Ghana announced that Russia has promised to cease the illegal recruitment of Ghanaian citizens to fight for Moscow in Ukraine, following reports of 62 deaths and 15 missing Ghanaians.
Mercenaries from 45 countries reportedly fought primarily on the Croatian side during the 1990s Bosnian War, with some committing crimes, including 13 Austrian citizens.
Russian paramilitary companies reportedly set a record for flights in three key partner countries in West Africa's Sahel region in 2025 and the first half of 2026, with the highest number of takeoffs and landings.
Russia has officially denied allegations that it is recruiting mercenaries from Colombia to fight in the war against Ukraine. This denial comes after reports and accusations surfaced regarding the involvement of Colombian nationals.
An exclusive report details the harrowing experiences of child soldiers in Sudan's conflict and highlights the alleged presence of Colombian mercenaries.
The United Nations has uncovered evidence of secret flights, utilizing Boeing aircraft, that transported weapons and mercenaries for a Sudanese paramilitary group.
Ukrainian President Zelensky is reportedly considering changes to military leadership, including the potential dismissal of General Syrsky, following public protests in Ukraine. These developments come as Ukraine continues its long-range sanctions plan and faces drone attacks on Russian targets.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Wagner mercenaries have established a drug empire in Africa. The Russian private military group is reportedly involved in drug cartel activities on the continent.
Ukrainian military intelligence intercepted a conversation revealing Russia's ongoing efforts to recruit foreign mercenaries for the war against Ukraine, with one report mentioning two Bangladeshi mercenaries.
A mother is campaigning for the return of her daughter, who was kidnapped over a decade ago in Amsterdam by her ex-military father and has since been living freely in India. Diplomatic efforts are being renewed to reunite the family.
The Kenyan government plans to table documents in Parliament asking Members of Parliament to ratify treaties aimed at banning the recruitment of Kenyans as mercenaries.
Latin American mercenaries, initially Colombians coordinated by the UAE in 2024, are now fighting with Sudan's paramilitaries, with the network expanding to include contractors from countries like El Salvador.
A new data leak reveals details about Russia's 'shadow fleet' of at least 700 oil tankers, which are reportedly guarded by mercenaries and spies in the Baltic and North Seas to circumvent European sanctions.
Analyst Shpend Gashi has revealed messages suggesting that the Democratic Party plans to use mercenaries to disrupt ongoing youth protests in Albania, while also accusing the government of pressuring the administration.
Russia is reportedly deploying veterans from private military companies to protect its sanctioned 'shadow fleet' of tankers, with international media now revealing their identities.
Mercenaries, tricked into a 'job interview' by a journalist posing as a shipping company representative, disclosed how Russian tankers are protected from Western intervention.
A rights group has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of serving as a transit point for mercenaries en route to Sudan. The accusation raises concerns about the UAE's role in regional conflicts and the movement of armed groups.
Human Rights Watch has accused the United Arab Emirates of financing and training Colombian mercenaries to participate in the civil war in Sudan. Reports indicate that these Colombian fighters were sent to Sudan after receiving training in the UAE.
The Russian 'Africa Corps' has reportedly retreated from Kidal, Mali, following rebel attacks, impacting Russia's reputation and its security cooperation with the Malian regime.
Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War met with African media representatives to inform them about foreign mercenaries fighting on Russia's side.
New information has emerged regarding three alleged "Škaljari" mercenaries arrested in Montenegro this week, indicating they had planned an assassination of a prominent member of the rival "Kavač" criminal group.
The European Commission has proposed new initiatives aimed at simplifying cross-border train bookings and enhancing passenger rights across Europe. These measures seek to make train travel more accessible and convenient for journeys involving multiple countries and operators.
Capcom has launched a new roguelike minigame for Resident Evil Requiem, featuring fresh challenges for Leon S. Kennedy, instead of the anticipated Mercenaries mode.
Iran's judiciary has vowed to take action against individuals it labels as 'enemy's mercenaries,' intensifying executions and confiscation of assets, citing national security concerns.
Russia is reportedly preparing a large-scale recruitment effort to enlist nearly 20,000 foreign mercenaries for its ongoing war in Ukraine. The initiative aims to bolster its forces in the conflict.
Rebels in Mali have successfully retaken a key desert town, reportedly pushing out Russian-backed mercenaries. This event marks a setback for Russia's influence and Mali's military strategy.
The Conflict Insights Group (CIG) claims Colombian mercenaries are partly responsible for the massacre around the Sudanese city of Al-Fasher, where an estimated 6,000 people were killed last autumn.
A BBC report reveals that a network of Colombian mercenaries, funded by the United Arab Emirates, provided crucial support to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary, enabling them to capture
Russia is reportedly leveraging TikTok for propaganda to attract mercenaries from other countries, a strategy described by experts as pushing people into a 'death zone'.
