The United States announces that it will withdraw all remaining military troops from Syria, formally ending its 12-year military presence in the country.
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February 18, 2026 (Wednesday)
1.4 minutes to read
Armed conflicts and attacks
A security officer is killed and another is injured in an attack by the Islamic State in Raghib, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria.
Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet claims that Thai forces are occupying Cambodian territory beyond Thailand's claimed territory.
Four people are killed and two others are injured in a drive-by shooting outside of a school in Guayaquil, Guayas Province, Ecuador.
The state-run Myanmar Alin newspaper reports that Bo Nagar, leader of the anti-government Burma National Revolutionary Army, surrendered to the Burmese military after clashes with other rebel groups.
Business and economy
American e-commerce company eBay announces it will acquire Depop from Etsy for $1.2 billion, merging two of the largest secondhand e-commerce platforms in the world.
Disasters and accidents
A gas explosion at a lead mine in Bashar, Plateau State, Nigeria, kills at least 38 miners working underground and injures 27 others.
International relations
Poland bans all Chinese-made vehicles from entering its military sites, citing data security concerns regarding onboard sensors.
Law and crime
Australia issues a temporary exclusion order barring one citizen held in a Syrian detention camp from returning to the country under counter-terrorism legislation, citing the citizen's possible links to Islamic State members.
Politics and elections
Sanae Takaichi is re-appointed Prime Minister of Japan by the House of Representatives after winning the legislative election.
Following two rounds of voting, JosĂ© MarĂa Balcázar succeeds the removed JosĂ© JerĂ as interim President of Peru.
Science and technology
Gabon indefinitely suspends access to social media platforms YouTube and TikTok citing concerns they undermine social cohesion and threaten national security.
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