Category: World News

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently fighting pneumonia in an intensive care unit at a Brasilia medical facility, according to hospital officials who released a statement Friday.

The 70-year-old’s transfer from prison to DF Star Hospital occurred after he developed symptoms including chills and vomiting upon waking, his son Flávio Bolsonaro reported on social media platform X.

“I ask for prayers that it not be anything serious,” Flávio posted online. The younger Bolsonaro has announced his intention to seek the presidency this year, with recent polling data showing him nearly even with current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro is currently incarcerated while serving a 27-year prison term for coup-related charges, following his conviction last year by Brazil’s Supreme Court justices.

Medical staff at the hospital documented his arrival with elevated body temperature, reduced oxygen levels, excessive sweating, and severe chills. Diagnostic testing revealed bronchopneumonia, a specific form of the lung infection that doctors believe resulted from aspiration.

“He is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit, receiving IV antibiotics and non-invasive clinical support,” hospital representatives stated.

This marks another in a series of medical emergencies for Bolsonaro, who has required hospital care repeatedly since surviving a stabbing attack during a 2018 campaign rally.

Just last month, law enforcement officers accompanied him to the identical medical center for neurological examinations after he suffered a fall from his bed.

In September, Bolsonaro and multiple associates received convictions for conspiring to dismantle Brazil’s democratic institutions after his 2022 electoral loss. The conspiracy involved assassination plots targeting Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, along with plans to incite civil unrest in early 2023.

Additional charges against Bolsonaro include orchestrating an armed criminal enterprise and attempting to violently destroy democratic governance. He continues to maintain his innocence on all counts.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Friday that his administration has canceled the visa of a United States State Department official in what he described as a retaliatory action following last year’s U.S. visa restrictions on Brazilian government officials.

The visa cancellation targets Darren Beattie and stems from actions taken in August by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who revoked and limited visas for certain Brazilian officials that Washington accused of connections to a Cuban medical program that deploys doctors internationally.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes blocked Beattie’s access Thursday to the Brasilia detention facility where former President Jair Bolsonaro is being held.

“That American fellow who said he had come here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was forbidden to do so,” Lula stated, explaining that Beattie will remain banned from Brazil until visa privileges are restored for Brazil’s health minister and his family members.

Justice Moraes, who handed down a 27-year prison sentence to Bolsonaro for orchestrating a coup attempt in 2023, noted in his decision that Beattie had applied for a visa claiming he would participate in the Brazil–US Critical Minerals Forum held Wednesday in São Paulo.

The court document references the Brazilian foreign ministry’s concern that Beattie’s planned meeting with Bolsonaro might constitute “undue interference.” The 80-year-old Lula is seeking reelection this year, with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the imprisoned far-right former leader, anticipated to be his primary challenger in his campaign for a fourth presidential term.

A Brazilian government representative informed The Associated Press Friday that officials revoked Beattie’s visa due to “the omission of information and lies about the purpose of the visit upon his visa request.”

The official requested anonymity because they lacked authorization to publicly address the issue.

The White House has not responded to Lula’s action or the Brazilian Supreme Court’s decision.

Lula has consistently expressed interest in meeting with Trump in Washington this month to address tariff issues, security partnerships and additional matters, though no meeting date has been confirmed.

According to his State Department biography, Beattie joined the agency “from the private sector, where he worked as a media entrepreneur and political strategist.” His government experience includes roles as a White House speechwriter and policy advisor.

MOSCOW – Russian authorities have arrested the second-in-command at Star City, the secretive space training complex outside Moscow, along with six other individuals in connection with a major bribery investigation, according to Russian state media reports released Friday.

The corruption probe expanded from an earlier case involving Star City’s mayor, Yevgeny Barishevsky, who was placed under house arrest in January after being accused of taking a $4,557 bribe.

Russian investigators announced Friday that their expanded investigation revealed that between 2023 and 2025, both the mayor and his deputy accepted multiple payments from business owners, sometimes through third parties, to ensure favorable decisions when awarding city contracts.

The investigation found that the total value of bribes exceeded 9.9 million roubles, equivalent to approximately $123,602.

Star City is located roughly an hour’s drive northeast of Moscow’s Kremlin. The facility remained so classified during the Soviet era that it was completely absent from public maps, with its existence only becoming known after the USSR’s collapse.

The space training center serves as Russia’s primary facility for preparing cosmonauts and has been a cornerstone of the country’s space program for decades.

Brazil’s government plans to cancel the visa of Darren Beattie, a recently appointed advisor to President Donald Trump who was selected to oversee U.S. policy regarding Brazil, according to a government source who spoke to Reuters on Friday.

The decision follows comments from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who indicated earlier Friday that Beattie would not be permitted to enter Brazil unless the United States first restores the visa of his Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, which American officials canceled last year.

Trump named Beattie, who has been critical of Brazil’s current administration, to the senior advisory position focused on shaping American policy toward Brazil just last month. The appointment highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries despite recent efforts to improve diplomatic ties.

Legal representatives for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently imprisoned, had petitioned the nation’s Supreme Court to permit Beattie to meet with their client during a planned visit to Brazil next week. However, Justice Alexandre de Moraes rejected the request on Thursday.

In his ruling, Justice de Moraes referenced correspondence from Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira indicating that the American official had only agreed to participate in a critical minerals conference and government meetings during his Brazilian visit.

Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, maintained close ties with Trump during their overlapping presidencies. He is currently imprisoned and serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting to orchestrate a coup against Lula, who succeeded him in office.

Speaking at a public event Friday, Lula addressed the situation directly: “That American guy who said he was coming here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was prohibited from visiting, and I forbade him from coming to Brazil until they release the visa for my health minister.”

Federal investigators will deploy to Cuba to examine a deadly February confrontation involving Cuban exiles who attempted an armed infiltration by speedboat, Cuban officials announced Friday.

The collaborative investigation comes as both nations work to ease mounting tensions, particularly as Washington’s oil embargo continues to deepen Cuba’s economic struggles.

According to Havana authorities, ten Cuban nationals attempted to enter the country illegally on February 25th, carrying an extensive arsenal including nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles, and 11 pistols along with additional equipment. Half of the infiltrators died in the resulting conflict, while the surviving five remain in Cuban detention receiving medical care.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the cooperative effort during Friday’s press briefing, stating: “There is cooperation with our American counterparts, and we are awaiting a group of FBI experts to continue advancing this investigation.” He noted that coordination between the FBI and Cuba’s Interior Ministry occurred through established diplomatic and consular pathways.

The FBI has not yet provided comment on the arrangement.

U.S. officials have shown interest in obtaining consular access to the survivors, as at least two held dual American-Cuban citizenship while others maintained legal U.S. residency status.

This incident occurred during a particularly strained period in U.S.-Cuban relations, following President Donald Trump’s intensified pressure campaign against the Communist government. The tensions escalated after Trump implemented a comprehensive oil embargo following the January 3rd capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had been a key Cuban ally.

Cuban authorities characterized the infiltrators as exiles operating from the United States, with some previously linked to terrorist activities. Officials said their mission involved creating disorder and targeting military installations.

The confrontation began when a five-member Cuban border patrol aboard a nine-meter vessel detected the approaching speedboat approximately one nautical mile from a channel along the island’s northern coastline, roughly 100 miles from Marathon, Florida.

Cuban forces report the infiltrators opened fire from 185 meters away, striking the patrol captain in the abdomen. Despite severe bleeding, the wounded captain maintained control of his vessel and directed it toward the attackers, resulting in close-range combat at approximately 20 meters.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that this was not a U.S. government operation and confirmed no American government personnel participated in the incident.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un, issued harsh condemnation of ongoing US-South Korea military exercises on Tuesday, warning of severe retaliation for any threats to North Korea’s security.

Her statement followed the launch of the allies’ 11-day Freedom Shield training exercise involving thousands of military personnel, occurring as Washington faces mounting conflicts in the Middle East.

While avoiding direct mention of Middle East warfare, Kim characterized the US-South Korea exercises as destabilizing regional peace during a period when global security frameworks are “collapsing rapidly and wars break out in different parts of the world due to the reckless acts of outrageous international rogues.”

The Freedom Shield operation represents one of two yearly command-post training exercises between American and South Korean forces. These predominantly computer-based simulations evaluate combined operational readiness while addressing emerging warfare scenarios and security threats. The exercise runs alongside field training known as Warrior Shield.

Referencing her nation’s growing nuclear capabilities, Kim Yo Jong declared North Korea would continue strengthening its “destructive power” against perceived external dangers and “constantly and repeatedly convince the enemies of our war deterrence and its fatality.”

Pyongyang has consistently characterized these allied training exercises as preparation for invasion and frequently uses them to justify escalating its own military activities or weapons testing. US and South Korean officials maintain these drills serve defensive purposes.

Last week, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry condemned American and Israeli strikes against Iran as an “illegal act of aggression” conducted under false pretenses of “fake peace.”

During an extended diplomatic standoff with Washington and Seoul, Kim Jong Un has increasingly positioned his international strategy around Cold War-style confrontation, strengthening relationships with Moscow and Beijing while presenting Pyongyang as part of an anti-American coalition.

Both North Korea and Iran joined the limited group of nations backing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian invasion, with both countries facing accusations of providing military supplies to Russia.

CARACAS, Venezuela — Legislative discussions commenced Monday on new mining legislation introduced by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, designed to restructure the nation’s mineral extraction sector and encourage international investment.

The proposed legislation seeks to rebuild trust with overseas investors, particularly those who previously suffered asset seizures through government takeovers years ago, while bringing essential funding to revitalize the industry. The measure follows a similar pattern to recent oil sector reforms that permitted privatization, marking a departure from socialist policies that have governed Venezuela for over twenty years.

This represents the most recent policy initiative Rodríguez has introduced following increased pressure from the Trump administration since January, when U.S. military forces removed former President Nicolás Maduro from power. The proposal was announced during U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s recent trip to Caracas.

Burgum’s diplomatic mission aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to counter Chinese dominance in critical mineral markets — resources that Venezuela possesses in abundance — while implementing a gradual stabilization plan for the South American nation that experienced ongoing turmoil throughout Maduro’s nearly 13-year presidency.

Beyond petroleum reserves, Venezuela contains substantial deposits of gold, copper, coltan, bauxite, diamonds and additional valuable minerals, though the poorly supervised industry suffers from dangerous working environments. Coltan yields niobium and tantalum, both classified as strategic minerals essential for smartphone production and electric vehicle batteries, while bauxite becomes aluminum, another mineral the United States considers critical.

“The restoration of relations between Venezuela and the United States has led the world’s leading mining corporations to evaluate the possibility of investing significant capital to reactivate sectors capable of guaranteeing the supply of critical minerals essential for the development of the technology industry, the generation of new energy sources, and the manufacture of electric vehicles,” stated legislator Félix Freites, who pledged dedicated efforts to ensure the bill creates employment opportunities for Venezuelan citizens.

The draft legislation addresses mineral ownership rights, creates classifications for small, medium and large-scale operations, and permits independent dispute resolution — a provision foreign investors consider crucial protection against future government seizures. Similar arbitration language was incorporated into the oil industry restructuring that Rodríguez enacted earlier this year.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the president, vice president, cabinet members, governors and other officials from obtaining mining permits.

Criminal organizations, guerrilla fighters, gangs and other unlawful groups have historically dominated Venezuela’s mineral-abundant regions, conducting extraction activities with official approval and military protection.

Numerous international companies with Venezuelan investments, including mining and petroleum operations, experienced government confiscation approximately twenty years ago. Subsequently, in 2016, Maduro’s administration created an extensive mining development area across the country’s central region to compensate for declining oil revenues, which dropped due to poor management, corruption and later U.S. economic sanctions.

Mining activities for gold, diamonds, copper and other materials have expanded significantly since that time. Many operate as unauthorized facilities under harsh conditions with criminal gang involvement, yet ordinary Venezuelans continue seeking these opportunities hoping for quick wealth and poverty escape. Government officials and military personnel receive portions of illegal mining profits in exchange for permitting operations, providing fuel access, equipment and mineral transportation.

The United States recently granted a sanctions exemption authorizing business dealings with Minerven, Venezuela’s government-owned gold mining enterprise.

When announcing the legislation Wednesday, Rodríguez informed reporters it would represent “a win for the social well-being” of Venezuelan people.

“May the Venezuelan people also see the good aspects of having good relations with the world and with the United States of America,” she said.

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — A sacred wooden drum seized by French colonial forces over a century ago has been returned to Ivory Coast in what officials are calling a historic moment of cultural restoration.

The ceremonial return on Friday marked the first time France has given back a cultural artifact to the West African nation, representing part of ongoing international efforts to restore treasured items taken during colonial rule.

Known as the Djidji Ayôkwé, the enormous hand-carved drum was originally used by the Atchan community near Abidjan for inter-village communication before French authorities confiscated it in 1916. The artifact is one of at least 140 cultural items that Ivory Coast has requested France return.

“This is a historic day and a moment of justice and remembrance,” declared Ivory Coast Culture Minister Françoise Remarck during the reception ceremony at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.

The impressive drum, whose name translates to “panther-lion,” stretches approximately 11.5 feet in length and tips the scales at nearly 950 pounds. Historical records indicate the drum served as an early warning system, alerting communities about colonial forced labor recruitment drives.

The repatriation initiative stems from French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 commitment to return African cultural artifacts, following recommendations from commissioned academic research. French lawmakers passed specialized legislation last year specifically allowing this Ivory Coast artifact to leave French museum collections.

The return process involved extensive coordination with Atchan traditional authorities, who made the journey to Paris to conduct ceremonial rituals that temporarily lifted the drum’s sacred designation, enabling restoration work and safe transport.

Village leaders who witnessed Friday’s homecoming described the moment as deeply meaningful for their community.

“After a long stay far from its land, our sacred drum is finally returning to its people,” expressed Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of Adjamé-Bingerville village. “It is like the missing piece of our history coming back.”

The centuries-old artifact will spend the next month in a controlled environment, allowing the wood to slowly adapt from Paris’s arid conditions to Abidjan’s tropical humidity and prevent potential damage to the ancient material.

Public viewing is scheduled to begin in April when the drum goes on display at Abidjan’s newly refurbished Museum of Civilizations.

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — Visitors to a prestigious German museum can now walk through a mirrored chamber filled with colorful polka dots, explore towering flower sculptures positioned near Cologne’s historic cathedral, and navigate through massive tentacle-like installations that create a captivating journey through art and space.

The distinguished Museum Ludwig in western Germany is marking its golden anniversary by launching an extensive exhibition featuring the work of celebrated Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, opening Saturday for a nearly five-month run showcasing more than 300 pieces.

This comprehensive journey through the artistic evolution of the 97-year-old creator spans from her earliest sketch in the mid-1930s to a specially created “Infinity Mirror Room” designed exclusively for this exhibition.

Kusama, who celebrates her 97th birthday this month, has gained widespread popularity on social media through her vibrant color palettes and flowing forms that express her wonder about existence. Her personal journey took her from traditional post-war Japan to New York City, where she became involved with the Flower Power movement and Vietnam War protests during the 1960s, before returning to Japan in 1973.

Exhibition curator Stephan Diederich describes the show, running until August 2nd, as “very diverse, wide-ranging, and depicts an immensely rich, creative life spanning more than eight decades, still looking ahead.”

The display includes pieces from her “My Eternal Soul, 2009-2021” collection, featuring a mosaic of paintings, alongside “The Universe as Seen from the Stairway to Heaven” — constructed from mirror, glass and acrylic materials. At the museum’s entrance stands her internationally recognized 2009 “Pumpkin” sculpture, crafted from fiber-reinforced plastic and polyurethane paint, on loan from Museum Voorlinden in the Netherlands.

The rooftop installation showcases painted-bronze works titled “Flowers That Speak All about My Heart Given to the Sky” from 2018, while “I’m Here, but Nothing,” originally conceived in 2000, transforms everyday household items using fluorescent stickers and ultraviolet lighting.

“Kusama is undoubtedly one of the most significant artists of our time,” Diederich stated. “Her mirror rooms, balloon installations and polka dots have achieved cult status and are now iconic.”

Her diverse artistic creations frequently draw inspiration from the natural world. She spent her childhood surrounded by the greenhouses and farmland of her family’s extensive seed business in Matsumoto, Japan. During her youth, Kusama experienced intense hallucinations, many featuring spreading polka dots or flowers, and has battled ongoing psychological challenges.

“In my more than 70 years as an artist, I have always been in awe of the wonder of life,” she said in a statement. “More than anything, this strong sense of the life force in artistic expression is what has supported me and gave me power to overcome feelings of depression, hopelessness and sadness.

“I have been guided by my belief in this power,” Kusama said.

According to Diederich, Kusama has spent recent years living quietly in a Tokyo medical facility and worked with the exhibition team through intermediaries. Despite health limitations, she continues creating art daily and has maintained active involvement in planning this show.

A majority of justices on Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled Friday to continue holding Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of the shuttered financial institution Banco Master, behind bars.

Vorcaro was arrested earlier this month following a judicial determination that there was “strong indication” he tried to influence a former central bank official through bribery, offering gifts in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment.

The high court panel’s decision maintains Vorcaro’s detention as the case proceeds through Brazil’s legal system.

Military officials have confirmed that six American service members died when their KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq while conducting operations against Iran.

U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle East operations, reported the tragedy occurred during an incident involving two military planes in “friendly airspace.” The second aircraft involved managed to land without incident.

This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. aircraft loss during the ongoing conflict with Iran, highlighting the dangerous nature of current military operations in the region.

The KC-135 Stratotanker serves as a vital Air Force asset for mid-air refueling missions, enabling other aircraft to extend their range and operational time without returning to base. Military specialists note these planes also handle medical evacuations and surveillance operations when needed.

The aircraft design stems from the Boeing 707 commercial airliner and has served American forces for over six decades, supporting Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied operations worldwide. However, the military plans to gradually retire these aging planes as newer KC-46A Pegasus tankers become available.

The advanced age of the KC-135 fleet has raised questions about mechanical reliability and operational safety among defense experts.

“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.

Congressional Research Service data shows the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 serving on active duty, 163 assigned to Air National Guard units, and 62 supporting Air Force Reserve operations.

Standard crew configuration includes three personnel: pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator. Medical missions require additional nurses and technicians aboard.

Refueling operations occur at the aircraft’s rear section, where boom operators deploy fuel lines to connect with fighters, bombers, and other military planes. Many boom operators perform their duties lying prone while monitoring operations through windows beneath the aircraft.

Certain KC-135 models can also refuel aircraft using wing-mounted pods, and the planes have capacity for cargo or passenger transport when required.

Yang suggested refueling tankers may become increasingly critical if the Iran conflict continues, as American aircraft might need extended missions to target Iranian forces moving deeper into their territory.

Central Command initially reported four confirmed deaths among the six crew members, with rescue operations ongoing. Officials later confirmed all six perished in the crash. Investigators are examining the circumstances but have ruled out hostile or friendly fire as causes.

A military source, speaking anonymously about the developing investigation, revealed the second aircraft was also a KC-135. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter confirmed via social media that the other plane landed safely in Israel.

Yang noted that enemy fire rarely targets refueling tankers since these operations typically occur away from active combat zones.

The incident follows last week’s friendly fire tragedy when Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three American F-15E fighter jets.

Previous KC-135 accidents have resulted in multiple fatalities over the years. The most recent fatal crash occurred on May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R went down after takeoff near Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan, during Afghanistan war support operations.

Air Force investigators determined the 2013 crew faced rudder control problems. As they attempted to stabilize their aircraft, the tail section separated and the plane exploded in flight, killing all three crew members.

The most catastrophic mid-air collision involving a KC-135 happened in 1966 near Palomares, Spain, when a nuclear-armed B-52 bomber collided with the tanker.

That accident destroyed the tanker and killed four crew members. The disaster triggered a massive decontamination operation after conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated upon ground impact, spreading nuclear material across the area.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A couple whose daughter suffered life-threatening injuries during a devastating school attack in Canada has filed a civil lawsuit claiming artificial intelligence company OpenAI was aware the gunman was using their technology to orchestrate the violence.

According to the legal filing, OpenAI acknowledged they had concerns about the individual’s activities but chose not to contact law enforcement before Jesse Van Roostselaar carried out the deadly assault in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 10.

The tech company only reached out to authorities following the tragic incident that claimed eight lives before Van Roostselaar took her own life. OpenAI revealed they had previously shut down the attacker’s ChatGPT access, but she circumvented the restriction by creating an additional account.

Court documents submitted to the British Columbia Supreme Court contend that OpenAI possessed “specific knowledge of the shooter utilizing ChatGPT to plan a mass casualty event like the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting.”

The legal action claims the AI chatbot served as a “trusted confidante, collaborator and ally” for the shooter, and alleges the system “behaves willingly to assist users such as the shooter to plan a mass casualty event.”

OpenAI representatives have not yet provided a response regarding the litigation.

The filing details how Maya Gebala sustained three gunshot wounds at point-blank range during the attack — one striking her head, another her neck, and a third grazing her face. According to the lawsuit, she now faces a devastating brain injury resulting in lifelong cognitive and physical impairments.

STOCKHOLM — Maritime authorities in Sweden have launched an investigation into a tanker vessel suspected of illegally displaying false flag documentation while navigating Baltic Sea waters.

Swedish Coast Guard officials boarded the vessel “Sea Owl I” on Thursday near Trelleborg’s coastline. The ship was displaying the flag of the Comoros islands, located off the East African coast, but maritime investigators suspect this flag registration is fraudulent.

According to a coast guard statement, the tanker appears on European Union sanctions lists and had been making a voyage from Brazil toward Russia. While the vessel has previously been used for oil transportation between these nations, it appeared to be traveling without cargo during Thursday’s inspection.

Coast guard personnel plan to conduct a thorough vessel search and interview crew members to assess the ship’s operational safety and compliance.

This marks the second suspected false flag investigation launched by Swedish maritime authorities within the past week. Officials are also examining the cargo vessel “Caffa,” which operates with a predominantly Russian crew and faces accusations of transporting stolen grain while appearing on Ukraine’s sanctions registry.

Swedish officials announced last year they would intensify insurance verification procedures for foreign vessels as part of efforts to restrict operations of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This fleet consists of older ships used for transporting oil and gas or carrying stolen Ukrainian agricultural products.

These vessels typically average 18 years in age, placing them near the end of their operational lifespan and making them more susceptible to maritime accidents, particularly when maintenance standards are poor.

Stockholm’s government directed the Coast Guard and Swedish Maritime Administration last year to expand insurance documentation collection beyond ships docking at Swedish ports to include all vessels passing through the nation’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.

IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — Iraq finds itself in a precarious position as the sole nation experiencing military strikes from both Iranian-backed forces and U.S. troops, threatening to pull the country into a comprehensive crisis after managing to stay clear of two years of regional instability.

With the conflict approaching its second full week, Iraq’s circumstances are becoming increasingly dire. Maritime shipping disruptions and attacks on petroleum facilities and infrastructure have virtually stopped all exports, putting at risk a nation that depends on oil trade for most of its government income.

Should the export stoppage persist, Baghdad may find itself unable to cover its massive public employee wages within a month, creating the potential for widespread civil disorder, according to two Iraqi Kurdish officials.

The central government has reached out to Kurdish leadership in the north to restart oil shipments through a pipeline to Turkey, but negotiations have stalled over long-standing internal disputes. The officials provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the political discussions.

Meanwhile, a secondary battle related to the broader conflict has intensified between Iranian-supported Iraqi militia organizations and American forces. Daily drone attacks have focused on U.S. assets throughout Iraq, prompting American military responses against militia installations to protect personnel.

Beginning February 28 after a significant American and Israeli operation in Iran, the war has brought continuous drone and rocket attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq, including military installations at Baghdad and Irbil airports, plus American diplomatic compounds. Iranian forces and their Iraqi militia partners have also targeted petroleum facilities and energy systems to increase economic damage.

Iraq stands apart from other Middle Eastern nations affected by the conflict because it houses both established pro-Iranian groups and substantial American interests. The nation’s economy relies almost entirely on oil revenue, making any disruption to production or exports through the Strait of Hormuz potentially devastating to government finances during an already challenging political transition in Baghdad.

Extended conflict raises the likelihood that economic disruption, political deadlock, and tensions with Iran-aligned militias could combine to destroy Iraq’s carefully maintained relative peace.

Officials in Baghdad and Irbil continue advocating for restraint and maintaining that combat operations should not occur within their borders, yet the conflict’s direction is increasingly moving beyond their influence. American officials have provided reassurances to Iraqi leadership that the nation will not be pulled into the regional war, the two Kurdish officials told AP.

During the conflict’s initial phase, drone and rocket attacks by Iran and affiliated organizations began focusing on American military bases, diplomatic facilities, and oil installations. In Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish territory, daily drone strikes have targeted not just U.S. military and allied facilities but also business locations and hotels.

Pro-Iranian groups have also attacked Kurdish organizations operating in northern Iraq following reports that Washington intended to provide weapons to some groups for operations against Tehran. Several Iranian Kurdish leaders have indicated readiness to conduct cross-border missions into Iran with American backing.