The Philippine National Police is investigating claims that human trafficking syndicates are forcing Filipino workers to serve in foreign military forces.
Greek police are reportedly using masked migrants, recruited as mercenaries since at least 2020, to forcibly push other migrants back across the border, according to a BBC investigation.
Yonsei University and Korea University face allegations of manipulating global university rankings by recruiting 'academic mercenaries,' prompting the QS ranking agency to consider an investigation.
A special task force reported that thousands of Colombian mercenaries have been recruited to fight in various armed conflicts worldwide over the past decade, often enduring "inhumane conditions."
Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the arrest of ten individuals described as "foreign spies" and "mercenaries" in the Khorasan Razavi province. The intelligence agency stated that these individuals have been identified and apprehended.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has reportedly detained more than 80 individuals, including alleged 'spies, internal mercenaries, agents of Israel and the US,' and an unidentified foreign national.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that Haitian security forces and mercenaries have killed at least 1,243 people, including 17 children, with drone attacks over the past year.
The Russian State Duma has passed a law aimed at protecting foreign nationals serving in its military from extradition to their home countries, a move seen as a further incentive to attract mercenaries.
More than 1,780 mercenaries from 36 African countries are fighting against Ukraine in the Russian army, recruited by Russia through fraudulent schemes.
Milorad Vučković, a farmer from Brnjica village, speaks from a blockade in Bare, on the Kragujevac - Gornji Milanovac road, asserting that farmers are not traitors or mercenaries but suffering individuals.
Following Adeleke's re-election in the Osun State poll, various groups and individuals, including the NGF and ADC candidate, offered congratulations, while Yiaga Africa commended voters and called for BVAS improvements. The outcome also sparked political analysis regarding future elections.
Reports of wealthy 'sniper tourists' during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s are unproven, while the killings by right-wing extremist foreign mercenaries are well-documented, highlighting historical revisionism.
Peru has for the first time announced the deaths of its citizens who were fighting as mercenaries on the Russian side in the war against Ukraine, according to the Spanish news agency EFE. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 459 Peruvian citizens had joined the conflict.
The United Nations has revealed a covert network of flights, mercenaries, and drones operating out of Chad, taking deliberate steps to avoid detection, and actively fueling the conflict in Sudan.
The Kremlin is reportedly recruiting mercenaries worldwide, from Peru to Kenya, to fight in Ukraine, as Russia faces a shortage of willing combatants domestically.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Wagner Group mercenaries remaining in the Central African Republic have established a drug empire centered around the smuggling and sale of tramadol.
Ukraine's presidential office and defense ministry have announced a long-awaited military reform, including an ambitious plan to recruit foreign mercenaries, with a 'Bolívar battalion' of South Americans already fighting.
The daughter of Tahir Sinani, a Kosovo war martyr, reacted strongly to Taulant Balla's post, which included her father in a list of UÇK mercenaries, calling it a grave humiliation.
Various articles are offering commentary on the roles of 'fans and mercenaries' in sports. These pieces likely discuss the dedication of supporters versus the professional motivations of players.
An analysis explores the profound impact of the ongoing war on Russian society, highlighting the experiences of mercenaries, heroes, and deserters, and how these roles are perceived at home.
A new BBC documentary will follow the case of individuals convicted under the UK's National Security Act for burning a Ukrainian business on behalf of Russian mercenaries.
A new report indicates that ships belonging to Russia's 'shadow fleet,' some reportedly carrying Wagner Group soldiers and other Russian mercenaries, are regularly passing through Danish waters.
A leading international rights organization has accused the United Arab Emirates of serving as a key recruitment and transit hub for foreign mercenaries, allegedly deploying them to Sudan to support a paramilitary group.
Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have accused the United Arab Emirates of financing, training, and acting as a transit point for mercenaries, including Colombians, involved in the civil war in Sudan. The UAE has denied any involvement and stated it is investigating the alleged links.
Uyghur mercenaries, motivated by a desire to avenge their families in China, became valuable fighting partners for Syrian rebels, contributing to the new Syrian president's ultimate victory in the civil war.
Rebels in northern Mali shot down a Russian-made Shahed-136 attack drone (Garpiya-A1) on May 18, which was reportedly used by mercenaries linked to Russia and contained Chinese and other foreign-made electronic components.
An analysis of sniper terrorism in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War suggests that right-wing mercenaries were more likely involved than paid foreign hunters, examining the evidence and motives.
Mali's armed forces, backed by Russian mercenaries, have launched airstrikes targeting a rebel alliance of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists in the junta's ongoing fight to maintain power.
