Author: Admin

LUSAKA, Zambia — Women’s rights advocates and political leaders in Zambia are raising alarms about female election hopefuls being pressured for sexual favors by high-ranking male party leaders who control endorsements.

The troubling pattern gained widespread attention this week when a senior government gender equality official revealed she had fielded 10 harassment complaints from women seeking party support for Zambia’s upcoming August national elections.

Mainga Kabika, who serves as permanent secretary of the government’s Gender Division, disclosed Monday that the complaints detailed how “various political party officials, including chairpersons, youth leaders and those holding senior positions, are asking for sexual favours” as a condition for backing women candidates and funding their campaigns.

“I appeal to all female aspiring candidates to secure evidence against suspects,” Kabika stated. She declined to identify which parties or specific officials were involved in the allegations.

Saboi Imboela, who leads the opposition National Democratic Congress party, told The Associated Press Wednesday that this disturbing cycle repeats during every election period, with qualified candidates frequently pushed aside for refusing to submit to such demands.

“As a result, the wrong candidates are selected while deserving individuals are left out. This must be fought at all costs,” she explained.

Imboela, a former recording artist, revealed that female politicians and advocacy groups including the Zambia National Women’s Lobby have established a special committee to combat what she termed the “sextortion” of women in politics. The group operates a toll-free hotline for victims, she noted.

The August 13 elections will determine not only Zambia’s president but also parliamentary representatives and local council members. The southern African country already struggles with limited female political participation, with women holding just 15% of Parliament seats according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a global organization tracking legislative bodies.

Golden Nachibinga, who directs the Zambia National Women’s Lobby, explained that past accusations of officials demanding sexual compliance during pre-election periods have deterred women from pursuing political careers.

Venna Banda, who seeks to run for mayor representing the governing United Party for National Development, acknowledged facing sexual harassment during her own political journey and encouraged female politicians to “refuse,” while recognizing that newcomers and less-established candidates face particular vulnerability.

Women’s advocacy organizations describe Zambia as a stable democracy operating within a predominantly conservative and male-dominated cultural framework.

Last year, Zambia enacted legislation guaranteeing at least 20 parliamentary seats for women while also working to boost representation for youth and disabled citizens. President Hakainde Hichilema has recognized gender imbalances in Zambian politics, though he selected Mutale Nalumango, a woman, as his vice president.

BOGOTA, Colombia — Mexican law enforcement has captured and transferred to Colombia a key figure sought in connection with the 2023 murder of Ecuadorian presidential hopeful Fernando Villavicencio, officials announced Wednesday.

The suspect, Ángel Esteban Aguilar Morales, an Ecuador native, landed in Bogota Wednesday where Colombian immigration officials took him into custody at El Dorado Airport. Officials have not disclosed specifics regarding his legal status or whether formal extradition procedures were followed.

Going by the alias “Lobo Menor,” Aguilar is believed to be among the top leaders of the Ecuadorian crime organization “Los Lobos” and ranks among Ecuador’s most sought-after criminals, with an Interpol Red Notice issued for his worldwide capture.

According to Mexican authorities, Aguilar was monitored from the moment he crossed into Mexican territory, prompting continuous surveillance operations. Intelligence shared by Colombian officials later helped pinpoint his exact whereabouts in Mexico City.

The apprehension in Mexico occurred “without the use of violence,” according to security officials, who placed Aguilar under the supervision of the National Migration Institute to assess his legal standing in the country, though they did not clarify whether deportation proceedings were involved.

“The individual was attempting to evade immigration controls by using a false identity as a Colombian citizen,” the Colombian migration agency said in a statement.

Mexico severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador in April 2024 after Ecuadorian military forces raided the Mexican Embassy in Quito to apprehend former Vice President Jorge Glas, a corruption defendant who had sought refuge there since late 2023.

Neither Colombia’s foreign ministry nor its migration agency immediately provided responses to requests for additional information.

Colombian police report that Aguilar had traveled to Mexico from Medellin, Colombia, carrying fraudulent documentation with the “express purpose of strengthening criminal networks in the region.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro praised the international law enforcement collaboration on X, calling it “a significant blow against transnational organized crime.”

Last February, Ecuador’s Attorney General’s Office unveiled fresh evidence attempting to formally connect three suspects — Aguilar among them — to the Villavicencio murder case. These individuals reportedly provided logistical and operational support for the August 9, 2023 killing, which occurred as the presidential candidate departed a campaign event in Quito’s northern district.

Beyond the Villavicencio investigation, law enforcement officials indicate that “Lobo Menor” maintains suspected connections to Mexican drug cartels and to Néstor Gregorio Vera, also called Iván Mordisco — who heads a breakaway group from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla movement, comprised of members who rejected the 2016 peace accord with Colombia’s government.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Nigerian military forces successfully defended against an early morning assault by suspected Islamic extremists at a northeastern military installation, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 attackers, according to military officials.

The assault took place at approximately 12:50 a.m. Wednesday at the Mallam Fatori base in Borno state, close to Nigeria’s border with Niger, military spokesman Sani Uba announced. The attackers, believed to be affiliated with either Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province, deployed multiple weaponized drones during their offensive.

According to Uba’s statement, military personnel had advance knowledge of the impending assault and successfully fought back using both ground forces and aerial assistance, eliminating at least 80 militants, including three senior commanders. The Associated Press was unable to confirm these figures independently.

Earlier military reports had estimated the militant casualties at more than 60.

Uba reported that four military personnel sustained injuries and were transported for medical care. Forces seized an extensive weapons stockpile from the attackers, including automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, ammunition, explosive devices, and drone equipment.

This military confrontation follows Monday’s triple suicide bombing attacks in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital city, which claimed 23 lives and injured 108 others. While no organization has taken credit for those bombings, investigators suspect Boko Haram’s involvement. The extremist organization initiated its violent campaign in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, seeking to impose their strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Boko Haram has expanded significantly since its inception, now comprising thousands of fighters across multiple factions. The Islamic State West Africa Province, one splinter group with ties to the Islamic State organization, has intensified its military targeting in recent months.

These ongoing conflicts have severely strained Nigeria’s armed forces, which simultaneously confront various security challenges throughout the country’s troubled northern regions.

United Nations statistics indicate that Boko Haram’s insurgency has resulted in over 40,000 deaths in Nigeria since it began. Security experts argue that government efforts to safeguard civilians remain inadequate.

The United States deployed military advisors to the West African country last month to assist with security operations.

NEW YORK, March 18 – Syria’s new leadership announced Wednesday the launch of a comprehensive initiative to locate and destroy chemical weapons remaining from Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with backing from the United States and international allies.

Assad’s government operated an extensive chemical weapons program for many years, deploying these banned substances against Syrian civilians throughout the nation’s prolonged civil conflict, resulting in thousands of casualties.

Although Damascus became a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 and reported possessing 1,300 tons of such materials, the prohibited weapons continued to be deployed, and the full scope of the program has never been determined.

According to Syria’s UN Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, a multinational coalition including the United States, Germany, Britain, Canada, and France will work to locate all remaining components of the weapons program and eliminate them under oversight from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Chemical weapons experts estimate that approximately 100 locations throughout Syria require examination to assess what dangerous materials still exist and determine appropriate disposal methods.

The operation will demand significant time and resources to prevent weapons of mass destruction from spreading throughout a region already experiencing conflict and instability. Officials note that ongoing tensions, including the expanding U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and broader security issues, create uncertainty about mission timing while making the work even more critical.

Following Assad’s removal from power in December 2024, Syria’s current administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has committed to completely eliminating prohibited chemical weapons and providing investigators unrestricted access.

