February 18, 2026

Climber Trial Begins for Leaving Girlfriend to Die on Austria’s Highest Peak

A man stands trial in Austria accused of negligent manslaughter for leaving his girlfriend to die from hypothermia on Grossglockner mountain in harsh winter conditions. The case questions when mountain risks become criminal liability.

February 18, 2026

Man Charged With Murder After Sydney Stabbing, Victims Critically Injured

A 25-year-old man faces murder charges after a stabbing in Sydney's west killed one and critically injured two. The accused escaped mental health care days before. Police caught him near the scene with CCTV revealing chilling moments of the attack.

February 18, 2026

Alawite Women in Syria Tell of Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Amid Sectarian Strife

Dozens of Alawite women in Syria have been kidnapped and sexually assaulted amid ongoing sectarian violence. Survivors describe horrific abuses and failure of security forces to investigate properly.

February 18, 2026

Oscar-Nominated Writer Mehdi Mahmoudian Freed from Iran Prison After 17 Days

Iranian writer Mehdi Mahmoudian, known for his Oscar nomination, was freed from prison 17 days after arrest for condemning Iran's supreme leader. Released on bail with two others, his case highlights government crackdown on peaceful protests.

February 18, 2026

US Military Kills 11 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Strikes on Three Vessels

The US military struck three drug trafficking boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 men and raising the death toll in this campaign to 135. Southern Command confirmed the vessels were carrying out illegal drug operations along known routes.