Tuesday, May 20, 2025
17 stories, grouped by subject, the most important first
Conflict
Puntland counter-terrorism operations
Puntland authorities confirm the killing of Ahmed Muse Said, a senior leader of the Islamic State in Somalia who led the recruitment of members from local clans, during a security operation in the Togga Miiraale area of the Bari Region, Puntland.
2025 Mogadishu military base bombing
Al-Shabaab claims at least six rounds of mortar fire caused damage to properties in the Aden Adde International Airport area of Somalia's capital Mogadishu, which includes the Halane base camp. The facility houses United Nations offices, African Union personnel, and diplomatic missions.
2025 Shabelle offensive
An Al-Shabaab mortar attack kills three Somali army personnel in Hiilweyne military barracks near Bal'ad in Middle Shabelle, Somalia.
Battle of Khartoum
The Sudanese Armed Forces announces full control of Khartoum State following the withdrawal of the last remaining Rapid Support Forces units from the region.
Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip
Israeli strikes kill at least 85 Palestinians in Gaza.
Mexican drug war
Seven people are killed, including minors, in a mass shooting by Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel gunmen in San Felipe, Guanajuato, Mexico.
World
European Union–Russia relations
The European Council adopts a 17th sanctions package against Russia, including 189 additional vessels of Russia's shadow fleet.
Israel–United Kingdom relations
The United Kingdom suspends negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel and summons the Israeli ambassador amid the recent Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Politics
2025 Australian federal election
The federal wing of the National Party leaves the Liberal-National Coalition for the first time since 1987, citing poor performance in the recent federal election and growing policy differences.
2025 Bolivian general election
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales fails to secure his candidacy for the presidential election as the deadline expires amid a court's decision to uphold his ban to run for a fourth term. Morales announces he will appeal the decision.
Crime & Justice
2025 New Orleans jailbreak
A fifth escapee is captured in New Orleans following the largest jailbreak in United States history. Five escapees remain at large.
Justice
An attack in Mexico City, Mexico, kills two of mayor Clara Brugada's top aides.
Justice
Three students are injured in a mass stabbing attack at a school in Pirkkala, Pirkanmaa, Finland. The suspect, a 16-year-old, released a manifesto saying his target was women.
Justice
Execution of Matthew Lee Johnson for the murder of Nancy Harris in addition with his criminal history and bad acts.
Disasters
Disasters
Four people are killed and two others are reported missing amid power outages and widespread damage from flooding in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Culture
International Booker Prize
Indian author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi win the 2025 International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp, a collection of short stories.
Sport
Sport
Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and 143,000 players draw in an online freestyle chess match on Chess.com lasting 46 days. The game sets a new record with the biggest number of opponents.
Stories adapted from Wikipedia’s Current events portal for May 20, 2025, by Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0.