Olabi described this transformation as Syria moving from a nation that previously concealed chemical weapons usage to one now “leading the resolve” to eliminate them entirely.

Multiple international investigations determined that Assad’s forces deployed sarin nerve agent, chlorine, and sulfur mustard gas, though these probes never uncovered the complete extent of the covert program.

“We don’t know what’s remaining. It was a secret program,” Olabi explained. “The job is on Syria to basically look for these things and then declare them.”

A diplomatic source, speaking anonymously due to the matter’s sensitivity, indicated the 100 locations could include anything from military installations to research facilities or administrative offices.

“It will probably take many months if not years to get it done, and of course the current situation in the Middle East doesn’t help the process to move forward to the actual destruction of any remnants of Assad’s chemical weapons program,” the source stated.

Iceland’s top diplomat believes her nation could become a member of the European Union within four years if citizens vote to restart membership discussions that have been on hold for over a decade.

Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir shared her confidence during a Wednesday interview with Reuters in Brussels, stating that fishing rights and agricultural policies would likely present the biggest challenges during negotiations.

Voters in Iceland will decide on August 29 whether to resume EU membership discussions through a national referendum. The previous government halted these talks in 2013 after more EU-skeptical leaders came to power in Reykjavik.

“We have seen that it’s beneficial to have a voice at the table,” Gunnarsdottir stated during her Brussels interview.

The minister anticipates that fishing industry negotiations will prove most challenging, given Iceland’s history of disputes with the EU over fishing quotas that significantly impact the country’s economic foundation.

Gunnarsdottir emphasized that renewed negotiations should immediately address the most contentious areas, including fishing rights, agricultural policies, and labor market regulations.

“If we do that, then I’m pretty optimistic then we will be, before the end of the year 2028, a member of the European Union,” she added.

The island nation, with nearly 400,000 residents, helped establish NATO and currently participates in the European single market and Schengen border-free travel agreement.

Polling data indicates that rising living costs and Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine have sparked renewed interest among Icelanders in EU membership.

President Donald Trump’s repeated statements about potentially annexing Greenland, positioned between Iceland and the United States, have also highlighted potential EU membership benefits.

“Iceland is there in the middle, a kind of link between those two continents,” she said.

Citizens would need to approve membership through a second referendum if initial talks receive voter support.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed support, stating: “Should you choose to pursue EU membership, Iceland would certainly be a frontrunner in this process.”

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed Wednesday that his nation’s upcoming nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will bear the name ‘France Libre’ (‘Free France’), positioning the vessel as a representation of national sovereignty while boosting the country’s maritime military strength amid significant naval operations in Middle Eastern waters.

During a visit to the Indret shipyard in western France, where the carrier’s dual nuclear reactors will be constructed, Macron announced the warship’s designation. The France Libre is scheduled to begin operations in 2038 and will accommodate 30 Rafale fighter aircraft along with 2,000 crew members, carrying a price tag of approximately 10 billion euros ($11.5 billion).

This announcement coincides with France’s current naval deployment to the eastern Mediterranean and broader Middle East region, including eight frigates, two helicopter carriers, and the existing nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Macron characterized this extensive French naval presence as having no historical precedent, establishing France as the European country with the strongest military footprint in the area.

According to Macron, the France Libre name pays tribute to General Charles de Gaulle’s resistance organization that fought alongside Allied forces to free France and Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II.

“In this name lives the memory of the women and men who stood up against barbarity, united to save the homeland, determined to defend a certain idea of our nation,” he said. “This name therefore seals a pledge for the future: to remain free, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful.”

The new carrier will measure 310 meters (1,017 feet) in length with a displacement of approximately 80,000 tons, significantly larger than the Charles de Gaulle’s 261-meter (856-foot) length and 42,000-ton displacement.

Despite its impressive size, the France Libre will remain smaller than the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, which displaces over 100,000 tons and stretches 1,100 feet (334 meters).

Macron emphasized that the France Libre will bolster France’s nuclear deterrent capabilities by carrying nuclear-equipped aircraft, similar to the Charles de Gaulle’s current role.

This month, Macron revealed plans to expand France’s nuclear weapons stockpile and, in an unprecedented move, permit temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft to partner nations as part of a new approach designed to increase European strategic autonomy.

Following Britain’s departure from the European Union in 2020, France remains the bloc’s sole nuclear-armed member state.

RIO DE JANEIRO — Eight people died during a major police raid Wednesday targeting drug trafficking operations in multiple Rio de Janeiro favelas, according to law enforcement authorities.

Among the casualties was Claúdio Augusto dos Santos, a high-ranking narcotics trafficking leader affiliated with the Red Command criminal network, Military Police Secretary Col. Marcelo de Menezes announced during a news briefing.

The operation also claimed the life of an innocent local resident who became trapped in the violence, while seven suspected drug dealers were killed during confrontations with police.

Following the raid, criminals responded with acts of revenge, torching a public bus and creating roadblocks throughout Rio’s downtown area, resulting in four additional arrests, police reported.

Bus operator Márcio Sousa described how attackers boarded his vehicle carrying two containers of gasoline before setting it ablaze.

“It all happened very fast,” Sousa told The Associated Press during an interview. “There is no security. Rio de Janeiro is like this — it is not for amateurs.”

The large-scale enforcement action was launched after authorities tracked down dos Santos through intelligence gathering, de Menezes explained.

Approximately 150 military police personnel participated in the coordinated strike across six sprawling neighborhoods: Prazeres, Fallet, Fogueteiro, Coroa, Escondidinho and Paula Ramos. Officers confiscated various firearms including rifles, handguns and revolvers, military police announced on social media.

During the violence, criminals took a local married couple hostage, killing the husband in the subsequent gunfight while the wife was successfully freed by authorities.

Military police forces will maintain an ongoing presence in these communities to preserve safety and ensure residents can move freely, Menezes stated. He characterized the drug traffickers as “narco-terrorists,” echoing terminology employed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

News organization UOL reported March 8 that the current U.S. government is weighing whether to officially designate Brazilian crime syndicates PCC and Red Command as terrorist groups.

A previous major assault on Red Command positions last year led to over 120 fatalities in the Penha and Complexo de Alemao neighborhoods, marking Rio’s deadliest police operation on record. The massive casualty count triggered public demonstrations and demands for Governor Cláudio Castro to step down.

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced Wednesday a major shake-up in the country’s military leadership, naming General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the new defense minister to succeed General Vladimir Padrino, who has served in the role for over a decade.

Rodriguez expressed gratitude to Padrino through a Telegram message, acknowledging his dedication and commitment to the nation while indicating he would transition to different duties within the government.

Padrino’s military career began with overseeing ceremonial duties for the presidential guard during the late President Hugo Chavez’s administration, but he gained prominence under former President Nicolas Maduro, who appointed him to lead the defense ministry in late 2014.

Reuters sources had previously indicated that Padrino’s replacement was anticipated, noting that his continued service following Maduro’s removal was intended to maintain order within Venezuela’s military structure, which includes approximately 2,000 generals overseeing underfunded forces and significant commercial enterprises.

Several of America’s key European partners are declining President Donald Trump’s call to participate in military action against Iran, marking a significant rift in transatlantic relations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who typically supports strong U.S.-European cooperation, delivered unusually sharp criticism when addressing lawmakers Wednesday about Trump’s request for naval assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“To this day, there is no convincing plan for how this operation could succeed. Washington has not consulted us and did not say European assistance was necessary,” Merz stated to German parliament members.