Iraq currently operates under interim government leadership after the U.S. rejected the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Caretaker leader Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, working with even more restricted authority, cannot effectively control powerful militia organizations.

American forces have responded by attacking militia locations throughout Iraq, including strikes in Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, northern Iraq, and al-Qaim near the Iraq-Syria border.

Following patterns from previous crises, Iraqi citizens have adapted to daily violence that affects routine activities.

At an Irbil restaurant, customers heard approaching drones followed by a distant explosion before smoke appeared on the horizon where it was intercepted. A server encouraged calm, explaining the attacks targeted the U.S. Consulate or airport and presented no immediate danger to patrons.

The most serious risk to Iraq’s stability comes from interrupted oil production, which could devastate government income. Kurdish officials reported Baghdad’s warning that public employee payments could face disruption within a month.

To reduce pressure, Baghdad has requested exports of at least 250,000 barrels daily of crude from Kirkuk fields through the pipeline to Ceyhan in Turkey crossing Kurdish territory. Negotiations have stopped after Kurdish representatives demanded lifting an existing U.S. dollar restriction and restoring economic benefits from trade.

Iraq’s government reduced production from southern oil fields, which generate most of the nation’s 4.8 million barrels daily, after the war virtually halted Strait of Hormuz shipping and militias attacked facilities. Oil sales provide over 90% of government revenue.

Iraq maintains one of the world’s largest government workforces and pension systems, and previous payment delays have triggered mass demonstrations.

Production has stopped at oil fields affected by strikes. In the Kurdish region, Canada’s ShaMaran Petroleum and U.S. private company HKN have halted operations at the Sarsang and Atrush sites.

“If oil exports are disrupted, the immediate impact would likely be a decline in the value of the Iraqi dinar. This would quickly trigger inflation, and within a short time the prices of basic goods could rise sharply,” said Farhad Soleimanpour, an Iraqi Kurdish political analyst.

“For the Kurdistan region, the situation could be even more difficult because it does not have its own central bank or significant financial reserves. Iraq may be able to withstand the shock for several months, but the Kurdistan Region would likely face immediate financial pressure,” he added.

The conflict has also damaged electrical systems.

The Khor Mor gas facility in the autonomous Kurdish region is shut down, reducing electricity production by almost two-thirds. Previously providing continuous power, households now receive only four to six hours daily, according to Omed Ahmad, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Electricity.

Following the November 2025 election, Iraq has lacked a government after American opposition to al-Maliki’s return as prime minister. The war complicates the difficult transition, forcing an interim administration with severely restricted powers to handle the consequences.

However, the caretaker status also allows Iraqi leaders to avoid responsibility by claiming insufficient authority to act, according to Iraq analyst Tamer Badawi. “No one wants to take this big responsibility at the moment,” he said.

This would require taking control and managing multiple armed organizations, from Iran-backed militias attacking U.S. interests to Kurdish-Iranian opposition groups, whose activities deepen divisions that could trigger civil unrest.

Even with some oil exported through the pipeline, officials have warned there is no guarantee the infrastructure will remain safe from militia attacks.

Iraq has succeeded against expectations in largely avoiding regional turmoil from the Gaza war that started in 2023. Political and religious leaders have maintained commitment to keeping the country out of broader conflict and preserving stability.

“Iraq faces pressure to maintain neutrality while different political groups inside the country have opposing positions regarding the conflict,” Soleimanpour said. “Some factions support closer relations with Iran, while others prefer stronger cooperation with the United States and Western countries. This internal division increases political tension.”

A high-ranking diplomat from the United Arab Emirates stated Friday that Iran must stop launching attacks against regional neighbors before any meaningful peace negotiations can take place.

Lana Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE’s ambassador to the United Nations and currently holds a minister of state position in the country’s foreign ministry, believes the ongoing conflict will eventually reach a diplomatic resolution through President Trump’s leadership.

“Ultimately, it will be a diplomatic solution, but there needs to be that tipping point moment, and I think that president Trump will lead us all to that moment in his time,” Nusseibeh stated during the interview.

When questioned about potential mediation efforts, she emphasized that Iranian aggression must cease first. “It is difficult to talk about mediation when under attack… Mediation can only happen when the guns go silent,” she explained.

Nusseibeh revealed that during diplomatic talks in Tehran just two weeks before hostilities began, Iranian officials provided no warning that the UAE would become a target. This lack of advance notice made Iran’s subsequent attacks “so shocking and so egregious,” according to the diplomat.

Iranian leadership has justified their strikes as targeting American military presence throughout the region. The UAE joins several other nations including Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey in hosting U.S. military installations.

The conflict has seen drone and missile strikes against UAE civilian targets, including Dubai’s airport, prominent hotels, and the nation’s financial center.

REBUILDING TRUST WILL PROVE CHALLENGING

The UAE diplomat indicated her country maintains regular communication with the Trump administration, describing the relationship as a robust strategic partnership.

Nusseibeh refrained from criticizing American or Israeli military actions against Iran, suggesting these operations should be considered separately from what she termed Iran’s “egregious illegal and unlawful attacks on the Gulf countries and Jordan.”

She warned that returning to pre-conflict diplomatic relations with Iran would prove difficult “as you look around at the destruction and the chaos that Iran has caused in the region.”

According to Nusseibeh, Iran appears to be targeting the UAE’s economic foundation, which has attracted approximately 700,000 Iranian residents. However, she argued that the Iranian strikes have demonstrated “our economy is strong and robust and resilient.”

“People are back at work, our airports are open, flights are taking off. It’s the Iranian economy that was already strangled by sanctions and economic pressure that is going into freefall. It’s their currency that’s going into freefall,” she concluded.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Tuesday that American officials have not contacted his government regarding potential weapons transfers to support Middle East operations, even as similar conversations are reportedly underway with South Korea.

Last Friday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun revealed that American and South Korean military officials are discussing the potential relocation of US Patriot missile defense systems currently stationed in South Korea for use in the conflict with Iran.

During a press briefing at Taiwan’s parliament, Koo explained that any redeployment of American-manufactured weapons from Taiwan would only occur following a formal US request. He noted that if such a request were made, the United States would handle all transportation logistics.

“But so far, because of the U.S.–Iran war, they have not approached us about making use of any of our related equipment,” Koo stated.

Taiwan maintains Patriot missiles as part of its defense arsenal, with the United States serving as the island’s primary weapons supplier. The democratically-run nation continues to face mounting military threats from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. Taiwan’s leadership firmly disputes Beijing’s territorial claims.

According to South Korean media reports citing government sources, Patriot systems are being prepared for Middle East deployment, with large American military cargo aircraft arriving at Osan Air Base to facilitate the transfer.

Travelers can expect to pay more for flights as airlines worldwide respond to skyrocketing fuel costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Air New Zealand announced Tuesday that it has increased ticket prices and warned of potential additional fare hikes as jet fuel expenses have surged dramatically. The airline reported that fuel costs, previously ranging from $85 to $90 per barrel before the conflict began, have now climbed to between $150 and $200 per barrel in recent days.

The carrier has implemented fare increases of NZ$10 ($5.92) for domestic one-way economy tickets, NZ$20 for short-distance international flights, and NZ$90 for long-distance routes. Due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict, the airline has also suspended its 2026 financial projections.

“If the conflict leads to continued elevated jet fuel costs, we may need to take further pricing action and adjust our network and schedule as required,” Air New Zealand stated.

The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused oil prices to spike dramatically, creating widespread disruption in global travel markets and raising concerns about potential flight cancellations and reduced service.

Other airlines are also feeling the pressure. Vietnam Airlines has petitioned local officials to eliminate environmental taxes on jet fuel to help maintain operations. The Vietnamese government reported that domestic carriers are facing operating cost increases of 60% to 70% due to rising fuel prices, with suppliers struggling to meet airline demand.

Air New Zealand indicated that while New Zealand currently has adequate jet fuel supplies, the company is maintaining close communication with suppliers and government officials to track global developments.

Following Monday’s market turbulence, airline stocks began showing signs of recovery after President Donald Trump suggested the conflict might end soon. This announcement helped oil prices retreat to approximately $90 per barrel on Tuesday from Monday’s peak of $119.

Asian airline stocks demonstrated stabilization, with Air New Zealand climbing 2% after Monday’s nearly 8% decline. Korean Air Lines increased 6% following the previous day’s 8.6% drop, while Qantas Airways gained over 1% after falling 4.5% on Monday. Japan Airlines also rose more than 2%.

Fuel represents airlines’ second-largest operational expense after labor costs, typically comprising 20% to 25% of total operating expenses. While some major Asian and European carriers have oil price hedging strategies in place, most U.S. airlines discontinued this practice over the past twenty years.

Elevated oil prices and airspace restrictions due to the conflict are limiting airline capacity, driving ticket prices significantly higher on certain routes and causing travelers to reconsider their plans as the busy summer travel season approaches.

The conflict is having broader impacts on the travel industry. Major Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically transport about one-third of passengers traveling from Europe to Asia and more than half of all travelers from Europe to Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific Islands, according to aviation data firm Cirium.

South Korean travel company HanaTour Service has begun canceling group tours involving Middle East destinations, including Dubai trips and European itineraries with Dubai connections. The company is waiving cancellation fees for affected customers and has suspended all Middle East-related tours for March.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism projects that if the conflict continues beyond eight weeks, the country will lose nearly 596,000 tourists and approximately 40.9 billion baht ($1.29 billion) in tourism revenue.

Five members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team have received asylum protection in Australia after authorities helped them escape from their hotel where Iranian government officials were monitoring their activities.

Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke announced Tuesday that federal police successfully removed the players from their accommodation on Monday evening, relocating them to a secure facility under law enforcement protection.

The group includes team captain Zahra Ghanbari along with Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, and Fatemeh Pasandideh. The Iranian government had labeled these athletes as “wartime traitors” following their refusal to perform their country’s national anthem prior to an Asian Cup competition.

According to Burke, discussions regarding asylum requests had been taking place over multiple days before the Monday night operation. Immigration authorities finalized the women’s humanitarian visa paperwork around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

“Once everything had been signed off last night, there were lots of photos, lots of celebrating, and then a spontaneous outcry of ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi’,” Burke reported during his press briefing.

“These women are great athletes, great people, and they’re going to feel very much at home in Australia,” the minister added.

The team’s tournament participation occurred amid military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Australian media had documented that Iranian government representatives were accompanying the soccer squad and restricting their freedom of movement.

Burke revealed that Australian security personnel had been safeguarding the women even before their asylum request. “There’s been a good police presence at different points and we just made sure that opportunity was there,” he explained.

Four of the asylum recipients play for Bam Khatoon, a dominant club that has captured Iran’s women’s soccer championship eleven times. Captain Ghanbari previously competed for this team before transferring to Persepolis this season.

The 33-year-old striker, who holds Iran’s women’s international scoring record, faced suspension in 2024 when her mandatory hijab fell off during a goal celebration in Asian Champions League play. She was permitted to return only after both she and her club issued public apologies.

During Iran’s tournament-ending loss to the Philippines on Sunday, Ghanbari’s head covering again slipped off multiple times throughout the match.

Burke indicated that Australia’s asylum offer extends to the remaining 21 squad members still staying at their Gold Coast hotel, though he expects some will choose to return to Iran.

“These women have been weighing up an incredibly difficult decision,” the minister acknowledged.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Friday that Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has sustained injuries and may be disfigured following weeks of military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.

Khamenei, who was chosen by Iran’s clerical assembly this past Sunday, has remained out of public view since assuming power. His initial public communication came Thursday through a written statement delivered by a television announcer, in which he threatened to maintain closure of the Strait of Hormuz and demanded neighboring nations shut down American military installations on their soil or face Iranian retaliation.

A source within the Iranian government confirmed to Reuters Wednesday that the country’s new leader sustained minor injuries but continues to fulfill his duties, following state media reports describing him as battle-wounded.

During a press briefing, Hegseth questioned the leader’s condition and capability. “We know the new so-called not so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement,” Hegseth said.

The Defense Secretary continued his assessment, saying: “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father – dead. He’s scared, he’s injured, he’s on the run and he lacks legitimacy.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed claims Friday that Iran has deployed explosive mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, stating American intelligence has found no concrete proof of such activity.

During a Pentagon briefing on March 13, Hegseth’s statement contradicted earlier media coverage this week that suggested Iran had positioned roughly a dozen mines throughout the narrow waterway, which serves as a passage for approximately 20% of global oil shipments.

When questioned about potential mining operations in the strait, Hegseth responded: “We’ve heard them talk about it just like you’ve reported recklessly and wildly about it. But … we have no clear evidence of that.”

The Defense Secretary’s remarks came amid rising fuel costs affecting the United States and allied nations, as the conflict between the U.S. and Israel reached its 14th day. Oil markets reflected the tension Friday, with prices climbing close to $100 per barrel.

Two European nations are reportedly engaging in diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials to establish protections for their commercial vessels navigating through a crucial Middle Eastern waterway, according to a Friday report from the Financial Times.

The negotiations between France, Italy, and Iran center on creating an agreement that would ensure their ships can safely traverse the Strait of Hormuz, sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts told the publication on March 13.

The Reuters news agency noted they were unable to independently confirm the Financial Times’ reporting at the time of publication.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a deadly drone strike that targeted French military personnel in northern Iraq, calling the attack both “unacceptable” and unjustified during a Friday press conference in Paris.

The assault resulted in one French soldier’s death and left six others injured, prompting Macron to defend his country’s military involvement in the Middle East region.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron emphasized that France maintains a “defensive” stance in the region and has ordered military officials to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the incident.

The attack marks another escalation in regional tensions affecting international forces operating in Iraq, where various nations maintain military presence as part of ongoing security operations.

SEOUL, South Korea — The expanding Middle East conflict is prompting nations across Asia to brace for potential economic disruptions and long-term security implications, as both American partners and adversaries reassess their positions.

The following examines how the Middle Eastern hostilities are affecting North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and China.

During a significant political gathering last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that his nation’s multi-decade nuclear weapons development program was the “correct” path forward, even amid severe international isolation and limited resources.

The joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran are expected to strengthen that conviction.

North Korean officials likely observed with concern as the strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader. This followed a January U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang has denounced the Iranian strikes as unlawful and a “most despicable” breach of national sovereignty. Notably, officials did not reference the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Comparable military strikes targeting North Korea’s leadership would pose significantly greater risks and face lower odds of success, according to Hong Min, a researcher at South Korea’s Institute for National Unification.

In contrast to Iran, North Korea has successfully developed its nuclear capabilities. The country possesses an extensive weapons stockpile with numerous warheads and various delivery methods that pose threats to U.S. partners in Asia, plus intercontinental ballistic missiles that could potentially strike the American mainland. Eliminating North Korea’s military assets through a single preemptive assault would prove challenging and might leave remaining systems available for attacks on South Korea, Japan, or the United States.

Making his first public appearance since the conflict started, Kim recently oversaw maritime trials of his newest warship and testing of what official media described as nuclear-capable cruise missiles. Some experts suggest this demonstration might have been designed to highlight his military strength following Khamenei’s death and the U.S. destruction of Iranian naval forces — indicating that, unlike Iran, his vessels could transport nuclear weapons.

Military action against North Korea would also be complicated by its close geographic location to China and Russia — America’s primary competitors — with both nations developing stronger relationships with Kim as he pursues greater regional influence.

The U.S. military operations against Iran and Venezuela occurred even during active diplomatic talks. Experts hold varying opinions about how this might influence North Korea’s interest in diplomatic engagement with America, which stalled in 2019 after summit talks between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump failed.

During February’s ruling party meeting, Kim kept diplomatic options with the United States open, repeating Pyongyang’s previous demands that Washington abandon its requirements for North Korean denuclearization as a condition for resuming discussions.

Hong noted that while Kim will probably maintain this stance, the Iranian attack may have increased his suspicion of Washington and could lead him to set higher expectations for future negotiations.

However, Park Won Gon, a professor at Seoul’s Ewha Womans University, suggested Kim might feel more pressure to pursue an agreement with Trump, considering their incomplete diplomacy a potential liability.

South Korean officials have indicated that Trump’s anticipated visit to China in late March or April might create opportunities for engagement with Pyongyang.

South Korea, which relies heavily on international trade and imported energy, is concerned about Iran’s strikes on energy facilities and efforts to block the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil commerce.

The conflict is also increasing anxiety in Seoul regarding its partnership with the United States. The Trump administration has demonstrated readiness to take military action without extensive consultation with partners.

For decades, the United States has promised complete military support — including nuclear protection — for its allies and maintains roughly 28,000 military personnel in South Korea to discourage North Korean aggression. While a substantial reduction in this commitment seems unlikely, Seoul must now evaluate the risk of involvement in potential conflicts initiated by independent U.S. actions, including those beyond the Korean Peninsula, Hong explained.

“Whether it’s Taiwan, North Korea or the U.S.-China competition, there have long been concerns in South Korea that the Trump administration could make overly aggressive decisions without fully considering the potentially serious consequences for its allies,” Hong stated. “Those concerns are now significant.”

South Korea must “clearly define the actions it could take” under different scenarios, he added.

Japan, another crucial U.S. partner in Asia, is similarly cautious about Trump’s aggressive military approach and concerned about any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.

Although Tokyo has supported American efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear progress, the war has created questions about its legitimacy and generated doubt about Washington’s reliability as a partner, said Mitsuru Fukuda, a professor at Nihon University.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other top officials have expressed strong support for U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks but have not fully endorsed the U.S.-Israeli military strikes. Tokyo has shown no desire for military participation, though some analysts believe the conflict might strengthen Takaichi’s campaign for enhanced military capabilities and increased weapons exports.

American nuclear deterrence remains essential to Japan’s security given concerns about an increasingly aggressive China and North Korea. Despite global instability, including Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, reviving discussions about Japan developing nuclear weapons, public support remains minimal due to legal and political limitations.

China might view the Iran conflict as a chance to establish a more dominant position in the Middle East by presenting itself as a more dependable mediator than the United States, according to Seo Chang-bae, a professor at Busan’s Pukyung National University.

Beijing may interpret the U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran — both significant oil providers to China — as partially designed to challenge China, analysts suggest.

While continuously expanding commercial and technological relationships with Gulf nations, China has worked to establish itself as a regional balance, most prominently by facilitating a 2023 agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic ties. This represents part of a wider effort to enhance its global influence and challenge dollar-based financial systems.

Although Beijing might seek geopolitical “spillover gains,” an extended conflict would damage China’s trade interests, Seo explained. China could also examine U.S. military capabilities and speed up the incorporation of artificial intelligence into its armed forces, he noted.

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Following his president’s rejection of crucial legislation, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared Friday that he remains committed to securing 44 billion euros in European Union defense financing for his country.

The blocked funding would have made Poland the primary recipient of the EU’s massive 150 billion-euro lending initiative known as SAFE, or Security Action for Europe. This program aims to strengthen European defense capabilities as the United States reduces its security involvement on the continent.

However, President Karol Nawrocki, who has established himself as Tusk’s primary political adversary, announced Thursday his decision to reject the legislation that would have allowed Poland to obtain these EU defense loans.

“Poland is in shock,” Tusk said Friday. “People are wondering if this is betrayal, the work of lobbyists, or lack of common sense.”

Polish administrations have consistently increased military expenditures following Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine in 2022. While Tusk’s liberal administration seeks collaboration with European Union partners, the nationalist president has demonstrated greater skepticism toward Europe and maintained closer ties with the Trump administration.

From the beginning, Nawrocki expressed doubts about Poland joining SAFE, contending that it would burden Polish citizens with debt and strengthen the nation’s reliance on Germany.

Earlier this week, he presented alternative legislation on Tuesday, outlining domestic funding sources that could replace European loans for additional defense investments. Tusk has rejected this proposal as impractical.

Despite the presidential rejection, Tusk stated Friday that his government would still pursue the defense funding, though “it will be more difficult, sometimes slower, and it will take much more effort to convince everyone involved in this project.”

The United States has also publicly opposed SAFE.

“The United States has expressed concerns about how EU defense initiatives like Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP) restrict market access for American companies,” Andrew Puzder, the U.S. ambassador to the EU, and Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, wrote in an opinion piece published in February by POLITICO Europe.

According to the ambassadors, these European initiatives “undermine collective defense” by restricting competition, hindering innovation and preventing U.S. companies from receiving essential contracts.

BEIJING — For years, China has consistently dispatched military aircraft toward Taiwan, the democratically-governed island Beijing considers part of its territory, creating tension from Taipei to Washington.

However, a dramatic reduction in these aerial missions over the last two weeks has left defense experts puzzled about Beijing’s military strategy. This uncertainty poses its own dangers, according to former U.S. defense official Drew Thompson.

“There are so many theories and the lack of understanding of China’s intentions is what’s disconcerting,” Thompson, currently a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, explained. “You fill the void with uncertainty, and uncertainty increases risk.”

While the decline began earlier, the recent reduction has been especially striking.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry publishes daily updates on Chinese military air and sea operations near the island. Recently, many of these reports have omitted the typical maps showing aircraft routes because no activity was recorded.

For seven consecutive days between February 27 and March 5, Taiwan detected zero Chinese military aircraft in what it calls its Air Defense Identification Zone. After spotting two planes on March 6, the following four days again showed no activity.

Small numbers of flights have returned in recent days, with three recorded Wednesday and two on Thursday. This brings the two-week total to just seven flights, compared to 92 during the same timeframe last year.

The reduction aligned with China’s annual legislative session, and historically such flights have decreased during significant events and holidays. However, this year’s drop far exceeded previous patterns.

“That alone would not be the only or primary reason for sorties dropping to zero,” K. Tristan Tang, a Taipei-based nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, wrote in an email.

Another possibility involves Beijing’s desire to ease tensions with Washington ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China from March 31 to April 2.

However, Thompson pointed out that Taiwan isn’t Trump’s primary concern regarding China.

“Trump sees China as an economic negotiation, not as a security challenge,” he stated.

The United States maintains its opposition to any forceful changes to Taiwan’s status, including potential invasion by China, which insists the democratic island of 23 million must eventually fall under its authority.

Tang suggests the flight reduction might reflect China’s transition to a new phase of military training and modernization.

The military seems to be testing a fresh approach to combined training involving air force, navy, and potentially ground units, he explained.

Such experimental operations would likely occur away from Taiwan to avoid foreign surveillance, potentially explaining the reduced aircraft presence in the area.

Taiwan’s military has indicated it won’t alter its defensive stance based on the decrease in Chinese warplane activity.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo observed that China’s naval operations continue in surrounding waters despite the aerial reduction.

“As I have said before, we cannot rely solely on a single symptom like the absence of PLA aircraft to make a judgment,” he told reporters, referring to the People’s Liberation Army.

“We will continue to closely monitor the PLA’s movements,” he added.

CAIRO (AP) — A professional engineer takes cover beneath a park bench while military aircraft thunder above. A competitive athlete battles sleepless nights as detonations echo through the darkness. With internet service completely disabled, Tehran’s residents depend on word-of-mouth communication to learn about ongoing warfare and destruction from aerial attacks.

Intense bombing operations by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iran’s capital have now stretched into their second week, leaving citizens traumatized and overwhelmed. Across Tehran’s landscape — from its historic center to affluent northern neighborhoods — explosive strikes pound the metropolis around the clock without any advance alerts or public warning infrastructure.

“The psychological pressure is real,” said the athlete, who lives in a northern area of the capital. He was among a half dozen Tehran residents reached by The Associated Press, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for their safety.

Cherished national landmarks face serious threats. Smoke surrounded the towering Azadi Square gateway, widely recognized as the city’s contemporary symbol, following nearby bombardments. The historic Golestan Palace from the 1800s, a treasured cultural monument, suffered shattered windows from blast impacts. Meanwhile, government security personnel have expanded their street patrols to suppress any potential public demonstrations.

Weekend Israeli attacks on Tehran’s petroleum storage facilities created especially severe psychological trauma for local residents. Following the explosions, massive blazes erupted while poisonous black smoke choked the atmosphere — though rainfall in subsequent days provided some relief.

“I could barely breathe and had to go buy an inhaler,” a 54-year-old Tehran resident who is a human-rights activist said. “People are worried it will affect their drinking water.” As she spoke to AP, a blast went off in the background.

In a later voice note on Tuesday, the activist said, “Last night the situation was really bad. Fighters as well as drones had taken over the whole sky. East, west, they hit everywhere they could. Today you see a lot of residential places that were damaged. It’s really painful.”

Regional tensions continue escalating as Iran launches repeated missile and drone assaults against Israeli territory, American military installations, and neighboring Persian Gulf nations.

The coordinated U.S.-Israeli aerial offensive has targeted thousands of locations throughout Iran, primarily focusing on military installations and Revolutionary Guard paramilitary facilities. Iranian Red Crescent officials report extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, including medical centers, educational institutions, universities and residential buildings. Iranian authorities have not released updated casualty figures beyond the previously announced toll exceeding 1,200 deaths.

A 33-year-old engineer described the aftermath of the oil depot strikes as an “end-of-times scene.”

