PAKISTAN: More than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled the Tirah region in north-western Pakistan amid fears of a possible military operation against the Pakistani Taliban, residents and officials said today. 

Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif denied any planned operation, saying harsh winter weather was driving the displacement. 

The military said it would continue intelligence-led operations against militants, as residents warned of shelling and growing insecurity.

UNITED NATIONS: The first refugee head of the UNHCR has warned the world is facing a “very difficult moment” as funding collapses and pressure on migrants intensifies. 

High Commissioner Barham Salih said the UN refugee agency had lost more than $1 billion (£725.5 million) in US support while forced displacement has reached 117 million globally. 

He urged governments to uphold the 1951 refugee convention and appeal to shared humanity despite tightening asylum policies.

COUP PLOT: Nigerian military authorities said several officers will stand trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, following an internal investigation. 

At least 16 officers were arrested in October, though officials did not say how many will face prosecution or release their names. 

The case comes amid heightened concern over military coups in west and central Africa and growing domestic hardship in Nigeria.

PHILIPPINES: Judges at the International Criminal Court ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs. 

Medical experts found the 80-year-old capable of participating in proceedings, rejecting defence claims of frailty. 

Rights groups welcomed the decision as a step toward accountability for killings that human rights groups say claimed tens of thousands of lives.