“We would have advised against pursuing this course of action as it has been pursued. Therefore, we have declared that as long as the war continues, we will not participate in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, for example, by military means,” he added.

European officials are hesitant to become involved in what they view as an unpredictable military campaign with unclear goals that lacks support among their populations.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius echoed his chancellor’s position Monday, declaring: “This is not our war, we have not started it.” French President Emmanuel Macron similarly stated “We are not party to the conflict.”

The European resistance comes despite concerns that refusing Trump could jeopardize American support for Ukraine or threaten NATO relationships, especially after Trump’s earlier suggestions about acquiring Greenland from Denmark.

Trump criticized the European decision as a “very foolish mistake” and specifically targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying he was “no Winston Churchill.”

However, public sentiment supports the European leaders’ stance. British polling by YouGov shows 49% opposition to the Iranian strikes compared to 28% support.

Even typically pro-American British politicians defended Starmer against Trump’s criticism. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called the White House rhetoric “childish,” while Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick said “I don’t like to see our Prime Minister be berated by foreign leaders.”

Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez condemned the Iranian operations as reckless and illegal, dismissing Trump’s trade threats. Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jose Montero declared: “We are certainly not going to be anybody’s vassals, we won’t tolerate any threats and we’ll defend our values.”

Spanish public opinion strongly backs this position, with 68% opposing the conflict according to polling firm 40db. German surveys show 58% opposition versus 25% support.

An unnamed European official explained that American military objectives remain undefined and potentially conflict with Israeli goals, particularly regarding regime change in Iran.

European nations are developing their own response strategies. Britain is collaborating with partners on plans to reopen the crucial shipping lane, through which one-fifth of global oil passes.

France is organizing a coalition to secure the strait once conditions stabilize, deliberately excluding American participation. President Macron explained this approach would involve “discussions and de-escalation with Iran” along with talks involving maritime industries and insurers.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Reuters the bloc has adapted to Trump’s governing style, saying they are “now more calm, because we are expecting unpredictable things to happen all the time and take it as it is, put some ice in our hats, and be calm and stay focused.”

The dispute highlights growing tensions over Trump’s decision to ease Russian oil sanctions to address rising global energy prices, which European leaders say caught them off guard.

Officials from Colombia and Ecuador are jointly investigating whether international boundaries were crossed during a military operation that left more than a dozen people dead near their shared border.

Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed Wednesday that 14 individuals perished in explosions at cocaine processing facilities in January. The deaths occurred in the border province of Narino, with 12 people killed on January 22 and two more dying days later under similar circumstances.

The investigation stems from accusations by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who claimed this week that Ecuadorean forces conducted bombing operations on Colombian soil, resulting in 27 deaths. However, Petro offered no supporting evidence for his allegations.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa firmly rejected the claims, stating his nation’s military targeted drug trafficking operations exclusively within Ecuador’s own borders. According to Noboa, the targeted locations served as bases for narco-terrorism organizations primarily composed of Colombian nationals.

“The information we have at this moment is that those people died after being burned alive. The site where they died was a cocaine laboratory, and the causes and who was behind it are under investigation. Two other people died under similar conditions at another site on January 24,” Sanchez explained to reporters.

Adding complexity to the dispute, Colombian authorities discovered what appears to be an Ecuadorean military explosive device on their territory. Sanchez indicated the bomb, which has been safely disarmed, likely originated from Ecuador’s armed forces.

Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld expressed caution about the bomb’s origins when speaking to FM Mundo radio. “It is very difficult to speculate, to say that it is so or that it is not,” she stated. “We are open to receiving the diplomatic note … so that we can respond technically, with due importance given to that case.”

Sommerfeld emphasized that all Ecuadorean military actions occur within the country’s own territorial limits and indicated Ecuador’s willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions to resolve the disagreement.

Petro shared imagery from Colombian state television RTVC showing the alleged explosive device – a dark green cylindrical object found in vegetation. The Colombian president claimed the bomb was discovered just across the border from an area bombed by Ecuador and was delivered by a low-altitude aircraft.

The controversy emerges as Ecuador launched a comprehensive two-week security campaign across four Pacific coastal provinces to combat escalating gang violence. Ecuador regularly conducts operations along its Colombian border, which serves as a critical corridor for drug trafficking routes leading to the United States.

Ecuador has secured support from allied nations, including the United States, for its anti-narcotics efforts. President Noboa previously sought backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump for his crime-fighting initiatives.

Tensions between the neighboring countries have intensified recently, with Noboa imposing 50% tariffs on Colombian imports last month. The Ecuadorean leader justified the trade measure by claiming Colombia was not adequately addressing drug trafficking concerns. Colombia has indicated it may implement similar retaliatory trade restrictions.

ROME, March 18 – In a rare departure from typical Vatican diplomacy, the Holy See’s chief diplomat issued a direct public appeal Wednesday for President Donald Trump to bring the escalating Iran conflict to an immediate conclusion.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, made the unusually blunt statement while addressing reporters at an event held in Italy’s parliament building.

“I would say to finish it as soon as possible … and to leave alone Lebanon,” stated Parolin, who has served as a key adviser to American Pope Leo since taking his position in 2013.

The cardinal extended his message beyond the U.S. administration, adding, “This message goes also to the Israelis,” specifically referencing Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon.

The public nature of Parolin’s comments represents a significant shift from standard Vatican diplomatic practices, which typically involve quiet behind-the-scenes negotiations rather than public pressure on world leaders. Known for his measured approach and preference for staying out of public attention, the cardinal’s direct appeal signals growing Vatican concern over the conflict’s trajectory.

Pope Leo has similarly intensified his peace advocacy in recent days, though he typically employs more diplomatic language in his public statements.

Earlier this week, the pontiff addressed members of the media, encouraging them to focus reporting on the human cost of warfare while warning against coverage that could serve as propaganda by romanticizing military conflicts.

Expressing fears about continued escalation, Parolin emphasized Wednesday that he wants Trump and other international leaders “to resolve problems … through the peaceful ways of diplomacy and dialogue.”

American intelligence officials released their latest assessment Wednesday indicating that China has no current intentions to launch a military invasion of Taiwan by 2027, preferring instead to achieve control through peaceful means.

The findings appear in the intelligence community’s yearly global threat evaluation, offering a more restrained perspective on what many consider one of the world’s most dangerous potential conflict zones. This comes at a time when Beijing has intensified its pressure campaign against Taiwan through regular military exercises, while President Donald Trump has minimized concerns about potential Chinese military action during his presidency.

Last year, Pentagon officials stated that U.S. military analysts believed China was working toward the capability to successfully capture Taiwan by 2027, marking the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army’s establishment. Defense officials said China was developing strategies to seize Taiwan through “brute force” if necessary.

According to the intelligence report, “China, despite its threat to use force to compel unification if necessary and to counter what it sees as a U.S. attempt to use Taiwan to undermine China’s rise, prefers to achieve unification without the use of force, if possible.”

The assessment further states that American intelligence “assesses that Chinese leaders do not currently plan to execute an invasion of Taiwan in 2027, nor do they have a fixed timeline for achieving unification.”

The document confirmed earlier evaluations that China’s military continues making “steady but uneven” advancement in developing capabilities that could be used to capture the democratically-run island.

Neither China’s Washington embassy nor Taiwan’s unofficial diplomatic mission in the capital provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

President Trump, who frequently emphasizes his positive relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, has dismissed concerns about Chinese military activities around Taiwan. Trump claims Xi assured him there would be no attack on Taiwan during his term in office, though Beijing has never publicly confirmed such a statement.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory and maintains that military force remains an option for bringing the island under its authority. Taiwan’s government rejects China’s territorial claims, insisting that only Taiwan’s citizens have the right to determine their nation’s future.

