[2026-02-21 14:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Letters | Jimmy Lai case verdict and State Council’s white paper send strong message

Snippet: Readers discuss the importance of safeguarding national security, and the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3344096/jimmy-lai-case-verdict-and-state-councils-white-paper-send-strong-message

[2026-02-21 14:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Defense minister lodges protest with USFK over U.S.-China aircraft standoff

Snippet: SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense minister has lodged a protest with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) early this week over its brief standoff with Chinese fighter jets during a rare air exercise, military sources said Saturday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260221003700320

[2026-02-21 12:53 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: US military kills 3 in latest strike on ‘narcoterrorist’ boat

Snippet: The latest lethal strike pushes the overall death toll from the Trump administration’s deadly campaign to at least 148 across 43 attacks

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3344191/us-military-kills-3-latest-strike-narcoterrorist-boat

[2026-02-21 07:48 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Saudi crown prince sent complaint letter to UAE 'spy sheikh' about Yemen, Sudan

Snippet: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a "lengthy" letter to UAE national security advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed complaining about the emirates' activities in Sudan and Yemen, multiple US and western officials have told Middle East Eye.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-crown-prince-sent-letter-uae-spy-sheikh-yemen-sudan

[2026-02-21 06:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Tackling organized crime - DailyNews

Snippet: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake deserves praise for his commitment towards eradicating organized crime in the country. In fact, this was one of his main pledges in his election manifesto. Admittedly, crime is on the rise, with at least three shootings reported each day. Periodically, in the past, there had been attempts to seize all illegal arms in circulation by the Governments of the day, but looking at the shootings taking place on a regular basis leads one to wonder if

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/21/general-opinion/955226/tackling-organized-crime/

[2026-02-21 06:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: A confluence of courage and duty - DailyNews

Snippet: Aircraft are often regarded as the defining element of a nation’s Air Force. However, numerous other sections operate behind the scenes to enhance and support Air Operations. Among them, the SLAF Regiment stands as the largest component of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Today, we explore the vital yet often unnoticed contributions of this formidable force.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/21/general-opinion/955220/a-confluence-of-courage-and-duty/

[2026-02-21 04:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The National (UAE)

Title: 'My heart aches': Iranians mourn in shadow of war

Snippet: Grief hangs heavy over freshly turned earth in cemeteries in Iran, where families are marking 40 days since some of the bloodiest nights of state repression in years. As the Middle East remains on edge over the possibility of US military action against Tehran, mourning continues defiantly at home.

Read full article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/02/20/my-heart-aches-iranians-mourn-in-shadow-of-war/

[2026-02-21 03:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: Iran says US military build-up ‘unnecessary and unhelpful’, deal achievable

Snippet: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran is “prepared for peace” and diplomacy with the United States, suggesting that a possible deal between the two countries remains close despite the threats from Washington.

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/20/iran-says-us-military-build-up-unnecessary-and-unhelpful-deal-achievable

[2026-02-20 23:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China scrambles fighters to confront US warplanes based in South Korea

Snippet: The American warplanes made a rare approach towards China’s air defence identification zone over the Yellow Sea, local media reported

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3344147/china-scrambles-fighters-confront-us-warplanes-based-south-korea

[2026-02-20 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: PLA, Chinese firm release images showing US military build-up around Iran

Snippet: Imagery of combat aircraft and support planes at bases in the region comes amid reports that Washington appears ready to strike Tehran

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3344129/pla-chinese-firm-release-satellite-images-showing-us-military-build-around-iran

[2026-02-20 20:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: Tracking the rapid US military build-up near Iran

Snippet: US renews threat of military action as Iran, Russia announce naval drills

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/20/tracking-the-rapid-us-military-build-up-near-iran

[2026-02-20 20:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: What would blocking the Strait of Hormuz mean for global oil and LNG shipments?

