All news: Thursday 20 February 2025

2025 Uvira offensive

At least 22 people are killed when a boat carrying people attempting to escape Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo across Lake Edward towards Uganda capsizes. Eight survivors are found by the local civil society.

M23 campaign

The Congolese Army abandons their positions in Lubero, North Kivu, with reports that the deserting soldiers have looted a market and shops in town. The military has ordered the deserters to return to their posts within 12 hours or face criminal action.

Puntland counter-terrorism operations

Puntland security forces, with air support from the United Arab Emirates, launch a major offensive in the Cal Miskaad mountains, allegedly killing at least 44 IS–Somalia militants and seizing control of the areas of Dhasaq, Qurac, and Damdamle, in Bari Region, Puntland, Somalia.

2025 Catatumbo clashes

Four bombings and shooting attacks take place across different police facilities and toll areas in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander Department, Colombia, leaving one police officer injured. Authorities in Norte de Santander and Cúcuta declare a curfew across the city for the following day.

2025 Gaza war ceasefire

Hamas releases the bodies of Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz, who were all kidnapped from their homes in Nir Oz kibbutz, Israel, on October 7, 2023.

2025 Shabelle attacks

Al-Shabaab launches a coordinated attack on four Somali military bases in Middle Shabelle, Somalia, killing and wounding dozens of soldiers. Somali authorities say they repelled the attack, killing at least 130 militant fighters.

2025 Bat Yam bus bombings

Three empty buses explode in what is suspected as an attempted terrorist attack in Bat Yam, Israel. Devices planted on two other buses failed to detonate, according to police. No casualties are reported.

ATL Technologies CEO Bradford Brown is killed and one person is injured when a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter crashes into ice at the Ririe Reservoir near Ririe, Idaho. United States.

Seven people are injured in a gas explosion at The Whaler resort in Kaanapali, Hawaii, United States.

French military withdrawal from West Africa

The French military hands over control of their last military base in Ivory Coast to the country's military. French armed forces minister Sébastien Lecornu says that 80 French servicemembers will remain in the country to advise and train the Ivorian army.

2024 Indonesian local elections

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurates 961 regional heads, including governors, regents, and mayors, at the State Palace.

2025 United States federal mass layoffs

The United States Internal Revenue Service announces it will layoff over 6,000 jobs this week as part of department downsizing led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

Two women are killed in a stabbing attack at a shopping center in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. A 16-year-old boy is arrested.

The identity of Cleo is revealed to be Vladimir Reshetnikov, an Uzbek software developer, after a decade of mystery.

2025 4 Nations Face-Off

Amidst heightened tensions between the two nations, the Canadian men's ice hockey team defeats the United States team 3–2 in overtime in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, with Connor McDavid scoring the winning goal.