Despite questions about Trump’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense, his administration approved a historic $11 billion weapons package for the island in December, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing, which demands an end to such military sales.

Ukrainian military officials announced Wednesday that their forces successfully targeted two Russian aviation facilities responsible for manufacturing and servicing military aircraft in separate regions of Russia.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, forces attacked the Aviastar facility on March 16, which operates under Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation umbrella in Ulyanovsk. The facility sits approximately 500 miles from Ukraine’s border.

This particular plant manufactures Ilyushin-76MD-90A military transport aircraft and Ilyushin-78M-90A refueling aircraft, while also servicing “Ruslan” cargo planes, Ukrainian officials reported.

Military sources indicated that the strike damaged hangars and aircraft parking zones, with several planes sustaining damage in the attack.

A second operation took place March 17 at the 123rd aircraft maintenance facility located in Staraya Russia within the Novgorod region, according to Ukrainian military statements.

Ukrainian forces reported via Telegram that this second facility handles comprehensive repair and upgrade services for heavy transport aircraft, including Ilyushin-76, Ilyushin-78, and L-410 models.

The strike hit a hangar designated for servicing Ilyushin-76 and L-410 transport planes, though Reuters could not independently confirm these claims.

“Striking such targets directly reduces the enemy’s ability to restore and sustain combat-ready aircraft,” Ukrainian drone forces stated on social media platform X.

Israeli aviation officials reported Wednesday that falling fragments from intercepted Iranian missiles caused significant damage to three privately-owned aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv.

The Israel Airports Authority announced that the aircraft sustained major damage from the missile debris, with the incidents taking place during recent days. Officials did not release information about who owns the affected planes.

Ben Gurion Airport has suspended regular commercial operations since late February following U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran on February 28, which prompted Iran to launch missiles toward Israel. Despite the suspension, Israeli airlines have continued operating special flights to bring home citizens stuck overseas.

The airport has also maintained some departing flights and continues serving as a hub for both Israeli and American military operations.

According to reports, approximately half of the Iranian missiles that penetrate Israeli airspace consist of cluster munitions designed to break apart during flight, releasing hundreds of smaller explosive devices across extensive areas.

WASHINGTON – America’s top intelligence official testified Wednesday that while Iran’s leadership has been significantly weakened by ongoing military operations, the regime continues to function and poses threats to U.S. interests across the Middle East.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told senators during the annual Worldwide Threats hearing that Iran’s government “appears to be intact but largely degraded by Operation Epic Fury,” the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation that began February 28.

“Even so, Iran and its proxies remain capable of and continue to attack U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East. If a hostile regime survives, it will seek to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its missiles and UAV (drone) forces,” Gabbard stated in her prepared remarks to the Senate Intelligence Committee.

The congressional hearing centered on the three-week-old conflict, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers seeking additional details about military operations that have resulted in thousands of casualties, displaced millions of civilians, and caused volatility in global energy and financial markets.

Democratic members have particularly criticized the Trump administration for insufficient congressional briefings about a war costing American taxpayers billions of dollars, pushing for public hearings instead of the classified sessions held over recent weeks.

Wednesday’s testimony from Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe also addressed the surprising resignation Tuesday of a key Gabbard deputy over the Iran conflict.

Joe Kent, who led the National Counterterrorism Center and maintains close ties to Gabbard, became the first senior Trump administration official to step down in protest of the war.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful lobby,” Kent wrote in a resignation letter shared on social media.

White House officials dismissed Kent’s statements, calling his letter filled with “false claims.”

Gabbard’s intelligence assessment highlighted ongoing confusion about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. While some officials claimed before the conflict that Iran was close to weapons development, Gabbard said Wednesday that U.S. and Israeli strikes in June completely destroyed Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities, with no reconstruction efforts detected since.

Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, commended President Trump’s actions, arguing they have enhanced global security. Virginia Democrat Mark Warner, the panel’s ranking member, criticized the administration’s limited congressional consultation and questioned Gabbard’s focus on domestic election investigations while reducing staff monitoring Iranian activities.

Intelligence sources indicate Trump received warnings before authorizing strikes that Iran might retaliate against U.S. Gulf partners, despite his Monday claims that Tehran’s response surprised him. Officials also briefed the president that Iran would likely attempt to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

The House Intelligence Committee will conduct its own worldwide threats hearing Thursday.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel fired back at the Trump administration on Tuesday evening after President Trump indicated he could take any action he chooses regarding Cuba and hinted at possible “imminent action” against the Caribbean nation.

In a post on social media platform X, Díaz-Canel accused the Trump administration of making daily “public threats” to topple Cuba’s government, warning that any aggressive moves “will clash with an impregnable resistance.”

The Cuban leader’s sharp response followed recent aggressive statements from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared that Cuba’s socialist economic system must “change dramatically.”

Cuba’s economy has been severely damaged by decades of American sanctions, even as the Cuban government maintains strict controls over private business operations within the country.

According to sources familiar with ongoing diplomatic discussions between Washington and Havana, the Trump administration wants Díaz-Canel removed from power as negotiations continue with Cuban officials. The sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of these talks.

The administration has not revealed who they would prefer to see leading Cuba instead.

These latest Cuban threats follow Trump’s recent military operations that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the launch of military strikes against Iran.

The current administration has essentially stopped crucial oil shipments to Cuba, bringing the island nation to a critical economic breaking point.

The Cuban citizens that Trump and Rubio claim to support have suffered severe consequences from these policies.

International activist organizations delivered five tons of medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Cuba overnight, according to Cuban state media, as the island continues to struggle with widespread power outages.

WASHINGTON – Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Hungary within days to demonstrate backing for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who confronts his most challenging re-election campaign since assuming power in 2010, according to two sources with knowledge of the arrangements disclosed Wednesday.

This journey would follow Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s February travel to Budapest, where he publicly endorsed Orban before his most difficult electoral contest to date. Current polling data indicates the Hungarian leader is behind with less than a month remaining before the April 12 election.

Sources warned that the specific dates for Vance’s trip remain unclear and could be modified, particularly as senior officials might choose to stay in Washington during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. President Donald Trump has already postponed his planned China visit due to the conflict.

The White House has not provided immediate response regarding this report.

Orban, among Trump’s strongest European allies, has maintained ongoing disputes with the European Union across multiple issues, particularly regarding Ukraine policy. Going against Brussels’ position, he has preserved friendly relations with Moscow, declined to provide military aid to Ukraine, and maintains that Kyiv cannot become an EU member.

Last month, Trump gave his endorsement to Orban, describing him as “a truly strong and powerful Leader” through social media, while many American conservative hardliners view him as an example for Trump’s strict immigration approach and Christian conservative values.

Trump has backed conservative politicians globally, recently supporting Argentina’s Javier Milei and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi.

Vance has become an influential vice president who frequently plays a key role in international policy matters. He is widely considered the leading candidate to succeed Trump in 2028.

During his Hungarian visit, Rubio stated that Orban’s governance was essential for American interests while suggesting that maintaining strong relationships depended on Orban winning re-election. He also hinted that Washington might provide financial assistance to Budapest if necessary.

As the campaign enters its final weeks, polling shows Orban’s Fidesz party behind the opposition Tisza party, headed by former government official Peter Magyar, although numerous voters have not made their decision.

