ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday with, including Sudan’s leader declaring Khartoum “free” after expelling the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), NATO confirming the deaths of four US soldiers in Lithuania, and an Israeli military commander resigning over the 2023 Hamas attack.

TOP STORIES

• Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader declares Khartoum ‘free’ after expelling RSF

Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Wednesday arrived at the presidential palace in the capital late Wednesday and declared Khartoum “free” after the expulsion of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary forces.

“It’s over. … Khartoum is free,” Al-Burhan, who is also the army’s commander, said at the presidential palace surrounded by dozens of soldiers, according to local media.

Earlier Wednesday, the Khartoum State Government’s official platform said on Facebook that Khartoum is free of RSF forces.

• NATO chief confirms death of 4 US soldiers who went missing in Lithuania

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday confirmed that four American soldiers who went missing during training in Lithuania on Tuesday have been killed.

"Whilst I was speaking, the news came out about four American soldiers who were killed in an incident in Lithuania," Rutte told reporters in Warsaw.

He added that the details of the incident, which he called "terrible news," are still unclear.

• Israeli army’s Gaza Division commander resigns over 2023 attack

The commander of the Northern Brigade of the Israeli army's Gaza Division has officially announced his resignation over failures during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Haim Cohen said that he takes responsibility for the brigade’s failures during the Oct. 7 attack, The Times of Israel reported.

“The results show I failed!!!” he wrote in his resignation letter.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Death toll from wildfires in South Korea rises to 26.

• NATO chief says global threats 'too great' for Europe, US to face alone.

• UN reports 142,000 displaced in Gaza in 1 week as humanitarian crisis worsens.

• France announces $2B in additional military aid to Ukraine.

• Hamas spokesman killed in Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza.

• Top Turkish, US diplomats discuss regional issues, emphasize engagement with Syrian government.

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says Russia trying to include additional conditions in Black Sea ceasefire deal.

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows legal action against economic ‘sabotage.’

• Israel’s attorney general approves probe of minister, Knesset members over storming of military base.

• Majority of Canadians support continued arms ban on Israel, arrest warrant for Netanyahu: Poll

• Trump orders immediate declassification of FBI’s 2016 Russia probe documents.

• US lawmakers, rights groups denounce detention of Turkish student over criticism of Israel

• Chinese drone traverses Earth’s deepest point in Mariana Trench.

• Kenya officially recognizes Kosovo’s independence: Kosovo's president.

• Trump halts green card processing for refugees, expands security screening.

• Probe finds South Korea violated human rights of adoptees after World War II, Korean War.

SPORTS

• Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano off the pitch with injuries

German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich announced Wednesday that international players Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano have suffered injuries.

According to a statement on the club's official website, French defender Upamecano is expected to miss several weeks with a left knee injury, while Davies' condition is much more serious.

• Turkish defense journalist, Pakistani military attache discuss initiatives to promote international military sports

Turkish journalist Ipek Ipek, owner of the A5 Defense Industry Magazine, met with Pakistan Armed Forces Attache Brig. Gen. Imran Noor to discuss initiatives aimed at promoting international military sports and enhancing defense diplomacy, the magazine said Wednesday in a statement.

The meeting focused on encouraging multinational military sports activities, strengthening ties among defense attaches, and fostering dialogue to support peace and cooperation through sports.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Trump signs order imposing 25% tariffs on imports of foreign cars, light trucks

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday imposing 25% tariffs on imports of foreign-made cars and light trucks as he continued his global import duty push.

As he has done repeatedly in similar announcements, Trump billed his latest initiative as an effort to bring wealth to the US, saying foreign nations "really ripped us off at levels that nobody's seen before. But that's not going to happen."

• US stocks end lower ahead of Trump’s announcement on auto tariffs

US stocks ended lower Wednesday ahead of an announcement by President Trump on new auto tariffs.

Trump later signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on imports of foreign-made cars and light trucks.

He had hinted Monday that the tariffs could arrive prior to April 2, the day his sweeping “reciprocal tariff” plan is set to begin.