Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons

(AP) — Russia’s defense ministry says air defenses have downed what authorities describe as five Ukrainian balloons. The sides have kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials have provided details about the secretive balloons, which Moscow authorities and media have reported on the battlefield in recent weeks. Ukraine’s military has been driving innovation since the war began in February 2022, notably adapting drones for wide use against the bigger Kremlin forces. According to Russian news reports, the Ukrainian balloons are equipped with a GPS module and carry explosives.

Prominent Baptist pastor in military-ruled Myanmar detained again

BANGKOK (AP) — A prominent Christian church leader and human rights advocate from Myanmar’s Kachin ethnic minority has been detained by the authorities just hours after he was released from prison under an amnesty by the military government. The Reverend. Hkalam Samson, the former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention, was among 3,300 prisoners released on Wednesday to mark the traditional Thingyan New Year holiday. A relative and colleague confirmed local media reports that at around 10 p.m. Wednesday night, security forces and officials came to his home and took him away, saying it was for his own protection.

The desert nation of UAE records its most rain ever

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates was attempting to dry out from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded. The deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the busy hub. State media said the rain surpassed anything documented since 1949. That’s before crude oil was discovered in the energy-rich nation then part of a British protectorate. Rain also fell in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but was acute across the UAE. More than 5.59 inches of rain fell, while the yearly average in Dubai is 3.73 inches. Dubai International Airport acknowledged the flooding left limited transportation options and said the recovery would take time.

Poland arrests man suspected of spying for Russia to aid assassination plot

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s prosecutors say that a Polish man has been arrested on allegations of being ready to assist an alleged plot by Russia’s military intelligence to assassinate Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The office of Poland’s National Prosecutor said in a statement the man, identified only as Pawel K., was accused of being prepared to pass airport security information to Russian agents. He was arrested Wednesday. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison, the statement said Thursday. European Union member Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and Zelenskyy in fending off Russia’s aggression of more than two years.