Major blow to Afghan gov’t as Taliban captures provincial capitalZaranj, capital of southern Nimruz province, falls to the group in a significant setback for the Afghan government.Related StoriesWar in Afghanistan enters ‘deadlier’ phase, UN envoy warnsTaliban kills head of Afghanistan gov’t media departmentplayCould a full-scale war return to Afghanistan?Israel attacks Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloonsPalestinians say the balloons aim to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on coastal enclave that were tightened in May.In England, hundreds of vaccinated people hospitalised with DeltaUS charges two Myanmar citizens over plot to attack UN ambassadorThe ‘Nolympians’ giving the IOC a run for its moneyIOC expels Belarus coaches over Tsimanouskaya scandalBoat capsizes off Western Sahara, 42 migrants feared deadNicaragua’s poll body disqualifies main opposition partyAmhara official says offensive against Tigray forces imminentG7: Iran behind tanker attack, ‘threatens international peace’MORE TOP STORIESIsrael attacks Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloonsIn England, hundreds of vaccinated people hospitalised with DeltaUS charges two Myanmar citizens over plot to attack UN ambassadorThe ‘Nolympians’ giving the IOC a run for its moneyIOC expels Belarus coaches over Tsimanouskaya scandalBoat capsizes off Western Sahara, 42 migrants feared deadNicaragua’s poll body disqualifies main opposition partyAmhara official says offensive against Tigray forces imminentG7: Iran behind tanker attack, ‘threatens international peace’
Australia’s COVID cases at record high with millions in lockdownCountry struggles to contain spread of the virus as 60 percent of the population is placed under lockdown.