This election occurs while Hungary deals with sluggish economic growth and ongoing effects from inflation increases following Russia’s February 2022 Ukraine invasion, and will significantly impact Europe as conservative and far-right political movements gain strength.

The United States is working to establish a partnership with Brazil focused on securing critical mineral supply chains, according to U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Gabriel Escobar, even as diplomatic relations between the two nations face significant challenges.

Escobar made the announcement Wednesday following the signing of a preliminary cooperation agreement with Brazil’s Goias state, just ahead of a U.S. embassy event connecting American investors with Brazilian companies involved in critical mineral production. Major firms including Citi and Anglo American participated in the gathering.

“We have a proposal for a deal at the federal level. We are discussing it, we had some preliminary discussions, but we’re still waiting,” Escobar stated during the event.

The push comes as America works urgently to secure access to critical mineral reserves, particularly rare earth elements that are currently controlled primarily by Chinese companies.

However, recent diplomatic friction has complicated these efforts. Brazilian officials withdrew from the embassy event after relations deteriorated when a hard-right U.S. official requested permission last week to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro in prison. Brazil viewed this as interference in its internal affairs and denied entry to the envoy, citing “falsification” of visit purposes.

Sources revealed to Reuters that Brazilian authorities received a memorandum of understanding proposal in February, though it initially contained errors including another country’s name before corrections were made.

Current negotiations involve the U.S. Trade Representative’s office and are being considered as part of a potential visit by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to Washington. However, an anticipated meeting between Lula and President Donald Trump scheduled for this month has been delayed due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Brazilian officials privately expressed frustration over the U.S. decision to partner directly with Goias Governor Ronaldo Caiado, who opposes President Lula politically. One Brazilian official characterized this as an attempt to circumvent federal authority.

The Goias agreement establishes cooperation in multiple areas including mineral mapping, connecting local mining operations with American technology, and regulatory improvements, according to state government statements.

Goias possesses significant reserves of lithium and niobium, and hosts Serra Verde, the only company currently producing rare earths commercially in Brazil with U.S. backing.

State officials said the partnership aims to advance “value-added processing and manufacturing capabilities, including rare earth separation” within Goias.

Developing domestic processing capabilities remains a key priority for President Lula, according to a Brazilian foreign trade ministry official who spoke anonymously about ongoing negotiations.

American officials believe the potential exists for billions of dollars in investment and have identified over 50 Brazilian mining projects that could support international efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce China’s control over critical minerals.

MOSCOW – Russia’s state communications oversight agency declared Wednesday that the widely-used Telegram messaging platform continues to violate the country’s regulations, according to reports from the state-operated RIA news service.

Officials in Moscow have consistently charged Telegram, which ranks among Russia’s most widely-adopted messaging applications, with permitting its platform to host unlawful and radical material.

The messaging service disputes these allegations and has countered that Russian officials are deliberately slowing down its operations in an effort to push users toward MAX, a government-controlled messaging application.

CAIRO (AP) — Already earning less than $100 monthly to support his family, Sayyed Ragheb now faces an even tougher financial situation following Egypt’s decision to increase fuel costs amid regional warfare.

The father of four children who attend school picks up work at coffee shops and construction sites to make ends meet. With meat and vegetable costs spiking in recent days, he’s concerned about providing for his family’s essential needs.

“This means a price increase for everything,” Ragheb commented while serving beverages at a Cairo coffee shop during a recent evening shift. “This is catastrophic for someone like me.”

Among Middle Eastern nations, Egypt remains one of the few countries not directly impacted by the ongoing conflict, which has entered its third week with no resolution in sight. The country isn’t participating in the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, nor has it faced Iranian missile attacks like Gulf states or Israeli strikes like Lebanon.

However, the nation’s 108 million residents are experiencing indirect consequences from the fighting. Rising energy costs have compelled officials to dramatically increase prices for government-subsidized fuel and cooking gas.

This price adjustment is creating a cascading impact throughout Egypt’s already weakened economy. The timing is particularly challenging as it coincides with Ramadan, when families typically host large evening meals, and precedes Eid al-Fitr celebrations, a significant shopping period for new clothing, particularly children’s garments.

Global energy costs have climbed sharply since U.S. and Israeli forces began their campaign on February 28. Iran responded by targeting oil and gas facilities throughout the Persian Gulf region and essentially halting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway handling one-fifth of global oil trade.

Brent crude prices jumped from under $70 per barrel on February 27 to nearly $120 by early March 9. Wednesday’s trading showed prices around $104.

This increase particularly burdens Egypt since the government allocates substantial portions of its already tight budget to subsidize gasoline, fuel, and electricity costs.

Energy expenses aren’t the country’s sole concern.

Suez Canal revenue, a crucial government income source, had begun recovering following two years of Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping routes. However, some shipping companies are once again avoiding Middle Eastern routes due to current instability, with officials anticipating additional financial losses.

Egypt’s tourism industry, which generates significant foreign currency from visitors to ancient pyramid sites, expects dramatic decreases as travelers avoid the region.

Should the conflict continue driving up costs while reducing government income, short-term economic difficulties could evolve into broader political and economic turmoil, according to Alexandra Blackman, a Cornell University Middle East politics specialist.

“That will be more challenging for the regime to manage and control,” she explained.

Government officials announced March 10 price increases of 15% for gasoline, 22% for cooking gas, and 17% for diesel fuel commonly used in commercial and public transportation.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi recognized the burden on citizens but described the increases as “inevitable” and “the least expensive” approach to safeguard the economy.

“The requirements of the reality sometimes necessitate taking difficult measures … to avert harsher options and more serious consequences,” el-Sissi stated during a weekend Iftar gathering, the daily meal breaking Ramadan’s sunrise-to-sunset fast.

He noted that Egypt’s annual oil product consumption costs $20 billion, including fuel for power plant operations.

According to Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy, the government must import 28% of gasoline requirements and 45% of diesel needs, creating budget strain.

Officials announced several measures to reduce impact, including cutting official international travel and limiting fuel use across government departments. Salary increases beginning in July were also announced.

Egypt’s lower and middle-income populations have already experienced reduced buying power over the past decade due to government cost-cutting policies. These included subsidy reductions and currency devaluation as components of a comprehensive 2016 reform initiative.

Official data shows inflation rose from 10% in January to 11.5% in February this year. Price increases are spreading throughout the economy in a nation where government statistics indicate one-third of residents live below the poverty threshold.

Following the new fuel pricing implementation, meat costs have increased 25% while fruits and vegetables rose 15-30%, according to vendors at three Cairo marketplaces.

Hussein Rashad, who operates a grocery store in a lower-income neighborhood, reports customers have become more choosy, with most reducing vegetable purchases. Some have eliminated fruit buying entirely, he noted.

“Many things have become out of their reach,” he observed.

Ragheb, the coffee shop employee, explained his family has restricted spending, including switching to the most affordable food basics. He won’t purchase new clothing for his children for the approaching Eid celebration.

“One has no other option,” he concluded.

PARIS (AP) — President Donald Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy is hitting a wall as European allies refuse his demands for military assistance in the Iran conflict. Trump’s message to longtime partners has been simple: after decades of American security protection, it’s time for them to return the favor.

The widespread rejections suggest Trump’s diplomatic capital with European nations has reached dangerously low levels. Since his return to office, the president has antagonized allies through aggressive tactics on trade tariffs, territorial demands regarding Greenland, and controversial statements minimizing their military contributions in Afghanistan.

Trump is now insisting — rather than simply asking — that allied nations deploy naval vessels to assist American efforts in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway that handles one-fifth of global oil trade. Essentially, he wants them to help clean up what many view as a Middle Eastern crisis sparked by Trump and Israeli actions.

