Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

Global Unrest: AI Ambitions in Saudi Arabia, Gaza Conflicts, Chad Attacks, and Tragic Incidents in Austria and South Africa

Saudi Arabia advances in AI education with new program; regional conflicts escalate with tensions in Gaza and tragic incidents in Chad and Austria.
Starting with developments in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step towards bolstering its expertise in artificial intelligence by launching the Advanced Pathways Program, training 500 specialists in collaboration with prestigious institutions like DeepLearning.AI and Stanford University, reflecting its ambition to lead in AI-driven economies.

Meanwhile, the situation remains tense in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have captured the Kamal Adwan hospital amidst their intensified offensive, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict and highlighting severe civilian struggles with shortages and casualties.

Compounding this dire scenario, aid workers have raised alarms over grave violations of international humanitarian law in this Middle East conflict, underscoring the dangers faced by health workers after the October 7 attacks, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

Shifting to Africa, a tragic military-related incident in Chad saw 40 soldiers killed during an attack in the volatile Lake region, with President Mahamat Idriss Deby launching a pursuit to uncover those responsible, as the area remains vulnerable to threats such as Boko Haram.

In Europe, Austrian authorities are on the hunt for a suspected gunman after a double shooting in Upper Austria's Muehlviertel area left two people dead, with reports suggesting one of the victims might have been a local mayor, further raising community concerns.

Lastly, a heartbreaking event in South Africa's Soweto township has led to the death of six children due to pesticide-laced snacks, intensifying the call for stricter food safety measures, as officials probe into how such a hazardous chemical entered the local food supply.
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