Iranian citizens struggle to obtain war updates, he explained, as internet connectivity has remained largely severed since initial strikes began February 28th. The engineer estimates only a small fraction of the population maintains limited online access through virtual private networks.

He relies on telephone calls with friends to learn bombing locations. Other citizens exchange strike information during tense gatherings in private homes and coffee shops.

Complete Israeli and American control of Tehran’s airspace enables attacks at any time without warning. The engineer recalled hearing fighter jets while walking his neighborhood street, followed by a nearby explosion that sent him diving under a park bench for protection.

A university student reported growing anxiety even among residents living far from obvious government and military installations.

“Every moment, without any warning sirens or announcement, some part of the city is under attack,” he said, describing some streets as full of broken glass from surrounding buildings.

Tehran, typically a bustling metropolis housing over 9 million people, now experiences unsettling quiet between bombing runs. While many retail stores and grocery markets remain operational, the traditional marketplace has closed and numerous streets sit empty as residents shelter at home. Families apply tape to windows preventing flying glass and retreat to interior rooms when hearing strike sounds.

A teacher residing in northern Tehran’s Vanak district learned that her friend’s eastern Tehran residence sustained damage from a nearby explosion that destroyed windows, broke plumbing fixtures and twisted the building’s garage door frame. Upon receiving this news by phone, “I was in a very bad shock,” the teacher said.

The teacher spends most time at home, accommodating family members who evacuated another Tehran area because they lived near Basij positions — the feared volunteer militia wing of the Revolutionary Guard. She paces continuously and attempts repeatedly to access internet services.

“I try to keep myself calm and tell myself, ‘This is the price we have to pay for getting rid of the Islamic Republic,’” she said.

U.S.-Israeli operations have concentrated heavily on Revolutionary Guard, Basij and police installations — the primary enforcement apparatus of Iran’s Islamic Republic that crushed earlier protests this year, resulting in thousands killed and tens of thousands imprisoned. This week, strikes targeted roadblocks and security checkpoints operated by Basij forces, with at least 18 locations hit Wednesday, predominantly in Tehran, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based monitoring organization.

Friday brought a massive explosion to a central Tehran plaza during a large pro-government rally.

Authorities appear to maintain control despite ongoing attacks. Residents report increased security force and Basij presence on city streets. One resident provided AP with video footage showing a Basij procession of motorcycles and vehicles displaying flags through her northern Tehran neighborhood. Local mosques broadcast pro-government messages, she noted.

During Monday evening state television programming, Ahmad-Reza Radan, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic’s security forces, warned that anyone taking to the streets in protests will be seen “as enemies, and we will deal with them as we would with the enemy. All our guys are ready to fire.”

Government officials have also mobilized supporters for street demonstrations, particularly following the announcement of Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. He replaces his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in Israel’s initial war strikes.

The younger Khamenei’s appointment signals continued hardliner control over Iranian leadership. He released his first public statement Thursday but has not made any public appearances.

Many Iranians remain traumatized from government crackdowns following massive anti-government demonstrations in January.

A 27-year-old nurse reported that her hospital’s surgical department continues treating protesters with severe injuries.

She characterized U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian leadership and security apparatus as “revenge” for protester killings and expressed satisfaction seeing security forces targeted.

However, the extensive damage from aerial campaigns concerns some Iranians hoping for the Islamic Republic’s collapse.

“It’s no longer about weakening the government. It’s gone toward weakening the people of Iran,” said the activist, who has been imprisoned in the past. “Do you really want to turn us into a scorched country, something the Islamic Republic couldn’t do itself?”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged Friday that his administration recently engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States, marking the first official confirmation of such negotiations by the Caribbean nation.

The Cuban leader explained that these discussions “were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors facilitated these exchanges.”

Díaz-Canel declined to provide specifics about what international factors enabled the diplomatic engagement.

The Cuban president revealed that no oil deliveries have reached the island nation over the last three months, attributing this shortage to what he described as a U.S. energy blockade.

A widespread power outage struck Cuba’s western provinces last week, plunging millions of residents into darkness.

According to Díaz-Canel, while Cuba domestically produces 40% of its petroleum needs, the nation has been relying on its own power generation capabilities, which have proven inadequate to satisfy current energy demands.

The power shortage has disrupted communications, educational services, and transportation systems, forcing authorities to delay surgical procedures for tens of thousands of patients.

“The impact is tremendous,” he stated.

Díaz-Canel explained that the diplomatic discussions focused on identifying “bilateral problems that require solutions based on their severity and impact” and developing approaches to address them.

The president further elaborated that the goal was “to determine the willingness of both parties to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries. And in addition, to identify areas of cooperation to confront threats and guarantee the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region.”

Describing the negotiations as a “highly sensitive process,” Díaz-Canel noted that it impacts relations between both nations and “demands enormous and significant efforts to find solutions and create spaces for understanding that will allow us to move away from confrontation.”

He emphasized that Cuba remains prepared to participate in this diplomatic process while maintaining equality and mutual respect for each nation’s political framework and Cuba’s “sovereignty and self-determination.”

Essential oil deliveries from Venezuela ceased following U.S. actions against the South American nation and the arrest of its leadership.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Unmanned aircraft operated by Haiti’s security personnel and contracted private companies have resulted in at least 1,243 fatalities and left 738 people wounded, according to a report released Tuesday by Human Rights Watch.

Among the casualties, 17 were minors and 43 were adults with no suspected ties to criminal organizations. The injured included at least 49 individuals believed to be non-combatants, the advocacy organization reported. These incidents occurred from March 1, 2025, through January 21, 2026.

The deadliest single drone strike resulted in 57 fatalities, the report stated.

“Haitian authorities should urgently rein in the security forces and private contractors working for them before more children die,” Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

Officials from Haiti’s National Police did not provide a response when contacted for comment.

The advocacy group reported that weaponized drone strikes in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital where criminal organizations control approximately 90% of the territory, have escalated dramatically in recent months. Between November and late January, 57 attacks were documented, nearly twice the 29 strikes recorded from August through October of the previous year.

Researchers from Human Rights Watch examined seven video recordings either posted on social platforms or provided directly to the organization, showing armed quadcopter drones in operation. Four of these videos were confirmed to have been filmed in Port-au-Prince.

“The videos show the repeated use of drones equipped with explosives to attack vehicles and people, some of them armed, but none who appear to be engaged in violent acts or pose any imminent threat to life,” the group said.

The rights organization found no evidence of widespread drone deployment by criminal organizations.

The report detailed a September 20, 2025 attack in the Simon Pele neighborhood, an impoverished area under the control of a gang sharing the same name.

The drone strike claimed nine lives, including three minors, and wounded at least eight additional people during preparations by the Simon Pele gang leader to hand out presents to local children.

Human Rights Watch included testimony from an unnamed local resident who described how the blast severed both feet from an infant.

A 6-year-old girl was among the fatalities, and her unidentified mother was quoted as saying, “In the spaces where the gangs are, there are innocent people, people who raise their children, who follow normal paths.”

According to the rights group, criminal organizations managed and restricted access to funeral services for the victims’ families.

“Some residents said that only people who accepted money or support from the criminal group had been allowed to attend the funeral,” the rights group said in its report.

On January 1 of this year, an unidentified woman described witnessing a drone crash and detonate on a truck carrying her cousin, resulting in her death.

“Many of these attacks appear to be attempts to target and kill people in circumstances that amount to unlawful, extrajudicial killings,” Human Rights Watch said.

“Authorities should also ensure transparency around and accountability for any unlawful death resulting from a security operation, and conduct prompt, thorough, and independent investigations to disclose, to the greatest extent possible, the number and identity of victims, and provide adequate reparation where violations have occurred,” the rights group added.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has declared that deploying deadly force against criminal groups in Haiti was excessive, disproportionate and potentially violated international law.

Haiti’s administration established a specialized task force in the previous year that operates independently from the National Police’s supervision and utilizes explosive-equipped drones. This unit combines select police divisions with private security contractors.

During mid-2025, Vectus Global, the security company led by former U.S. Navy Seal Erik Prince, planned to send approximately 200 personnel from multiple nations to Haiti under a twelve-month contract aimed at suppressing gang activity.

Haitian law enforcement is also collaborating with a United Nations-supported mission headed by Kenyan police officers, which continues to face funding shortages and staffing deficits. This mission is anticipated to transition into what officials call a gang suppression force in the coming months.

A Japanese hotel owner is taking radiation measurements as part of an effort to help rebuild communities that were abandoned following the devastating 2011 Fukushima nuclear catastrophe.

Tomoko Kobayashi, who operates an inn in the affected region, is among local residents who are collecting and sharing radiation data to help restore towns that were evacuated after the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant disaster struck Japan more than a decade ago.

The monitoring efforts by Kobayashi and others aim to provide crucial information needed to encourage former residents to return to their abandoned communities in the Fukushima area.

The story is featured in a photo collection assembled by Associated Press photographers.

ODAKA, Japan — Color-coded radiation charts line the walls of a family-owned inn where Tomoko Kobayashi works to restore life to her nearly empty hometown, fifteen years following the catastrophic nuclear accident at Fukushima.

Before reopening her establishment, Futabaya Ryokan, in 2016, Kobayashi performed her own radiation testing. Today, she collaborates with fellow monitors to collect and distribute radiation information as part of ongoing efforts to restore this formerly thriving textile community.

“These empty lots used to be filled with shops,” Kobayashi explains while walking toward a radiation testing facility, passing by the kindergarten she once attended as a youngster. The building now serves as a museum due to the shortage of children following the nuclear emergency.

“There used to be businesses, community activity and children playing,” she says. “We used to live our ordinary daily lives here, and I hope to see that again.”

Approximately one-third of Odaka’s original 13,000 residents have come back during the last ten years.

“The town was destroyed, and we need to rebuild it. It’s a time-consuming process that cannot be accomplished in just a couple of decades,” she said. “But I hope to see the progress, with new people and new development added to what this town used to be.”

On March 11, 2011, when a massive 9.0 earthquake hit Japan’s northeastern coastline at 2:46 p.m., Kobayashi was inside the Futabaya inn. While the structure withstood the intense trembling without collapse, approximately one hour afterward, tsunami waters flooded the kitchen “like a river,” she recalled.

An even larger wave struck the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility, destroying critical cooling infrastructure and triggering meltdowns in three reactors.

The first reactor structure suffered damage from a hydrogen blast on March 12. Two days following, the Unit 3 reactor exploded, then the No. 4 reactor building, releasing radioactive materials that contaminated surrounding areas and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Certain regions remain uninhabitable today.

Kobayashi’s family initially went to a gymnasium in nearby Haramachi town, but found it at capacity. They ultimately reached Nagoya, where she and her spouse remained for one year.

In 2012, the pair returned to Fukushima to begin radiation monitoring while residing in temporary accommodations near Odaka, which remained restricted.

The community has shown some recovery since that time. Her visitors include students and others seeking to learn about Fukushima, plus individuals interested in establishing new enterprises.

“I had to understand what the nuclear accident was about. I thought someone had to go back and keep an eye out,” she said. Through continued monitoring, she began recognizing what had previously been invisible and comprehending radiation. “Now it has become my lifetime mission.”

Kobayashi and her colleagues meet twice annually, dedicating two weeks each session to measuring air quality at hundreds of sites to create their color-coded charts. They have also established a laboratory for testing local food to identify safe consumption options.

“We are not professional scientists, but we can measure and show the data. What’s important is to keep measuring, because the government maintains that it’s safe, as if radiation no longer exists,” she says. “But we know for a fact that it’s still there.”

Their laboratory sits adjacent to a free folklore museum featuring paintings, sculptures, photographs and other artwork inspired by the Fukushima catastrophe.

Fifteen years ago, the facility resembled a bombed industrial site due to hydrogen explosions at reactor buildings where employees risked their lives managing the crisis. Radiation measurements have dropped considerably, and the plant has constructed improved seawalls designed to resist another major tsunami. For the first time since the disaster, all reactor buildings now have enclosed rooftops.

“Our decommissioning work at the plant is about how to reduce risks of radiation,” says Akira Ono, head of decommissioning at the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Holdings Company. Remote-controlled robotics, careful planning, and practice are essential for worker safety, he explained.

At Unit 1, beneath its new roof, top floor decontamination will commence before the scheduled removal of spent fuel from the cooling pool.

The three reactors hold at least 880 tons of melted fuel debris with radiation levels remaining dangerously elevated and details largely unknown.

TEPCO successfully extracted small melted fuel samples last year from the Unit 2 reactor. To examine melted fuel within the Unit 3 reactor, workers recently deployed micro-drones, technology unavailable 15 years ago, Ono noted.

TEPCO plans remote-controlled internal investigations to analyze melted fuel and develop robots for additional fuel debris removal that experts predict could require decades more.

Fukushima prefecture examines thousands of pre-distribution samples annually and reports all farm, fisheries and dairy products in stores are safe.

Sales of certain fruits, mushrooms, river fish and various other harvests from former restricted zones remain prohibited.

“Radiation levels have come down significantly over the past 15 years, but I wouldn’t use the word ‘safe,’ just yet,” says Yukio Shirahige, a former decontamination and radiation survey worker at Fukushima Daiichi who now assists Kobayashi’s monitoring project.

When he recently tested wild boar meat, he discovered it exceeded safety limits by more than 100 times and was unsuitable for consumption.

In a significant policy shift after a decade of working to eliminate nuclear technology, Japan in 2022 announced plans to accelerate reactor restarts and strengthen nuclear power as a reliable energy source.

Shirahige was at Fukushima Daiichi when the earthquake and tsunami occurred in 2011. After evacuating his family, he returned in late March to assist the emergency cleanup at the plant for six months.

Shirahige has received support and equipment from university researchers and oversees testing locally produced food and other samples.

Shirahige, now 76, says measuring radioactive material and sharing that data is his life’s work.

As the government promotes Fukushima’s safety and recovery, Shirahige says, “we are under growing pressure to be silent.”

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian authorities announced Friday they have created new legislation specifically designed to combat internet fraud operations, following their pledge to eliminate such centers by April’s conclusion.

The Southeast Asian nation has become a central location for fraudulent online activities, where criminals steal money from targets through fake investment opportunities and romantic deceptions. Global victims lose an estimated tens of billions of dollars each year to these schemes.

Simultaneously, thousands of individuals, particularly from neighboring Asian countries, have been lured by fraudulent employment promises and subsequently enslaved to work at these criminal operations under brutal conditions.

Information Minister Neth Pheaktra explained in a public statement: “This law is the most important legal instrument for Cambodia in combating scams online, fighting money laundering and demonstrating that Cambodia is not a paradise or a safe haven for criminals.”

The Cabinet-approved legislation establishes prison terms of five to 10 years alongside fines ranging from 500 million to 1 billion riels ($125,000-250,000) for those who establish or manage technology fraud operations. When human trafficking, violence, imprisonment, or confinement occurs, penalties increase to 10 to 20 years plus fines reaching 2 billion riels ($500,000). Deaths connected to scam operations carry sentences of 15 to 30 years, potentially life imprisonment. Some workers have perished attempting to flee these facilities.

Parliamentary approval remains necessary for the legislation to take effect.

Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, who leads the Commission for Combating Online Scams, revealed to The Associated Press during a Wednesday conversation that authorities have investigated 250 suspected fraud locations since July, successfully closing approximately 200 operations.

Government prosecutors have initiated 79 criminal cases involving 697 suspected fraud leaders and accomplices since last July, Chhay Sinarith reported.

Nearly 10,000 scam operation workers from 23 nations have been sent home by Cambodian authorities, with under 1,000 individuals still awaiting repatriation. Additional workers have independently returned after escaping or being freed during raids.

Neth Pheaktra emphasized that officials “have made strong efforts to combat this crime in order to protect Cambodia’s reputation and economy, which have previously been damaged by online scams, and the government does not receive any revenue from these activities.”

Previous enforcement campaigns in Cambodia have occurred without significantly impacting scam operations, leading some analysts to question whether authorities can truly eliminate this criminal enterprise.

Harvard University Asia Center visiting fellow Jacob Sims, who specializes in transnational crime, stated: “The real question is whether this effort targets the system that enables the industry, not just the buildings where scams happen. Past crackdowns in Cambodia have often left the financial and protection networks intact, allowing operations to quickly reconstitute.”

Myanmar’s ruling military has expanded its aviation capabilities with newly acquired combat aircraft, according to state-controlled media reports released Friday, as government forces intensify campaigns to reclaim territory from opposition groups in the nation’s ongoing civil conflict.

While the state-operated Global New Light of Myanmar publication did not detail the exact quantity or specifications of the aircraft additions, military-released photographs indicate the acquisition of four fighter jets, including a pair of Russian-manufactured Su-30 aircraft commonly deployed for aerial bombardment and combat operations.

This marks the sixth aircraft commissioning since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration in February 2021, sparking widespread armed opposition throughout Myanmar.

Both Russia and China serve as primary backers and weapons providers to Myanmar’s military leadership, while Western countries have implemented sanctions that include bans on military equipment sales.

According to the publication, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military chief, stated that maintaining a robust air force is essential to “protect the state interest effectively.”

The general further noted that the air force has proven its effectiveness in past anti-insurgency campaigns, counterterrorism efforts, and operations defending against foreign threats, the report indicated.

Myanmar’s military administration has surrendered significant portions of national territory to pro-democracy People’s Defense Forces and ethnic militant organizations. Government forces have escalated recapture operations and achieved multiple combat victories, though their aerial bombardments have frequently resulted in civilian deaths.

The opposition National Unity Government, which organizes resistance against military control, and the Karen National Union, an ethnic armed organization battling government troops, issued separate Monday statements claiming approximately 30 to 40 fatalities occurred when military forces deployed drones, fighter aircraft, and artillery during ground operations in lower-central Bago region villages from March 5 through March 7.

The influential Arakan Army ethnic militia, operating in western Rakhine state, announced Wednesday that 116 detained army personnel, including officers imprisoned at an Ann township facility, perished during aerial bombardments conducted by eight military aircraft on Sunday.

Military officials have not acknowledged any operations in Bago or Rakhine regions. Independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.

Nay Phone Latt, an NUG representative, informed the Associated Press that acquiring additional aircraft aims to intensify ongoing bombardments of civilian locations.

“The military continues targeting civilians and conducting mass executions. The international community must not ignore this situation,” he stated.

The Global New Light of Myanmar additionally reported that military forces have regained control of the historic town of Tagaung in northern Mandalay following an extended offensive campaign.

Tagaung, situated approximately 170 kilometers north of Mandalay, the nation’s second-most populous city, had remained under NUG-aligned forces’ control since August 2024.

Retaking Tagaung, the final NUG-controlled municipality in Mandalay Region, represents another significant defeat for opposition organizations resisting military rule.

Nay Phone Latt explained that resistance fighters retreated from the town after military forces initiated an assault deploying substantial troop numbers and heavy armaments, though they continue maintaining positions in surrounding areas.

MEXICO CITY – Following a high-profile operation that eliminated a notorious cartel boss, Mexico’s Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch has found himself transformed into an unexpected commercial sensation, with his likeness appearing on toys, household items, and novelty products across the country.

The 44-year-old minister’s image has become ubiquitous on Mexican merchandise after the February 22 operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, the infamous leader known as El Mencho who headed the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Products featuring Garcia Harfuch’s face have taken Mexican markets by storm, including miniature figurines nicknamed “Harfuchitos,” decorative items, bedding, and even action figures styled as superheroes or in various states of undress. His appeal has earned him celebrity status typically reserved for entertainers rather than government officials.

Political experts believe Garcia Harfuch could emerge as a serious presidential candidate when the 2030 election cycle begins, following the conclusion of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. Current polling data suggests he leads other potential candidates, including Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who previously pursued the presidency in 2023.

The transformation of a government minister into collectible merchandise represents an unusual phenomenon in Mexico, where such treatment is generally limited to former presidents and popular cultural figures like Dr. Simi, the beloved pharmacy mascot.

Garcia Harfuch’s rise to fame intensified dramatically after leading the successful mission against El Mencho. The operation held personal significance for the security chief, who held El Mencho responsible for a 2020 attack that wounded him with three bullets and claimed the lives of two protection officers.

Attempts to reach Garcia Harfuch for his perspective on the merchandising trend were unsuccessful.

Carolina Garcia, who operates a custom printing enterprise in Tlaxcala state, described the minister’s widespread appeal. “He is Mexico’s crush,” she explained. “Of course, we get more orders from women, as gifts, but we’ve also gotten some orders from men.”

Digital platforms have embraced the phenomenon, with computer-generated advertisements showing Garcia Harfuch endorsing various products, alongside mobile applications enabling users to create fictional photos with the minister.

Major e-commerce sites have capitalized on the trend, with MercadoLibre featuring Garcia Harfuch blankets among their top-selling items, while Amazon offers large decorative throws featuring his image.

Ingrid Rebeca Sanchez, a 22-year-old designer at a Mexico City manufacturing facility, reported that initial sales were modest, but demand skyrocketed following El Mencho’s elimination. The factory now moves up to 150 blankets daily, with orders arriving from American customers.

The facility has pivoted almost entirely to Garcia Harfuch products, with Sanchez developing new items including collectible figurines and full-sized decorative pillows.

“All the ladies love him, they want to sleep with him, they want to dry themselves off with him,” she observed. “He’s Mexico’s new daddy.”

SAO PAULO – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was rushed to a medical facility in the early hours of Friday morning after becoming sick while in custody, according to his son Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

The imprisoned ex-leader experienced chills and nausea upon waking, prompting his transfer to hospital care, his son reported through a social media post on X on March 13th.

Bolsonaro, who previously served as Brazil’s president, is currently being held in detention when the medical emergency occurred.

Chinese trade officials announced Tuesday that the country’s export activity jumped nearly 22% during the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, powered by expanding commercial relationships beyond the United States.

The trade data, published by China’s customs department, significantly outperformed analyst expectations and represented a dramatic acceleration from December’s 6.6% annual growth rate.

Import activity also showed strength, climbing almost 20% in January-February versus the previous year’s 5.7% December increase. Meanwhile, Chinese purchases from the United States fell by nearly 27% year-over-year.

Export performance has remained a key economic driver for China even amid strained US relations. The nation’s overseas sales grew 5.5% in 2025 while achieving a record trade surplus approaching $1.2 trillion. Increased shipments to European and Latin American markets helped compensate for a 20% decline in US-bound exports as President Donald Trump implemented broader tariff policies on global imports.

China recorded a $213.6 billion global trade surplus for the January-February period. Officials typically report combined figures for these months to account for seasonal variations caused by Lunar New Year celebrations, the nation’s most significant annual holiday.

The world’s second-largest economy continues facing headwinds from an extended property market decline that has dampened domestic activity. Chinese officials recently set an economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026, marking the lowest goal since 1991.

Middle Eastern conflicts have created additional uncertainty for trade prospects and China’s energy supply chains. A potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical pathway for global oil and gas shipments, could limit China’s access to affordable Iranian petroleum while disrupting broader regional commerce.

Bank of America economists noted in a recent analysis that a US Supreme Court decision limiting Trump’s comprehensive tariff program, which has already reduced duties on several nations including China, may “provide modest support to Chinese exports.”

Trump’s scheduled Beijing visit in late March is drawing significant attention as observers watch for possible extension of the trade agreement between both countries established last October, which could benefit Chinese exports to America.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Following Iran’s widespread drone assault on Gulf nations early Friday morning, President Donald Trump issued harsh threats of retaliation against what he called Iran’s leadership.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to deliver a stark warning: “Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.”

The president’s remarks followed Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s promise to “not refrain from avenging the blood” of fallen Iranians, while demanding Gulf nations close American military installations, calling U.S. protection “nothing more than a lie.”

A significant explosion disrupted Tehran’s Ferdowsi Square during the annual Quds Day rally supporting Palestinians, according to Iranian state media. Israel had issued advance warnings for civilians to evacuate the area before conducting planned operations. The blast’s aftermath showed demonstrators shouting “God is the greatest” amid rising smoke, though casualty reports remained unavailable.

Despite ongoing military action, thousands participated in Quds Day demonstrations, with crowds shouting “death to Israel” and “death to America.”

U.S. Central Command confirmed that four crew members from an American KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq were found deceased, with search operations continuing for two remaining personnel. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a French soldier’s death in northern Iraq.

Global energy markets remain volatile as Brent crude oil prices stay above $100 per barrel, with Iran maintaining its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical shipping lane handles one-fifth of worldwide oil transport from the Persian Gulf. Oil costs have surged approximately 40% since the conflict began on February 28, reaching peaks near $120 per barrel.

Khamenei, speaking publicly for the first time since replacing his father who died early in the conflict, pledged continued disruption of the waterway.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting nearly 50 Iranian drones launched in multiple attack waves. In Oman, two fatalities occurred when drones struck an industrial facility in Sohar. Bahrain activated warning sirens for incoming attacks, while Dubai experienced fires in industrial zones from intercepted drone debris.