An international police operation led to the arrest of three alleged mercenaries of the "Škaljari clan" in Montenegro and one in Italy, found in safe houses in Podgorica.
A growing number of men across Africa report being promised jobs in Russia, only to be unwittingly forced into fighting in the war in Ukraine, with some going as mercenaries and many more drawn under false pretenses.
A video has emerged depicting a heavy firefight in Mali, raising questions about the reputations of the Malian junta and Russian mercenaries operating in the region.
The United Nations has imposed sanctions on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, the brother of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, and several Colombian mercenaries. These sanctions target individuals involved in destabilizing the region.
Russian mercenaries have confirmed their withdrawal from the strategic northern Mali city of Kidal following intense attacks by Tuareg rebels. This retreat marks a significant setback for Mali's junta and its Russian allies, with rebels now controlling the key stronghold.
A new report, based on phone tracking data, has revealed the involvement of Colombian mercenaries in supporting Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The findings detail how these foreign fighters provided backing to the Sudanese paramilitary group.
Iran has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, with its Revolutionary Guard threatening to fire on any approaching ships, leading to a significant drop in traffic due to security fears. The US has warned against "blackmail" and reportedly plans to seize Iran-linked vessels.
The Greek state and Prime Minister claim ignorance regarding a serious issue concerning human rights and international legality, as the government is accused of hiring migrant mercenaries for illegal pushbacks.
Reports indicate that Greek police have been recruiting mercenaries since at least 2020 to use masked migrants for forcibly pushing other migrants back across the border, constituting illegal 'pushbacks'.
Former Romanian national team coach Mircea Lucescu, 80, who suffered an acute myocardial infarction, is reported to be stable, conscious, and cooperative with medical staff at the University Hospital.
Mizoram is facing security concerns due to foreign nationals crossing into Myanmar, prompting increased police vigilance amid reports of potential mercenaries and rising geopolitical tensions.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has drawn strong reactions and criticism after comparing students to 'Taliban,' following previous labels such as 'terrorists,' 'destroyers of Serbia,' 'thugs,' and 'foreign mercenaries.' This latest comparison has intensified public debate and condemnation.
US says its firepower will ‘surge dramatically’ and IDF warns of ‘surprises ahead’, as Iran launches retaliatory strikes
Middle East crisis – live updates
Israel and the US have bombarded Iran and…
Russian personnel with mercenary and security agent experience have been identified among the crews of the secret 'ghost fleet' transporting Russian oil.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that over 1,780 mercenaries from 36 African countries are fighting for Russia against Ukraine, recruited through deceptive schemes.
Former Wagner Group members are reportedly serving as security agents on ships belonging to Russia's 'ghost fleet,' as revealed in a French court case.
Serbian farmers are escalating their protests with 'total blockades' of roads, stating they are 'suffering Serbian souls, not foreign mercenaries' and expecting a large turnout.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian security forces successfully prevented multiple planned attacks on prominent figures in the country, attributing the plots to Russian mercenaries.
New findings from a Financial Times investigation shed light on the activities of hundreds of former Colombian military personnel in the Sudan war, including allegations of training in the UAE and transfers via Libya and Somalia.
Colombian drug traffickers are reportedly sending mercenaries to Ukraine to learn how to operate drones, according to the Financial Times. This comes as the new Colombian president vows to renew military campaigns against armed groups.
UN experts have uncovered secret flights involving Boeing 727 aircraft linked to a US supplier, allegedly transporting mercenaries, weapons, and drones to the accused RSF forces in Sudan.
Security experts Tomasz Safjański and Bernard Wiśniewski discuss acts of sabotage, stating that Russia aims to create a sense of insecurity, with saboteurs often being mercenaries recruited online.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Wagner mercenaries who remained in the Central African Republic have established a drug empire, focusing on the smuggling and sale of tramadol.
A convoy comprising Malian soldiers and fighters from the Russian paramilitary 'Africa Corps' came under attack in northern Mali. Separatist forces claimed responsibility for the assault, which targeted reinforcements heading to a besieged military camp.
Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda affiliates have reportedly secured control of the key town of Anéfis in northern Mali following a coordinated offensive, with the Malian army and Russian mercenaries reportedly holed up.
The Wagner Group, Russian mercenaries operating in Mali, are accused of fleeing without a fight and brutally massacring civilians during their retreat, following two coups in the early 2020s that saw the military junta invite them after expelling French forces.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó reportedly called Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the Wagner mercenary group's mutiny to inquire about his well-being. This interaction highlights the close diplomatic ties between Hungary and Russia amidst a period of internal Russian instability.
