyn Smith, was found alive, clinging to a tree after being dragged 15 miles downriver. The survivors, including Hailey Chavarria and her sister Celeste Helms, are waiting for news about their missing relatives and are frustrated with the lack of updates from authorities.

Facing the prospect of renewed U.S. tariffs under President Trump, BRICS nations (now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE) pledged in Rio to deepen intra-bloc trade and cut red tape, while criticizing unilateral trade barriers and defending their right to retaliate under WTO norms. The bloc is advancing concrete initiatives—such as a grains trading exchange to reduce dollar dependence and an alternative payments system using local currencies—that could help members sidestep Western sanctions. Trump warned of an extra 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS “anti-American” policies; Brazil’s President Lula rejected the pressure, saying members are sovereign and seeking a more balanced global order. China and Russia framed BRICS as non-confrontational. The moves highlight how U.S. tariff threats are pushing emerging economies to diversify away from U.S.-centric trade, even as some members weigh risks of provoking Washington.

Taiwan's ruling party, led by President Lai Ching-te, aims to reduce the island's economic dependence on China by decoupling its semiconductor industry from Chinese companies. This move aligns with the US goal of cutting off China's access to advanced chips. However, analysts warn that completely decoupling the two economies would be difficult due to decades of deep commercial ties. Taiwanese companies, such as TSMC and Foxconn, have significant investments in China, and China remains the largest buyer of Taiwan's exports.

The article discusses the TV show 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', its history, and its impact on American culture. The show, which began in 2005, follows a group of malignant narcissists who own a bar in Philadelphia and is known for its dark humor and outrageous antics. Despite its controversial content, the show has become a defining American sitcom and has been on the air for 17 seasons, making it the longest-running live-action sitcom in television history. The article explores the show's creators' vision and the cast's perspectives on the show's themes and humor.

Officials in Kerr County, Texas, considered but rejected a flood warning system for the Guadalupe River, which is prone to flash floods, despite past tragedies and warnings from experts. The county's failure to implement a warning system has been criticized after a recent flood killed 80 people, including 28 children. Experts say that a flood warning system could have mitigated the damage, but the county's limited budget and resistance to new spending hindered its implementation.

Tropical Depression Chantal caused severe flooding in North Carolina, resulting in dozens of rescues, one death, and significant damage to homes and businesses. The storm dumped up to 10 inches of rain in parts of the state, causing widespread flooding and power outages. The worst effects were felt in central North Carolina, particularly in Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.

The New York Times analyzed government data and found that South African police continue to use a torture method known as 'tubing,' where a plastic bag is pulled over a suspect's head, despite the practice being outlawed after apartheid. The analysis revealed an average of three people per week filed complaints about being tubed during interrogations from 2012 to 2023. Experts say the practice is not only inhumane but also yields unreliable information as victims may make false confessions under duress. The police department has been criticized for not holding officers accountable, with only one officer being dismissed and six being convicted over the 11-year period. The lack of accountability is attributed to a lax disciplinary system, inadequate training, and pressure on officers to meet arrest quotas.

Severe flash flooding occurred in Central Texas, particularly in the Hill Country region known as 'Flash Flood Alley,' on July 4, 2025. The Guadalupe River rose dramatically, with water levels increasing by 20 feet in three hours and surging to 34 feet in Comfort within 90 minutes. The floods resulted in at least 80 deaths across multiple counties, with Kerr County being the hardest hit. The disaster was exacerbated by the region's terrain and heavy rainfall, with rates reaching up to four inches per hour. The flooding destroyed cabins, R.V.s, cars, and infrastructure, and had a devastating impact on Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp.

The Trump administration has released a memo stating that there is no evidence to support the existence of a 'client list' associated with Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier who died in 2019. The memo, issued by the Justice Department, concludes that there is no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals or that further disclosure is warranted. The release of the memo comes after months of anticipation and speculation surrounding the Epstein case, with some Trump supporters accusing Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel of slow-walking the review and release of the case file. The memo also includes a video of the hallway outside Epstein's jail cell, although it appears to be missing a minute just before midnight.

The article provides a recap of day seven at Wimbledon, discussing a controversy between Cameron Norrie and Nicolas Jarry over ball bouncing, notable quarterfinal records by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Laura Siegemund, and other match results involving Taylor Fritz, Karen Khachanov, Aryna Sabalenka, and Carlos Alcaraz. It also highlights the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum's collection of tennis memorabilia.