The Dubai International Financial Center, housing major banks and trading firms, sustained damage from interception debris. Iran had previously announced its intention to target financial institutions following airstrikes on a Tehran bank.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired rocket barrages into northern Israel, wounding nearly 60 people with mostly minor injuries. Israeli forces responded with strikes in southwestern Beirut, killing one person, and targeted a Hezbollah member’s residence.

An Israeli attack in eastern Lebanon killed two sons of a local Muslim Brotherhood official while wounding their father. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports over 600 deaths since fighting commenced, with nearly 800,000 people internally displaced according to UN refugee agencies.

Israeli military officials announced strikes against more than 200 Iranian targets within 24 hours, including missile systems, defense installations, and weapons manufacturing facilities.

Before the Tehran square explosion, Israel’s military posted warnings in Farsi on social media, stating it would “conduct operations” in the area and warning that “your presence in these areas puts your life at risk.” The message’s reach remained unclear due to Iran’s internet restrictions.

Iranian security official Ali Larijani, participating in Quds Day events, characterized the suspected Israeli attack as a “sign of its desperation.”

Iranian officials claim more than 1,300 casualties on their side, while Israel reports 12 deaths. American forces have lost at least 11 soldiers with eight others severely wounded.

Trump elaborated on his military stance Friday morning, stating: “we are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise.”

“They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them,” Trump declared. “What a great honor it is to do so!”

Larijani responded that Trump fails to recognize that “the more pressure he puts on the people, the greater their willpower will be.”

The French soldier’s death occurred during an attack on Irbil in Iraq’s Kurdish region, where French forces operate under a multinational counterterrorism mission supporting Iraqi troops against Islamic State militants. Six additional French soldiers were previously injured in Irbil drone strikes.

British officials confirmed minor injuries to several U.S. personnel Wednesday when drones hit an Irbil base housing both British and American troops. Italy reported strikes on its Irbil facility without casualties, where Italian forces train Kurdish troops at Iraq’s government request.

Search operations continue in western Iraq for the remaining two crew members of the crashed KC-135 refueling plane. U.S. Central Command stated the crash resulted from neither friendly nor hostile fire, involving two aircraft with one landing safely.

This KC-135 represents the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. military aircraft loss during Iranian operations. Last week, three American fighter jets were accidentally destroyed by Kuwaiti friendly fire.

A relatively unknown Brazilian banker managed to cultivate relationships with some of the country’s most influential political figures before becoming the center of a massive fraud investigation that has sent shockwaves through Brazil’s capital.

Daniel Vorcaro, who led Banco Master through its rapid but puzzling expansion, had quietly assembled a network of contacts spanning Supreme Court justices, congressional leaders, and central bank executives. However, his recent second arrest in connection with an alleged multibillion-dollar fraud has exposed this web of connections through leaked cellphone data obtained by federal investigators.

“This case represents a ticking time bomb,” stated Senator Alessandro Vieira, who advocates for a congressional investigation into Vorcaro’s ties with Supreme Court members.

“Very powerful figures in the Republic have clear involvement,” Vieira added, noting his party’s position within the ruling coalition.

The scandal has already claimed several high-profile casualties. Two central bank officials lost their positions after regulators discovered they had provided advice to Vorcaro. Supreme Court Justice Dias Toffoli removed himself from overseeing the federal fraud investigation when media reports exposed his family company’s financial connections to the banker. Toffoli released a statement denying he ever received payments from Master or Vorcaro.

Text messages from July revealed Vorcaro’s frustration as he fought to prevent his bank’s closure, telling his girlfriend that “this bank business … is just like the mafia,” suggesting Brazil’s major lenders were targeting Master.

Investigation files indicate Vorcaro allegedly planned to intimidate perceived enemies, including a journalist, with assistance from an associate he referred to as “Sicario” – a term used for Mexican cartel assassins, according to leaked federal police documents.

Vorcaro’s legal team issued a denial, stating their client committed no irregularities or fraud, never intimidated journalists, corrupted public officials, or interfered with law enforcement activities.

The 42-year-old Vorcaro began his career in his family’s property business before entering finance by purchasing a struggling bank, which he renamed Banco Master in 2021 for real estate financing.

His banking inexperience and casual dress style – favoring open-collar shirts without ties – distinguished him from Brazil’s traditionally formal financial sector.

Master’s business practices drew regulatory attention. The institution offered debt securities with above-market returns by investing in high-risk assets, including anticipated government lawsuit settlements that could take years to materialize.

The bank’s primary selling point was deposit protection through the Credit Guarantee Fund, supported by mandatory bank contributions.

When regulators strengthened capital requirements for legal settlement-backed securities in 2023, Master faced a liquidity emergency.

Vorcaro pledged to raise $3 billion within a year to resolve the crisis.

In a 2025 statement, Vorcaro attributed his failure to address the crisis to a “reputational campaign against the bank” and anticompetitive actions by Brazil’s largest banks.

Police investigation documents reviewed by Reuters show that even as Master struggled financially, Vorcaro spent millions on events apparently designed to strengthen his political connections.

In April 2024, he financed a $6 million “ideas forum” in London that drew Supreme Court justices and the Federal Police chief. The event concluded with a $640,000 Macallan whisky tasting session.

Vorcaro also employed the wife of Brazil’s most influential Supreme Court justice, Alexandre de Moraes, as the bank’s attorney. Viviane Barci de Moraes’ office detailed various services provided to the bank while emphasizing it never represented Master before the Supreme Court.

Former finance minister Guido Mantega, serving as another adviser, helped arrange a December meeting between Vorcaro, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and the central bank governor to discuss his claimed battle against major banks. Mantega did not respond to comment requests.

In a recent UOL website interview, Lula said he informed Vorcaro there would be no political intervention in his bank’s situation, only “a technical investigation conducted by the central bank.”

A meeting attendee confirmed the president’s account to Reuters.

Vorcaro’s underdog story contrasted sharply with reports of his lavish spending habits.

His Saint-Tropez party for his girlfriend in 2025, featuring private jet transportation for over 30 guests, attracted significant attention.

Reuters reviewed documents showing Vorcaro spent at least $120 million on luxury travel and entertainment between 2024 and April 2025. The source of these funds remains unknown.

Central bank official Ailton de Aquino Santos testified that a bank of Master’s size, with 80 billion reais ($15 billion) in assets, should maintain 3-4 billion reais in unencumbered securities for liquidity, equivalent to $530-700 million.

However, 2024 regulatory examinations found Master held only 4 million reais in cash, Santos told investigators.

Vorcaro and supporters pursued multiple strategies to save the bank after regulators identified liquidity issues, including securing hundreds of millions from public employee pension funds, seeking congressional assistance, and attempting to sell Master to a state-owned institution.

These efforts proved unsuccessful.

Investigation documents suggest Vorcaro sent text messages to an unknown recipient in November in what appeared to be a final attempt to prevent collapse: “Did you manage to block it?” one message read.

Police arrested Vorcaro that evening at a São Paulo airport, believing he intended to flee Brazil. The central bank liquidated Master the following day. Though initially released by a judge, police arrested him again last week, claiming he was obstructing the investigation.

O Globo newspaper later reported that Vorcaro’s arrest-day text messages had been sent to Justice de Moraes, which the judge denies.

Vorcaro’s extensive political connections have created anxiety in Brasilia about potential additional investigation targets, according to Vieira.

“Facts influence politics,” he observed. “And the facts are very alarming, it’s impossible to hide them.”

Four American service members lost their lives when their KC-135 refueling plane went down in western Iraq while conducting operations against Iran, military officials announced.

U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle East operations, reported that six crew members were aboard the aircraft when it crashed following an undisclosed incident involving two planes in “friendly airspace.” The second aircraft involved made a safe landing.

This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. military aircraft loss during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The KC-135 Stratotanker serves as the Air Force’s primary aerial refueling platform, enabling other aircraft to extend their range and operational time without returning to base. Military specialists note these planes also handle medical evacuations and surveillance duties.

Built on the same framework as the Boeing 707 commercial airliner, these tankers have served for over six decades, supporting Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps operations alongside allied forces, according to Air Force documentation. The military plans to eventually replace these aging aircraft with the newer KC-46A Pegasus tankers.

Concerns about the fleet’s dependability have grown due to their advanced age and ongoing mechanical issues.

“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.

Congressional Research Service data shows the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 in active service, 163 assigned to the Air National Guard, and 62 with Air Force Reserve units.

Standard KC-135 crews consist of three personnel: a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator. Medical staff join the crew for evacuation missions.

Fuel transfer operations occur at the aircraft’s rear section, where the boom operator manages a retractable fuel line that connects to fighters, bombers, and other military aircraft. Many boom operators work in a prone position while monitoring operations through a window beneath the plane.

Certain KC-135 variants can also transfer fuel through wing-mounted pods. These aircraft feature cargo and passenger space above their fuel storage areas when needed.

Yang suggested that refueling aircraft could become increasingly vital if the Iran conflict continues, as American warplanes may require extended missions to target Iranian forces withdrawing further inland.

Central Command confirmed four crew members died in the crash while search and rescue operations continue for the remaining two. Officials stated the investigation is ongoing but ruled out “hostile or friendly fire” as the cause.

An unnamed U.S. official revealed the second aircraft was also a KC-135. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter confirmed on X that the other plane successfully landed in Israel.

Yang noted that enemy fire rarely targets refueling tankers since these operations typically occur away from front-line combat areas.

The incident follows last week’s accidental downing of three U.S. F-15E fighter jets by friendly Kuwaiti forces.

Previous KC-135 accidents include a fatal crash on May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R went down after takeoff near Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan, during Afghanistan War support operations.

Air Force investigators determined the crew battled rudder problems in that incident. As they attempted to regain control, the tail section separated and the aircraft exploded in flight, killing all three aboard.

The most catastrophic midair collision involving these aircraft occurred in 1966 when a nuclear-armed B-52 bomber collided with a tanker near Palomares, Spain.

That accident destroyed the tanker and killed four crew members. The disaster required extensive cleanup efforts after conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated upon ground impact, spreading radioactive material.

Financial markets around the world are experiencing renewed uncertainty as conflicting messages emerge from Washington and Tehran regarding the ongoing military conflict.

President Donald Trump initially offered reassurance to investors, stating the Iran war was “very complete” and might be “over soon.” These comments provided temporary relief to global markets that had been volatile following Monday’s dramatic trading session.

However, Iran’s military leadership quickly dismissed the president’s optimistic assessment. “We are the ones who will determine the end of the war,” declared Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, effectively rejecting any suggestion that hostilities were winding down.

The contradictory statements prompted Trump to escalate his rhetoric, warning he would strike Iran “TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”

Oil markets reflected the uncertainty, with Brent crude prices initially plummeting 11% to reach $88.05 per barrel before recovering to show a more modest 4.8% decline as traders evaluated the competing claims.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, many stock markets managed to maintain recent gains. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index climbed 2.1%, while South Korea’s Kospi index soared as much as 6.6%. The broader Asia-Pacific market index excluding Japan rose 2.2%, helping to offset losses accumulated since the conflict began.

European markets appeared positioned for continued growth, with regional futures indicating a 1.0% increase, German DAX futures up 1.0%, and FTSE futures showing modest 0.4% gains.

American equity futures presented a more cautious picture, with S&P 500 mini-futures declining 0.5%, partially reversing Monday’s recovery.

In other economic developments, Chinese trade data revealed accelerating export growth during the January-February period, positioning the world’s second-largest economy to potentially exceed its record $1.2 trillion trade surplus by 2026.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s trade ministry announced it would encourage businesses to implement work-from-home policies to conserve fuel amid supply disruptions and price increases caused by the Iran conflict – a move reminiscent of pandemic-era restrictions implemented nearly five years ago.

Tuesday’s market-moving events include earnings reports from Oracle, Volkswagen, Persimmon, and Kohl’s, along with Germany’s January trade balance data and a German government debt auction.

HAVANA, March 13 – In an uncommon move, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel plans to speak with domestic journalists Friday morning as his country grapples with mounting economic difficulties and heightened tensions with the Trump administration.

Cuban officials announced Thursday evening that Diaz-Canel will hold the media session at 7:30 a.m. EDT to discuss matters of national and international significance. While such presidential media encounters are unusual in Cuba, international journalists were not extended invitations, and any questions posed will likely come from pre-selected Cuban reporters.

Officials described Friday’s session as building upon Diaz-Canel’s February 5 remarks, during which he cautioned that Cuba might need to implement drastic measures due to ongoing economic hardships, widespread electrical outages, and fuel scarcities worsened by Trump’s petroleum embargo against the island nation.

During that earlier appearance, Diaz-Canel also expressed Cuba’s openness to diplomatic dialogue with Washington, provided Cuba receives respectful treatment without threats or predetermined conditions.

The Cuban leader may respond to Trump’s repeated claims that high-level negotiations between American and Cuban officials are already taking place. While Cuban authorities have rejected assertions of formal diplomatic meetings, they haven’t categorically dismissed reports suggesting informal communications channels exist.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the removal of Cuba’s primary international supporter in January, Trump has blocked Venezuelan petroleum deliveries to Cuba and warned of potential tariffs against nations selling oil to the Caribbean island.

Trump has recently made several public statements suggesting Cuba faces imminent collapse or seeks an agreement with America. This Monday, he mentioned Cuba might experience a “friendly takeover,” before adding the caveat that “it may not be a friendly takeover.”

Japanese officials say their country will announce participation in President Trump’s ambitious missile defense program during next week’s Washington summit, with expectations that the US may soon request help producing military equipment.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to reveal Japan’s commitment to the “Golden Dome” initiative when she sits down with President Trump on March 19 in Washington D.C., according to two government sources who spoke anonymously about the sensitive discussions.

Trump unveiled his Golden Dome concept last year with hopes of completing it by 2028. The program aims to enhance current ground-based missile interceptor systems by adding experimental space-based technology designed to spot, monitor and potentially neutralize incoming threats from orbit.

However, the initiative has shown limited concrete advancement to date, and specifics about Japan’s role remain undetermined.

The Yomiuri newspaper broke the story Friday, reporting that Tokyo views the program as potential protection against advanced hypersonic weapons currently under development by China and Russia.

Japanese officials believe Trump may ask their nation to manufacture or jointly develop missiles to replenish American weapons supplies that have been exhausted by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and American support for Ukraine, the sources indicated. Tokyo is still weighing how it would handle such requests.

In a significant policy shift late last year, Japan shipped Patriot surface-to-air missiles manufactured under licensing agreements to the United States, marking the first time the country exported lethal weapons after decades of prohibition.

The current administration is urging defense manufacturers to increase production of missiles and ammunition that have been depleted in recent conflicts. Meanwhile, Japan seeks to strengthen its own weapons stockpiles as a deterrent against China’s growing assertiveness and North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

Patriot missile systems have proven essential in stopping hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeting Gulf nations since the US and Israel began their aerial campaign against Iran this month.

Ukrainian forces have also depended on Patriot systems to protect critical energy facilities and military installations throughout Russia’s invasion that began in 2022.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Military forces in South Africa have successfully shut down unlawful gold mining activities in a community located near Johannesburg, causing illegal operators to abandon their sites and equipment while fleeing the area.

Law enforcement and military personnel seized numerous pieces of mining equipment, including power generators and drilling machinery — items that were photographed by an Associated Press journalist on Thursday.

Temporary excavation sites containing food provisions and cooking equipment belonging to the miners were also destroyed, with personal belongings scattered throughout the area after the operators escaped from the location in Randfontein, situated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Johannesburg.

These actions represent an uncommon decision by the government to send military personnel into some of the nation’s highest-crime regions, including areas in Western Cape province where Cape Town is located and Gauteng province, which serves as an economic center.

Illegal mining activities flourish in the region due to numerous deserted mine shafts surrounding Johannesburg’s outskirts, where well-armed criminal organizations and unofficial miners called ‘zama zamas’ descend into the shafts seeking remaining gold deposits or other valuable minerals.

Mining without proper government authorization is prohibited, and conditions in many locations pose serious safety risks.

Additional provinces containing abandoned mining sites, including North West and Mpumalanga, have also witnessed extensive illegal mining activities, sometimes resulting in deadly outcomes.

Government officials estimate approximately 30,000 unauthorized miners operate throughout South Africa, working within roughly 6,000 deserted mining shafts.

Officials have documented rising illegal mining activity, calculating that criminal organizations steal over $4 billion worth of gold annually.

The illegal trade appears to be primarily managed by individuals from nearby countries including Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, creating tensions within South African communities toward both criminal leaders and foreign residents in local areas.

During Thursday’s parliamentary questioning, President Cyril Ramaphosa explained that military deployment would occur alongside additional measures, including enhanced anti-gang units and specialized illegal mining task forces.

‘The police will also be working with the National Prosecuting Authority on multi-disciplinary task teams to target the leadership, finances, firearms and logistics of these criminal networks,’ Ramaphosa said.

JAKARTA – Indonesian foreign ministry officials announced Friday that a scheduled gathering of eight prominent Muslim developing nations has been postponed from its planned April dates due to continuing conflict in the Middle East region.

The economic cooperation summit was originally planned for April 13-15 in Jakarta and would have brought together representatives from the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation member countries.

This organization, founded in 1997, includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey, spanning from Southeast Asia across to Africa with a focus on enhancing economic partnerships among member states.

Senior foreign ministry official Tri Tharyat informed reporters that officials have not yet established a replacement date for the postponed conference.

The ongoing military actions between the United States and Israel against Iran, which began February 28, have prompted retaliatory strikes from Iran targeting both Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military installations.

The last D-8 summit took place in Egypt during 2024.

Travelers worldwide are facing massive financial losses and trip disruptions as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran forces airlines to cancel flights and close airspace across the Middle East region.

Natasha Earle, an accountant from Dardanup in Western Australia, is experiencing firsthand the financial impact of the war. Her family’s planned five-week European vacation – which they booked through Emirates last May to visit London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna and Rome – now costs an additional A$10,000 ($7,000) due to necessary rerouting around the conflict zone.

“We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on this holiday,” Earle explained, with her departure scheduled for later this month during what experts call the most significant global travel disruption since COVID-19. “We should get at least half of that back from Emirates eventually.”

The crisis highlights how regional conflicts can instantly paralyze international aviation, since the Gulf region serves as a crucial hub for worldwide commercial flights. Rising costs, reduced capacity, and shattered vacation plans are becoming commonplace as the situation continues.

Aircraft have been forced to circle near Dubai regularly due to drone and missile attacks as the conflict enters its third week. The disruption is severely affecting Middle Eastern tourism, an industry valued at approximately $367 billion per year for the region.

Data from Cirium shows that Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways collectively transport over half of all passengers traveling between Europe and Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific islands under normal circumstances.

The war has resulted in widespread airspace closures throughout the Middle East due to missile and drone threats, leading to tens of thousands of flight cancellations, route changes, and schedule modifications globally, affecting millions of travelers.

Jacob Brown, a 34-year-old New Zealand citizen residing in Doha, Qatar, was forced to drive across the Saudi Arabian desert to Riyadh to catch a London-bound flight after Qatar Airways canceled his direct flight to New Zealand, where he was scheduled to serve as best man at a wedding.

His journey, which typically takes under 24 hours, stretched to several days due to closed airspace, additional flight complications, delays and missing luggage.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking flying out of Riyadh just considering that that morning, there had been a few missile interceptions south of the capital,” Brown recounted.

Aditya Kushwaha, an Australian disability support worker from Orange near Sydney, has planned a family trip to London and Paris from April 13-29 through Emirates via Dubai, but remains uncertain whether the journey will proceed.

“We are very much in a dilemma of what to do,” Kushwaha stated, estimating potential losses exceeding $10,000 if he cancels, with the financial ability to reschedule potentially years away.

Australian traveler Kellee Smith describes how her “dream holiday” to Europe scheduled for late March – planned a full year in advance – has transformed into a “nightmare” costing her roughly A$5,500 in additional expenses.

“I’ve had many sleepless nights as I was stressed thinking I’m going to lose my dream holiday … and all the money we paid,” Smith shared.

She awaits an Emirates refund exceeding A$4,000 while securing alternative flights through Cathay Pacific and Qantas that route through Asia instead of the Middle East.

The conflict has significantly reduced the already limited flight corridor options for long-distance routes between Europe and Asia, creating operational challenges for international airlines and driving ticket prices dramatically higher.

As the war impacts businesses globally and pushes oil prices upward, concerns about jet fuel costs and availability are pressuring airlines. Many carriers are implementing fuel surcharges while others, including Air New Zealand, are reducing flight schedules.

The International Energy Agency reports that the war is generating the largest oil supply disruption in recorded history. Some analysts warn that airlines could face jet fuel shortages within weeks, with Vietnam announcing this week that aviation fuel shortages could begin as early as April due to the conflict.

In Bath, England, John Moore, 81, and his wife Pauline – who call themselves “travel virgins” – paid “a couple of hundred pounds” extra to switch their Brisbane-bound flights from Qatar Airways to Qantas, choosing to transit through Singapore rather than the Middle East.

“We decided we’d rather pay the extra to book via Singapore, which is no guarantee, but clearly it’s likely to be safer than the current route,” Moore told reporters.

Some travelers are avoiding the risk entirely. Sumit Sharma, a Sydney resident employed by Westpac Banking Corp., had originally planned Etihad Airways travel to Dubai with his family but changed destinations after confirming refund eligibility.

“We changed the plan from the Middle East to Hong Kong,” Sharma explained, noting his switch to Cathay Pacific and excitement about taking his son to Disneyland.

Shobana Gopal, a senior consultant with Alliance Insurance in Sydney, redirected her family’s travel plans to China instead of flying through Dubai to reach Austria.

“We’re going to three cities in China,” Gopal announced.

Qantas reports increased passenger preference for European routes via the United States, other Asian cities, and Johannesburg, South Africa, utilizing their partner airline network.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific announced this week that the airline is experiencing “drastic changes in terms of demand patterns due to the Middle East situation,” while budget carrier Ryanair noted a booking surge for European destinations as travelers avoid Middle Eastern routes.

Lufthansa reported surging demand for European routes, with the German airline noting that 12-month advance bookings for direct Asian flights increased 75% compared to the previous year.

“The large Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates and Etihad can’t fly the routes they should, and therefore the European and Asian airlines have to pick up that traffic,” explained aviation specialist Hans Joergen Elnaes.

Authorities in the Netherlands have launched an investigation following an intentional fire set at a Rotterdam synagogue during the early morning hours on Friday, marking another incident in a series of suspected antisemitic attacks occurring internationally.

The blaze caused no injuries and has been extinguished, according to local law enforcement officials, who report no suspects have been taken into custody at this time.

Rotterdam police detailed the incident on social media, stating: “Around 3:40 a.m., a fire was started at the synagogue.” Officials added that “The fire burned for a short time before extinguishing,” and are requesting anyone with information or evidence to contact authorities.

This attack follows a similar incident earlier this week when a synagogue in Belgium, located approximately 124 miles from the Rotterdam site, was damaged by an explosion on Monday. Belgian officials have classified that incident as an antisemitic attack, though it also resulted in no casualties.

Across the Atlantic, another violent incident occurred in Michigan, where a Lebanese-born American citizen deliberately drove his vehicle into a synagogue and its affiliated preschool before being fatally shot by authorities.

Security concerns for Jewish communities worldwide have intensified amid ongoing tensions following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, including airstrikes and retaliatory responses between the nations.

SALLA, Finland (AP) — Hundreds of spectators gathered in the icy Finnish community of Salla over the weekend to witness the annual Salla Reindeer Cup, a time-honored racing tradition that has captivated audiences for generations.

The weekend event showcased Finland’s longstanding reindeer racing heritage, drawing enthusiasts to the frozen northern town on both Saturday and Sunday for the competitive spectacle.

This coverage features a collection of images selected by Associated Press photography staff.

BEIJING, March 13 – Chinese officials on Friday criticized a recent United States trade investigation examining alleged excessive industrial production capacity, stating they maintain the authority to implement counter-responses as both countries prepare for upcoming trade discussions this weekend.

According to China’s Commerce Ministry statement, the United States lacks authority to “unilaterally” assess whether a trade partner maintains “overcapacity” via its Section 301 investigation process and implement one-sided restrictive actions.

When the US announced its investigations Wednesday targeting excessive industrial capacity and forced labor practices, China was identified among the trade partners under scrutiny.

The ministry stated that China is evaluating these investigations and maintains the authority to implement all necessary actions to protect its rights and interests.

On Friday, a representative from China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the forced labor accusations, describing them as “a lie concocted by the U.S.”

These trade investigations contribute to challenging topics that Beijing and Washington must address while preparing for US President Donald Trump’s scheduled Beijing visit at March’s end to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed Friday that the France trade discussions are anticipated to establish foundations for the upcoming summit.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will head a delegation to France from March 14 through March 17 for these negotiations, while the American delegation is anticipated to feature Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

This represents the sixth negotiation round since Trump previously targeted Beijing with increased tariffs last year. Beijing responded with export restrictions on essential minerals and implemented its own tariff actions, elevating import duties on mutual goods to restrictive amounts.

Following a ceasefire achieved through earlier negotiations and a leaders’ meeting in South Korea during late October, both China and the United States have subsequently reversed most of their trade restrictions.

