Civilians flee Pokrovsk as Russia’s army bears down on the key Ukraine city

POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Civilians with small children in their arms and lugging heavy suitcases are fleeing Ukraine’s eastern city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian army is bearing down fast despite a lightning Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Local authorities said Russian forces are advancing so quickly that families must leave the city and other nearby towns and villages from Tuesday. Around 53,000 people still live in Pokrovsk, officials say, and some decided to get out while they could as Russia’s army menaces. People of all ages hastened to leave the city, boarding trains and buses with the belongings they could carry. Some wept as they waited to depart, and soldiers helped the elderly with their bags.

Leaders of China and Vietnam pledge to strengthen political and economic ties

BEIJING (AP) — The leaders of China and Vietnam have pledged to further their economic ties and gave a nod to their shared communist ideology during the first visit by Vietnam’s new president to Beijing. To Lam, who took office in May, made China the destination of his first state visit, signaling the continuing importance the Southeast Asian nation places on its giant neighbor despite ongoing territorial frictions in the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping remarked on the “deep friendship” between Vietnam and China and said Vietnam was a priority for Beijing’s “neighborhood diplomacy.” Lam said that the relationship with China was the top priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy.

Heavy rains hit Pakistan’s south as this monsoon’s death toll rises to 209

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Officials say flash floods triggered by the latest monsoon rains have swept through streets in southern Pakistan and blocked a key highway in the north. The death toll from rain-related incidents has risen to 209 since July 1. Officials say 14 people died across Punjab province in the past 24 hours. Pakistan’s annual monsoon season runs from July through September. Scientists and weather forecasters have blamed climate change for heavier rains in recent years. The government has advised tourists to avoid affected areas. Neighboring Afghanistan also has had rains and flood-related damage.

Former Saudi official alleges prince forged king’s signature on Yemen war decree

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A former Saudi official has alleged that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged his father’s signature on the royal decree that launched the kingdom’s yearslong, stalemated war against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia has not commented on the allegations Saad al-Jabri first made without supporting evidence in a BBC interview published Monday. He later elaborated on them in a statement to The Associated Press. The kingdom has described him previously as “discredited.” The allegation comes as Prince Mohammed serves as the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia. The war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen has killed more than 150,000 people and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.