The article discusses Wimbledon's 11 p.m. curfew rule, a tradition that sets it apart from other Grand Slam tennis tournaments. The rule was introduced in 2009 to balance the needs of local residents with the demands of hosting an international tennis event. The curfew has been strictly enforced, with only one exception in recent history. Players and fans have expressed frustration with the rule, particularly when matches are stopped prematurely. The article also highlights the cultural differences between the UK and other countries, where late-night tennis is more common.

The US has lifted a ban on selling jet engine parts and technology to China, allowing Comac to resume imports and potentially boost C919 aircraft production. Analysts believe this will help Comac fulfill orders, but may also accelerate China's development of indigenous aviation technology.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Brics nations to lead reforms of global governance and act collectively amid the threat of higher tariffs from the United States, as a deadline set by US President Trump looms.

Chinese researchers have developed a bionic visual sensor that can adapt to extreme changes in light conditions in seconds, outperforming the human eye. The innovation, achieved using semiconductor 'quantum dots', has potential applications in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and bionic robotics, and could lead to more efficient computing systems.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to address the controversy surrounding the Chinese-owned Darwin Port during his upcoming visit to China. Albanese plans to explain Australia's stance on Chinese investment and the potential sale of the Darwin Port to a domestic entity, a move that is expected to be a challenging discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The article discusses the thriving counterfeit goods trade in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam, despite efforts to curb it. The US is pressuring the region to address intellectual property violations, with a deadline of July 9, after which punitive tariffs of up to 49% may be imposed on exports, primarily targeting Chinese goods transshipped through neighboring countries.

The US-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA), signed in 1979, is a foundational framework for S&T cooperation between the two nations. Denis Simon, a leading expert, explains its core elements, role in fostering collaboration, and its sensitivity in today's geopolitical climate. The STA has been a cornerstone of bilateral relations, providing a 'safe' ground to build trust, but its openness is now seen as a vulnerability amid national security concerns and techno-nationalism.

The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and its fleet concluded a five-day port call to Hong Kong, with Chief Secretary Eric Chan stating that the visit was a 'patriotic lesson' for residents, boosting national pride and confidence. The visit was part of the celebration marking the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

The article discusses British behavioural ecologist and entomological radar specialist Jason Chapman's decision to leave the University of Exeter for a full-time position at Nanjing Agricultural University (NJAU) in China. Chapman, a world expert on insect migration, was drawn to China's cutting-edge radar technology, substantial financial support, and commitment to agricultural research, making it a 'too good to refuse' opportunity. China's growing prominence in natural science research, particularly in radar entomology, is highlighted.

The article highlights five news stories from the previous weekend, including US President Trump's attempt to ground Chinese drones, potential new uses for Viagra, and developments in Chinese politics under Xi Jinping, as well as Singapore's historical stance on its relations with China.

Senior Malaysian lawmakers, including former ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, are calling for a royal inquiry and parliamentary investigation into Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's handling of judicial appointments, citing alleged irregularities and a potential crisis for the country's judiciary. The controversy surrounds Anwar's decision not to extend the tenure of top judges Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, with the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) having already nominated their successors.

China's new anti-dumping duty on European brandy was met with a positive reaction from France after Beijing granted exemptions to major French cognac producers, including Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin, covering around 90% of French cognac exports to China.

Colombian authorities have arrested Elder José Arteaga Hernández, the alleged mastermind behind the attempted assassination of conservative senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. Arteaga was taken into custody in Bogota nearly a month after the attack, which left Uribe in intensive care. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and three other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the crime. The attack has been widely condemned, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blaming 'violent leftist rhetoric' from the Colombian government for the shooting.

An arsonist set fire to the door of a Melbourne synagogue, the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, on Friday evening while around 20 worshippers were inside. The congregation evacuated through a rear door, and no one was injured. The incident is being investigated by Victoria Police's Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit, who are examining the intent and ideology behind the attack. The synagogue's president, Danny Segal, called for the wider Australian community to stand with his congregation against such acts of hate. The incident is part of a wave of antisemitic attacks in Australia since the Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.

Oasis, the iconic Britpop rockers, reunited for their first concert in 16 years in Cardiff, Wales, kicking off their Live '25 tour. The highly anticipated show featured the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, performing hits from their 1990s albums, including 'Definitely Maybe' and '(What's the Story) Morning Glory.' The reunion tour is set to visit multiple countries across the globe, with fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to relive the band's greatest moments.

A multistory residential building collapsed in Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in at least 16 deaths. Rescue operations continued into the second day as search efforts focused on finding survivors trapped under the debris. The incident highlights the issue of poorly enforced construction standards in Pakistan.

