*) Opposition protesters host historic rally in Belarus

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is rejecting calls for fresh elections, despite massive rallies calling for him to end his 26-year rule.

Over 100,000 opposition protesters gathered for the country’s largest rally in capital Minsk.

Fearing he could lose power, Lukashenko has struck a deal with Russia for military assistance, should the need arise.

*) Gunmen attack hotel in Somalia’s Mogadishu

At least 15 people were killed after gunmen attacked a hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu.

Security forces say militants stormed the Elite Hotel and took hostages after detonating a car bomb outside.

All the attackers were killed, before dozens of people who were trapped inside the hotel were rescued.

*) New Zealand postpones election after virus return

New Zealand’s general election is postponed to October 17 as the country deals with another Covid-19 outbreak.

The government has reimposed restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.

New Zealand has 78 active cases.

*) Anti-government protests draws thousands in Thailand

Anti-government protests in Thailand drew more than 10,000 people.

It was the largest political demonstration the country has seen in years as a pro-democracy movement gathers steam.

Student-led groups are holding daily protests across the country for the past month to denounce Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha and his military-aligned administration.

And finally,

*) Crews battle California wildfire amid heatwave

Massive wildfires continue to threaten homes in northern parts of California.

US officials triggered evacuation orders across three counties.

Firefighters from bordering Nevada have been called in to help contain the fires.