Snippet: Tehran temporarily and partially closed the strategic waterway during a military drill, prompting speculation over an extended blockade

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3344137/what-would-blocking-strait-hormuz-mean-global-oil-and-lng-shipments

[2026-02-20 16:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: USFK exercise prompts Chinese fighter response in rare US air drill

Snippet: US Forces Korea and Chinese fighter aircraft engaged in a brief aerial face-off over the Yellow Sea earlier this week after a rare US Air Force exercise prompted Beijing to deploy its own jets, military sources said Friday.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10679197

[2026-02-20 15:48 UTC+10:00] [Military] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: China’s submarine surge testing Pacific’s undersea balance

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/02/chinas-submarine-surge-testing-pacifics-undersea-balance/

[2026-02-20 13:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Daily News

Title: Trump says world has 10 days to see if Iran agrees deal or 'bad things happen' - DailyNews

Snippet: President Donald Trump says the world will find out “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether the US will reach a deal with Iran or take military action.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/20/breaking-news/954944/trump-says-world-has-10-days-to-see-if-iran-agrees-deal-or-bad-things-happen/

[2026-02-20 05:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Faltering fighter jet deal casts doubt on EU defense plans

Snippet: The simmering spat between France and Germany bubbled over publicly when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the Machtwechsel podcast that the collaboration to build a nuclear-capable fighter jet with France is "not what we currently need in the German military."

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/faltering-fighter-jet-deal-casts-doubt-on-eu-defense-plans/a-76046049

[2026-02-20 04:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: US-Military pressure on Iran: Is a regime change the goal?

Snippet: To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/us-military-pressure-on-iran-is-a-regime-change-the-real-goal/video-76030287

[2026-02-20 02:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Why is Indonesia sending thousands of troops into Gaza?

Snippet: Just a few days before the president of Indonesia was supposed to go to Washington for the first meeting of the so-called "Board of Peace," a council created and chaired by US President Donald Trump, the spokesperson for the Indonesian military made a controversial announcement.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/why-is-indonesia-offering-to-send-thousands-of-troops-into-gaza/a-76039552

[2026-02-19 21:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: Russia has taken 'over 1,000' Kenyans to Ukraine: intelligence report

Snippet: More than 1,000 Kenyans have gone to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine, most of them tricked into signing military contracts, according to an intelligence report presented to Kenya's parliament.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/02/19/russia-has-taken-over-1000-kenyans-to-ukraine-intelligence-report/

[2026-02-19 20:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Will Franco‑German differences sink €100bn fighter jet plan?

Snippet: Michael Schoellhorn, the CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, says the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the long-planned Franco-German fighter jet and air defense project, will survive but that "there will have to be some restructuring in certain parts."

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/will-francogerman-differences-sink-100bn-fighter-jet-plan/a-76025178

[2026-02-19 19:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Moscow Times

Title: Over 1K Kenyans Sent to Fight With Russian Forces in Ukraine, Intel Report Says

Snippet: More than 1,000 Kenyans have gone to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine, most of them tricked into signing military contracts, according to an intelligence report presented to Kenya's parliament.

Read full article: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/19/over-1k-kenyans-sent-to-fight-with-russian-forces-in-ukraine-intel-report-says-a91993

[2026-02-19 19:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: ‘Holding hands’: How Nigeria turned Trump’s threats to military partnership

Snippet: In early November, a social media post by United States President Donald Trump set off alarm bells across Nigeria. The US “Department of War”, he said, was preparing to go into the West African country “guns-a-blazing” over what he claimed was the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/19/from-us-threats-to-holding-hands-did-nigeria-disarm-trump-on-security

[2026-02-19 16:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: ABC News

Title: Visual clues showed the US preparing to attack Iran

Snippet: The steady flow of military assets moving towards Europe and the Middle East appeared to be a warning that the US could be ready to attack Iran.

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-19/tracking-us-military-build-up-ahead-of-possible-iran-attack/106363224

[2026-02-19 09:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: With first missile of its kind, China overtakes US in hypersonic defence: report

Snippet: A big reason is the long-range CJ-1000, the world’s first and so far only operational land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343917/how-china-overtook-us-hypersonic-arms-and-may-leave-air-defences-powerless

[2026-02-19 05:04 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: Russian navy warship docks in Iran ahead of joint naval exercises

Snippet: Iran temporarily shut the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire drills on Tuesday, a rare show of force that coincided with another round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in Geneva. The dual developments underscore the high-stakes brinkmanship as Washington rushes military assets to the region.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/02/18/russian-navy-warship-docks-in-iran-ahead-of-joint-naval-exercises/

[2026-02-19 01:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Thailand wants to act as ‘bridge’ for Myanmar’s return to Asean fold