A lion named Zeus escaped from the Land of Lions zoo in Manavgat, Turkey, and attacked a 53-year-old farmer, Suleyman Kir, who was sleeping outdoors. The lion was later found and killed by police. The incident is under investigation, and it is unclear how the lion escaped. This is the second recent incident of an escaped lion attacking people, following a similar incident in Pakistan.

Actor Julian McMahon, known for his roles in 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Charmed,' has died at 56 after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, released a statement praising his love for life, family, and fans. McMahon had a successful career in both television and film, with notable roles in 'Profiler,' 'FBI: Most Wanted,' and the 'Fantastic Four' movies. Tributes have been paid by colleagues, including Alyssa Milano, who worked with him on 'Charmed.'

A Mexican city councilor, Ignacio Alejandro Roaro, was shot dead during an amateur basketball game in Guanajuato, a state plagued by gang violence and turf wars between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel.

After a century-long ban, Parisians are allowed to swim in the Seine River for the first time since 1923, following a $1.5 billion cleanup project tied to the Olympics. The river now meets European water quality standards on most days, and designated swimming areas have been set up near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis.

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, discusses trade deals and tariffs on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." He mentions that the US is close to finalizing deals with several countries, including the UK and Vietnam, and is negotiating with China. Hassett also addresses the upcoming deadline for reciprocal tariffs and the possibility of extending the pause. He defends the administration's estimate that the recently passed "Big, Beautiful Bill" will shrink the deficit by $1.5 trillion, despite criticism from other organizations that it will add trillions to the debt.

Rep. Tom Suozzi criticizes the 'big, ugly bill' for increasing the deficit, hurting healthcare, and providing unnecessary tax breaks for the wealthy. He also discusses the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani's campaign, emphasizing the need for the party to focus on economic security and affordability.

A new Chinese video game called 'Revenge on Gold Diggers' has sparked a heated debate on sexism in China. The game, which was later renamed 'Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator', features male protagonists being manipulated by women seeking their money, and has been criticized for reinforcing sexist stereotypes. While some players see it as a cautionary tale about love scams, others accuse it of perpetuating misogyny and problematic gender norms. The game's creators claim they aimed to facilitate open dialogue about emotional boundaries, but critics argue they are profiting from controversy.

Archaeologists have discovered a 3,500-year-old city named Peñico in Peru's northern Barranca province. The city is believed to have been a key trading hub connecting early Pacific coast communities with those living in the Andes mountains and Amazon basin. The discovery sheds light on the fate of the Caral civilization, the oldest known civilization in the Americas, after it was decimated by climate change. Researchers found 18 structures, including ceremonial temples and residential complexes, as well as ceremonial objects and artifacts.

A senior Hamas security officer has told the BBC that the group has lost about 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip due to months of Israeli strikes. The officer stated that Hamas's command and control system has collapsed, and armed clans are filling the void. The security situation in Gaza has completely collapsed, with gangs and armed groups emerging to take control. Israel has confirmed arming some of these clans, including one led by Yasser Abu Shabab, who is seen as a potential unifying figure against Hamas.

The article discusses how the imposition of tariffs by the US government under Donald Trump has led to a significant shift in global supply chains. Companies such as Learning Resources, Cluck Clucks, and Oro del Desierto are rethinking their supply lines and exploring alternative manufacturing locations to mitigate the impact of tariffs. The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has forced businesses to adapt, with some moving production to countries like Vietnam and India, while others are limiting their menus or passing on the increased costs to consumers.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have killed a senior Hamas commander, Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, in a strike on the al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, but the attack resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, sparking controversy over civilian casualties.

Israel has launched strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting three ports and a power plant, in response to repeated attacks by the Houthi rebels on Israel and its citizens. The Israeli Defence Minister confirmed that the commercial ship Galaxy Leader, previously hijacked by the Houthis, was among the targets. The Houthi military group responded by launching missiles into Israel, which were intercepted by the Israeli military. The strikes are part of 'Operation Black Flag', with Israel warning that the Houthis will continue to face consequences for their actions.

The article discusses the rise of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate that has become one of Africa's deadliest militant groups. Formed in Mali in 2017, JNIM has expanded its operations across West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The group is led by Iyad Ag Ghali and Amadou Koufa, and is known for imposing its strict interpretation of Islam and Sharia law. JNIM has carried out numerous attacks, including a major coordinated attack on seven military locations in western Mali. The group's funding comes from various sources, including cattle-rustling, taxation, and extortion. Despite efforts by France and other governments to combat JNIM, the group continues to grow and pose a significant threat to regional stability.

