Multiple explosions shake a mosque in an Indonesian high school and injure 54

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian authorities have identified a 17-year-old boy as the suspect in a mosque attack at a Jakarta high school. The explosions during Friday prayers injured at least 54 people, mostly students. Witnesses reported hearing two blasts at SMA 72, a school in a navy compound. Police found a toy submachine gun with white supremacist slogans but dismissed terror attack speculation. The suspect and another student are undergoing surgery. Investigators are exploring motives, including bullying. Most victims suffered burns and injuries from flying glass. Authorities urge calm, confirming security is under control.

European Union vessel reaches ship raided by pirates off Somalia; all 24 crew on board safe

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A European Union naval force on Friday reached a Malta-flagged tanker earlier attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia, finding all its 24 mariners safe after an assault that raised renewed fears about piracy in the region. The seizure of the Hellas Aphrodite, carrying a load of gasoline from India to South Africa, ended as the ESPS Victoria came alongside the vessel. Special forces from the Spanish frigate boarded the tanker and released the 24 crew members who had locked themselves inside the ship’s citadel when the attack began Thursday, said the EU’s Operation Atalanta, an anti-piracy coalition. Operation Atalanta said “an early show of force” by the Victoria encouraged the pirates to flee the vessel, without elaborating. The operation included a helicopter, a drone and another aircraft alongside the frigate.

China seeks to project power far beyond its coast with the new Fujian aircraft carrier

BANGKOK (AP) — China has commissioned its latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, after extensive sea trials. This marks a significant step in expanding its naval power beyond its own waters. The Fujian is China’s third carrier and the first designed and built domestically. Chinese state media reported Friday that it was commissioned Wednesday at a naval base on Hainan island. Experts say this move helps China close the gap with the U.S. Navy. The Fujian features advanced electromagnetic launch systems, allowing it to deploy a wider range of aircraft. However, China’s carriers are conventionally powered, limiting their range compared to the U.S.’s nuclear-powered fleet.

Pakistan says peace talks with Afghanistan are deadlocked despite mediation

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Pakistan’s Information Minister says ongoing talks with Afghanistan in Istanbul have hit a deadlock despite the mediation of Turkey and Qatari officials. Friday’s statement by Attaullah Tarar comes hours after an Afghan official said four Afghan civilians were killed and five others wounded in an overnight clash between Pakistani and Afghan forces along their shared border. Kabul has not commented on Pakistan’s claim. Tarar said the Afghan Taliban has failed to honor the pledges it made under the 2021 Doha peace accord about curbing terrorism.