Municipal candidates across France are making data center opposition a central campaign issue as the country prepares for local elections on March 15 and 22.

In Le Bourget, a suburb outside Paris, mayoral candidate Sofiane Milous is promising to block a proposed data center that he argues will increase local temperatures, add noise pollution, and provide minimal employment opportunities for residents.

The former judo champion, campaigning on an environmental platform, criticized the push for artificial intelligence infrastructure as inadequate compensation for the industrial jobs his working-class community lost when manufacturer Alstom closed its facility thirty years ago.

“We lost an industry that gave us a livelihood, even if it polluted, and now we face this new ‘industry 4.0’ that doesn’t create jobs for residents,” Milous stated.

While President Emmanuel Macron has promoted data centers as essential for France’s technological sovereignty and announced plans for 109 billion euros in private investment, community opposition continues mounting due to electrical grid concerns, environmental issues, and American technology companies’ market dominance.

Reuters identified candidates in at least ten municipalities, including major cities like Marseille and Bordeaux, who are either opposing new data facilities or demanding construction pauses and increased public disclosure.

The municipal races will determine control of more than 35,000 local government seats and serve as an indicator of far-right political strength before the 2027 presidential election.

This resistance movement parallels similar trends throughout Europe and America, where rapid data center expansion has created political controversy over energy consumption and technology companies’ community impact.

Ireland exemplifies these tensions, with data centers consuming 22 percent of the nation’s electricity supply. Opposition parties have criticized the government’s decision to end a four-year connection moratorium. Near London, activists are legally challenging a massive data center project, arguing developers failed to properly assess climate consequences.

France is addressing speculative land purchases for inactive projects, following Britain’s similar regulatory actions last year amid increased grid connection requests.

Chris Adams from the Green Web Foundation noted that critics include environmentalists, academics, property owners, and labor organizations.

“It’s an unregulated industry that is now upsetting people across the political spectrum,” Adams explained.

France is marketing its nuclear energy as an affordable, clean power source to compete with Britain and Germany for data center investment.

Regional authorities approved the Le Bourget project in January, requiring developer Segro Bourget to complete additional environmental and noise studies plus conduct public meetings. The company declined to comment.

Current right-wing mayor Jean-Baptiste Borsali has expressed confidence in the government’s evaluation and suggested the facility could benefit half the town’s population through waste heat recovery systems. He did not respond to interview requests.

Local residents at Le Bourget’s weekend market indicated the data center proposal would influence their voting decisions.

“I signed the petition — it’s right next to schools. I want a park for my children; we have no green space,” said Veronique Pernolet, a 28-year-old teacher living near the former retail warehouse site designated for the facility.

In Marseille, where underwater cables have established the port as a data center hub, left-wing candidate Sebastien Barles advocates for a construction moratorium.

“We have significant electricity needs — powering ships at dock, ship-repair facilities — and these data centres consume a large share of available power,” said Barles, representing the France Unbowed party.

In Wissous, south of Paris, municipal candidate Philippe de Fruyt is pursuing legal action scheduled for next week to prevent expansion of an existing Amazon data center. Amazon provided no comment.

According to climate research organization Ember, connecting new data centers in major European markets typically requires seven to ten years, though French grid access remains less restricted than neighboring countries.

Proposed legislation would designate data centers as “projects of national interest,” reducing legal and environmental obstacles while allowing federal authorities to override local decisions. The bill remains stalled in France’s parliament.

Academic experts and politicians argue these measures would diminish public participation in decision-making.

“We’ve seen what happened in the U.S., where so many data centres were built that serious opposition emerged,” said Anthony Devillet from The Cloud Is Under Our Feet advocacy organization. “With the rise of AI, I think the debate will become omnipresent here.”

Military officials report that a KC-135 Stratotanker went down in western Iraq while conducting refueling operations in support of the ongoing conflict with Iran, prompting immediate rescue efforts.

According to U.S. Central Command, which manages Middle Eastern operations, the incident occurred in friendly territory and involved a pair of aircraft. The second plane successfully made it to safety and touched down without incident.

This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. military aircraft loss during the current Iranian conflict.

The KC-135 Stratotanker serves as the Air Force’s primary aerial refueling platform, enabling fighter jets and bombers to extend their range and mission duration without returning to base. These versatile aircraft also handle medical evacuations for injured personnel and conduct reconnaissance operations when needed.

Built on the same framework as the Boeing 707 commercial airliner, these tankers have served American and allied forces for over six decades. The Air Force plans to eventually replace the aging fleet with newer KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, though this transition has moved slower than originally anticipated.

The advanced age of these aircraft has raised questions about their continued reliability and structural integrity.

“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.

Congressional Research Service data shows the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 serving in active duty units, 163 assigned to Air National Guard squadrons, and 62 supporting Air Force Reserve operations.

Standard crew composition includes three personnel: a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator. Medical staff join the crew during evacuation missions.

Fuel transfer operations occur at the aircraft’s rear section, where the boom operator manages a retractable fuel line that connects to receiving aircraft. Many operators perform this task while lying prone and observing through a window positioned on the plane’s underside.

Certain KC-135 variants can also dispense fuel through wing-mounted pods. These aircraft feature cargo space above fuel storage areas for transporting supplies or personnel when required.

Military analysts suggest refueling aircraft may become increasingly vital if the Iranian conflict continues, as American warplanes could face longer missions pursuing retreating enemy forces further inland, Yang noted.

Casualty information remains unavailable following the Iraq incident. An anonymous U.S. official told The Associated Press that the aircraft carried no fewer than five crew members.

A separate official, also speaking anonymously, confirmed the second aircraft involved was another KC-135. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter posted on X that this plane landed safely in Israel.

U.S. Central Command has not provided details about the crash circumstances, but stated it “was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.”

Yang observed that enemy forces rarely target refueling tankers since these operations typically occur well behind front-line combat areas.

This incident follows last week’s friendly fire tragedy when three U.S. F-15E fighters were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti forces.

Several deadly KC-135 accidents have occurred throughout the aircraft’s service history. The most recent fatal crash happened May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R went down after departing an airfield south of Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan during Afghanistan war operations.

Air Force investigators determined that crew members battled rudder control problems during the 2013 incident. As they attempted to regain aircraft control, the tail section separated and the plane exploded in flight, killing all three crew members.

The aircraft’s most catastrophic midair collision occurred in 1966 when a nuclear-armed B-52 bomber collided with a tanker near Palomares, Spain.

That accident destroyed the tanker and killed four personnel aboard. The disaster triggered a massive cleanup operation to remove nuclear contamination after conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated upon ground impact.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A jury in Sydney has found a business consultant guilty of violating Australia’s foreign interference statutes after he supplied intelligence reports to two individuals who were likely Chinese operatives.

Alexander Csergo, 59, becomes just the second individual convicted under Australia’s anti-espionage and covert interference legislation that was enacted in 2018, drawing criticism from China at the time.

The New South Wales District Court jury determined that Csergo should have realized that two contacts he knew simply as Ken and Evelyn were operatives for China’s ministry of state security.

Following his conviction on reckless foreign interference charges, Csergo was granted bail through the weekend and must appear in court Monday, when prosecutors will seek his detention. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment.

Defense attorneys contended that Csergo relied on publicly available information for his research work. They noted he fabricated stories to the suspected operatives, including false claims about conducting interviews with prominent figures such as Kevin Rudd, Australia’s former prime minister who now serves as the nation’s U.S. ambassador.

While working as a communications and technology consultant in Shanghai during 2021, Csergo was contacted via LinkedIn by someone calling herself Evelyn, who claimed to represent a Chinese research organization.

In exchange for payment, he delivered handwritten intelligence assessments to both Evelyn and Ken covering defense matters, security issues, political developments and mining operations. His reports included information about the AUKUS defense agreement, under which Britain is assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines using American technology.

Citizens of Kazakhstan head to the polls this Sunday to decide on constitutional amendments that opposition voices claim might enable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his leadership of Central Asia’s biggest economy past his scheduled 2029 departure.

The 72-year-old president, a seasoned diplomat who has successfully balanced relationships with Russia, the United States, and China, has described the referendum as “a truly historic moment” that will shift Kazakhstan—a major energy and mining nation—from what he calls a “super-presidential” structure toward better separation of governmental powers.

However, political observers argue the proposed amendments still concentrate excessive authority in the presidency.

Political analyst Dosym Satpayev explained that the draft “[s]ignificantly increases the powers of the head of state and does not create a system of checks and balances.”

The constitutional changes would combine parliament’s dual chambers into a single body and bring back the vice-president role, eliminated in 1996, with the president selecting this position.

Under current rules, Kazakh presidents serve one seven-year term—a restriction Tokayev implemented in 2022.

While Tokayev has stated he plans to leave office in 2029, some political watchers suggest a new constitution might reset his term limitations, mirroring strategies employed by other former Soviet leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Addressing widespread speculation in Kazakhstan about Tokayev potentially pursuing the UN secretary-general position this year, Satpayev noted the vice-presidency would enable Tokayev to choose his replacement before departing early.

A diplomatic source from Kazakhstan informed Reuters that Tokayev, who led the UN’s Geneva operations from 2011-2013, is weighing both a secretary-general bid and a potential second presidential campaign.

Tokayev has publicly denied interest in returning to the United Nations.

Government-sanctioned polling organizations report strong public support for the constitutional amendments, with limited visible opposition.

This vote occurs during challenging times for Kazakhstan, whose economy remains tightly connected to Russia’s and has experienced negative effects from the Ukraine conflict.

While economic expansion has picked up pace, inflation has also risen, reaching 11.7% in February, with interest rates climbing to a historic 18%. New tax increases have added to public frustration.

At an Almaty marketplace, horsemeat vendor Asya Tuligenova—selling the traditional Kazakh specialty—explained that merchants are absorbing increased expenses rather than burdening customers.

“We’re kind of afraid. If we raise prices, it will be difficult for our regular customers,” she said.

Tuligenova declined to reveal her voting intentions for Sunday.

The European Union’s foreign policy leader has accused the United States of intentionally working to fracture European unity, according to remarks published in a Financial Times interview on Friday. The comments from Kaja Kallas come after more than a year of strained relationships across the Atlantic.

“What I think is actually important for everybody to understand is that the U.S. has been very clear that they want to divide Europe. They don’t like the European Union,” Kallas stated during her conversation with the Financial Times.

President Donald Trump has consistently criticized the European Union throughout his current presidency, implementing trade penalties against EU member nations and discussing the potential acquisition of Greenland – a proposal that could potentially dissolve the NATO partnership.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration initiated trade reviews targeting the EU along with several other nations including China, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, citing allegedly unfair commercial practices. These investigations could result in additional trade penalties by summer, following the Supreme Court’s decision last month to dismantle significant portions of Trump’s previous tariff framework.

According to the Financial Times, Kallas noted that America’s strategy toward the EU mirrors methods employed by the bloc’s opponents.

She urged EU member states to avoid individual negotiations with Trump, emphasizing instead that they should engage with him collectively, “because we are equal powers when we are together,” as reported by the Financial Times.

Regarding military matters, however, Kallas acknowledged the bloc must “to buy from America because we don’t have the assets or the possibilities or the capabilities that we need,” while emphasizing that Europe should strengthen investment in its own defense manufacturing sector.

BERLIN (AP) — In Germany’s capital city, a social media personality organized a welcoming Ramadan dinner that brought together individuals from various backgrounds to champion unity and understanding among different communities.

Ali Darwich, a 33-year-old German citizen with Palestinian and Lebanese heritage who shares content on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @alifragt, brought together a diverse group including Muslims and Christians, LGBTQ+ individuals and straight allies, as well as native Germans and immigrants for the special meal.

“No one can be ‘too queer’ to belong,” Darwich stated, emphasizing his message of inclusion that bridges religious faith and sexual identity.

The event represents part of a curated photo collection assembled by Associated Press photo editors.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Following fresh assaults by Iran on Friday morning targeting Gulf Arab nations, including a barrage of dozens of drones aimed at Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump issued severe threats of retaliation after Iran’s new supreme leader warned about American military presence in the region.

“Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today,” Trump posted on social media. “Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.”

Trump’s remarks followed statements from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who pledged Thursday to “not refrain from avenging the blood” of Iranian casualties and urged Gulf Arab countries to close American military installations, calling U.S. protection promises “nothing more than a lie.”

Heavy bombardments struck areas around Tehran and surrounding regions early Friday morning, though immediate details about specific targets remained unclear.

Brent crude oil prices continued hovering above $100 per barrel as Iran maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical passage where one-fifth of global oil shipments travel from the Persian Gulf to international waters.

Oil costs have surged as high as approximately $120 per barrel, representing a 40% increase since the United States and Israel launched their initial assault on Iran on February 28, marking the conflict’s beginning.

Iranian forces have been targeting vessels attempting passage through the strait, with Khamenei’s statements — his first public address since assuming leadership after his father’s death on the war’s opening day — confirming Iran’s intention to maintain the waterway closure.

Recovery operations continued in Iraq following the crash of an American KC-135 refueling aircraft, U.S. Central Command confirmed. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Friday that a French soldier stationed in northern Iraq was killed in an attack.

Iran’s campaign against oil facilities and other infrastructure throughout the Gulf region continued Friday, with Saudi Arabia reporting the destruction of nearly 50 drones launched in successive waves during early morning hours.

Warning sirens activated in Bahrain as incoming fire approached from Dubai, while black smoke rose from an industrial zone after officials said intercepted debris ignited fires.

Approximately 60 individuals sustained injuries in northern Israel after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching multiple rocket attacks toward the region and Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Medical officials characterized most injuries as minor.

Lebanese Health Ministry reports confirmed one fatality in southwestern Beirut from an Israeli strike, while another attack set an apartment building ablaze in the capital. Israeli military officials stated they were targeting a Hezbollah member with Iranian connections.

Since fighting commenced, Lebanon’s Health Ministry has documented over 600 deaths, with the U.N. refugee agency reporting nearly 800,000 internally displaced persons.

Iranian officials report more than 1,300 casualties within their borders, while Israel has confirmed 12 deaths. American losses include at least seven soldiers killed and eight others with serious injuries.

In his Friday morning social media post, Trump declared that “we are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise.”

“They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them,” Trump stated. “What a great honor it is to do so!”

Military officials report American forces have conducted strikes against more than 6,000 targets since operations against Iran began, including over 30 mine-laying ships.

French President Macron confirmed Friday that a French soldier died in an attack on Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdish region. France previously reported six soldiers injured in an Erbil drone strike, where French troops serve in a multinational counterterrorism mission supporting Iraqi forces against Islamic State militants.

British authorities reported that several American personnel received minor injuries Wednesday when drone attacks hit an Erbil base housing both British and American forces.

Italy confirmed that its base in Erbil was also struck Wednesday, though no injuries occurred. The Italian presence trains local Kurdish forces at the Iraqi government’s request.

Recovery efforts for the crashed American KC-135 refueling plane in western Iraq continued Friday. Casualty information remained unclear, though the aircraft carried five crew members.

U.S. Central Command stated the crash was unrelated to enemy or friendly fire, noting two aircraft were involved with one landing safely.

The KC-135 represents the fourth publicly confirmed aircraft loss during U.S. military operations against Iran. Three American fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly Kuwaiti fire last week.

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan announced Monday they will disregard a military directive demanding they abandon their base in Akobo, a town controlled by opposition forces located near the Ethiopian border that has become a refuge for tens of thousands of displaced people.

The South Sudanese military issued the evacuation order on Friday, instructing UN peacekeepers, non-governmental organizations, and civilians to leave Akobo in advance of a military operation they plan to conduct.

However, the peacekeeping mission rejected the demand and declared it will maintain “a protective presence for civilians” in the area, emphasizing that the safety and security of its staff “must be fully respected at all times.”

According to the UN Mission, officials are conducting “intensive” discussions with various government levels regarding the evacuation directive. Mission leader Anita Kiki Gbeho stated, “Any military operations in and around Akobo gravely endanger the safety and security of civilians.”

South Sudan’s government has been engaged in combat with opposition groups since a 2018 peace agreement collapsed approximately one year ago.

The conflict intensified significantly in December 2025 when opposition fighters captured multiple government positions in northern Jonglei. Government forces launched a counter-attack one month later that pushed back opposition troops but caused more than 280,000 people to flee their homes. Thousands of these displaced individuals have sought safety in Akobo, where a small group of UN peacekeepers maintains a presence.

With concerns mounting about the impending government offensive against Akobo, aid workers were removed over the weekend, and large numbers of residents have started leaving the town.

Local authorities who spoke with The Associated Press described the dangers facing evacuating civilians and critical shortages of necessary supplies. Dual Diew, who serves as Akobo County’s health director and has escaped to Ethiopia, reported that 84 injured patients were at the local hospital. “We have most of them with us here now,” Diew explained, noting they are without adequate medicine and basic medical equipment.

Christophe Garnier, who heads Doctors Without Borders operations in South Sudan, reported his organization had to remove its personnel from Akobo on Saturday and later discovered their hospital had been looted and their office destroyed.

“People in Akobo must now either flee without protection or remain at risk of being killed, while losing access to healthcare and other essential services,” Garnier stated.

Three Western nations that have been central to peace negotiations — the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway — delivered a letter to President Kiir on Monday calling for the military’s evacuation order to be withdrawn and cautioning about “further deaths, displacement and suffering for the South Sudanese people” if the Akobo offensive proceeds.

Frightened by blasts that have rocked their neighborhoods in Tehran and major urban centers, thousands of Iranian families have evacuated to rural areas, seeking safety in remote villages during ongoing strikes by Israeli and American forces.

Among those who fled is 22-year-old Pouya Akhgari, now staying with relatives in a mountain village in Zanjan province, roughly 120 miles from his Tehran residence. While snow blankets the rural landscape, he passes time watching entertainment programs and occasionally traveling to nearby larger communities.

Though his current location remains untouched by attacks, contacts back in the capital describe constant explosions around them.

“It just feels so chaotic. I thought it’d be very short but it’s dragging on,” he told The Associated Press by a messaging app. “If it goes on like this, we’ll run out of money.”

United Nations refugee officials report that approximately 100,000 residents abandoned Tehran during the conflict’s opening 48 hours, representing a significant portion of the metropolitan area’s 9.7 million population. Officials believe the actual number of displaced persons is considerably higher, though comprehensive data from subsequent days and other affected cities remains unavailable.

A 39-year-old attorney experienced a full day of explosions rattling her residence in Ahvaz, located 500 miles southeast of Tehran. The following day, March 2nd, she departed with her siblings and their families – including their pets Coco and Maggie – heading to their family’s strawberry cultivation operation in a distant small community.

The woman and others contacted by AP requested anonymity to avoid potential retaliation, and she declined to identify their current location.

Their temporary refuge lacks military installations, providing a sense of relative security. However, Iran’s southern regions have experienced some of the heaviest bombardment. She noted that a neighboring community witnessed an explosion when strikes targeted a Revolutionary Guard ammunition facility belonging to the country’s most influential military organization.

She remains concerned about potential attacks on a fitness center used by Guard personnel located several hundred meters from their agricultural property. Air strikes have targeted numerous athletic facilities throughout Iran, apparently because Guard forces frequently utilize such locations for meetings. While the gym’s distance would likely protect them from direct impact, she acknowledged, “but all the same, the danger exists.”

With no one reporting to jobs and children separated from their schools, families occupy themselves by walking their dogs, engaging in board games, and harvesting strawberries.

The tranquil natural surroundings help create distance from the conflict – clouds drifting over verdant hills and neighboring goats calling at dusk. The attorney described the birth of puppies to one of their farm dogs, Maya, as the most uplifting moment.

Nevertheless, uncertainty pervades their daily existence.

“From morning to night, we talk about what is happening, our worries, how everything gets more expensive every day, about how far our money will stretch,” she said.

“If this situation continues, we will have problems meeting basic needs.”

The American-Israeli military operation has delivered significant damage to Iran’s governing structure, eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders. The campaign has specifically focused on Revolutionary Guard and paramilitary Basij forces, the organizations responsible for defending the clerical Islamic Republic and suppressing anti-government demonstrations, including recent January protests.

Leadership control continues under Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader’s son, who assumed the top position this week. Guard and Basij organizations have maintained their local operational networks thus far.

During infrequent trips from the farm into town, the lawyer observed increased weaponry among street-patrolling Basij members.

“They are waiting for the slightest movement” showing dissent, she said.

Previously an activist opposing mandatory head covering requirements – she faced brief detention in the past – and had abandoned wearing hijab years earlier, she now covers her hair when leaving home to avoid provoking Basij forces.

The community traditionally supports the government, she explained, with many residents holding state employment or Guard membership. Religious and patronage connections remain strong in rural regions particularly, since the Islamic Republic extended essential services to Iran’s countryside and smaller communities.

Despite this, she has observed increasing dissatisfaction even locally. Substantial crowds participated in January’s anti-government demonstrations, and compliance with official mourning observances for Khamenei has been limited, with few residents wearing black clothing as authorities requested.

One father described how explosions caused his 6½-year-old son to shake with terror before they evacuated their Tehran home.

“You place him between you and your wife in bed, hoping he might feel safer,” he said, but the child continued screaming during sleep. They determined departure was necessary.

While driving through the capital, they witnessed roadside vehicles with windows destroyed by blasts. Departing the city at the Alborz Mountain foothills north of Tehran, they observed smoke columns rising from various city sections into the cloudy sky.

“The scene made the city look frightening,” he said.

On the western highway from Tehran, heavy with traffic, explosions shook their vehicle, terrorizing his son. Eventually they reached family accommodations in a small mountain village northwest of the capital, overlooking the Caspian Sea.

They now spend days in the house, surrounded by rice cultivation fields, with snow-covered peaks visible in the distance. Daily, he and his wife take their son for walks.

“Boys have so much energy, and in a village, there is not much fun for him,” he said. Evenings bring visits from his wife’s parents, who also evacuated Tehran.

Throughout the disruption, local residents demonstrate “remarkable kindness,” he said.

At the neighborhood bakery, he encountered a lengthy line. When the baker recognized him as an outsider, he was called forward and the baker attempted to refuse payment for bread.

“The others in line were very friendly, asking whether I had a place to stay and whether I needed anything,” he said.

Evacuation remains impossible for everyone.

A 53-year-old Tehran man explained he cannot relocate his elderly parents and must remain home. The psychological pressure is overwhelming, he said.

“At night, I go down to the parking garage, sit inside my car and scream out loud,” he said. “I pray for calm and for quieter days.”

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has leveled serious allegations against Pakistan’s armed forces, claiming they conducted deadly overnight bombing raids on residential neighborhoods in the capital city and Kandahar province early Friday morning.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X that the alleged Pakistani air attacks resulted in casualties among women and children living in civilian areas. The claims come as hostilities between the neighboring nations have persisted for three weeks, continuing despite international appeals for both sides to de-escalate.

According to Mujahid’s statement, Pakistani warplanes also bombed fuel storage facilities owned by private carrier Kam Air located near the airport in Kandahar.

Pakistani military officials and government representatives have not yet responded to the Taliban’s accusations.

During the week spanning March 6 through 12, 2026, significant developments unfolded across Latin America and the Caribbean region.

In Chile, José Antonio Kast officially assumed the presidency after taking his oath of office. The inauguration marked a new chapter in Chilean leadership as Kast began his presidential term.

Security concerns dominated headlines in Mexico, where civilian defense groups took positions throughout Guerrero state. These community members organized patrols as a direct response to escalating violence from drug trafficking organizations operating in the region.

Sports enthusiasts followed international baseball competition as the World Baseball Classic continued its tournament schedule. Teams from Panama and Colombia faced off in a matchup held in Puerto Rico, showcasing talent from across the Americas.

These images were selected and compiled by photo editor Jon Orbach, who works from Mexico City covering regional events throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Crude oil markets have surged past the $100 per barrel mark as military operations intensify between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with no clear resolution in sight to the expanding conflict affecting Persian Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping routes.

Heavy bombardments targeted Tehran and surrounding areas near Iran’s capital city, while Iranian forces continued launching attacks against neighboring Arab Gulf nations.

President Donald Trump vowed to “finish the job,” describing Iran as “virtually destroyed.” Pentagon officials report the conflict’s first seven days have already drained $11.3 billion from U.S. military resources. The United Nations refugee organization estimates approximately 3.2 million Iranians have fled their homes, while Lebanese officials say 800,000 residents have been displaced as Israeli forces target structures connected to Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters.

Casualty figures show more than 600 deaths in Lebanon, over 1,300 in Iran, and twelve in Israel. Seven American service members have also lost their lives during combat operations.

Saudi Arabia’s military reported intercepting ten additional drones approaching the kingdom’s Eastern and Central regions early Friday, pushing the total to nearly 50 aerial threats within several hours.

This drone assault marks an unusually high volume of airborne dangers for Saudi Arabia, which has witnessed attacks on various targets including the American Embassy in Riyadh, petroleum facilities, and military installations housing U.S. personnel as the Iranian conflict expands.

