A fire broke out at a foster care facility near Algeria's capital on Thursday morning, killing 11 people including children and injuring 19 others. Rescuers and police responded to the scene as authorities investigate the cause of the blaze.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage began with star performances from football's biggest names: Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0, Kylian Mbappé netted twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, and Erling Haaland scored two goals on his World Cup debut as Norway beat Iraq 4-1.
Tuareg separatists and jihadist forces captured the key Tessalit military stronghold in northern Mali, marking a significant defeat for Mali's army and Russian mercenary allies as coordinated attacks intensify across the country.
Pope Leo XIV embarked on the first-ever papal trip to Algeria, calling for forgiveness in a speech paying tribute to victims of the country's war of independence from France. The visit marks the opening of an 11-day, four-nation African tour.
