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Security in Europe
War scenario: Russia could take over Lithuanian city

A war scenario simulated by the German newspaper Die Welt, in collaboration with 16 security experts from NATO, has sparked major discussions in the European security community. The Wall Street Journal reports.

In the scenario, which takes place in October 2026, Russia uses an alleged humanitarian crisis in Kaliningrad as a pretext to take over the southern Lithuanian city of Marijampole with around 15,000 soldiers.

In the simulation, the humanitarian pretext was enough for the US not to activate NATO's Article 5. Germany wanted to and Poland mobilized, but without sending troops. The German brigade in Lithuania was hindered by mines deployed by Russian drones.

Without American intervention, the Russians could destroy NATO's credibility in just a few days in the scenario.

– The Russians achieved most of their goals without even moving many of their units, says Polish security analyst Bartlomiej Kot.

Greenland crisis  US threats
Two new consulates in Greenland: “A victory”

Today, Canada and France are each opening a new consulate in Greenland. The maneuver is seen as a way to show support for Greenland after threats from the US and Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.

– In a way, it is a victory for the Greenlanders to see two allies open diplomatic representations in Nuuk, says Jeppe Strandsbjerg, a political scientist at the University of Greenland, to the AFP news agency.

Attending Friday’s ceremonies will be, among others, Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Denmark’s Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

US attack on Venezuela  New government
Two dead in new attack on alleged drug boat

Two people have been killed in a new US attack on a boat allegedly used for drug smuggling to the US. The US military said on X.

It is believed to be one of the first times the US has carried out a similar attack since the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January.

The attack is said to have been carried out in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

A video clip shared by the US Southern Command on X shows the boat exploding and then catching fire.

In total, around 100 people have been killed in US attacks on the alleged "drug boats".

Over 30 people dead in suicide attack in Pakistan

At least 30 people are reported to have died in an explosion in a mosque in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, local authorities say according to AFP. The death toll is expected to rise, according to a police source.

Over 169 people are said to have been injured, according to local authorities.

Police in Islamabad say the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber who blew himself up at the entrance to the mosque.

No group has claimed responsibility.