Nov 4, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC

An international media investigation led by Forbidden Stories has revealed that the U.S. government transferred more than 25,000 migrants and asylum seekers to 28 third countries through undisclosed bilateral arrangements. State Department records and over 100 interviews indicate that approximately 20,000 individuals were transported by bus to Mexico, while more than 5,000 were flown to foreign nations with which they had no prior connections. Some individuals had previously received legal protection from U.S. immigration courts.

In response, more than a dozen United Nations human rights experts have urged Washington to immediately suspend third-country transfers, warning that individuals face heightened risks of torture and abuse. Additionally, human rights advocacy groups expressed alarm over pending U.S. plans to deport hundreds of detained Afghans to Pakistan, raising fears of their eventual forced return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti.

Authorities in Spain and Turkey have launched investigations following several severe transport incidents.

In central Spain, at least 64 people were killed when two high-speed passenger trains collided near Los Yebenes in Toledo province on the Madrid-Seville rail corridor, sending two carriages down an embankment.

Meanwhile, a series of traffic collisions occurred across Turkey. In Ankara's Polatlı district, a head-on car crash left three people dead and four injured. In Isparta's Keçiborlu district, 17 seasonal agricultural workers were injured after their minibus struck a freight truck. Another freight vehicle collision resulted in one fatality and three injuries. Local emergency services responded across all sites, and law enforcement agencies are continuing inquiries into the causes.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Bianet, Cumhuriyet, TRT Haber (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation)

U.S. forces targeted two missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first military strikes on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel died in the attack.

Despite the military escalation, Qatari mediators indicated that discussions remain active to negotiate a bilateral agreement. However, Tehran stated it sees "no necessity" for a direct meeting with Washington unless the U.S. accepts its preliminary conditions.

Diplomatic resolution faces further hurdles following statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced intentions to demand financial compensation from Tehran over past regional attacks and domestic crackdowns.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Firefighters in southern France have contained several key blazes following days of intense operations, though high risk levels persist. In the Aude department, emergency crews successfully stabilized a fire near Montséret that burned 100 hectares, while a 225-hectare blaze at Puilaurens remains active in difficult terrain.

Wildfires in the Drôme department are now contained, and the fire in Gironde has ceased advancing. In the Var region, where the primary fire was extinguished, local authorities prohibited public access to seven forest massifs due to severe fire hazards.

Official estimates indicate that over 115,000 hectares have burned nationwide this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on August 17 to initiate post-fire reconstruction efforts.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.