Libya announced the assignment of new oil and gas exploration rights to foreign firms on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in its first licensing round since 2007, according to Al Jazeera. Winners included US oil giant Chevron and Nigeria's Aiteo, the largest privately-owned energy company in Africa. The move aims to revitalize the sector after years of civil strife, as stated by the country's National Oil Corporation (NOC).
Meanwhile, Prince William concluded his first tour of Saudi Arabia on the same day, visiting the Sharaan Nature Reserve, as reported by Sky News. The Prince of Wales learned about a program to reintroduce endangered species, including gazelles and the Arabian oryx. He was also briefed on a flagship initiative to bring back the critically endangered Arabian leopard.
The royal's visit came amidst scrutiny of the royal family, with calls for more information regarding the Epstein scandal, according to Sky News. The demand to hear from the royals has been enormous, but the statements from William, Kate, and Buckingham Palace earlier in the week were overshadowed by the ongoing investigation.
In other news, an Irishman, Seamus Culleton, is facing an uncertain future after an ICE crackdown in the United States, as reported by Sky News. Culleton, who was married to an American and had a work permit, is now detained in a detention center in Texas. His wife, Tiffany Smyth, shared photographs illustrating their life together, highlighting the impact of the situation.
Also on Wednesday, a traditional swordsmith in Japan reported renewed interest in the centuries-old art of katana making, according to Euronews. Akihira Kawasaki, a 57-year-old swordsmith in Saitama Prefecture, noted that growing interest from pop culture, including anime and video games, is drawing a new generation of fans to the craft. However, the profession still faces challenges, including an aging workforce and a demanding five-year apprenticeship.
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