Dense black smoke billowed across Dubai’s horizon Friday morning following what officials characterized as a blaze in the emirate’s industrial district.

An Associated Press reporter observed the fire in Dubai’s Al Quoz area, where onlookers assembled to view the smoke plume.

Authorities prevented the AP correspondent from approaching the fire scene, located within a dead-end street.

Dubai’s Media Office stated that “debris from a successful interception caused a minor incident on the façade of a building in central Dubai.” Officials reported no injuries, though the dark smoke stretched across the skyline toward the distinctive sail-shaped Burj al-Arab hotel.

An Israeli attack early Friday struck a vehicle in Jnah, a waterfront district in southwestern Beirut, killing one individual, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

In a separate incident, Israeli forces hit an apartment building in the Nabaa area, leaving it consumed by flames, local news outlets reported. Nabaa sits on Beirut’s northern edge within the crowded Burj Hammoud section, which houses a significant Armenian population. Initial reports indicated no immediate casualties.

This marked the first time such locations have been targeted during this confrontation or throughout the 2024 hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

After these attacks, Israeli military officials announced they had targeted a Hezbollah operative in Beirut. Both neighborhoods lie far from Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas the Israeli military has designated as dangerous zones requiring civilian evacuation.

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service reported 58 individuals injured during a missile strike on Zarzir, located roughly 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem near the Lebanese border. Medical personnel said one person suffered moderate injuries while 57 others sustained minor wounds from glass fragments.

Video footage from the ambulance service showed damaged vehicles and scattered wreckage at the impact location.

Israeli military forces coordinated with emergency responders to remove debris from the strike zone.

Hezbollah announced Friday morning it had launched multiple rocket barrages targeting northern Israeli territory and Israeli forces positioned in southern Lebanon.

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed Friday on social media platform X that the assault targeted Irbil in Iraq’s northern Kurdish territory.

Macron named the fallen soldier as Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion from the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins stationed in Varces.

“To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the nation,” Macron stated. “Several of our soldiers have been wounded. France stands by their side and with their loved ones.”

France previously confirmed six soldiers were injured in a drone assault in Irbil. French forces operate in Iraq under a multinational counterterrorism initiative supporting regional forces battling Islamic State extremists.

President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive despite sustaining injuries, following the death of his father in the current U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Speaking during a Fox News interview on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Trump stated his assessment of the Iranian leader’s condition. “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know,” the President remarked. Fox News released these comments late Thursday evening.

The younger Khamenei assumed the supreme leadership position after Iranian clerical authorities selected him on Sunday, following his father’s death on the opening day of the U.S.-Israeli offensive. Since taking power, the new leader has remained out of public view, with Iranian citizens unable to see him directly.

On Thursday, Iranian state television broadcast the new supreme leader’s initial public statements, which were delivered by a news anchor rather than spoken by Khamenei himself. A Reuters source within the Iranian government confirmed Wednesday that the recently appointed leader sustained minor injuries but continues his official duties, corroborating earlier state media reports describing him as wounded in combat.

In his first official communication, Khamenei issued aggressive threats, promising to maintain the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. He also demanded that regional nations expel American military installations from their territories, warning that Iran would consider them legitimate targets otherwise.

The military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran commenced on February 28. Iran has retaliated against both Israeli targets and Gulf nations hosting U.S. military facilities.

As the conflict nears its two-week anniversary, the violence has claimed thousands of lives and created significant instability in global financial markets. Leadership from Iran, Israel, and the United States have all maintained defiant positions and pledged to continue military operations.

A political newcomer who once performed rap music criticizing Nepal’s government has led his upstart party to an overwhelming electoral triumph that could bring much-needed stability to the troubled Himalayan nation.

Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) captured a commanding 182 seats out of 275 in parliament during the March 5 elections, election officials announced Thursday. The victory represents the most decisive parliamentary majority achieved by any single party in more than six decades.

The stunning results position Shah, a former Kathmandu mayor whose anti-establishment rap songs made him a social media sensation, to become Nepal’s next prime minister. He would be the first leader from the country’s southern Madhesh region to hold the top office.

The electoral success follows violent demonstrations last September that claimed 77 lives and forced the previous government from power. Young protesters had taken to the streets after authorities imposed social media restrictions, sparking nationwide unrest in the nation of 30 million people situated between China and India.

Constitutional scholar Purna Man Shakya expressed optimism about the prospects for governmental continuity. “If everything goes well, we can expect that it can give a stable government for five years,” Shakya stated, referencing how previous administrations fell apart due to disputes over power-sharing arrangements.

The electoral outcome offers hope for political consistency in a country that has endured 32 government changes over the past 35 years. This chronic instability has undermined investor confidence and hampered both economic development and job creation.

“We are encouraged by the victory,” declared Sisir Khanal, a newly-elected RSP legislator and senior party official. “The mandate has made us very responsible.”

Traditional political forces suffered crushing defeats in the voting. The established Nepali Congress party managed only 38 seats, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, secured just 25 seats. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki had served as interim leader following Oli’s departure.

Shah’s campaign focused heavily on anti-corruption measures, employment generation, and an ambitious pledge to more than double Nepal’s $42 billion economy within five years. His rise from musician to mayor to potential prime minister has captivated voters seeking change from conventional politics.

However, the party faces challenges ahead. RSP’s prominent leader Ravi Lamichhane, a former television personality, is currently fighting allegations of financial misconduct involving small savings companies. Lamichhane has denied any wrongdoing and remains free on bail.

Regional parties from the Madhesh plains, where Shah originates, failed to win any parliamentary representation despite the area’s significant population.

Afghan Taliban authorities announced Friday that Pakistani forces struck a fuel storage facility belonging to Kam Air, a private airline, located close to Kandahar airport, signaling a renewed escalation in the severe border dispute between the neighboring nations.

The cross-border violence began last month when Pakistani military forces launched aerial attacks within Afghan territory, which Pakistan justified as operations targeting militant bases. Afghan officials condemned these strikes as violations of their national sovereignty and responded with counter-attacks.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid explained that the targeted facility serves both commercial aviation and United Nations flights. “The company (Kam Air) supplies fuel to civilian airlines as well as to United Nations aircraft,” Mujahid stated.

According to Mujahid, Pakistani forces also conducted bombing operations in additional locations, including Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul, resulting in casualties among women and children when residential areas were hit. He warned that this aggression would “not go unanswered.”

Prior to this recent incident, both nations had not documented any Pakistani aerial operations against Afghanistan for several days, and combat activity along their 2,600-kilometer shared border had diminished.

Pakistani military officials have not provided any response to requests for statements regarding these allegations.

The root of tensions between these former allies centers on militant activity, with Pakistan claiming that Afghanistan harbors extremist groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil. Afghan Taliban leadership rejects these accusations, maintaining that Pakistan’s militant problems are domestic issues.

Chinese mediation efforts aimed at ending the violence had reportedly helped reduce hostilities between the countries, according to Thursday reports. Pakistani foreign ministry representative Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan and China were participating in diplomatic discussions regarding Afghanistan.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has directed Hungarian officials to detain a shipment of Ukrainian money and gold valued at approximately $82 million for as long as 60 days while the nation’s tax agency conducts an investigation.

Hungarian forces intercepted the valuable cargo last Thursday as it traveled by road through the country, with officials citing concerns about potential money laundering activities. The confiscated materials consisted of $40 million in U.S. currency, 35 million euros in cash, and 9 kilograms of gold bullion.

Ukrainian leadership has expressed fury over the confiscation, with officials condemning Hungary’s Russia-aligned administration for what they consider unlawful conduct.

Footage from Hungary’s Counter Terrorism Center depicted masked tactical officers detaining seven workers from Ukraine’s government-operated Oschadbank. The employees were traveling in two armored vehicles that had departed Austria and were bound for Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials characterized the transport as a standard transfer of resources between government banking institutions.

The banking personnel remained in custody for more than 24 hours before being removed from Hungary on Friday evening. Hungarian authorities provided no explanation for their release or whether criminal charges were being considered.

The directive issued by Orbán on Monday evening instructs the National Tax and Customs Administration to investigate the cargo’s source, final destination, and planned usage. The order also calls for background checks on the seven deported Ukrainian citizens “and their possible links to criminal or terrorist organizations.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Hungary’s actions on social media Monday night, stating the country was “falling down a spiral of lawlessness.” He accused Orbán’s administration of attempting to “‘legalize’ the illegal seizure.”

“This is a de facto recognition that Hungary’s actions lack any legal grounds,” Sybiha wrote. “They are just adding lawlessness on top of lawlessness.”

Hungary’s tax administration has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

The country has maintained a “state of danger” declaration due to the conflict in adjacent Ukraine, granting Orbán’s administration the power to implement policies through executive orders without legislative approval.

In his latest decree, Orbán—who confronts his most significant electoral challenge from a center-right rival with voting scheduled for next month—also directed the tax authority to examine whether Ukrainian financial transfers have supported “Hungarian criminal organizations, terrorist organizations present in Hungary or political organizations.”

Leading up to the April 12 election, the right-wing populist leader and his network of supportive media have repeatedly claimed, without substantiation, that his main challenger Péter Magyar and the Tisza party receive Ukrainian funding.

The inclusion of “political organizations” in the executive order has generated speculation that Magyar and Tisza might become subjects of the cash shipment investigation.

Orbán, whose polling numbers currently lag behind Tisza in most surveys, has intensified his anti-Ukraine messaging in recent weeks before the election. He has labeled Ukraine as Hungary’s “enemy” and warned that his electoral defeat would result in national financial ruin and force Hungarian young people into combat roles.

Tensions with Kyiv escalated further when Hungary’s parliament approved a resolution Tuesday authorizing the government to block Ukraine’s European Union membership bid and oppose any weapons or financial support initiatives for Ukraine.

KYIV, Ukraine — Military leaders from both Ukraine and Russia are presenting conflicting accounts of battlefield victories in their ongoing four-year conflict, with Ukrainian commanders reporting territorial gains while Moscow maintains its military campaign continues to advance.

Russian aerial bombardments targeting Ukrainian civilian areas persist on an almost daily basis. On Tuesday, regional administrator Vadym Filashkin reported that three devastating glide bombs hit central Sloviansk in eastern Ukraine, resulting in four fatalities. The attack also injured at least 16 others, including a 14-year-old girl.

Emergency services reported Tuesday that nighttime drone attacks across three additional Ukrainian cities left at least 17 people injured, including two children.

Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted 122 of the 137 drones launched by Russia during overnight operations, according to the country’s air force.

Peace negotiations facilitated by the United States have been suspended as Washington’s focus has shifted to the Iran conflict, drawing international attention away from Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s larger military force.

Major General Oleksandr Komarenko told RBC-Ukraine in a Tuesday interview that Ukrainian troops have successfully reclaimed nearly the entire southeastern Dnipropetrovsk industrial region through recent counteroffensive operations, forcing Russian forces from over 400 square kilometers of territory, despite facing troop shortages.

Komarenko characterized the front-line situation as challenging yet manageable, noting that the most intense combat continues around Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine and Oleksandrivka in the south, where Russian forces have concentrated their primary offensive efforts.

Independent confirmation of these military developments was not available.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War reported Monday that Ukraine’s recent counterattacks “are generating tactical, operational and strategic effects that may disrupt Russia’s spring-summer 2026 offensive campaign plan.”

Conversely, Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump during a Monday conversation that Russian military forces are “advancing rather successfully” in Ukraine.

Ushakov suggested this military progress should “encourage” Kyiv to “move toward a negotiated settlement of the conflict,” despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s repeated calls for a comprehensive peace agreement and European leaders’ accusations that Putin is only pretending to seek diplomatic solutions while continuing military operations.

The Kremlin anticipates the Iran conflict will provide financial benefits through increased oil prices, shift global focus away from Ukraine, deplete Western military stockpiles, and pressure the U.S. and NATO allies to reduce military aid to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy hopes that by providing Ukraine’s advanced, combat-proven drone technology to the United States and Gulf partners for Middle Eastern operations, his country will gain greater international diplomatic influence against Moscow.

He is also pursuing reciprocal agreements for advanced American air defense missile systems that Ukraine requires to counter Russian attacks.

A former Syrian military intelligence colonel made his court appearance through video conference Tuesday in London, where he faces serious charges of crimes against humanity and torture connected to his role in crushing peaceful protests in Damascus over a decade ago.

Salem Michel Al-Salem, 58, participated in the Westminster Magistrates’ Court hearing from his residence, appearing with medical breathing equipment due to his battle with motor neurone disease, a progressive neurological condition.

The defendant faces three murder charges classified as crimes against humanity for deaths that occurred in April and July 2011, described by prosecutors as “part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population with knowledge of the attack.”

Additional charges include three counts of torture for incidents spanning 2011 and 2012, plus one count of conduct related to murder as a crime against humanity. Al-Salem remained silent throughout the proceedings and entered no plea.

Defense attorney Sean Caulfield informed the court that his client was too ill to verbally confirm his identity during the hearing.

These seven criminal charges represent a historic case under British legislation that permits prosecution of severe international crimes committed on foreign soil. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, this marks the first instance of murder charges being filed as crimes against humanity under this law.

British courts previously convicted Afghan warlord Faryadi Zardad of torture in 2005 for acts committed in Afghanistan.

Prosecutors describe Al-Salem as a colonel who served in Syria’s Air Force Intelligence division, specifically overseeing the Information Branch in Jobar, a district located east of Damascus city center. He has applied for permanent residency status in Britain.

According to the prosecution, Al-Salem commanded a unit responsible for suppressing demonstrations that typically took place during Friday afternoon prayer services. Authorities allege he instructed his subordinates to shoot at demonstrators, causing fatalities.

The charges also include allegations that Al-Salem participated in or witnessed the torture of detained men at the Information Branch facility.

Police initially arrested Al-Salem in central England during December 2021. His legal team attempted to keep his identity sealed, citing safety concerns, but Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring denied this request while agreeing to keep his home address confidential.

The case will continue Friday at London’s Old Bailey courthouse.

PANAMA CITY — Rising energy prices and ongoing Middle Eastern tensions could drive more commercial shipping traffic toward the Panama Canal, according to the waterway’s top official.

Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez told reporters Thursday that escalating fuel expenses and navigation challenges elsewhere are positioning the interoceanic passage as an increasingly cost-effective alternative for global cargo operations.

“When costs increase, in general when the price of marine fuel rises, the Panama Canal becomes a more attractive route,” Vásquez explained during his remarks.

Energy prices have climbed as Middle Eastern warfare has disrupted regional shipping lanes, including Iran’s temporary blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces. The Persian Gulf waterway handles approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments.

Should elevated energy expenses continue, Vásquez noted that Panama Canal routing could shorten shipping journeys by three to 15 days while simultaneously cutting fuel usage, depending on the specific voyage path.

The canal chief expects container vessels, bulk freight carriers, and liquefied natural gas tankers to be most affected by increased fuel expenses. Should Middle Eastern energy supplies face further interruption, alternative sources including U.S. producers might reroute LNG shipments from European destinations toward Asian markets through Panama.

Panama Maritime Chamber executive Gerardo Bósquez suggested that extended regional conflict could fundamentally alter worldwide shipping patterns, with natural gas transportation among the sectors positioned to gain.

However, Vásquez warned that any traffic shifts would not occur immediately and would depend largely on shipping companies’ expectations regarding the duration of Gulf region conflicts and instability.

While Israeli and American forces concentrate their military efforts on Iran, the ongoing situation in Gaza continues to present unresolved challenges, with Hamas maintaining its presence in the territory despite a fragile truce.

The conflict in Gaza has stretched beyond two years, with Israeli forces yet to complete their mission against the terrorist organization Hamas. A delicate ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025, and while occasional violence persists, the truce has generally remained intact as discussions about the next phase move forward.

Dr. Sagit Yehoshua from the Dvora Forum and the International Institute for Counterterrorism at Reichman University explained the current situation to The Media Line: “Israel hasn’t finished with Gaza. With the attention elsewhere, Hamas now has the time to regroup. Hamas, like other Iranian proxies, has been trained to emulate the Iranian regime, and even when senior leadership members are taken out, there is always someone ready to replace them.”

The terrorist organization has received financial support and backing from Iran for many years. Dr. Michael Milstein, who leads the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, warned The Media Line: “At the end of the war with Iran, Israel will find itself at square one again in Gaza.”

However, political analyst Kobi Michael from the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute suggested to The Media Line that success against Iran could transform the Gaza situation. “If the campaign in Iran is ended successfully … Iran will be much weaker, and Iran will not be able to continue supporting Hamas and Hezbollah,” he stated. “Then it will change the entire situation in the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon dramatically.”

The current focus has turned to Israel’s military operations against Tehran’s regime, conducted in partnership with the United States. Many Israelis view this confrontation as the peak of the broader conflict that started in October 2023, when Hamas executed its surprise attack and set off a chain of regional events. Throughout the past two years, Israeli military and intelligence operations have struck targets spanning Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran.

Despite these broader operations, Gaza’s status remains uncertain. The ceasefire terms require Hamas to surrender its weapons while Israeli forces complete their withdrawal, but this arrangement appeared impractical even before Israeli aircraft began targeting Iran last week. Milstein characterized Gaza as trapped in both military and political stalemate. “When it comes to the Gaza Strip, actually, we are in a sort of status quo,” he explained. “There is no progress with regard to the Palestinian technocratic government, because the technocratic government is not in the Gaza Strip yet. … Hamas does not allow the technocratic government to enter.”

Jerusalem officials have stated that Israeli troops will return to complete their mission if Hamas refuses to disarm voluntarily. Hamas counters that Israel has consistently broken the ceasefire terms and is advancing deeper into Gaza instead of withdrawing. According to Milstein, Israeli forces have maintained strikes against Hamas positions throughout the truce period. “The IDF continues on a daily basis to destroy all the terror infrastructure … tunnels … places that were used for manufacturing weapons and rockets,” he noted. When Hamas violates the ceasefire, he added, Israel responds with force: “This is to signal to Hamas that if they continue breaching the agreement, they will pay a price.”

President Donald Trump, who has committed significant political capital to ending the Israel-Hamas conflict, may soon expect results on that investment. “Israel will likely see even greater enforcement of the agreement by Trump,” Milstein observed. “Israel already started doing things it didn’t want to do in Gaza, but as a result of Trump’s desires. Israel would rather resume the fighting.”

This pressure is already evident in humanitarian matters. Israel reopened the Rafah Crossing after initial delays, responding to mounting international and American demands for increased aid access to Gaza. However, Rafah closed again when the Iran conflict intensified, stopping medical evacuations and civilian departures. When The Media Line requested information, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli military unit managing aid coordination for Gaza, stated the crossing remains closed due to the Iran war and “will reopen as soon as the security situation allows.”

Aid deliveries continue but at reduced levels. The Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza’s primary entry point for humanitarian supplies, has gradually resumed operations. Relief organizations report approximately 200 to 250 trucks entering daily, significantly below the roughly 600 trucks per day that UN agencies consider necessary for Gaza’s population. The World Health Organization has issued warnings about hospitals facing severe shortages of trauma supplies, medications, and fuel.

Yehoshua suggested President Trump’s post-war agenda could increase pressure on Israel. “When Trump wants something, he wants it immediately and doesn’t stop at any means,” she noted. “After the war in Iran, Trump might also be even more considerate than before of the needs of his Arab partners.”

This dynamic extends beyond Gaza’s borders. Israel’s relationships with Arab and Gulf nations have historically been influenced by Palestinian issues. Establishing normalized relations with Saudi Arabia, a goal shared by both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump as part of regional restructuring, has traditionally required Palestinian progress. If the Iran conflict creates new opportunities, pressure on Israel for Gaza concessions will likely increase.

The ceasefire achieved the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, fulfilling one of the government’s declared war objectives and representing a significant accomplishment Netanyahu attributed to his leadership. However, he ended the campaign before achieving Israel’s broader objectives, primarily due to American frustration with the prolonged conflict.

Gaza, a small coastal territory housing more than 2 million Palestinians, remains Israel’s most immediate and pressing challenge. Netanyahu had promised to eliminate Hamas and remove its weapons and governing authority. Neither objective has been accomplished. Hamas continues to control Gaza, albeit in a diminished capacity, and has only been displaced from areas along the “Yellow Line,” where Israeli forces remain positioned under the ceasefire terms.

“As long as Hamas controls Gaza, and so it still does, albeit weakened, this problem will not be solved,” Yehoshua stated.

Political constraints contribute to this predicament. Netanyahu leads Israel’s most far-right coalition government in history, with members advocating for complete Gaza occupation and renewed Jewish settlements there. He has rejected these proposals, recognizing the international opposition, particularly from the United States, that such actions would generate.

“The inability to decide and the lack of strategy by the government that didn’t give any serious thought to the matter has caused Israel to drag its feet,” Yehoshua explained. “Choosing not to decide is also a type of decision.”

For years, Israel underestimated Hamas’s capabilities. This miscalculation helps explain the devastating impact of October 7, 2023, when the organization killed approximately 1,200 Israelis in a single day. More than two years later, after Israel has engaged stronger adversaries elsewhere, Hamas persists. Its deep integration within one of the world’s most densely populated areas has constrained Israel’s military options from the beginning.

While Washington has supported Israeli operations in Gaza, it also seeks stability in the region. A strategy developed by President Trump’s close advisor Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff proposes a demilitarized Gaza managed by a technocratic administration instead of Hamas. Currently, this remains conceptual. The proposed government has not been deployed, Hamas continues functioning as a military entity, and no unified authority is prepared to assume responsibility for reconstruction, public services, or security.

Palestinian attorney Hiba Husseini challenged the notion that Hamas alone prevents this transition. “Based on my information, it’s not only Hamas that is objecting to the technocratic committee,” she told The Media Line. “It’s also Israel.”

Milstein questions whether the proposed arrangement would genuinely end Hamas rule. “Trump will probably push for further Israelis withdrawal from Gaza,” he predicted. “The technocratic government may be instated, but it is actually a cover for Hamas still ruling Gaza. To rid Gaza of Hamas’ hold, all of the territory must be conquered. That’s not something Trump will give a green light to.”

Husseini offered a humanitarian perspective, expressing concern that Gaza could become overlooked amid the Iran conflict. “The more important things for me are the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and also the longevity of this war without proper shelter, food, and medical supplies in the Strip,” she said. “Nothing has changed. Unfortunately, Gaza is now on the sidelines. … I hope it won’t be a forgotten situation amid this bigger regional picture.”

Netanyahu has frequently managed to sideline Palestinian issues. However, once attention shifts away from Iran and military operations conclude, Gaza will return to prominence—still unresolved, still unstable, and still awaiting solutions that no one appears prepared to provide.

Israeli military forces announced Monday they executed multiple rounds of airstrikes throughout Iran, hitting military facilities in Tehran, Isfahan, and southern regions as part of their continued operations against Iranian forces.

Israeli warplanes targeted control centers and production facilities connected to Iran’s military operations across several areas, including sites located near Shiraz, according to Israeli Defense Forces reports.

The strikes in Isfahan focused on the Iranian regime’s Internal Security Force headquarters and the command center for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps police division. Military officials reported that a Basij militia installation and a rocket engine manufacturing plant were also destroyed in the assault.

Israeli forces also bombed a facility that housed the IRGC’s drone operations. Military sources indicated this location had been used to launch unmanned aircraft attacks against Israel and housed additional drones planned for future assaults.

“The combined effort to further degrade the regime’s firing capabilities and defense capabilities continues at this moment,” the military said in a statement. “Alongside the continued expansion of strikes on the ballistic-missile production infrastructure throughout Iran.”

Earlier on Monday, Israeli military officials reported their forces had also attacked multiple launching positions for long-range ballistic missiles along with other IRGC military facilities.

Additional operations conducted Sunday evening concentrated on six Iranian military airports. Military officials stated these attacks were designed to enhance Israeli dominance over regional airspace.

During Sunday’s raids, Israeli forces destroyed multiple aircraft, including planes operated by the IRGC’s Quds Force and Iranian military helicopters. However, despite the extensive damage to Iran’s missile infrastructure, Israeli authorities warned that Tehran might still possess the ability to continue attacks.

The Israeli military reported that Iran’s ballistic missile launching systems have been diminished by roughly 75%, though military analysts believe the remaining launch capacity could enable Iran to maintain missile attacks against Israel for a prolonged timeframe.

The world’s largest oil company is issuing stark warnings about the potential for economic disaster as military tensions threaten one of the globe’s most vital shipping lanes.

During a Tuesday earnings call, Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser cautioned that ongoing conflicts affecting the Strait of Hormuz could devastate international energy markets and trigger widespread economic turmoil. The strategic waterway typically handles approximately 20% of worldwide oil transport, but current hostilities have dramatically reduced vessel traffic and driven petroleum prices upward.

“There would be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil markets, and the longer the disruption goes on, the more drastic the consequences for the global economy,” Nasser stated.

The executive emphasized that worldwide petroleum reserves have dropped to their lowest levels in five years, heightening concerns that extended instability around this crucial passage could create ripple effects throughout numerous sectors.

