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International News Roundup: Winter Olympics Disrupted, Child Abuse Case Unfolds, and Diplomatic Efforts in the Gulf
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Rho, Italy, faced an early disruption as a women's ice hockey match between Finland and Canada was postponed due to a norovirus outbreak within the Team Finland camp, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The rearranged match is scheduled to be played on February 12, Sky News reported.
Meanwhile, in Australia, a 27-year-old man was charged with multiple child abuse-related offenses after an investigation uncovered over 23,000 videos and images linked to 459 victims, some as young as seven. Queensland Police stated that the suspect, initially arrested in February 2025, allegedly targeted children on social media and gaming platforms between 2018 and 2025, both in Australia and overseas, Sky News reported. The man faces 596 offenses.
In Europe, Polish authorities detained five individuals in connection with a cigarette smuggling operation utilizing weather balloons from Belarus. According to Euronews, the suspects, including Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Polish nationals, face charges related to organized crime, violations of air traffic regulations, and supporting aggression against Ukraine. They could face between nine months and 12 years in prison if convicted. The smuggling operation reportedly caused millions in tax losses and disrupted air traffic.
On the diplomatic front, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Qatar for energy talks amid rising regional tensions. Euronews reported that Merz's visit to Doha was part of a broader effort to secure energy security, defense partners, and stability amid concerns over Iran. Speaking in Doha, Merz stated that concerns over Iran featured prominently in discussions with Gulf leaders. He called on Tehran to halt what he described as aggressive behavior and to enter talks aimed at easing tensions.
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