In today's latest world news on May 27th, notable developments focus on the chemical tank rupture causing multiple casualties in the US, North Korea's testing of a new multi-purpose missile launch system, negotiations between Russia and India for additional S-400 missiles, Israel's announcement of an attack on the new commander of the armed wing of Hamas, and an oil tanker explosion off the coast of Oman causing a fuel spill.
Chemical tank bursts in the US, at least one person killed.
A chemical storage tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview, Washington (USA) ruptured on the morning of May 26, killing at least one person and injuring several others.
According to statements from local authorities and Nippon Dynawave Packaging, the incident occurred around 7:15 a.m. in the area containing "white liquor"—a chemical mixture used in the paper manufacturing process. Initially, local officials believed it was a chemical explosion, but later determined it was a ruptured storage tank with a capacity of approximately 80,000 gallons.
A photo posted by the local Facebook page Cowlitz County News shows the scene after a tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview, Washington, on May 26.
Fire officials said at least nine people were injured, many with serious chemical burns, and were transported to local hospitals, including a burn center in Portland.
Scott Goldstein, Chief of Fire and Rescue at Cowlitz 2, confirmed that several workers are still missing following the incident. Meanwhile, authorities continue to carry out cleanup operations and investigate the cause of the accident.
"White liquor" is a mixture of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate, commonly used in the paper industry. Residents are advised to stay away from the factory area while rescue teams continue their work.
North Korea tests new multi-purpose missile launch system.
On May 27, North Korea announced that it had tested a new lightweight multi-purpose missile launch system along with a multi-barreled tactical cruise missile weapon system.
The previous day, South Korea announced that North Korea had launched multiple projectiles, including ballistic missiles, into the sea west of the Korean Peninsula. The missiles are believed to have traveled approximately 80 kilometers.
The test was supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Photo: KCNA)
According to North Korea's state news agency KCNA, the test was aimed at assessing the accuracy and effectiveness of the new tactical missile system and its automated fire control system.
Leader Kim Jong-un stated that the successful development of new weapons systems demonstrates that North Korea's military capabilities have been elevated to a new level, with greater long-range combat capabilities and higher accuracy.
Kim also emphasized that the entire control system and launch vehicles have been upgraded to suit modern battlefield conditions. Many experts believe that the recent series of missile tests shows that Pyongyang is accelerating the strengthening of its military deterrence capabilities and nuclear posture.
Russia and India are negotiating to add S-400 missiles.
Russia says it is in talks with India about the possibility of supplying New Delhi with additional S-400 air defense systems. According to the Russian Federal Agency for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), India has expressed interest in purchasing more S-400 systems after they were highly praised in the 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan.
Russia's S-400 air defense system. (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia says the current contract is progressing on schedule. Of the five S-400 systems under the 2017 contract, three have been delivered to India, the fourth is expected this month, and the final one will be delivered before the end of this year.
In March, India's Defence Procurement Council also approved a defence procurement plan worth approximately $25 billion, including additional S-400 systems, aircraft, and artillery. India is currently one of the world's largest arms importers, with over 60% of its military equipment originating from the Soviet Union or Russia.
Israel claims to have attacked the new commander of the Hamas armed wing.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on May 26th that it had carried out an airstrike in the Gaza Strip targeting Mohammed Odeh, the new commander of Hamas's armed wing. According to the IDF, the attack was carried out on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Katz. Israel accuses Mohammed Odeh of being one of those involved in planning the attack on October 7, 2023.
Mohammed Odeh (far right) and Hamas commanders and leaders. (Photo: ToI)
An Israeli source said there were indications that Odeh had been killed, however the IDF has not officially confirmed this and Hamas has not commented. The Gaza Civil Defense said the airstrike in the Rimal area, west of Gaza City, killed at least three people and injured about 20 others.
Mohammed Odeh was appointed commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades after his predecessor was killed by Israel in mid-May. Israel insists it will continue to hunt down those behind the attack that killed more than 1,200 people in October 2023.
Oil tanker explodes off the coast of Oman, causing a fuel spill.
The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) reported on May 26 that an explosion occurred on the port side of the Greek-owned oil tanker Olympic Life, approximately 60 nautical miles from Muscat, the capital of Oman.
The oil tanker Olympic Life was damaged after an explosion off the coast of Oman. (Illustrative image)
According to Springfield Shipping, the ship's operator, it struck an unidentified object while sailing off the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The oil tanker Olympic Life sustained damage after the explosion off the coast of Oman. The collision damaged one of the ship's fuel tanks and caused an oil spill. However, the crew is safe and the fuel spill has now been brought under control.
The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared a blockade of the strategic waterway in late February. Earlier that day, US forces conducted what Washington described as "defensive" attacks on missile launchers and ships suspected of laying mines in the Gulf.
Iran accused this of being a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement that had been in place for weeks.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/tin-the-gioi-noi-bat-trong-ngay-27-5-ar1020185.html
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