European defense ministers agree to press on with ‘drone wall’ project

BRUSSELS (AP) — European defense ministers have agreed to develop a “drone wall” along their borders with Russia and Ukraine to better detect, track and intercept drones violating Europe’s airspace. The decision comes after a spate of incidents in which Europe’s borders and airports have been tested by rogue drones. EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius chaired Friday a virtual meeting of 10 countries on Europe’s eastern flank. Ukrainian and NATO officials also took part. He said that “Russia is testing the EU and NATO, and our response must be firm, united and immediate.” Russia has denied allegations that it’s involved. Kubilius says the drone shield could take a year to build.

UN adds 68 companies to blacklist for alleged complicity in rights violations

GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations has added nearly 70 more companies to a blacklist of companies from 11 countries that it says are complicit in violating Palestinian human rights through their business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The new list spotlights companies that do business that’s deemed supportive of the settlements, which are considered by many to be illegal under international law. The list, formally known as a “database of companies,” now contains 158 companies, the vast majority Israeli. The others are from Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

Israeli strikes on Yemen’s capital kill at least 9 people and injure scores, Houthi rebels say

ADEN, Yemen (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels say that Israeli strikes on Yemen’s capital the previous afternoon killed at least nine people and injured scores in Sanaa. Thursday’s strikes came a day after a drone launched by the Houthis wounded 22 people in the southern Israeli city of Eilat, a rare breach of Israel’s air defenses. According to the health ministry in the Houthi-controlled northern half of Yemen, which includes Sanaa, four children, two women and three older people were among the dead. The Israeli military said it carried out strikes in Yemen, with dozens of aircraft targeting Houthi military command headquarters, military camps and security and intelligence facilities.

UK says it will introduce digital ID cards, reviving a contentious idea

LONDON (AP) — The UK government has announced that British citizens and permanent residents must have a digital ID card to work. This plan aims to reduce unauthorized immigration by making it harder for people to work illegally. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says it will also simplify access to public services. The UK hasn’t had compulsory ID cards since shortly after World War II, and the idea has been controversial. Critics argue it infringes on personal liberty. The government plans to hold a public consultation to finalize details. The move is part of efforts to tackle illegal immigration across the English Channel.