All news: Tuesday 20 May 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An attack in Mexico City, Mexico, kills two of mayor Clara Brugada's top aides.

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.

Execution of Matthew Lee Johnson for the murder of Nancy Harris in addition with his criminal history and bad acts.

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.

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.