Day: April 22, 2026

The attack reportedly targeted a UN peacekeeping convoy, underscoring the growing volatility in the region.
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While details about the perpetrators remain under investigation, initial reports suggest that the patrol came under deliberate fire or was struck during a violent confrontation in an area where tensions have sharply escalated in recent months.
France, one of the key contributors to UNIFIL, confirmed the death and condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable assault on international peacekeepers operating under a UN mandate.
What is UNIFIL and what is its mission?
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and to assist the Lebanese government in restoring authority in the region. Over time, its mandate has evolved, especially after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The mission operates in a highly sensitive and militarized environment, acting as a buffer between Israeli forces and armed groups such as Hezbollah. Its personnel routinely conduct patrols, observation, and liaison activities aimed at preventing escalation.
Why are French troops involved in UNIFIL?
France has historically played a leading role in UNIFIL, both politically and militarily. French troops are among the largest European contingents in the mission, reflecting Paris’s strategic interest in Middle Eastern stability and its longstanding ties with Lebanon.
French forces often take on high visibility roles, including patrols and coordination tasks, which can increase their exposure to risk in volatile zones.
What are the circumstances of the attack?
Although a full investigation is ongoing, early information indicates that the UN patrol was operating in a routine capacity when it came under attack. The nature of the incident—whether it was an ambush, crossfire, or targeted strike—remains unclear.
However, recent developments in southern Lebanon suggest a deteriorating security environment. Exchanges of fire across the Israel Lebanon border and increased military activity have created conditions in which peacekeepers face heightened danger, even during standard operations.
Has this happened before?
Yes, UNIFIL personnel have previously been targeted or caught in violence. Peacekeeping missions, particularly in conflict adjacent areas, are inherently risky. French soldiers have also suffered casualties in past incidents, although such events remain relatively rare compared to the scale of the mission.
Historically, attacks on peacekeepers are viewed as serious violations of international law, as UN forces are considered neutral actors tasked with maintaining peace and stability.
What is the broader security situation in southern Lebanon?
The region has been increasingly unstable due to overlapping tensions. The Israel Hezbollah confrontation has intensified periodically, with both sides engaging in limited but frequent exchanges. This creates a fragile environment where even minor incidents can escalate rapidly.
Additionally, the presence of multiple armed actors, complex local dynamics, and the proximity to a major geopolitical fault line make southern Lebanon one of the most challenging peacekeeping theaters in the world.
How has France responded to the incident?
France has strongly condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible. French officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and reaffirmed their commitment to UNIFIL’s mission.
At the same time, the incident may prompt Paris to reassess force protection measures and operational protocols for its troops in Lebanon.
What has the United Nations said?
The United Nations has also condemned the killing, stressing that attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and undermine efforts to maintain stability. UN officials have called on all parties in the region to respect the neutrality of peacekeeping forces and to ensure their security.
An internal investigation is likely to be launched to determine the precise circumstances of the attack and to evaluate whether additional safeguards are needed.
Could this incident affect the UNIFIL mission?
Potentially, yes. While UNIFIL is expected to continue its operations, such incidents can influence how the mission is conducted. This may include adjustments to patrol routes, increased security measures, or changes in engagement protocols.
In some cases, repeated attacks on peacekeepers can lead to broader discussions within the United Nations about the mandate, scope, or even the viability of a mission.
What are the legal implications of attacking peacekeepers?
Under international law, peacekeepers are protected personnel. Attacking them can constitute a war crime, particularly if the attack is deliberate. The international community generally treats such incidents with high seriousness, and accountability mechanisms may be pursued if perpetrators are identified.
How does this impact regional stability?
The killing of a peacekeeper adds another layer of tension to an already fragile situation. It risks undermining trust between international forces and local actors and may complicate diplomatic efforts to de escalate tensions.
Moreover, it highlights the difficulty of maintaining neutrality and operational effectiveness in a conflict zone where lines between combatants and non combatants can blur.
What happens next?
The immediate next steps involve investigations by both the United Nations and French authorities. There will also likely be diplomatic engagement aimed at preventing further escalation and ensuring the safety of UN personnel.
In the longer term, the incident may feed into broader discussions about peacekeeping challenges in high risk environments and the evolving nature of UN missions in regions marked by hybrid conflicts and non state actors.
Why is this incident significant?
This attack is not just an isolated event but a reflection of deeper structural tensions in southern Lebanon. It underscores the risks faced by peacekeepers and raises questions about the sustainability of international stabilization efforts in volatile regions.
For France, it represents both a human loss and a strategic concern. For the United Nations, it is a reminder of the complexities inherent in modern peacekeeping missions, where maintaining neutrality does not always guarantee safety.
Ultimately, the incident reinforces a central reality: peacekeeping in conflict zones remains a high stakes endeavor, where even routine operations can quickly turn deadly.