Snippet: Myanmar’s junta leaders have been excluded from Asean summits since the 2021 military coup that toppled a democratic administration

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343937/thailand-seeks-leading-role-restoring-myanmar-asean-fold

[2026-02-19 00:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Chinese coastguard reveals growing reliance on drones at Scarborough Shoal

Snippet: Lunar New Year post gives rare look at the role of uncrewed aircraft in training and operations near disputed South China Sea reef

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343934/chinese-coastguard-reveals-growing-reliance-drones-scarborough-shoal

[2026-02-18 22:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Moscow Times

Title: Foreign Intelligence Can See Russian Military’s Telegram Correspondence, Minister Claims

Snippet: Foreign intelligence services can see Telegram correspondence sent by Moscow’s troops in Ukraine, Russia’s digital development minister claimed on Wednesday after authorities moved to curb the popular messaging app’s operations in the country.

Read full article: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/18/foreign-intelligence-can-access-russian-militarys-telegram-correspondence-official-claims-a91987

[2026-02-18 21:30 UTC+10:00] [Criminal Justice] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ProPublica

Title: Amid Mass ICE Arrests, Trump Pardon Recipient Juan Orlando Hernández Given Special Treatment

Snippet: For months, President Donald Trump has railed against Latin American narcoterrorists flooding the United States with “lethal poison.” He has used the scourge of drug trafficking as a rationale for dozens of military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, which have left more than 140 people dead.

Read full article: https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-ice-pardon-juan-orlando-hernandez-honduras-prison-special-treatment

[2026-02-18 13:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: cybersurveillance

Snippet: Technology Telegram dismisses Russian claim that foreign spies can read soldiers’ messages Technology Prominent Angolan journalist targeted with Predator spyware Feb 18, 2026 10:15 AM PHT Share in Chat Share article Facebook X (Twitter) Copy Link Copied Technology Microsoft halts services to Israeli military unit amid probe into surveillance of Palestinians Sep 26, 2025 2:32 PM PHT Share in Chat Share article Facebook X (Twitter) Copy Link Copied Technology Amnesty says Pakistan spying on millions through phone-tapping, firewall Sep 9,

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/topic/cybersurveillance/

[2026-02-18 09:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: English language instruction in Chinese military is outdated, unbalanced: report

Snippet: Senior lecturers warn that troops are not being given the communication skills they need to operate on the international stage

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343799/chinese-military-urged-overhaul-english-teaching-improve-language-skills

[2026-02-18 01:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Everything we know about China’s mysterious, futuristic Nantianmen Project

Snippet: Is it a storytelling vehicle for imaginative military hardware, blending science fiction with reality, or is it a glimpse of the future?

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343433/everything-we-know-about-chinas-mysterious-futuristic-nantianmen-project

[2026-02-17 21:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Moscow Times

Title: Russian Military Reports Largest Wave of Ukrainian Drone Attacks Since Early January

Snippet: Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that its air defense systems destroyed more than 150 Ukrainian drones overnight, marking one of the largest such attacks since the start of the year as officials from the two warring countries gather for a new round of peace talks in Switzerland.

Read full article: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/17/russian-military-reports-largest-wave-of-ukrainian-drone-attacks-since-early-january-a91970

[2026-02-17 20:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: Make Japan strong again: Takaichi’s plan to revive the military - Asia Times

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/02/make-japan-strong-again-takaichis-plan-to-revive-the-military/

[2026-02-17 12:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Okinawa voters shift away from concerns over US military presence

Snippet: Analysts point to a shift in priorities among younger Okinawans as a possible factor in the alliance’s bruising defeat in the election

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343763/what-next-okinawas-anti-base-alliance-after-japan-election-loss

[2026-02-17 12:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Trump predicts Iran nuclear deal, warns of ‘consequences’ ahead of talks

Snippet: After a summer of military strikes and stalled diplomacy, indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran are set to resume on Tuesday

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3343781/trump-predicts-iran-nuclear-deal-warns-consequences-ahead-talks

[2026-02-17 09:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Why China is being told to integrate commercial space tech with military systems

Snippet: Appeal comes as strategic rivals such as the US are increasingly eyeing military uses for tech developed by private firms such as SpaceX

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343762/why-china-being-urged-integrate-commercial-space-tech-military-systems

