Silent Tank, Drone Attack, and Separatism Peril

A series of separate incidents dominated the news cycle, including a deadly drone attack in Sudan, a police corruption probe in South Africa, and developments in infrastructure and military projects.

In Sudan, a drone attack by a paramilitary group resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, including eight children, according to a doctors group. The attack targeted a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan. The United Nations reported that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) also struck an aid convoy in the state on Friday.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, a man named in a major police corruption probe was found dead after reportedly shooting himself at a petrol station. Wiandre Pretorius, 41, had previously claimed to have survived an assassination attempt. His name was mentioned at the ongoing Madlanga Commission in connection with the 2022 murder of a witness, Emmanuel Mbense, allegedly by police officers. A police spokesperson confirmed that four of the 12 people named as persons of interest in that killing are now deceased.

Elsewhere, reports indicated that many smart motorways in England are failing to deliver the expected value for money. According to newly released reports from National Highways, two schemes, including sections of the M25 and the M6, were found to be offering "very poor" value. The AA, representing motorists, described the schemes as a "catastrophic waste of time, money and effort."

In military news, the U.S. Army's new M1E3 Abrams tank is reportedly five years ahead of schedule. The tank is a hybrid, according to Fox News. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is on his "Arsenal of Freedom Tour," visiting production facilities to restore American industrial prowess.

Finally, in Canada, a push for Alberta to join the U.S. is raising concerns. Secret meetings by unelected Albertans with U.S. officials have been branded treasonous by some, according to The Guardian. While Quebec parties have long sought independence, this new push represents a different kind of separatist movement.