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“I think it is very important that during this time of turbulence, seeing what is happening in Europe and also in the Middle East, all the geopolitical challenges, we are trying to find new ways of cooperation with our very good and trusted partners. And Azerbaijan for Latvia is, was and will be the principal trading and political partner in the South Caucasus region and, actually, in the broader region,” the President of Latvia noted, News.Az reports, citing AZERTAC.
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He noted that Latvia, as a member of the European Union, the OECD, as well as NATO, is very much ready to work and to support cooperation between Azerbaijan and those organizations, bilateral organizations, to use all the expertise to promote economic relations.
“And we also highly value the fact that Azerbaijan is a strategic partner not only for Latvia but for many European countries, be it in the political field, be it in the economic field, but most importantly, in the energy field,” Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized.

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Rosenior signed a five-and-a-half-year deal after arriving from French club Strasbourg, also owned by Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, News.Az reports, citing BBC.
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But he managed just 11 wins in 23 matches across all competitions and Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton was Chelsea’s fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring, the club’s worst scoreless run since 1912.
Rosenior described the performance as “indefensible” and “unacceptable” after facing angry chants from Chelsea’s travelling supporters on the south coast.
The defeat led to the Blues slipping to seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind Liverpool who occupy the fifth and final Champions League spot.
“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” Chelsea said.
“This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.”
Sources have told BBC Sport that Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham head coach Marco Silva and former Dortmund boss Edin Terzic are under consideration as possible replacements for Rosenior.
Iraola, 43, announced last week that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, while Silva’s contract at rivals Fulham is due to expire in July. Terzic, meanwhile, was under consideration by Tottenham to replace Thomas Frank when the Dane was sacked earlier this season.
Calum McFarlane will take over as interim manager until the end of the season.
McFarlane, who was Rosenior’s assistant, was in charge for a 1-1 draw against Manchester City and a defeat at Fulham in January after previous boss Enzo Maresca was sacked.
“As the club works to bring stability to the head coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment,” Chelsea added.
Rosenior won five of his 13 games in the Premier League and led the Blues to four victories in the FA Cup – all against lower-league opposition – to reach the semi-finals.
McFarlane’s first game in charge comes on Sunday when Chelsea face Leeds at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final (15:00 BST).

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Israel’s Channel 12 said Tuesday that “an elite unit of Moroccan police carried out a nighttime raid days ago on a luxury villa where Golan was staying,” adding that he was living under a false identity as “Yair Bibert,” News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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The report said the operation followed security coordination aimed at ending years of evasion, noting that Golan had moved between several countries, including Japan, Mexico and Germany.

It said Golan previously served around 35 years in Israeli prisons in connection with 100 criminal cases, and is accused of defrauding hundreds of victims by impersonating wealthy businessmen and international billionaires.

Channel 12 added that “using forged identities, he defrauded citizens in Brazil, Ecuador, and Argentina,” and in some cases “presented himself as an Australian millionaire tracing descendants of Spanish settlers.”

The report, citing sources within the Jewish community in Morocco, said Golan targeted victims by presenting forged banking documents and claiming to possess vast wealth to sustain a lavish lifestyle in Marrakesh.

Golan was transferred from Marrakesh to a central prison in Rabat after his arrest, pending extradition procedures, Channel 12 reported.

While there was no official statement from Moroccan authorities, the report said Rabat is in contact with counterparts in Israel and Germany to complete legal procedures.

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Her agent, Michelle Sykes, confirmed the news on Wednesday (22 April), News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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She said: “She passed away peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family on 21st April 2026 at the age of 89.”

Born in Liverpool in 1936, Kelly was 69 when she won her breakout part in Benidorm, appearing as the mother of Johnny Vegas’s character.

The sitcom, set in an all‑inclusive resort in Spain, follows a group of mainly British holidaymakers who return to the same complex year after year.

In the original script, Noreen was supposed to be killed off in her first episode, but the chemistry between Kelly and Vegas proved so strong that the character was kept on as key member.

Benidorm creator Derren Litten honoured Kelly’s legacy, describing her as a “comedic genius”.

“So sad to pass on the news of the passing of Elsie Kelly aka Noreen in Benidorm,” he wrote. “One of the best-loved characters in the show and certainly one of the most beloved cast members. Elsie’s acting abilities and comic genius were so natural they were almost taken for granted.

“Thanks for your talent but most of all your friendship Elsie. I am very sad today but also happy to think of such a wonderful life well lived.”
Kelly’s fellow Benidorm star Crissy Rock joined in the tributes, saying that she was “so sad” to hear of the actor’s death.

“We shared so many wonderful memories filming Benidorm, moments I’ll always treasure. She was an absolute joy to work with and brought so much warmth and laughter wherever she went,” Rock wrote.

She appeared on nine of the show’s 10 seasons between 2006 and 2018, and in the show’s final season, also played Noreen’s twin sister Doreen.

Benidorm a huge hit with fans

The series, set in a Spanish resort, first aired in 2007 and ran for ten series with 74 episodes before ITV bosses cancelled the show.

Benidorm was a big hit for ITV, gaining more than eight million viewers and a big fan base, even inspiring many to visit the Spanish region for their own holiday.

Creator of the show, Derren Litten, has previously taken to X, formerly Twitter, to share that he has more stories he would love to explore.
During its time on ITV, Benidorm became a hit, earning numerous National Television Awards and TV Choice Awards, and it was BAFTA-nominated.

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