[2026-02-17 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Golden Dome threatens int'l security architecture - DailyNews

Snippet: As part of the strategy to strengthen the national security of the United States, President Donald Trump announced the development of a layered missile defense system “Golden Dome”. At the same time, the placement of its elements is possible, including on the territory of Greenland.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/local/952653/golden-dome-threatens-intl-security-architecture/

[2026-02-17 01:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Why the growing network of American MQ-9 drones is a challenge for China

Snippet: Reapers can carry out both reconnaissance and strike missions and an increasing number of US allies and partners are buying them

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343673/why-growing-network-american-mq-9-drones-challenge-china

[2026-02-16 23:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Moscow Times

Title: Man Twice Released From Prison to Fight in Ukraine Is Arrested in 2 New Killings, Reports Say

Snippet: Police in Far East Russia’s republic of Sakha (Yakutia) have reportedly arrested a man suspected of killing two people after he was twice released early from prison for signing military contracts to fight in Ukraine.

Read full article: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/16/man-twice-released-from-prison-to-fight-in-ukraine-is-arrested-in-2-new-killings-reports-say-a91959

[2026-02-16 22:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: What's behind Somalia-Saudi Arabia military deal?

Snippet: Somalia's defense minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, hailed a new chapter in defence cooperation when he announced on X that he and Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Bin Salman had signed a military deal in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/whats-behind-somalia-saudi-arabia-military-deal/a-75954838

[2026-02-16 20:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: East Timor

Snippet: Group in Chin state alleges military has committed war crimes since 2021 coup

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/location/southeast-asia/east-timor

[2026-02-16 18:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: North Korea builds homes for kin of troops killed in Ukraine

Snippet: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inaugurated a new housing district in Pyongyang for the families of troops who died in overseas military operations, state news agency KCNA reported on Monday.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/north-korea-builds-homes-for-kin-of-troops-killed-in-ukraine/a-75984211

[2026-02-16 17:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong court to rule on appeals of 12 jailed activists on February 23

Snippet: Court will also rule on one acquitted defendant in city’s largest national security trial of 47 opposition figures over illegal ‘primary’ election

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343713/hong-kong-court-announce-verdict-appeals-12-jailed-activists-february-23

[2026-02-16 14:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: German and UK military chiefs state case for rearming

Snippet: The defense chief of Germany's Bundeswehr, General Carsten Breuer, and the United Kingdom's chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, have jointly stated the case for rearming, amid the threat posed by Russia.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/german-and-uk-military-chiefs-state-case-for-rearming/a-75983486

[2026-02-16 09:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: US forces board another tanker in Indian Ocean after tracking it from Caribbean

Snippet: The Veronica III, which sails under the Panamanian flag, is subject to US sanctions related to Iran, the US says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3343657/us-military-boards-another-oil-tanker-indian-ocean-after-tracking-it-caribbean

[2026-02-16 09:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: In Munich, US urges ‘collective strength’ among allies to deter China

Snippet: Washington and its Indo-Pacific and European allies emphasise need for cooperation to counter Beijing’s military build-up

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343636/munich-us-urges-collective-strength-among-allies-deter-china

[2026-02-16 08:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

Snippet: China and the Philippines are both signalling openness to diplomacy alongside continued military flexing, but this may not be sustainable

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3343423/can-manilas-south-china-sea-strategy-defiance-and-diplomacy-hold

[2026-02-16 06:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Daily News

Title: From ‘Dhobies’ to ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ - DailyNews

Snippet: This year dawned with some headlines that only come out of a horror movie: Sri Lanka being devasted by the hurricane Ditwah, the US invading Venezuela, US military kidnapping a head of state with threats of invasions of Greenland, the release of Epstein files exposing a world of greedy, power hungry and sick men who trafficked children and abused them.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/features/951601/from-dhobies-to-clean-sri-lanka/

[2026-02-16 06:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Deputy Minister stresses Govt’s commitment to health sector reform at SLCOMM sessions - DailyNews

Snippet: The Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) has emerged as a cornerstone institution within the defence medical framework. Its steadfast commitment to continuous professional development, research, training and policy contribution has played a decisive role in strengthening the medical preparedness of the Tri Forces.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951782/deputy-minister-stresses-govts-commitment-to-health-sector-reform-at-slcomm-sessions/