The owners of a pet lion in Lahore, Pakistan, have been arrested after the big cat escaped and attacked a woman and her three children, injuring them. The incident was captured on CCTV footage, showing the lion leaping over a wall and chasing the woman. The owners are accused of keeping a wild animal without a license and negligence. The incident has led to a crackdown on illegal wildlife possession in Punjab province.

Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists gathered in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, despite heavy monsoon rains. The event featured traditional dances, chants, and speeches from notable figures like Richard Gere. The Dalai Lama expressed his commitment to peace and compassion, and announced plans for a successor, sparking tensions with China, which claims authority over the selection process.

Brazil's revered Indigenous leader, Raoni Metuktire, has released a memoir detailing his experiences and criticisms of former President Jair Bolsonaro's policies towards Indigenous peoples. Metuktire accuses Bolsonaro of attempting to 'exterminate' Indigenous communities and encourages current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to avoid past mistakes. The memoir is based on over 80 hours of interviews with Metuktire and offers a unique perspective on his life and struggles.

Mexican prosecutors have alleged that boxer Julio César Chávez Jr was a henchman for the Sinaloa cartel, using his boxing skills to beat rival gang members before his recent arrest in California by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Chávez, son of legendary boxer Julio César Chávez Sr, was arrested due to alleged cartel affiliations, multiple criminal convictions, and an active arrest warrant in Mexico. The allegations include that Chávez was directed by Néstor Ernesto Pérez Salas, a Sinaloa cartel leader, to beat captured rival gang members.

The article discusses the 10-year anniversary of China's crackdown on human rights lawyers, known as the '709 incident'. Lawyers and activists say that the Chinese Communist Party's control over the legal profession has tightened, making human rights work nearly impossible. The suppression has become more systematic and less visible, with lawyers being disbarred, surveilled, and harassed. Despite this, some lawyers remain hopeful for the future, saying that people are building resilience and becoming stronger.

The US and Vietnam have reached a trade agreement, with the US imposing a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and Vietnam agreeing to zero tariffs on US products. However, a 40% tariff on 'transshipments' - products with Chinese input - has raised concerns among manufacturers, as it may unfairly target goods and be used to pressure China. Vietnam's manufacturing industry is closely tied to both the US and China, and the deal has sparked worries about the country's diplomatic balancing act between the two nations.

A 49-year-old man, kidnapped as a newborn by Argentina's military regime, has been reunited with his relatives after taking a DNA test. He is the 140th child found by the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group searching for people 'disappeared' during the 1976-83 dictatorship. The man's parents were kidnapped and killed, and he was given to another family to raise. His sister, Adriana Metz, was raised by their grandparents and never gave up hope of finding her brother.

The Trump administration has ended temporary protected status (TPS) for approximately 76,000 people from Honduras and Nicaragua, effective in about 60 days. The status was granted after Hurricane Mitch devastated the region in 1998. While some TPS holders have obtained green cards, others will be encouraged to leave the US voluntarily through a Customs and Border Protection app offering complimentary plane tickets and a $1,000 exit bonus. The decision has been criticized, with previous efforts to end TPS facing legal challenges.

Severe flash floods hit Texas's 'Flash Flood Alley' due to supercharged storms fueled by Tropical Storm Barry's remnants, resulting in at least 68 deaths and 28 missing. Meanwhile, Typhoon Danas struck Taiwan, causing evacuations, landslides, and flash flooding, and is projected to hit south-east China. The storms highlight the impact of climate change and regional topography on extreme weather events.

A series of antisemitic attacks occurred in Melbourne, Australia, including an arson attack on a synagogue and a violent raid on an Israeli-owned restaurant, prompting fear among the Jewish community and calls for government action.

A UN report authored by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese targeting Israel and companies operating within the country has sparked backlash and concern. The report, titled 'Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide,' calls for sanctions against entities and individuals involved in activities that may endanger Palestinians. Critics argue that Albanese has overstepped her mandate and that the report endorses the BDS movement against Israel. The UN Human Rights Council allowed the report to be presented, despite not having the authority to issue sanctions.

The United Nations has come under fire for allocating four new high-paying positions to its Commission of Inquiry on the Palestinian Territory, despite facing a severe cash crisis. Critics argue that the move is hypocritical and that the Commission has a biased anti-Israel stance. The Commission, led by Navi Pillay, has been accused of promoting antisemitism and making unsubstantiated claims against Israel.

The United Nations has warned that criminal gangs have gained near-total control over Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, with an estimated 90% of the city under their control. The gangs have expanded into previously peaceful areas, and their strengthened foothold is pushing the situation closer to collapse. The international community is urged to take increased action to prevent the total collapse of state presence in the capital.

