Giant dragon lanterns light up Buddhist temple in Malaysia
Jenjarom (Malaysia) (AFP) – Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen temple in Malaysia is lighting up lanterns for the approaching Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10.

Jenjarom (Malaysia) (AFP) – Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen temple in Malaysia is lighting up lanterns for the approaching Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10.

Stockholm (AFP) – “We will have to be ready to act, defend and support Ukraine whatever the US decision will be,” says French president Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to Sweden, referring to the 2024 US presidential election. “There is no more framework and architecture of security in our continent if this is a Russian victory,” he adds.

Beijing (AFP) – China warns against a “cycle of retaliation” in the Middle East after the United States vowed to respond to a drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three American troops, which it blames on Iran-backed militants. The casualties — the first US military deaths in an attack in the region since the Israel-Hamas war began — raised fears of an escalating conflict, as fighting rages in Gaza.

Abidjan (AFP) – Fans in Abidjan celebrate their country’s stunning victory over Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties. The Elephants — the national football team’s nickname — will now play in the quarter-finals, hoping to win the title currently disputed on their home soil.

Janjanbureh (Gambia) (AFP) – In Janjanbureh, eastern Gambia, the annual Kankurang festival celebrates a mythical figure from the Mandinka people. For three days, hundreds attend parades and performances to help preserve an age-old tradition that is in danger of disappearing.

Strasbourg (France) (AFP) – He spent the night on a tractor blocking a motorway in the French city of Strasbourg, before returning to feed his ewes and tend to his farm: at 35, Felix Meyer is taking part in his first major protest. Throughout the country, thousands of farmers have been staging protests for over a week, denouncing low incomes, red tape and environmental policies believed to undermine their ability to compete with other countries.

Los Alerces Natural Park (Argentina) (AFP) – Fire spreads through Argentina’s Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where raging flames have consumed more than 600 hectares. The fire was the result of arson, according to officials.

Taipei (AFP) – Shoppers throng Taipei as people look to see in the Lunar New Year with festivities and traditional food.

Hong Kong (AFP) – Hong Kong will create its own national security law “as soon as possible”, city leader John Lee said Tuesday, adding insurrection and other crimes not covered by existing legislation imposed by Beijing four years ago.

Bogotá (AFP) – Authorities in Colombia have seized 130 poisonous frogs being trafficked through the Bogota airport and have arrested the Brazilian woman carrying them.
