Nigeria and U.S. forces announce they killed over 20 Islamic State group militants in weekend offensive (LINK) — ground.news: 53 media reports (LINK) — 19 May 2026

US: Trump administration unveils $1.7bn fund to compensate his allies who allege they were unfairly investigated by the Biden administration as he drops tax lawsuit (LINK) — 18 May 2026

— BBC: Democrats criticised the settlement as a "slush fund" paid out of taxpayer money for Trump and his cronies from a federal agency overseen by him. The lawsuit's plaintiffs, which include Trump's elder sons and the Trump Organization, will receive an apology, but no monetary compensation, the department said.

Trump drops 'unprecedented' $10 billion lawsuit against IRS over leaked tax records (LINK) — 18 May 2026

Trump says attack on Iran held off upon Gulf states' request (LINK) — 18 May 2026

Iran says it responded to 'excessive' US proposal, after Trump warns 'clock ticking' (LINK) — 18 May 2026

Israel says it killed the leader of Hamas' military wing, one of the architects of Oct. 7 attacks, in Gaza City air strike on 15 May (LINK) — ground.news: 346 media reports (LINK) — 18 May 2026

— Known as the 'Ghost of al-Qassam', Haddad assumed leadership of the militant group's military wing after his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar, was killed. Mohammed Deif, the longtime commander of Hamas's armed wing and considered an architect of the attack, was also killed during the war.

Netanyahu says Israel 'very close' to eliminating Oct 7 attack masterminds — (LINK)

Bessent grants a 30-day extension for Russian oil in tankers as Iran war squeezes supply (LINK) — ground.news: 101 media reports (LINK) — 18 May 2026

Strategists see European oil shortages within weeks as inventories are depleted (LINK) — 18 May 2026

Israeli law for execution of Palestinian prisoners of terror-related murders against Israelis goes into force in West Bank (New Arab: LINK) — ground.news: media reports (LINK) — 17 May 2026

— The Knesset passed legislation on March 30, 2026, with 62 lawmakers in favour and 48 against, allowing military courts to impose capital punishment for terrorism-motivated killings while removing pardon authority.

Global scramble to contain new Ebola outbreak as US looks to relocate 'small number' of citizens affected (LINK) — 18 May 2026

Three adults killed and two teen suspects dead in shooting at San Diego Islamic Center, police say (LINK) — ground.news: 305 media reports (LINK) — 18 May 2026

— The teenagers, 17 and 19, were found dead in a vehicle nearby of gunshot wounds that appeared to be self-inflicted. A security guard who was killed apparently helped prevent deaths.Police said the guard "played a pivotal role in assisting from this being much worse."