French defense expert François Heisbourg characterized the allied response as a “global raspberry.”

Not a single major ally has offered immediate military support. The United Kingdom has categorically declined involvement in the conflict. France insists hostilities must cease before any naval mission begins. Other nations remain uncommitted, while China has completely ignored Trump’s appeals for assistance.

European Union foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas stated plainly on Tuesday: “This is not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted.”

Trump has expressed particular frustration with Britain’s refusal. Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to build rapport with the Trump administration and secure early trade agreements, the UK remains among the nations declining to participate in a regional conflict without clear objectives.

Describing Britain’s traditional role, Trump commented Monday: “The U.K. was sort of considered the Rolls-Royce of allies,” noting he had specifically requested British minesweeping vessels.

“I was not happy with the U.K,” Trump declared. “They should be involved enthusiastically. We’ve been protecting these countries for years.”

Starmer responded that Britain “will not be drawn into the wider war” and emphasized that deploying British forces requires international legal backing and “a proper thought-through plan” — implying these elements are currently absent.

Initially, Starmer blocked American bombers from using British bases for Iran strikes, though he later permitted their use for targeted attacks on Iran’s missile capabilities.

Former U.S. Army Europe commander Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges (retired) observed that allies are “looking at the United States in a way that they never have before. And this is bad for the United States.”

He noted that European leaders who previously tried to appease Trump are “starting to realize that there’s no benefit or value in using flattery.”

Trump’s decision to initiate military action without allied consultation aligns with his America-first philosophy.

“My attitude is: We don’t need anybody. We’re the strongest nation in the world,” he stated Monday.

However, the absence of international authorization — unlike the broad coalition assembled for the 1990 Gulf War — is creating diplomatic blowback.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explained: “It is not our war; we did not start it. We want diplomatic solutions and a swift end to the conflict. Sending more warships to the region will certainly not contribute to that.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested possible naval escort missions in the Strait of Hormuz — but only after combat operations conclude.

“France didn’t choose this war. We’re not taking part,” Macron declared.

Following contentious tariff disputes in Trump’s previous term, early 2026 has brought additional alliance strain. Trump’s renewed push for American control over Greenland, including tariff threats against eight European countries, combined with his false claims about allied combat participation in Afghanistan, has further damaged NATO relationships.

Former French diplomat Sylvie Bermann, who served as ambassador to China, Britain, and Russia, explained: “Allies, or at least the Europeans, aren’t willing to be at the beck and call of a demand from Donald Trump.”

“And even in asking for a helping hand, he is doing so in a brutal manner, saying: ‘You’re useless, we’re the strongest, we don’t need you, but come,’” she added.

Naval experts warn that forcing military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz during active warfare without Iranian agreement would be extremely hazardous.

France has positioned its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean and is coordinating with other nations to prepare escort missions once aerial combat subsides. French military spokesperson Col. Guillaume Vernet emphasized that any escort operations would require negotiations with Iran, and Macron has conducted two phone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian within eight days.

This diplomatic engagement has earned Trump’s approval.

“On a scale of zero to 10, I’d say he’s been an eight,” Trump said Monday regarding Macron. “Not perfect, but it’s France. We don’t expect perfect.”

However, Trump remains angry with other allies.

“We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need,” Trump complained Tuesday.

European and Asian allies depend on Middle Eastern oil, gas, and other commodities, giving Trump some negotiating power.

Past experience has also shown that opposing Trump can trigger retaliatory measures.

“It really could be anything. Are the Europeans prepared for that?” questioned Ed Arnold, a former British military officer now researching at London’s Royal United Services Institute.

European nations need continued American support for Ukraine, including weapons, intelligence, and financial pressure on Russia. The U.S. has begun relaxing some Russian sanctions by temporarily permitting oil shipments to address shortages caused by the Iran conflict. Allies also want Trump’s involvement in peace negotiations.

Amanda Sloat, a former U.S. national security adviser now teaching at Spain’s IE University, noted: “That was what kept European leaders quiet for a lot of last year in the face of the rhetoric and actions.”

“It is also the thing that is making them a little bit nervous now.”

A high-ranking Iranian government official who helped orchestrate a deadly response to anti-government demonstrations has reportedly been killed in an Israeli military strike.

Ali Larijani, who served as an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader and held the position of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was reportedly killed Monday evening, March 16, during Israeli attacks. Gholamreza Soleimani, who led the IRGC Basij force, also died in the same strikes, according to reports. Initially, there was confusion about whether Larijani had survived the attack, with official confirmation and details about his death remaining unclear.

Larijani had been instrumental in directing the violent suppression of widespread anti-government protests that erupted in January 2026. His leadership during that crackdown led to the deaths of thousands of Iranian citizens and resulted in deadly force being authorized against demonstrators. Estimates suggest between 10,000 and 31,000 Iranians lost their lives during the violence, with the heaviest casualties occurring on January 8 and 9.

The 67-year-old official was born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1957 to an influential Iranian religious family. He completed his education at the University of Tehran, where he focused on philosophy and Western philosophical traditions. This educational foundation helped establish his reputation as one of Iran’s more scholarly political figures, someone who could navigate both Islamic doctrine and broader intellectual concepts.

Larijani’s government career began after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when he joined Iran’s developing political institutions. From 1994 to 2004, he directed Iran’s state broadcasting network (IRIB), controlling a crucial government communication channel during a time of domestic reform movements and international conflicts.

He subsequently took on the roles of Supreme National Security Council secretary and Iran’s primary nuclear negotiator, positioning him at the heart of the country’s most critical policy decisions. His time in these roles came during intense international examination of Iran’s nuclear activities, and observers often characterized his methods as resolute yet strategic, showing both ideological dedication and awareness of diplomatic limitations.

Between 2008 and 2020, Larijani held the position of Parliament speaker (Majlis), representing one of Iran’s most powerful government roles. Throughout this time, he established himself as a practical conservative, frequently serving as a connection point between hardline and moderate political groups. He significantly supported the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, sometimes working alongside President Hassan Rouhani’s administration despite political divisions.

While some colleagues viewed Larijani as comparatively moderate, he took an uncompromising stance when the government faced domestic opposition, directly supporting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He was identified as one of the first senior officials to advocate using force against January 2026 protesters, leading to a crackdown with casualties numbering in the thousands.

His involvement in suppressing civilian demonstrations resulted in U.S. sanctions. On January 15, one week after the latest violent crackdown started, Washington imposed penalties on Larijani, charging him with “coordinating the suppression of protests and issuing orders for the use of force against protesters” in his council secretary capacity. The actions he endorsed were designed to stop what officials called “domestic unrest” and protect the Islamic Republic’s stability.

Larijani’s death creates a substantial leadership void in Iran, where he had functioned as the second-most influential figure following the now-deceased supreme leader. The recently appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been largely unavailable, both because he must remain hidden during wartime and due to reports of serious injuries from an airstrike.

During this leadership absence, Larijani was commonly viewed as overseeing the regime’s daily functions, including implementing severe actions against protesters and political opponents. Eliminating Larijani represents a significant strategic action that may not completely overthrow the government but will certainly weaken it and raises questions about who will lead Iran while the conflict continues.

MADRID, March 18 – During a Wednesday meeting in Madrid, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that ongoing Middle East conflicts will not weaken Spain’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. The leaders formalized military cooperation agreements covering joint production of defense equipment including unmanned aircraft, radar systems, and missile technology.

