SOMALIA: A suicide bomber in Mogadishu today targeted young recruits waiting to register at a military camp, killing at least 13 and wounding 21 others.

The capital has faced repeated attacks by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, which has waged a deadly insurgency for more than a decade. 

The group frequently targets military and government institutions in its campaign to impose a strict version of Islamic law.

PORTUGAL: Voters returned to the polls today in the country’s third general election in as many years, as deep divisions persist over immigration, housing and the cost-of-living crisis.

Polls indicated that the centre-right Democratic Alliance held a slight lead over the ruling Socialists, but was unlikely to secure a majority in the 230-seat National Assembly, indicating a minority government as the most likely outcome. 

Official results were expected after the Morning Star went to press.

INDIA: At least 17 people were killed and several injured in a fire that broke out at a building near the historic Charminar monument in Hyderabad, officials said today.

Local media reported that several victims were found unconscious and rushed to nearby hospitals. 

Federal minister and ruling Indian People’s Party leader G Kishan Reddy said that the accident happened ”due to a short circuit” in the building that had one exit.

US: Two people were killed and at least 19 injured when a Mexican Navy training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

The tall ship Cuauhtemoc, carrying 277 people, reportedly lost power while approaching the bridge on Saturday. 

Police said the vessel’s towering masts clipped the bridge as the captain attempted to navigate underneath.