Middle East

Lebanon building collapse kills 15, prompts neglect warnings

A fifth incident of structural collapse has occurred this winter, prompting concerns about oversight, after two blocks came down.

According to state media reports, the number of fatalities resulting from the collapse of two residential buildings in Tripoli, Lebanon, has increased to 15.

Emergency workers in red outfits standing at the site of collapsed buildings as an excavator is pictured in the background with a crowd of people gathered in and around piles of rubble, in Tripoli, Lebanon (08/02/26) — All residents have been accounted for but officials have warned other people could still be missing

Civil Defence director general Imad Khreiss confirmed that rescue efforts were successful in saving the lives of eight individuals.

The two buildings, which were adjacent to each other, had a total of 22 residents, although local municipal authorities cautioned that there may still be unaccounted individuals.

Video footage shared on social media platforms showed the moment of the collapse, where one side of the buildings gave way at the lower levels, followed by the near-simultaneous collapse of both structures.

This incident marks the fifth time a residential building has collapsed in Tripoli during the current winter season, underscoring the issues surrounding the maintenance and condition of older buildings in the city, which is considered one of Lebanon's most impoverished areas.

A massive cloud of dust and debris fills the air as the buildings collapse in on themselves, capturing the intense moment in footage.

Following the disaster, a sizable crowd assembled at the scene, surrounding the massive crater that now occupied the space where the buildings once stood.

According to Tripoli's mayor, Abdel Hamid Karimeh, the city has been plagued by prolonged neglect and disrepair.

Mayor Karimeh emphasized that the city's long-standing issues have put thousands of Tripoli's residents at risk, stating that the municipality's resources are insufficient to address the situation.

In the aftermath, the mayor submitted his resignation to the interior minister, characterizing Tripoli as a city beset by disaster.

According to President Joseph Aoun, the situation is being closely watched, and emergency responders nationwide have been urged to take action.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam characterized the building collapse as a severe humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the government's readiness to provide assistance.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that the government is equipped to offer alternative housing to residents of structures deemed unsafe, attributing the disaster to prolonged negligence.

This incident occurs after a recent evacuation of a nearby building due to structural damage and follows another fatal collapse two weeks prior, which resulted in the deaths of a father and daughter.

As Lebanon's second-largest city, Tripoli has experienced frequent building collapses, largely attributed to the country's economic struggles, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient regulatory oversight.

In a recent announcement, the leader of the Higher Relief Authority disclosed that over 100 structures in the city have been deemed in need of evacuation notices due to safety concerns.

According to authorities, a significant number of residential buildings in Lebanon were constructed without proper authorization or permits, particularly during the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990, while others have undergone unauthorized expansions, putting thousands of people in jeopardy, especially during the harsh winter season.

The national syndicate for property owners issued a statement attributing the building collapse to the Lebanese government's alleged failure to ensure citizen safety and housing security, describing it as a result of "gross negligence and inadequacies"; the syndicate is calling for a comprehensive national evaluation to identify buildings that are at risk of collapse.

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BBC reports from Tehran as Iran commemorates Islamic revolution anniversary

BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet has arrived in Iran, marking her first visit to the country since authorities suppressed widespread demonstrations against the government.

Iran's government has staged a display of strength to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, following a period of intense repression of anti-government demonstrations.

The BBC has gained access to Tehran for the first time since the authorities' crackdown on protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 6,490 people, according to estimates by human rights activists.

Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, observes that the capital's streets, adorned with festive decorations and filled with crowds of supporters, reflect the government's desired image of a unified nation, with Iranians demonstrating their allegiance to the Islamic Republic and its founding revolution.

Middle East

BBC reports from Tehran for the first time since the protest crackdown

In Iran, the aftermath of the government’s crackdown on protests remains a sensitive issue, with the effects of the unusually strong measures still being felt, according to Lyse Doucet, reporting from the country.

For the first time since a nationwide crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, a BBC team has entered Iran to report on the current situation.

As Iran commemorates the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, the streets of Tehran are adorned with festive decorations, yet the memory of the recent protests and the subsequent use of force by security personnel remains a sensitive issue.

According to human rights activists, the confirmed number of protester fatalities stands at a minimum of 6,400, although they caution that the actual death toll may ultimately be significantly higher.

Asia

Indonesia plans to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza

As part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the US in the previous year, this nation would become the first to take such action.

Indonesia is making preparations to deploy a contingent of up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza, marking the first such commitment under the second phase of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States towards the end of last year.

US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto at a signing ceremony for the new Board of Peace, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland (22 January 2026) — President Prabowo Subianto has argued that Indonesia should help to stabilise Gaza

According to General Maruli Simanjuntak, the army's chief of staff, training for these troops is already underway, with a focus on providing medical and engineering support in Gaza.

Indonesia has recently joined the Board of Peace initiated by President Donald Trump, an announcement that was made last month.

The United Nations Security Council has given Indonesia a mandate to establish an International Stabilization Force, tasked with securing border areas in Gaza and overseeing the demilitarization of the territory, including the disarmament of Hamas.

The Board of Peace, scheduled to convene for the first time in Washington on February 19, will also play a role in overseeing the establishment of a new technocratic government in Gaza and guiding post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

While the specifics of the Indonesian troop deployment, including timing and role, have yet to be finalized, it appears that President Prabowo Subianto is moving forward with the plan.

President Subianto's decision to participate in Trump's Board of Peace has drawn criticism from certain Islamic groups within Indonesia, where there is significant public discontent regarding the US role in Israel's military actions in Gaza.

President Subianto has countered that, as the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia has a responsibility to contribute to stabilizing Gaza, with the ultimate goal of achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan indicates that a location in southern Gaza, situated between Rafah and Khan Younis, has been designated for the Indonesian army to construct barracks that will accommodate several thousand troops.

Other Muslim countries, including Turkey and Pakistan, are considering troop deployments as well, but have emphasized that their roles would be limited to peacekeeping and would not involve participation in the planned disarmament of Hamas.

However, given Hamas's refusal to disarm as long as Israel maintains its presence in parts of Gaza, a lasting peace that an international force could support has yet to be achieved.