“We cannot deny that the crisis in the Middle East is monopolising conversation and precisely for that reason, I want to say to the government of Ukraine that nothing and no one will make us forget what is happening in Ukraine,” Sanchez declared. “We will keep our support for the Ukrainian people with the same intensity.”

The meeting comes as Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine continues beyond four years, while the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its third week with no resolution apparent.

Zelenskyy announced through his X social media account that beyond his discussions with Sanchez, he also conducted meetings with Spanish defense contractor Sener Aerospace & Defence to finalize manufacturing partnerships for air defense systems and missiles, plus potential collaboration on long-distance drone development.

“We discussed production capabilities and bolstering Ukraine’s air defence,” he stated. “Strengthening air defence and protecting lives are our top priorities. Ukraine has new developments and is ready to scale them up.”

Sener Aerospace & Defence issued a confirmation that their agreements involve Ukrainian defense manufacturers Fire Point, Luch and Radionix.

Looking ahead to Thursday’s European leadership summit in Brussels, Zelenskyy expressed optimism that continental leaders will approve a 90 billion euro financial package for Kyiv covering military assistance and general budget needs, despite Hungarian resistance to the proposal.

“I know most European countries understand this is not a fair blockage,” he commented. “There is no alternative to the 90 billion.”

Israeli military forces have targeted and killed approximately a dozen Gaza police officers over the past week, marking an intensification of strikes against the Hamas-controlled security force, according to Gaza officials.

The fate of Hamas’ roughly 10,000 police officers has become a major obstacle in negotiations surrounding President Trump’s Gaza proposal. While Hamas seeks to incorporate these officers into a future police force outlined in the plan, Israel firmly opposes any involvement of personnel with Hamas connections.

Under Trump’s framework, the militant organization would surrender its weapons and transfer governing authority to a group of Palestinian technical experts who would oversee Gaza’s police operations as Israeli forces pull back. However, discussions about disarming Hamas have been postponed due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to Reuters reporting.

Throughout the coastal territory where Hamas maintained authority following the October ceasefire after two years of conflict, largely unarmed officers wearing dark blue police uniforms continue their street patrols.

On Monday, these officers were observed managing traffic flow and monitoring marketplaces and temporary housing camps throughout Gaza City.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, who heads the Hamas-controlled Gaza government’s media department, reported that Israeli forces have eliminated more than 2,800 Gaza police personnel since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that sparked the current war.

Since the ceasefire began, dozens of officers have lost their lives, with at least 10 killed since the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran commenced, Thawabta stated.

In an effort to minimize additional casualties, he explained that “operational orders and precautionary measures” have been implemented “to reduce risks to police personnel, including reorganizing movements and deployments.” He declined to provide additional specifics.

Israeli officials maintain that their Gaza operations resulting in police officer deaths have focused on neutralizing threats to their military personnel from Hamas. Israeli forces continue to occupy approximately 53% of Gaza’s territory.

In the latest incident, nine police officers died when an airstrike hit their vehicle in Zawayda in central Gaza on Sunday, local medical sources reported. The destroyed car’s bloody remains were abandoned on the street, surrounded by damaged structures.

Israeli military representatives stated they had targeted an armed Hamas unit planning an assault on Israeli troops, claiming six fatalities. Neither Hamas nor the military immediately addressed the conflicting casualty numbers when contacted for comment.

Hamas maintains that Israel is deliberately attacking police officers who are working to preserve public order and security in Gaza after the two-year conflict. Israel disputes this characterization.

Palestinian political expert Reham Owda suggested that Israel’s police targeting reflects concerns about Hamas strengthening its control over Gaza territories under its authority.

“These strikes aim to disrupt Hamas’ security efforts in the territory and convey a clear message that Israel will not accept any expanded security role for Hamas within Gaza,” Owda explained to Reuters.

Gaza’s health department reports that Israeli forces have killed at least 670 individuals since the October ceasefire took effect. Israeli authorities say militants in Gaza have killed four soldiers during the same timeframe.

On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike eliminated Mohammad Abu Shahla, a local armed Hamas leader, in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Hamas and medical officials. That same night, two motorcycle riders shot and injured a high-ranking Hamas police official in Gaza City. Hamas attributed the shooting to “Israeli collaborators.”

Israeli authorities did not provide immediate responses regarding these events.

Abdallah Al-Araisha, a Palestinian resident of a tent settlement in Gaza City, praised the police for their efforts to combat crime and safeguard civilians throughout Gaza, where most of the territory’s 2 million residents have been forced from their homes.

“Without the police, we would be ruined,” Al-Araisha commented.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departed Wednesday for Washington, D.C., anticipating challenging discussions with President Donald Trump following his request for Japan and allied nations to deploy naval vessels to protect the Strait of Hormuz.

The planned three-day Washington visit was initially designed to address trade issues and reinforce U.S.-Japan relations amid China’s expanding regional presence. However, the agenda is now dominated by the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran that began February 28.

“I think the U.S. visit will be a very difficult one, but I will do everything to maximize our national interest and to protect the daily lives of the people when the situation changes daily,” Takaichi addressed parliament Wednesday before her departure.

This marks Takaichi’s second encounter with Trump since their October meeting in Tokyo, which occurred shortly after she became Japan’s first female prime minister. The conservative leader follows in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who maintained strong ties with Trump.

Originally, Takaichi planned to concentrate discussions on China and bolster bilateral relations before Trump’s scheduled diplomatic mission to China. The White House announced Tuesday that trip has been postponed due to Middle Eastern hostilities.

Takaichi faces pressure to determine appropriate commitments to offer Trump. Political analysts suggest demonstrating progress on investment agreements will be crucial for summit success.

Japanese representatives indicate both nations will work to expand collaboration on regional security, essential minerals, energy resources, and China-related concerns.

As a crucial Asian ally, Japan has avoided explicitly endorsing U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran or committing to warship deployment. This stance reflects Japan’s constitutional limitations, legal concerns about U.S. actions, and domestic opposition.

Speaking to parliament, she expressed Japan’s desire for conflict de-escalation, noting disruptions to oil and gas supplies Japan heavily relies upon.

“Without early de-escalation of the situation, our economy will be in trouble,” she stated. “Early de-escalation is important for both the U.S. and global economy.”

Japan seeks to maintain its longstanding relationship with Iran, a primary source of Japanese oil imports.

Takaichi and her cabinet have disputed claims that Washington formally requested Japanese warships for the Strait of Hormuz. Trump posted on X asking multiple countries, including Japan, to volunteer before later stating he no longer required assistance due to lukewarm responses.

This development reduces pressure on Takaichi.

“We have no plans to send warships right now,” Takaichi informed parliament Wednesday. She indicated reconnaissance and intelligence missions might be possible only after a ceasefire. Japanese analysts suggest minesweeping operations could be feasible once hostilities conclude.

“I will clearly explain what we can do and cannot do based on the Japanese law,” Takaichi said. “I’m sure (Trump) is fully aware of the Japanese law.”

Takaichi aims to address China’s security and economic pressure tactics while securing U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as American forces stationed in Japan relocate to the Middle East—a shift Japan views as potentially risky given China’s growing influence.

She plans to reassure Trump regarding Japan’s military expansion, highlighting accelerated long-range missile deployment to strengthen offensive capabilities. This represents a departure from Japan’s post-war defense-only doctrine and demonstrates closer U.S. alignment.

During the summit, Takaichi expects to express Japan’s interest in participating in America’s “Golden Dome” multi-billion dollar, comprehensive missile defense program.

Japan views China as an escalating security concern and has promoted military development on southwestern islands near the East China Sea.