Deutsche Welle reports that Russian society has become intertwined with war, examining how it affects individuals, including those who profit, those who are celebrated, and those who seek to escape.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is characterized by the presence of mercenaries and high-profile defections from the RSF militia to the Sudanese Armed Forces, with human rights organizations accusing the UAE of supporting the RSF.
Members of the Wagner mercenary group are reportedly involved in protecting Russia's 'shadow fleet' in the English Channel, according to reports citing The Independent.
Reports indicate that mercenaries from the Wagner Group are providing security for Russia's 'shadow fleet' ships. These vessels are reportedly operating outside conventional maritime regulations, and the presence of Wagner personnel suggests a heightened level of protection.
The withdrawal of Russian mercenaries from northern Mali has brought renewed attention to Moscow's engagement on the African continent. Despite being presented as anti-Western saviors, the overall impact of Russia's presence in Africa remains underwhelming.
An Abu Dhabi-based security company is reportedly recruiting Colombian mercenaries who are then deployed to Sudan to assist paramilitary organizations in the ongoing civil war.
Following a peaceful student gathering in Slavija, violence broke out, with some sources attributing the unrest to regime-paid mercenaries and security services. Investigations are underway to determine responsibility for the clashes.
A Russian Shahed-136 drone, reportedly containing European microchips and used to support mercenaries in the Sahel, was shot down in Mali for the first time.
Alarmist messages about a supposed military escalation in Transnistria, including mentions of a 'Transnistrian front,' 'British mercenaries,' and 'nuclear war,' have been amplified on Telegram and YouTube in Moldova. These narratives are being recycled to manipulate the information space, particularly in Russian-speaking areas.
Montenegrin special police and security services, with ANB assistance, arrested Marković, Rečković, Muminović, and others, preventing planned actions by the Kavač clan mercenaries.
Three individuals, Arjan Rečković, Tarik Muminović, and Miloš Marković, have been arrested on international warrants for serious criminal offenses, allegedly as mercenaries.
Akram Mia from Bangladesh sought opportunity abroad but ended up as a soldier on the front lines, having been deceived by employment agencies. This method of recruitment for Russia's military is described as systematic.
Al-Qaeda-linked fighters killed Mali's defense minister, a top Moscow ally, and forced Russian mercenaries to retreat, highlighting the failure of the Mali-Russia partnership to bring order.
A three-day rebel offensive has led to the flight of Russian mercenaries from half of one of Africa's largest countries. After Syria and Venezuela, the Kremlin may lose another ally.
Mali's Defense Minister was reportedly killed in a major offensive by rebels, some linked to al-Qaeda, which also saw a key city captured. This crisis has led to Russian mercenaries withdrawing from the affected city.
New reports claim that Libya and the UAE have intervened in the Sudanese civil war by supplying weapons and deploying Colombian mercenaries. This foreign involvement is said to be exacerbating the ongoing conflict.
At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ukraine's representative Sybiha raised concerns during bilateral meetings with African nations about Russia's ongoing recruitment of mercenaries from across the African continent.
Resident Evil Requiem fans believe next month’s mysterious content update will add a new version of the franchise’s The Mercenaries mode after an alleged datamine leak revealed tense new music.
The BBC reported that Greek police used masked mercenaries for migrant pushbacks to Türkiye, an allegation the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum has strongly rejected. This incident has drawn international attention to border control practices.
A Luso-Belgian humanitarian worker, who was abducted by Wagner group mercenaries and sentenced to 10 years of forced labor in the Central African Republic, has been freed and is en route to Lisbon.
Iran intelligence forces have arrested 54 mercenaries linked to the US and Israel across four provinces, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards have issued a threat to target US tech firms if more Iranian leaders are killed, escalating tensions amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Albanian democrat Flamur Noka has strongly accused the police of being "mercenaries of crime" and receiving orders to attack Sali Berisha with spray, warning that they will pay for their actions.
The European Parliament reports that Russia is recruiting thousands of low-income citizens from African countries, Asia, and Cuba, deceptively sending them to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian forces.
The Kremlin has changed its approach to recruiting foreigners into the Russian army to participate in the war against Ukraine; in particular, recruitment is now carried out on a systematic basis.
Russian personnel with experience as mercenaries and security operatives have reportedly begun appearing among the crews of shadow fleet tankers transporting Russian oil, possibly linked to the Wagner Group.
Regular guests on national television are accused of portraying the student movement as a threat to the state and labeling students as 'blockaders,' 'fascists,' 'foreign mercenaries,' and 'cattle,' reflecting the regime's disdain for youth it cannot control.
Criminal cases involving Colombian nationals have become increasingly common in the Lyon area. According to the police, these individuals are believed to be mercenaries hired by French drug trafficking kingpins to terrorize or eliminate their rivals.