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Security forces launch Mastung operation, 15 terrorists killed

Security forces launched Operation Al Azm in Mastung's Tehsil Khad Kucha, killing 15 terrorists and wounding 12, according to security sources. Eight suspects were detained, one hideout destroyed and a large cache of weapons seized. No casualties were reported among security forces.

Security forces have launched Operation Al Azm in Tehsil Khad Kucha, Mastung, killing several terrorists and detaining a number of suspects, according to security sources. — FILE

Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks on Red Sea oil tankers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers and reaffirmed Pakistan's full support for the Kingdom during a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders pledged closer cooperation to protect regional stability and vital maritime trade routes.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif share an embrace after signing a landmark defence agreement. — FILE

Andy Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister as Starmer resigns

Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom's 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer after being invited by King Charles III to form a government. The former Manchester mayor, Britain's seventh PM in a decade, promised "a circuit breaker for Britain."

Andy Burnham has become the UK's 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer and becoming Britain's seventh premier in a decade. — PHOTO/UK PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
Spain have won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, ending a tightly contested final with a decisive breakthrough. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

FBI captures Indian national wanted over crime network links

The FBI has confirmed the capture of Nitish Kaushal, a 26-year-old Indian national wanted over his alleged role as an enforcer for the Bhagwanpuria crime network. He was arrested in Vermont near the US-Canada border, the first confirmed capture among the fugitives named under Operation Hard Ball.

Nitish Kaushal, an alleged Bhagwanpuria enforcer, was captured by the FBI on a racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations conspiracy charge, days after being added to the bureau's most wanted list amid Washington's crackdown on Punjab-origin organised crime networks. — FILE/FBI/THE THURSDAY TIMES
Argentina defeated England 2-1 with two late goals to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

China now viewed more positively than the US in most countries, Pew finds

For the first time, more people view China favourably than the US across most of 36 countries surveyed, Pew Research Center finds, with more expressing confidence in Xi than Trump. The US leads China in just six countries. In Pakistan, 84% call China a reliable partner against 36% for the US.

For the first time, more people view China favourably than the United States across most of 36 countries surveyed, Pew finds, with more expressing confidence in Xi than Trump. — FILE/THE WHITE HOUSE

FBI issues wanted notice for Indian national linked to crime network

The FBI has issued a wanted notice for Nitish Kaushal, a 26-year-old Indian national alleged to be an enforcer for the Bhagwanpuria crime network, one of three India-based groups named in Operation Hard Ball. He is wanted on racketeering charges and considered armed and dangerous.

Nitish Kaushal, FBI wanted poster for racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations conspiracy. Alleged Bhagwanpuria enforcer now on the FBI's most wanted list as Washington intensifies its crackdown on Punjab-origin organised crime networks. — FILE/FBI

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the 2026 World Cup final, scoring in the 22nd and 58th minutes behind a clean sheet from Unai Simón. France had more shots but no way through. Spain play the final on 19 July.

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final, with goals in each half and a clean sheet from goal keepr Unai Simón. Unbeaten in the tournament, Spain will play the final on 19 July. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received Field Marshal Asim Munir at Ankara Airport for a closed-door meeting on regional security during the army chief's two-day official visit to Türkiye. Munir was awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal. — FILE/Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
Published by Thursday Media International thursday.media