Takaichi has committed to updating Japan’s security and defense policies by December and aims to further strengthen Japan’s military with unmanned combat systems and long-range weaponry.

Her administration plans to eliminate restrictions on lethal arms exports in coming weeks to advance Japan’s defense sector and cooperation with the United States and allied nations.

As a resource-limited country, Japan seeks to diversify oil sources and is completing Japanese investment for expanded Alaskan oil production and domestic stockpiles, according to media accounts. Japanese investment in small modular reactors and American natural gas is also under consideration.

If approved, these projects would comprise part of a $550 billion investment commitment Japan made in October. In February, both sides announced Japan’s dedication to a $36 billion initial project phase—including an Ohio natural gas facility, a Gulf Coast crude oil export terminal, and a synthetic diamond production site—whose advancement will be discussed with Trump.

Japan reportedly intends to suggest joint rare earth development from undersea deposits near the remote Japanese island of Minamitorishima as part of the investment package.

Diplomatic and trade tensions have intensified since Takaichi’s statement that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japanese military intervention.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Heavy machinery carved burial sites at a cemetery in Afghanistan’s capital Wednesday as the nation prepared for a mass funeral ceremony honoring victims of a devastating attack on a drug treatment facility that Afghan authorities attribute to Pakistani forces.

The attack represents the most lethal incident in an intensifying three-week conflict between the neighboring countries. Afghan authorities report 408 fatalities and 265 injuries from the incident, though these numbers remain unconfirmed by independent sources.

Pakistani leadership disputes Afghanistan’s claims that it deliberately struck the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, maintaining that Monday’s military operations in Kabul and eastern Afghanistan focused exclusively on military targets. Pakistani officials have characterized Afghan casualty reports as false propaganda.

Speaking to The Associated Press from Islamabad Wednesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Pakistan had “only targeted terrorist infrastructure.”

“We have just gone after the Afghan Taliban regime, their military setups, their terrorist infrastructure, and all the setups which are supporting or promoting terrorists,” Tarar said.

Cross-border violence and aerial bombardments within Afghanistan, including multiple strikes on the capital, have marked this conflict that erupted in late February, continuing despite international appeals for peace.

Pakistani leadership alleges that Afghanistan shelters extremists who launch attacks within Pakistani territory, particularly members of the Pakistani Taliban. This organization operates independently from but maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban, who assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Afghan officials reject these accusations.

Wednesday’s somber scene featured steady rainfall as emergency vehicles queued outside the burial ground, removing simple wooden coffins. The ceremony honored victims from Kabul province whose remains had been positively identified. Officials indicated that casualties from other Afghan regions would be returned to their home areas for interment.

The strike targeted the 2,000-bed Omid facility around 9 p.m. Monday. The hospital had undergone renaming and significant expansion approximately one year earlier as part of the Taliban government’s campaign against widespread substance abuse issues plaguing the nation.

Afghanistan’s extensive opium cultivation has supplied much of the global heroin market, and combined with prolonged warfare and economic hardship, has created severe addiction problems that current leadership has pledged to address.

The facility’s location near Kabul’s international airport sits adjacent to the former Camp Phoenix NATO base, previously used by American forces for Afghan National Army training. Current usage of that location remains unclear. The Monday attack triggered a massive fire, with local media footage showing rescue teams searching debris with handheld lights throughout the night while firefighters battled the flames.

Tarar described Pakistan’s military actions as precise strikes “carried out in an ammunition depot in Kabul. In the aftermath of which, we saw fumes and flames in the atmosphere in Kabul.”

He attributed subsequent casualties, without providing specific numbers, to the presence of “ammunition, there were technical equipment, there were arms there in that depot.”

Recovery teams continued extracting bodies from the hospital’s charred ruins Tuesday morning.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denounced the attack, charging Pakistan with “targeting hospitals and civilian sites to perpetrate horrors.” He described the deceased as “innocent civilians and addicts.”

This current violence, representing the most serious confrontation between the nations, began in late February when Afghanistan launched retaliatory cross-border operations following Pakistani airstrikes. The hostilities shattered a Qatar-mediated ceasefire established in October after earlier fighting claimed dozens of military personnel, civilians and suspected militants.

Pakistan declared itself in “open war” with Afghanistan last month. The escalating situation has concerned the international community, particularly given the region’s continued presence of other extremist groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State, which have attempted to regain influence.

A decade has passed since terrorists struck Brussels Airport and a metro station, yet Walter Benjamin remains locked in a fight for complete compensation while dealing with lasting physical and psychological wounds from that horrific day.

Benjamin, now 57, was standing in the airport’s departure area when three ISIS operatives entered with luggage packed with explosives on March 22, 2016. Two attackers died in the blast while a third escaped after abandoning his device.

About an hour afterward, another bomber detonated explosives at the Maalbeek metro station. The coordinated assault claimed 32 lives and injured over 300 individuals, with Benjamin among those severely wounded.

“My leg was torn off … right in the middle of the knee,” he said.

The traumatic memories continue haunting Benjamin, who requires medication before entering any airport facility. He believes the terrorists completely destroyed his previous way of life.

“I can still smell the burned bodies,” Benjamin said. “You have to realise this was actually a war zone. People died, people were torn apart.”

Hospital photos from the attack’s aftermath show Benjamin recovering in bed alongside his daughter, with Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visiting during his treatment.

Today, Benjamin maintains his rehabilitation routine, working out on exercise equipment multiple times weekly as part of his ongoing recovery process.

Beyond physical therapy, Benjamin faces continued bureaucratic struggles over his compensation case. His files from a decade of insurance dealings, medical evaluations, and legal proceedings have grown into towering stacks.

“(It) still hasn’t been closed to this day,” he said. “Every day there’s something new that comes up … It weighs heavily on the mind.”

While Benjamin has collected partial payments from MSIG Europe, the insurance company managing his Brussels Airport claim, no complete resolution has been achieved.

MSIG Europe stated: “Discussions are ongoing to reach a final settlement.”

Additionally, Belgian authorities have significantly cut Benjamin’s war pension – a benefit provided to attack survivors – prompting him to challenge the reduction through legal counsel.

According to Life4Brussels, a survivor advocacy group, Benjamin’s situation reflects a widespread problem. The organization reports that victims encounter a complicated and draining compensation system, leading some to give up their claims entirely.

Assuralia, representing Belgian insurance companies, announced that insurers have distributed 88.2 million euros ($101.78 million) in victim compensation since 2016.

A government representative noted that Belgium’s Commission for Financial Aid to Victims has separately allocated 7.9 million euros ($9.11 million) to attack survivors. Benjamin confirmed receiving money from this source as well.

Belgium plans to commemorate the attacks’ 10th anniversary through multiple ceremonies coordinated by airport officials, Brussels transit authority MIVB, and government agencies working alongside victims’ groups, according to the prime minister’s office.

In July 2023, courts convicted six individuals for their roles in the bombings, imposing sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.

Emergency responders are conducting a rescue mission at a Swiss ski destination following reports that a gondola cabin plummeted down a snow-covered slope amid severe wind conditions on March 18th.

Officials have not confirmed whether passengers were aboard the fallen cable car when the accident occurred at Engelberg, a popular skiing destination located in Switzerland’s central region.

A representative from Rega, Switzerland’s air rescue organization, confirmed that one of their helicopters is participating in the emergency response but declined to provide additional information about the operation.

According to Swiss publication 20 Minuten, the incident resulted in at least one person sustaining injuries.

BET, the company that operates the lift system at the resort, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the accident.