Nasser explained that the impact reaches far beyond energy markets, potentially disrupting shipping and insurance industries while creating strain on aviation, farming, automobile manufacturing, and other economic sectors worldwide.

In response to these concerns, France is coordinating with allied nations to launch a naval mission aimed at restoring commercial navigation through the waterway. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday during his Cyprus visit that the upcoming operation would provide protection for cargo vessels and petroleum tankers through what he characterized as a “defensive” strategy to gradually reopen the strait once the most intense period of conflict subsides.

A complete closure of this corridor would drive up costs for goods and services globally, particularly affecting major crude oil importing nations such as China, India, and Japan.

Iran has previously issued threats to “set fire” to vessels attempting passage through the waterway, though some maritime traffic has managed to continue despite the ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump issued his own warning to Tehran on Monday, threatening a forceful American reaction to any attempts at blocking oil shipments through the strait.

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump posted on social media.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps countered that Tehran would prevent “one liter of oil” from leaving the region if American and Israeli attacks persist.

President Trump announced Monday that U.S. military campaigns targeting Iran are approaching their conclusion, claiming Tehran’s armed forces have been severely weakened throughout the operations.

In an interview with CBS News, Trump indicated that the military missions dubbed Epic Fury and Roaring Lion had advanced more rapidly than anticipated and were reaching their concluding phases.

“I think the war is very much complete, pretty much,” President Trump stated. “They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force. Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place, including their manufacturing of drones.”

“If you look, they have nothing left. There’s nothing left in a military sense,” he continued.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the ongoing conflict might eventually trigger internal political transformation within Iran.

“Our aspiration is to bring the Iranian people to throw off the yoke of tyranny,” Netanyahu stated during a late-night visit to the National Health Emergency Operations Center. “Ultimately, it depends on them. But there is no doubt that through the actions taken so far, we are breaking their bones—and our arm is still outstretched.”

“If we succeed together with the Iranian people, we will bring about a permanent end—if such things exist in the life of nations—and we will bring about change,” Netanyahu added.

These statements emerged amid ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s leadership and the wider regional crisis. The Wall Street Journal reported that current and former U.S. officials revealed President Trump informed his staff he would back the assassination of Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei should the leader reject Washington’s conditions, which include dismantling the nation’s nuclear program.

Trump also expressed his displeasure to the New York Post regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise to power, having previously labeled the appointment “unacceptable.”

The president issued a stern warning to Iran about interfering with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In a Monday social media message, Trump cautioned: “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) spokesperson countered by threatening that Tehran would prevent “one liter of oil” from leaving the region if American and Israeli strikes persist.

HAVANA (AP) — In a surprising announcement Thursday evening, Cuban officials revealed plans to free 51 inmates from the nation’s correctional facilities.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prisoner releases scheduled for the coming days reflect goodwill gestures and strong ties with the Vatican.

Officials declined to name specific individuals set for release, stating only that “all have served a significant part of their sentence and have maintained good conduct in prison.”

The prison release news came just hours before Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel was set to hold a rare Friday morning press conference “to address national and international issues.”

Cuban authorities reported granting clemency to 9,905 prisoners since 2010, with an additional 10,000 sentenced individuals gaining freedom over the last three years.

Earlier this year in January 2025, Cuba freed well-known opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer through a government initiative to gradually release over 500 detainees following Vatican negotiations.

Ferrer departed Cuba last October and currently resides in the United States.

His release was among several that occurred in early 2025 through Vatican-mediated discussions. These prisoner releases started one day after the Biden administration revealed plans to remove Cuba’s designation as a terrorism-sponsoring state.

Officials have not disclosed whether any political detainees are included among the 51 individuals planned for release.

The advocacy organization Prisoners Defenders reported 1,214 political detainees remained in Cuban custody as of February 2026.

Recent data from Australia shows that approximately 20% of teenagers under 16 are still accessing popular social media platforms two months after the nation implemented its comprehensive ban on minors using these services.

According to research from parental control software company Qustodio, usage among 13-to-15-year-olds on TikTok and Snapchat has decreased since the ban took effect in December, but significant numbers of young users remain active on these platforms through February.

This information represents some of the earliest evidence of how young people’s online habits have changed since Australia launched its pioneering social media restrictions, which other nations worldwide are now considering adopting. While the Australian government and multiple university research teams are monitoring the ban’s effectiveness, no official data has been released yet.

“Among children whose parents haven’t blocked access, a meaningful number continue to use restricted platforms in the months following the ban,” Qustodio stated in their report, which analyzed information gathered from Australian families between late 2024 and February.

The legislation requires major platforms such as Meta’s Instagram, Facebook and Threads, along with Google’s YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat, to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services or face penalties reaching A$49.5 million (approximately $35 million).

Australia’s internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, has indicated that platforms will receive time to adjust their systems and that enforcement actions will focus on widespread violations rather than individual cases.

Neither the eSafety Commissioner nor the Communications Minister provided immediate responses to requests for comment. Snapchat representatives were unavailable for comment, while TikTok spokespersons chose not to respond.

The research data revealed that Snapchat usage among 13-15-year-old Australians dropped by 13.8 percentage points to 20.3% between November and February. TikTok usage in the same age group declined by 5.7 percentage points to 21.2%.

YouTube usage among this demographic decreased by just one percentage point to 36.9%, though the data didn’t distinguish between logged-in account usage and anonymous browsing. Australia’s ban permits unrestricted YouTube access for users who don’t sign into accounts.

While Australian teen social media activity typically decreases during December and January due to extended summer school holidays, this year’s decline was more pronounced than the previous year, indicating the ban’s influence, according to Qustodio.

However, the report noted that “some dips seen in December-January are slowly beginning to recover.”

Concerns that teenagers might shift to unmonitored platforms haven’t proven accurate based on the data, though WhatsApp did see a slight increase in usage among 13-15-year-olds.

French President Emmanuel Macron will make an official state visit to South Korea during the first week of April, according to an announcement from Seoul officials on March 13.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will welcome Macron for the two-day diplomatic visit scheduled for April 2-3, the presidential Blue House announced in an official statement.

The formal agenda for April 3 includes a ceremonial welcome for the French leader, high-level discussions between the presidents, the signing of bilateral agreements, and an official state luncheon, according to the Blue House.

Officials indicated the presidential talks will cover economic partnerships, investment opportunities, and collaborative efforts in emerging technology fields including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, and nuclear energy development. The leaders will also address broader regional and international matters during their meetings.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Islamic extremist organizations, notably Boko Haram and its affiliated splinter groups, are being held responsible for a series of coordinated strikes on Nigerian military installations throughout the northeastern region during the past seven days.

The assaults have claimed the lives of no fewer than two military officers and multiple enlisted personnel, with security experts describing the operations as demonstrating extraordinary organizational capabilities.

During the weekend period, militant forces executed a minimum of six separate strikes across Borno and Yobe states, as well as throughout the broader Lake Chad basin, successfully capturing military vehicles and equipment from the targeted installations, security specialists and official reports indicate.

In an official statement, Nigeria’s armed forces characterized the recent Sunday through Monday operations as “an attempt by the terrorists to overwhelm troop positions.”

Military representative Sani Uba announced Monday evening that forces sustained casualties including an undetermined number of enlisted personnel and one commanding officer, declining to elaborate on specifics. These losses contribute to a weekly casualty count encompassing multiple soldiers and at least one officer. Security specialists place the weekly officer death toll at approximately four individuals.

The continent’s most densely populated nation has faced ongoing challenges in suppressing extremist violence throughout its northeastern territories. Following the initiation of their insurgency campaign in 2009, Boko Haram has fractured into multiple branches, including the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, which receives support from the Islamic State organization. This crisis has strained Nigeria’s military resources, which simultaneously confronts additional security challenges across the conflict-affected northern regions.

These military strikes have generated widespread anger among Nigerian citizens, with numerous individuals criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the governing political party for focusing on the upcoming presidential campaign where Tinubu is anticipated to pursue another term.

Although ISWAP has conducted an increasing number of military-targeted operations in recent months, analysts note this marks the first occasion in recent memory where the organization has successfully executed simultaneous large-scale operations across the region.

The strikes demonstrate “a remarkable level of coordination” from the organization, stated Vincent Foucher, a security specialist with France’s National Center for Scientific Research who possesses extensive expertise regarding the conflict.

Footage released by ISWAP displayed substantial quantities of weaponry and munitions, along with numerous motorcycles and vehicles that the militants claimed were seized during their operations. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the video’s contents.

A primary objective of these extremist groups involves replenishing their weapons stockpiles, explained Taiwo Adebayo with the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies.

“When they hit those camps, they strip the base of weapons, burn it down and retreat into the forests,” Adebayo stated.

Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security analyst with Good Governance Africa, observed that “as long as military bases remain vulnerable to being overrun, ISWAP does not need to spend money buying arms.”

These operations are occurring despite assistance from the United States, which has positioned no fewer than 100 military personnel to provide Nigerian forces with training and logistical support. This deployment represents part of a new security collaboration between Nigeria and the U.S. that developed after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Christians face targeting in Nigeria’s security crisis.

Since American involvement in the security situation began last December, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR, missions have assisted Nigerian military forces in intensifying aerial strikes against extremist strongholds, according to officials.

Nevertheless, ISWAP continues executing coordinated operations that demonstrate their advanced capabilities and illustrate their growing dominance, Adebayo noted.

A significant obstacle in the region continues to be the insufficient presence of security personnel and governmental authority in conflict zones.

Despite achieving victories against extremist organizations in the area, Nigeria’s military lacks resources for prolonged operations and rapidly relocates to address other crisis areas, Taiwo explained.

“So the (armed) groups are quickly regrouping and delivering attacks elsewhere,” he stated.

A United Nations investigation released Tuesday has determined that Moscow’s systematic removal of Ukrainian children following its 2022 invasion constitutes crimes against humanity.

According to Ukrainian officials, nearly 20,000 children have been unlawfully transported to Russia and Belarus, where some undergo military instruction and are compelled to take up arms against Ukrainian forces.

The International Criminal Court has issued warrants for the arrest of President Vladimir Putin and five additional Russian officials in connection with the unlawful removal of children. Russian authorities reject claims that children are being taken involuntarily, maintaining they are conducting voluntary evacuations to protect civilians from combat zones.

“In this report, the Commission concluded that crimes against humanity and war crimes by Russian authorities have targeted children, who are among the most vulnerable victims,” the investigation stated.

“These crimes have irreversible consequences on their lives and their future.”

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine examined 1,205 children’s cases from five Ukrainian regions and determined that 80% remain unreturned.

The commission’s findings stem from analyzing thousands of documents and submissions from human rights organizations, plus conducting more than 200 interviews with affected families and children who successfully returned home.

“The deportations and transfers have originated from various locations across a wide geographic area in Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine, following a well-established pattern of conduct, indicating that these acts have been widespread and systematic,” the report noted. The findings will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva this Thursday.

The investigation also determined that high-level Russian government officials have coordinated these operations.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha praised the report and urged international pressure on Russia to facilitate the return of displaced children.

Russian diplomatic representatives in Geneva have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Research funded by the United States last year revealed Russia’s expansion of forced re-education programs targeting deported children. Former U.S. first lady Melania Trump has championed their release and maintained contact with Putin’s administration regarding this issue.

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli military officials report that Iran has deployed cluster munitions on a daily basis throughout their ongoing 10-day conflict, presenting new complications for the nation’s air defense capabilities.

These weapons function by releasing their payload at high elevations, dispersing numerous smaller explosive devices across extensive areas. The secondary explosives, which appear as orange fireballs during nighttime attacks, present significant interception challenges and have caused casualties.

Israeli officials, who typically limit public disclosure about Iranian strikes and resulting damage, have recently launched public awareness campaigns about these weapons’ hazards, including the risk posed by unexploded ordnance that remains dangerous after civilians emerge from protective shelters.

More than 120 nations have ratified an international agreement prohibiting cluster munition deployment, though Israel, the United States, and Iran remain outside this treaty. These weapons have appeared in global conflicts for decades, including Israel’s 2006 confrontation with the Iran-backed Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah.

The weapons operate when a primary munition deploys smaller submunitions at elevations between 7-10 kilometers (4-6 miles). These secondary devices spread across vast territories, spanning several hundred meters to multiple kilometers, sacrificing accuracy for broad coverage.

International critics contend that cluster munitions cause indiscriminate casualties, with unexploded components posing long-term threats. In Israel’s case, the danger increases because most missiles target the country’s heavily populated central region.

“Cluster bombs don’t create real damage to buildings, only people,” said Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies.

While Israel’s Arrow defense system effectively intercepts incoming ballistic missiles, Kalisky explained that once cluster munitions deploy before missile destruction, defensive options become limited.

Israel’s Iron Dome technology targets smaller rockets launched from shorter distances and lower elevations. However, it lacks the capability to neutralize dispersed bomblet clusters, Kalisky noted.

The lightweight bomblets — typically under 3 kilograms (7 pounds) — pose the greatest threat to vehicles, storefronts, and individuals outside protective shelters, unlike heavier explosive devices.

“They pose a particular threat to the civilian population both during and after use, with victims often including a high proportion of children,” according to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

These secondary munitions experience higher failure rates compared to conventional warheads. Unexploded devices function similarly to landmines, potentially detonating later and causing random casualties.

The Open Source Munitions Portal, which verifies publicly available munition imagery globally, has released multiple photographs of unexploded submunitions discovered in Israel this week.

While larger Iranian missiles have caused most damage in Israel, Iran has deployed cluster munitions on a “nearly daily basis,” stated Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, a military spokesperson. He noted Iran launched similar projectiles during their 12-day conflict in June.

Military sources indicate Iranian warheads contain 20 to 24 bomblets with explosive components weighing up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds).

Israel’s Home Front Command has circulated warnings advising residents against touching unexploded submunitions. Police public service announcements similarly caution people to avoid contact with suspicious objects and contact authorities instead.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Missile Defense Project reports that Iran announced in 2017 its Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missile could transport multiple warheads. These missiles represent Iran’s largest submunition-carrying weapons. Iran also possesses shorter-range Zolfaghar missiles equipped with submunitions.

Cluster munitions, including those captured in Associated Press footage traveling westward toward Israel, resemble falling fireballs — an appearance created by atmospheric reentry friction.

N.R. Jenzen-Jones, director of Armament Research Services, noted limited public information exists regarding Iran’s cluster munitions beyond state television coverage of leadership factory visits and military exercise footage. However, recent deployment videos suggest some Iranian missiles carrying cluster warheads are engineered to open at high altitudes, dispersing them across areas far exceeding typical military targets.

Engineering features enabling high-altitude dispersal — including protective coatings allowing submunitions to survive atmospheric reentry heat — indicate these weapons were constructed for less precise applications than cluster munitions observed in other conflicts.

“The design seems to scatter submunitions so widely as to suggest it was designed purely as a weapon of terror, scattering its explosive cargo indiscriminately over a wide area,” Jenzen-Jones said.

Following the July 2025 12-day Iran-Israel war, Amnesty International declared Iran’s “deliberate use of such inherently indiscriminate weapons is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”

While cluster munitions — including more targeted versions than Iran’s — remain legal, Geneva Conventions prohibit their use in civilian areas. Recent international agreements signed by over 120 nations also ban these weapons.

Nazi Germany first deployed cluster munitions when it dropped “butterfly bombs” on the United Kingdom during World War II. The United States has utilized various types in Vietnam, Laos, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and supplied cluster munitions to Ukraine. Russia faced accusations of using cluster bombs during its 2022 full-scale Ukraine invasion, which Moscow denied.

During Israel’s 2006 Lebanon war with militant group Hezbollah, the United Nations estimated 30% to 40% of Israeli cluster bombs failed to detonate, leaving southern Lebanon contaminated with hundreds of thousands of bomblets.

The U.S. State Department concluded Israel likely deployed American-manufactured cluster bombs in civilian areas during the 2006 conflict, after U.N. demining teams discovered unexploded bomblets in hundreds of locations.

According to a military official speaking anonymously under briefing protocols, Israel is not currently using cluster bombs.

SEOUL – Investigators in South Korea conducted a search of the nation’s transportation ministry on Friday as they expand their investigation into the deadly 2024 Jeju Air disaster that claimed 179 lives at Muan International Airport.

The ministry search comes as officials continue re-examining crash debris, an effort that has led to the discovery of more human remains and personal items over a year after the tragedy occurred. These findings have raised fresh concerns about how authorities initially handled the disaster response.

Law enforcement has already conducted searches at regional aviation facilities and companies that worked on the airport’s construction as investigators work to establish who bears responsibility for the fatal accident.

While a police spokesperson refused to provide additional details about Friday’s ministry search, Yonhap News Agency reported that an official described the action as necessary to obtain more evidence for the continuing investigation into what caused the crash.

The expanding probe reflects authorities’ determination to uncover whether failures in government oversight and regulation played a role in the aviation disaster.

ROME — The Italian government has made a historic acquisition, purchasing an extraordinary portrait by baroque master Caravaggio for 30 million euros in what represents one of the nation’s most significant financial commitments to a single piece of art, officials announced Tuesday.

Created around 1598 and officially recognized as a Caravaggio work in 1963, the painting shows Maffeo Barberini, an influential nobleman who would eventually ascend to become Pope Urban VIII.

Following more than a year of complex negotiations, Italian authorities successfully obtained the artwork from private collectors, and it will now become a permanent fixture at Rome’s renowned Palazzo Barberini museum.

“This is a work of exceptional importance,” declared Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, highlighting that the painting marked a pivotal moment in the modern rediscovery of Caravaggio’s genius and strengthens Italy’s public holdings of the artist’s creations.

This major purchase comes after Italy’s recent acquisition of Antonello da Messina’s “Ecce Homo” and represents part of the country’s comprehensive initiative to expand its national cultural treasures while providing researchers and visitors greater access to artistic masterpieces.

The “Portrait of Monsignor Maffeo Barberini” captures the future pontiff during his thirties, portrayed in the robes of an Apostolic Chamber cleric during a pivotal period of his ascent to ecclesiastical power.

Art historian Roberto Longhi brought widespread attention to the piece through his influential 1963 essay “The True ‘Maffeo Barberini’ of Caravaggio,” after which scholars have broadly accepted the work as an authentic creation by Caravaggio, whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi.

Longhi described the piece as “one of the founding moments of modern portraiture,” highlighting Caravaggio’s introduction of unprecedented psychological depth to his subjects.

The revolutionary artist transformed painting during the early 1600s through his innovative manipulation of light and shadow, establishing techniques that would define the entire Baroque movement. Despite being among the most extensively researched artists globally, authenticated Caravaggio works remain extraordinarily scarce.

The newly acquired portrait will be exhibited at Palazzo Barberini alongside the museum’s other Caravaggio pieces, forming one of the world’s most significant collections of his work, particularly near his celebrated masterpiece “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” which Italy acquired in 1971.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan and Colombian officials unexpectedly called off a scheduled summit between their nations’ leaders on Thursday, just one day before the highly awaited border meeting was set to take place.

The summit would have marked Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s inaugural official encounter with another Latin American head of state since taking office in January after a U.S. military action resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. The agenda for Rodríguez and Colombian President Gustavo Petro included discussions on cross-border security concerns stemming from criminal organizations involved in narcotics trafficking, as well as exploring opportunities for Colombia to purchase Venezuelan natural gas.

According to a joint declaration issued through Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, both nations cited “force majeure” as the reason for postponing the meeting, though no additional details were provided about the circumstances. Officials stated the presidential summit will be rescheduled for a future date.

The declaration further noted that Petro’s invitation to Rodríguez remains open for the presidential discussions and emphasized both countries’ continued dedication “to strengthening trust, cooperation and bilateral relations.”

Just hours before the cancellation was announced Thursday, Petro’s administration revealed the Colombian president had spoken by telephone with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Petro expressed his hopes for Trump’s “success” in his upcoming meeting with Rodríguez.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a massive spending plan Thursday, committing billions to strengthen military installations and infrastructure across Canada’s northern territories as tensions rise over Arctic sovereignty.

Speaking from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Carney revealed his administration will allocate an extra $32 billion Canadian dollars—approximately $24 billion USD—toward military forward operating bases in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay.

“In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity,” Carney stated during the announcement.

The substantial investment follows President Donald Trump’s earlier statements this year suggesting the United States should assume control of Greenland, Denmark’s self-governing Inuit territory. Trump has also made remarks about potentially incorporating Canada as America’s 51st state.

Carney delivered his remarks before departing for Norway, where he plans to observe NATO military exercises.

The comprehensive funding package designates $2.7 billion Canadian dollars—roughly $1.9 billion USD—for establishing four new remote operational centers throughout the North, designed to facilitate quick military deployment.

Additionally, Carney outlined financial support for numerous transportation and port development initiatives across the northern region.

Among these projects is funding for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, a major route that will link Yellowknife with Inuvik.

Rising geopolitical tensions, climate change effects, and shifts in the global economy have positioned the Arctic region as a critical focal point in discussions surrounding international commerce and national security.

TORONTO — Authorities in Toronto have located the stolen vehicle used in this week’s shooting incident at the US consulate, police announced Thursday.

The white Honda CR-V was found just hours after Tuesday’s attack, according to Toronto police officials. Law enforcement revealed the SUV had been taken shortly before the shooting occurred but declined to release additional information about the recovery.

The incident unfolded around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday when two individuals approached the downtown diplomatic facility and opened fire on the building using a handgun before driving away. Officials reported no one was hurt in the attack.

The gunfire happened during a period of increased tensions surrounding the Iran conflict and came after shootings targeted two synagogues in the Toronto area over the weekend. Government officials announced enhanced security measures would be implemented at US and Israeli consulates, along with embassies in Ottawa.

Authorities didn’t learn of the shooting until approximately one hour afterward, and police believe those inside the heavily secured consulate building may not have realized the attack was taking place.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident as a matter involving national security. Both Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced the shooting as an intimidation tactic.

Toronto hosts a substantial Iranian population, and the ongoing Iran conflict has sparked various demonstrations near the US consulate, with both supporters and opponents gathering. The diplomatic facility frequently serves as a location for protests.

The Israeli military carried out new attacks against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, while Lebanese leadership pushes for a comprehensive ceasefire arrangement.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, Tuesday’s military operations targeted a rocket launching site in Lebanon’s southern region. Israeli troops conducting ground operations in the area also executed raids where they encountered armed militants from the organization, including some who were reportedly planning attacks on Israeli personnel. Military officials said weapons were confiscated during these operations.

On Monday night, Israeli forces attacked Hezbollah operational centers in the southern Lebanese village of Ansar. Military sources stated these facilities were connected to rocket attacks launched from that region into Israeli territory.

The IDF has also been targeting Al-Qard Al-Hasan, a financial organization that provides funding to armed groups including Hezbollah. Military officials report that 30 facilities linked to this organization have been hit since the previous week. This group supplies financial support for Hezbollah’s operations, including purchasing weapons and equipment and paying member salaries.

Israeli officials describe their military campaign as focused on destroying Hezbollah’s operational network, with strikes reaching areas connected to the group’s activities in Beirut.

The current military escalation began after Hezbollah launched missile attacks into Israel last week following Israeli strikes on Iran.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed his backing for renewed ceasefire negotiations. In a virtual conference on Monday with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Aoun endorsed a “complete ceasefire” with Israel contingent on Israel ending its military activities. He also requested logistical support for Lebanon’s military forces.

Aoun stated that under such an agreement, Lebanon’s armed forces would guarantee Hezbollah’s disarmament and “confiscate all weapons” from the militant organization. He advocated for “direct negotiations under international sponsorship to reach the implementation” of ceasefire conditions.

A previous ceasefire agreement that concluded hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on November 27, 2024, mandated that Lebanon “prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from conducting operations against Israel.” Israeli leadership maintains that Hezbollah’s persistent refusal to disarm, contrary to what was previously agreed upon, necessitates continued military operations to secure the border region.

PARIS (AP) — Designer Nicolas Ghesquière transformed the Louvre into an artificial mountain landscape, sending his models traversing the peaks for Louis Vuitton’s latest show.

The designer brought Paris Fashion Week to a close Tuesday evening with a collection that elevated mountain folklore into luxury fashion, featuring flowing capes, traditional cowbells, warm shearling headwear, and hiking poles accessorized with designer handbags.

Dubbing his line “Super Nature,” Ghesquière explained his goal was to discover the common threads among mountain communities spanning from the Alps through Central Asia to the Andes — garments molded by harsh weather conditions, high elevations, and the necessity for mobility.

A-list celebrities including Zendaya, Ana de Armas, Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith occupied prime viewing spots in the front row.

Production designer Jeremy Hindle, known for his work on “Severance,” reimagined the Louvre’s historic Cour Carrée courtyard into a setting that blended science fiction aesthetics with Alpine imagery.

Models emerged wearing textured capes with dramatic shoulder silhouettes to begin the presentation.

Oversized fur shoulder pieces enveloped the models’ arms while pointed headpieces evoked childhood paper boat crafts. Several models balanced massive wicker baskets above their heads, while others carried tree branches as props.

Animal motifs including wolves, sheep and rabbits decorated jackets and skirts throughout the collection.