A North Korean man crossed the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into South Korean custody on Thursday, amid growing criticism of South Korea's easing stance towards North Korea under new liberal president Lee Jae Myung. The unidentified man was unarmed and guided through mine-laced terrain by South Korean troops before being taken into custody. The incident comes as diplomatic talks between the US and North Korea remain frozen since 2019, and Kim Jong Un's regime continues to expand its nuclear arsenal.

AI chip startup Groq has expanded its operations to Europe by establishing its first data center in Helsinki, Finland, in partnership with Equinix. The move is aimed at capitalizing on the growing demand for AI services in the region, driven in part by the concept of 'sovereign AI' pushed by European politicians. Groq's data center will offer inference capabilities using its Language Processing Unit (LPU) chip, competing with other startups in the AI inference market.

The article provides an update on European stock markets, highlighting several key events that may impact market performance. Octopus Energy is planning a £10 billion demerger of its technology arm Kraken. China has retaliated against the EU's ban on Chinese firms competing for EU public tenders for medical devices by restricting government purchases of medical devices from the EU. European stocks are poised for a mixed open, with futures indicating slight changes in major indices. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning with 'Anti-American' BRICS policies, prompting a response from BRICS leaders.

The private credit industry has grown into a $1.7 trillion market, raising concerns that its rapid expansion could lead to the next financial crisis. Experts warn that the increasing use of paid-in-kind loans and lowering lending standards may amplify financial instability. While some analysts share these concerns, others argue that the industry's underwriting is more disciplined and that fears of a contagion are overblown.

The euro is strengthening against the US dollar due to concerns over the US deficit, tariff uncertainty, and threats to Federal Reserve independence. European Central Bank officials and strategists believe the euro will continue to gain importance as a global reserve currency, but the EU must implement reforms such as a Banking Union and Capital Markets Union to support this growth. The euro has already seen a 14% increase against the dollar in 2025, driven by uncertainty around US tariff negotiations and expectations of a fiscal boost in the EU.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's significant domestic victory with the passage of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', a massive agenda bill that includes tax breaks and spending cuts. Democrats are now trying to capitalize on the bill's unpopularity among Americans, warning that it will harm working-class Americans and enrich billionaires. The bill's passage has given Trump momentum, and Republicans are planning to use reconciliation to pass more bills with Trump priorities. However, Democrats are expected to make the bill a central issue in the midterm elections next year.

A father, Ty Badon, is searching for his 21-year-old daughter and her friends who went missing during flash floods in Texas. The floods have caused widespread destruction, with debris scattered for miles and search and rescue efforts underway. Authorities are still racing to find victims, including 27 people from Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp in Kerr County. The article also touches on other news stories, including protests in Israel, a fire in Los Angeles, and a shooting in Chicago.

The article discusses the devastating floods in Texas, where four months' worth of rain fell in a short period, causing deadly floods. CNN's Ed Lavandera reports on the ground, and the article includes various videos showing the impact of the floods, including houses floating down rivers and volunteers searching for missing people.

A Texas woman, Amanda Sue Jones, shares her harrowing experience of escaping the flooding at the HTR Campground in Texas in an interview with CNN's Erica Hill.

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, celebrated his 90th birthday with thousands of worshippers gathering in Dharamshala, India. The event was attended by Hollywood star Richard Gere, a long-time follower of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama expressed his hope to live for decades more and stated that his successor will be chosen according to Buddhist traditions, sparking a reaction from China, which claims the right to approve the succession.

The Israeli military has launched airstrikes on Houthi targets at three ports and a power plant in Yemen, in response to repeated attacks by the Iranian-backed rebel group on Israel. The strikes came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an evacuation warning for the areas, citing 'military activities' being carried out there. The Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region, in an effort to end Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

An Israeli reservist soldier describes arbitrary killings of civilians in Gaza during his three tours of duty, citing unclear rules of engagement and commanders' discretion. The soldier, who spoke anonymously to Sky News, described a 'Wild West' environment where troops were ordered to shoot anyone entering designated no-go zones, regardless of threat. The IDF denied targeting civilians, stating they operate in accordance with international law and investigate alleged violations.

The UK has re-established diplomatic ties with Syria after 14 years, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy visiting Damascus and meeting with Syrian officials. The move comes after the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime and the establishment of a transitional government led by Ahmed al Sharaa. The UK has also announced a £94.5m support package for humanitarian aid and long-term recovery.