Ukrainian artist Nazar Strelyaev-Nazarko created lamb paintings for the pieces. Ghesquière updated a classic Man Ray parure previously worn by Catherine Deneuve, incorporating the signature nail head details from Louis Vuitton luggage.

The iconic Noé bag appeared in its original 1932 silhouette. The Mini Malles debuted in softer iterations. Shoe heels were sculpted to resemble antler forms.

While the clothing ventured into artistic territory, the accessories maintained practical grounding.

Formal tuxedo pants featured fluffy trim instead of traditional satin stripes, and weatherproof capes in bright red and pale blue stood out against the natural color scheme. Outerwear incorporated hemp-derived artificial fur linings.

The fashion house described their material philosophy as “hyper-craft” — elevating nature rather than simply copying it.

Additional attendees included K-pop performers Felix and Lisa, musical group Haim, Phoebe Dynevor, Ava DuVernay, Alicia Vikander, Chase Infiniti, Chloe Grace Moretz, Erin Doherty, Katherine LaNasa and Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu.

Ghesquière has directed Louis Vuitton’s women’s collections since 2013, maintaining his position longer than over a dozen creative leaders at competing fashion houses.

Meanwhile across Paris, the Miu Miu venue resembled a disturbed woodland floor several hours later.

Workers hand-placed twigs and moss right up to the show’s start time.

While Ghesquière constructed an elaborate environment, Miuccia Prada stripped hers away.

“You, as a human person, you are enough,” Prada stated. “You have your mind. That should be enough against whatever happens.”

The garments appeared worn and weathered, like final pieces remaining in a closet. Minimal tank dresses. Compact weathered leather jackets. Wrinkled cotton blazers softened by use.

Narrow coats polished from wear paired with wide-leg trousers that swept the ground.

Cotton poplin, processed cashmere, linen, and decorated tulle — all fitted close to the body. Bow details referenced intimate apparel, the most personal clothing items.

No protective elements. No added bulk. Simply the individual wearing them.

Prada reinforced this message through her model selection.

Gillian Anderson participated in the show, joined by Chloë Sevigny and Kristen McMenamy.

TXT member Yeonjun walked alongside Diana Silvers and Gemma Ward.

The diverse age range of models gave the minimalist clothing more significance than a younger-only cast would have provided.

The accessories carried the visual impact that the clothing deliberately avoided. Decorated fur hats, crystal-adorned belts, jeweled sneakers. Single statement pieces contrasting with the understated fabrics.

Following weeks of shows featuring protective, padded, and heavily textured designs, Prada concluded the season with the opposing viewpoint.

The human form needs no enhancement. Fashion should simply step aside and let it shine.

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemala’s freshly appointed Constitutional Court faces the challenging task of restoring faith among citizens who have grown skeptical of a judicial system that many believe favors a select few, according to legal experts speaking Thursday.

The nation’s top court, chosen every five years through various institutional processes, will retain four of its 10 total members, including backup judges. The departing court drew sharp criticism for rulings in high-stakes cases that seemed to shield individuals connected to narcotics trafficking, human rights violations, and graft.

Legal observers note that the incoming court shows signs of greater equilibrium, though its future rulings will ultimately determine its true character.

“What it has to do is recover the concept of a legal and technical court and not issue decisions tailored for anyone,” said Carlos Luna Villacorta, a former alternate magistrate on the court. “It must inspire more confidence above all with its most controversial decisions.”

The court selection process concluded Wednesday when President Bernardo Arévalo revealed his picks: Gladys Annabella Morfín, who previously served as solicitor general, and her backup María Magdalena Jocholá, a Kaqchikel Maya attorney and scholar focused on Indigenous legal matters.

Guatemala’s Constitutional Court has played a central role in the nation’s anti-corruption struggles. The tribunal has weighed in on major cases involving an international corruption-fighting body and the freedom of a former president facing graft charges.

As Guatemala’s supreme judicial authority, the Constitutional Court’s rulings cannot be challenged. Backup members serve when primary judges face conflicts of interest or when constitutional matters require a seven-judge panel.

In 2019, when ex-President Jimmy Morales ended the mandate of the anti-corruption body called CICIG, the Constitutional Court served as a crucial democratic check by declaring his action unconstitutional.

However, the court shifted direction after new members took office in 2021.

The tribunal demonstrated this change in April 2024 when it approved the prison release of former President Otto Pérez Molina (2012-2015), who had been found guilty in two separate corruption proceedings.

Beyond Arévalo’s appointments, the Supreme Court of Justice, Congress, University of San Carlos, and the national bar association each chose one primary judge and one alternate.

The incoming court will feature four women among its five main judges when it begins work in April.

Political commentator Renzo Rosal described the new tribunal as appearing “relatively balanced.”

“The court leans conservative, but nothing else can be expected of the (Constitutional Court),” since its essence is applying the Constitution, he said. “What we need is a group of magistrates who must stabilize (the court) and allow it to be an institution that halts the mistrust of justice, that serves the people and not the spurious spaces like now.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that joint military efforts with the United States have significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear and missile programs while diminishing Tehran’s regional influence. However, he emphasized that overthrowing the Iranian government ultimately rests with the Iranian people.

During his first media briefing since the conflict began, Netanyahu described how the military campaign has transformed regional dynamics. “This is no longer the same Iran, this is no longer the same Middle East and this is also not the same Israel,” he stated. “We initiate and attack with force. Trump and I talk almost every day, exchange ideas and advice, and decide together.”

The Israeli leader outlined key military goals, focusing on severely damaging Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure while preventing Tehran from securing these capabilities in underground facilities. “We are aiming to stop Iran from moving nuclear and ballistic projects underground,” he explained.

Netanyahu claimed the joint campaign has already produced substantial outcomes, elevating Israel’s position “as a regional power and, in certain respects, a global power.”

The Prime Minister referenced previous warnings he and US President Donald Trump issued to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei about rebuilding what Netanyahu termed “industries of death.” “Not only did he not listen,” Netanyahu said about Khamenei, “he accelerated efforts to rebuild them and bury them deep underground, under high mountains.”

Despite military successes, Netanyahu acknowledged limitations regarding internal Iranian political transformation. “We can create conditions for regime change, but it is up to Iran’s people to take to the streets,” he said. “I can’t say with certainty the Iranian people will overthrow the regime, but we can certainly help.”

Addressing Iranians directly, Netanyahu proclaimed, “The moment you can set out on a new path of freedom is getting closer.” He cautioned about uncertainty surrounding potential change in Tehran, saying “It’s not certain that this will happen – it depends on the Iranian people.” Using an analogy, he added, “You can bring a man to water, but you can’t force him to drink.”

Regarding northern border fighting, Netanyahu said Hezbollah continues facing intense pressure while maintaining some military capability. “Hezbollah feels the comfort of our arm and will pay a very heavy price for its aggression,” he declared.

When questioned about previous assertions of Hezbollah’s defeat, Netanyahu argued Israel had prevented catastrophic scenarios. “We talked then about 150,000 rockets and missiles, about the destruction of the towers in Tel Aviv, about the eyes of ruins in the rest of the country, and about 15,000 to 20,000 dead. All of this did not materialize because we dealt them a tremendous blow, but that does not mean that they did not have any residual fire left.”

He predicted continued weakening, stating, “Tomorrow they will be even weaker—both Iran and Hezbollah.”

Netanyahu revealed he had cautioned Lebanon’s government against permitting Hezbollah operations within its borders. “I told them, ‘you’re playing with fire,’” he said. “We will exact a heavy price from Hezbollah, and I hope Lebanon’s government is [with] us.”

When asked about specific threats to Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu remained cryptic. “I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization … I don’t intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.”

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — An unprecedented 280 political parties met Thursday’s registration deadline to compete in Haiti’s upcoming general election, marking the nation’s first such contest in ten years, though not every group will qualify for the ballot.

Despite this uncertainty, newly formed parties celebrated the opportunity, expressing optimism about addressing their nation’s ongoing struggles with widespread gang violence and government corruption.

CAHDOA, which stands for Collective of Haitian Actors for Development and Alternative Organization and was established just one year ago, arrived at Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council building accompanied by musicians.

The sound of vuvuzelas filled the air while supporters applauded and shouted, “We are on board!”

CAHDOA representative Abel Decollines expressed his desire for widespread voter participation in the upcoming election.

“Today the country needs a new leader to allow the population to breathe,” he said.

The EDE party, known as Committed to Development, also completed their registration Thursday. The organization was established by Claude Joseph, who served as prime minister during the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse at his home in July 2021.

Joseph and his followers wore green and white clothing while walking quietly toward the election council building.

On social media platform X, Joseph stated his party supports ending political dominance in Haiti “characterized by the failure of eternal political transitions.”

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé currently serves as Haiti’s sole leader after being selected by a transitional presidential council that disbanded in early February as legally required.

Government leaders initially announced plans to conduct elections in late August with a potential runoff in early December, though the prime minister has recently indicated the initial voting round would occur before the year concludes.

Skeptics question whether this timeline is realistic given continuing gang-related violence.

“The people in charge need to provide security so campaigning can take place and people can choose who will govern them,” Decollines said.

United Nations data shows more than 5,900 deaths and over 2,700 injuries occurred throughout Haiti last year.

Criminal gangs have also forced a record 1.4 million residents from their homes in the nation of approximately 12 million people, with armed groups maintaining control over roughly 90% of the capital city Port-au-Prince.

“It’s a fact that the county is insecure, no one can deny that, but no matter what, there must be an election,” said Dalouce Désir, a member of EDE, which was founded four years ago. “We believe in the election, and we believe in democracy.”

Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council plans to release the official roster of approved political parties by March 26, though specific qualification standards have not been disclosed.

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft has crashed in Iraq while participating in military operations against Iran, with rescue teams working to recover personnel, according to U.S. Central Command officials Thursday.

The downed KC-135 tanker was conducting missions as part of ongoing operations targeting Iran when it crashed in Iraq’s western region, military officials confirmed. Central Command emphasized the aircraft was not brought down by enemy attacks or accidental friendly fire.

Two KC-135 refueling planes were operating together when the incident occurred, according to military leadership overseeing Middle East operations. While one aircraft returned to base without incident, the second was declared “a loss” after going down in western Iraq.

An anonymous military source confirmed both aircraft involved in the incident were KC-135 tankers, though details about crew status remain limited.

“More information will be made available as the situation develops,” Central Command officials stated. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”

Military leadership has not yet disclosed whether any personnel were injured or killed in the crash. Both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have previously acknowledged that American casualties are expected to continue as the Iran conflict progresses.

This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. military aircraft lost during Iran operations. Just last week, military officials revealed that three American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti forces in a friendly fire incident.

The six aircrew members from those F-15E aircraft successfully ejected and were recovered in stable condition, according to military reports.

Combat operations against Iran have resulted in seven American military deaths to date. Six service members died when an Iranian drone attack hit an operations facility at a Kuwaiti civilian port, while another soldier was fatally wounded during an assault on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Pentagon officials reported earlier this week that approximately 140 U.S. military personnel have sustained injuries during the Iran conflict, with eight suffering severe wounds.

Swedish maritime authorities conducted their second vessel seizure operation within days, taking control of a suspicious tanker in Baltic Sea waters on Thursday.

The 228-meter vessel Sea Owl I, displaying Comorian registration, was intercepted by coast guard officials who believe the ship was operating under fraudulent documentation. Maritime authorities suspect the tanker lacks legitimate state registration.

The intercepted vessel appears on multiple international sanctions lists, including those maintained by European Union member nations.

Daniel Stenling, who serves as deputy operations chief for Sweden’s coast guard, explained the decision to intervene. “The threats to maritime safety and the environment are too high,” Stenling stated. “Therefore, there is reason to intervene against the vessel.”

Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin indicated through social media that authorities believe the tanker belongs to Russia’s covert maritime operations network.

The enforcement action occurred in waters near Trelleborg, a coastal community in southern Sweden.

This incident follows a similar operation last Friday when Swedish officials boarded another vessel, the Caffa, which was displaying Guinean registration documentation. That seizure also took place in waters adjacent to Trelleborg.

BOGOTA, Colombia — A media watchdog organization reports that journalists throughout the Western Hemisphere faced severe challenges in 2025, marking what they call a significant decline in press freedoms across the region.

The Inter American Press Association released findings Tuesday showing deteriorating conditions for media professionals in 23 nations. “This has been one of the worst years in the region, with homicides, arbitrary arrests, and impunity” for crimes committed against journalists, the organization stated in their yearly assessment.

The Miami-headquartered organization has tracked media freedoms through their Chapultepec index since 2020, examining how nations from Canada to South America safeguard journalistic rights.

Their latest rankings place Venezuela and Nicaragua in the worst category as nations “without freedom of speech.” Countries including Ecuador, Bolivia, Honduras, Peru, Mexico, Haiti, Cuba, and El Salvador received “high restriction” designations. Meanwhile, Canada, Brazil, Chile and Panama earned “low restrictions” ratings for their treatment of press freedoms.

The United States received a “restrictions” classification, with researchers documenting 170 incidents targeting journalists throughout 2025. The assessment highlighted particular concerns about attacks during Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations coverage.

Investigators determined that in the U.S. “there was poor government action against disinformation, as well as government actions aimed at limiting free expression and access to information.” They noted that President Donald Trump and administration officials have “stigmatized” news organizations that report critically on government actions.

The organization attributes rising journalist attacks to emerging “authoritarian presidents” throughout the region. In Venezuela, media outlets practiced widespread “self-censorship,” providing minimal coverage of opposition leader María Corina Machado receiving the Nobel Peace Prize due to fears of government retaliation.

Nicaragua faces “institutionalized” censorship following constitutional changes that consolidated all government branches under presidential authority, according to the findings.

El Salvador earned a “high restrictions” designation as officials use legal action and criminal probes to intimidate reporters. Between May and July alone, 180 incidents against media personnel were documented in the Central American nation.

Ecuador experienced 290 aggressive acts against journalists last year, including four killings allegedly committed by criminal organizations. Police also wounded a journalist during live coverage of an Indigenous community demonstration.

Haiti appeared in the annual assessment for the first time, receiving one of the lowest press freedom rankings in the Americas. Gang members killed two journalists in 2024 during an attack on a hospital reopening ceremony in Port-au-Prince.

The report emphasized that journalist-targeted crimes face no consequences in Haiti, where criminal groups dominate much of the capital and systematically threaten both media workers and residents.

The Inter American Press Association represents over 1,300 news organizations and advocates for media freedoms throughout the Western Hemisphere.

WASHINGTON — Federal officials have given the green light to spend as much as $40 million from emergency reserves to fund charter evacuation flights helping Americans escape the Middle East amid ongoing conflict with Iran.

Two government sources, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, revealed that officials tapped into funds typically set aside for emergencies involving embassy and consular personnel.

While State Department representatives confirmed they’re using emergency money, they wouldn’t reveal the exact dollar amount being spent.

“We have sufficient funding to cover our efforts to date,” department officials told the AP. “The administration will work with Congress should additional funding be necessary.”

Federal regulations typically require private citizens to pay back the government for such evacuation services, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio eliminated that payback requirement last week.

Congressional members and stranded travelers have criticized the State Department for inadequate preparation ahead of the U.S.-Israel military action against Iran and for responding too slowly to assist Americans caught in the region. Officials issued departure warnings for Americans across 14 Middle Eastern nations two days after fighting commenced, as airport closures and canceled flights created major travel obstacles.

Such criticism targeting the State Department during international crises has remained constant across both Democratic and Republican leadership, spanning from the 2003 Iraq War launch through the turbulent 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

Department officials announced Tuesday that over 40,000 Americans have successfully returned from Middle Eastern countries since the Iran conflict started February 28, though most managed to get home using regular commercial airlines without federal assistance.

Officials report organizing more than two dozen charter flights transporting thousands of American citizens from multiple Middle Eastern nations to either the United States or European destinations. However, they note that most of the 27,000-plus individuals who requested help “have declined assistance when offered, opting either to remain in country or book more convenient commercial flight options.”

“At this time, seats available on the department’s charter options are significantly greater than the demand from Americans in the region,” officials stated, noting that evacuation flights “continue to operate with less than 40% occupancy on average.”

A federal trial began Tuesday in Miami as prosecutors outlined their case against four defendants accused of orchestrating the 2021 murder of Haiti’s former President Jovenel Moïse, describing a conspiracy driven by greed and the desire for power.

The defendants facing trial are Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla and James Solages, all charged with plotting from South Florida to kidnap or assassinate Haiti’s former leader. The president’s death plunged the Caribbean nation into chaos, with violent gangs gaining unprecedented control.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean McLaughlin described the prosecution’s case as straightforward, telling jurors the defendants sought to grab power and accumulate wealth.

“So arrogant and confident in themselves, the evidence will show, and thinking so little of the Republic of Haiti and its people, they actually thought they could pull it off,” McLaughlin said.

Defense lawyers countered that the Haitian investigation was flawed and their clients became scapegoats for a domestic overthrow attempt.

“Once you get off on the wrong foot, everything that comes after is hard to trust,” Ortiz’s attorney Orlando do Campo said.

The assassination occurred on July 7, 2021, when approximately two dozen foreign mercenaries, primarily Colombian nationals, stormed the president’s residence near Port-au-Prince, according to authorities. Court filings indicate South Florida served as the hub for organizing and funding the scheme to remove Moïse and install a replacement leader.

Ortiz and Intriago operated Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy and Counter Terrorist Unit Security, known collectively as CTU, while Veintemilla ran Worldwide Capital Lending Group. All companies operated from South Florida.

The trio could receive life imprisonment if convicted. All have entered not guilty pleas. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra has allocated over two months for the proceedings.

Authorities say the plotters originally selected Christian Sanon, a dual Haitian-U.S. citizen, as Moïse’s successor. Solages served as CTU’s Haiti representative, working with Sanon and other participants, according to officials.

During an April 2021 meeting in South Florida, the conspirators agreed that Sanon would grant CTU lucrative contracts for infrastructure development, security services and military supplies once he assumed power, investigators revealed. Worldwide Capital provided financial backing, establishing a $175,000 credit line for CTU and transferring funds to Haiti-based accomplices for ammunition purchases, authorities stated.

CTU recruited approximately 20 Colombian military veterans to serve as Sanon’s security detail. The group also spent months acquiring firearms and protective gear while attempting to establish connections with Haitian criminal organizations, officials reported.

By June 2021, the conspirators recognized that Sanon lacked both the constitutional requirements and public backing necessary to become president. They subsequently supported Wendelle Coq Thélot, a former Haitian Superior Court judge who died in January 2025 while evading capture.

Defense attorneys informed jurors that Sanon contacted their clients in early 2021 with proposals to free Haiti from Moïse, who had extended his presidential term beyond its limit and faced condemnation from Haitian citizens, American lawmakers and United Nations representatives.

Emmanuel Perez, representing Intriago, stated the group believed they were collaborating with FBI personnel, U.S. Embassy staff and Haitian government members in what they considered the legitimate detention of a criminal president.

The defense has identified Joseph Félix Badio, a former Haitian government employee arrested in Haiti in 2023, as the true architect of a plot to murder Moïse during his arrest. Defense lawyers maintain that Haitian police officers had already killed Moïse when the Colombian security team arrived to apprehend him.

The group possessed a legitimate arrest warrant bearing a judge’s signature, according to Solages’ attorney Jonathan Friedman. The judge subsequently claimed the warrant was signed under coercion.

“None of the people here on trial knew that,” Friedman said.

Marissel Descalzo, representing Veintemilla, chose to delay her opening statement until after the prosecution presents its evidence.

Five other individuals have already admitted guilt to conspiracy charges in the United States and received life sentences. A sixth person was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to supplying body armor to the conspirators. Sanon’s trial date will be determined later.

Seventeen Colombian military personnel and three Haitian officials are facing charges in Haiti. Gang warfare, death threats and a deteriorating justice system have hindered the investigation.

The Middle East conflict could accelerate Japan’s central bank toward more aggressive interest rate increases by amplifying inflation concerns, according to four sources with knowledge of the institution’s deliberations.

The less-than-two-week-old war has created worldwide economic turbulence, leaving global financial policymakers uncertain whether to implement restrictive or supportive monetary measures.

For Japan’s central bank, this increased focus on price pressures represents a shift from its traditional approach of protecting economic growth through low interest rates, reflecting evolving inflation patterns.

However, the sources acknowledge equal possibilities that the conflict might spark a worldwide recession affecting Japan’s delicate economic recovery, potentially forcing the Bank of Japan to revise optimistic forecasts and rate increase strategies.

The Iranian conflict might also provide additional justification for government officials to oppose early rate increases, with dovish Premier Sanae Takaichi reportedly already expressing concerns about further borrowing cost increases.

Nevertheless, climbing crude oil costs are expected primarily to drive inflation upward before dampening growth, meaning Japan will likely experience an initial wave of price pressures that could influence public inflation expectations.

“The conflict comes at a time underlying inflation is already close to 2%,” one source explained, emphasizing policymakers must remain alert to higher inflation risks. Three additional sources shared this perspective.

A fourth source indicated that while the conflict has increased economic uncertainty, this alone wouldn’t prevent the Bank of Japan from implementing necessary rate increases. All sources requested anonymity as they lacked authorization for public statements.

The Middle East situation hasn’t significantly reduced market expectations for near-term rate increases, with April action priced at approximately 60%, suggesting investors also increasingly focus on inflation upside risks.

Historically, Japan’s central bank would have overlooked oil price impacts on inflation, concentrating instead on supporting a struggling economy where consumers and businesses, accustomed to decades of modest price and wage increases, restricted spending.

This approach led to gradual, cautious withdrawal of extensive monetary support. The bank required two years following Russia’s Ukraine invasion to end decade-long stimulus in March 2024, despite rising raw material costs pushing inflation beyond its 2% target.

Though the central bank has since increased rates to 0.75%, the slow progression has drawn criticism for elevating import costs and broader inflation by maintaining yen weakness.

This time, the Bank of Japan may lack that luxury of extended timing.

Conflict-driven fuel increases compound rising import costs from a weakened yen that has prompted numerous companies to raise prices, keeping inflation above the bank’s target for nearly four years.

Rising prices have elevated inflation expectations. Companies anticipate inflation averaging 2.4% five years ahead, while households project 9.8% inflation for the same timeframe, recent Bank of Japan surveys indicate.

After maintaining stagnant wage growth for decades, chronic labor shortages have encouraged companies to increase wages, including last year’s agreement to the largest pay increase in 34 years.

Growing price pressures have generated increasing demands within the Bank of Japan board for consistent rate increases to avoid falling behind in controlling excessive inflation risks.

“Medium- and long-term inflation expectations are heightening, and price increases now have a greater tendency to generate second-round effects,” hawkish board member Hajime Takata stated on February 26, advocating for steady rate increases.

Speaking days following the February 28 U.S. attack against Iran, Governor Kazuo Ueda acknowledged the conflict could damage the economy by worsening Japan’s trade terms, while also warning it might elevate underlying inflation.

Prior to the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, Japan’s economy had advanced toward meeting conditions for another rate increase, with wage improvements supporting consumer spending, sources reported.

While the Bank of Japan is expected to maintain current interest rates at next week’s policy meeting, Ueda will likely reiterate the institution’s commitment to continued rate increases and preserve options for near-term action during his post-meeting briefing, sources indicate.

Highlighting its renewed inflation focus, the Bank of Japan released an academic paper on February 4 arguing that intensifying supply constraints created “persistent impact” on prices through actual increases and heightened inflation expectations.

Ayako Fujita, JPMorgan’s chief Japan economist, anticipates next week’s Bank of Japan message will emphasize maintaining “the normalization path” and “assess uncertainties related to the Iran war.”

“This would not pre‑commit to an April move while keeping the option open if conditions stabilise,” Fujita explained.

While conflict-driven market volatility will likely keep the Bank of Japan inactive until June or July, it must closely monitor mounting price pressures, said former top central bank economist Seisaku Kameda.

“The BOJ is already behind the curve in addressing mounting inflationary pressure,” he stated. “The risk of being too late could heighten further with rising oil prices and the weak yen.”

SARKAND, Iraq — While conflict continues in neighboring Iran, daily routines persist in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Workers in the remote mountain village of Sarkand maintain their traditional charcoal-making operations along a winding river that flows through small rural settlements.

The laborers arrange hardwood logs and enclose them within earthen chambers where the material slowly transforms into charcoal through controlled burning. Workers use shovels to tend the dark earth surrounding these chambers while smoke rises through small openings.

When taking breaks from their labor, several workers pause for prayer while observing Ramadan fasting traditions. One man can be seen kneeling in prayer on a stone in the river, while another prays next to a truck filled with charcoal bags after performing ritual washing of his feet, face and hands.

One worker, Zana, a 22-year-old student from Koya University, grins and requests to be photographed. Educational institutions throughout the Kurdistan region have remained shuttered since fighting began between the United States, Israel and Iran.

“I’m afraid of the rockets and drones, but I need to work,” he says. “From Brazil to anywhere in the world, whether in the U.S. or here, war is not good for anyone.”

Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado declared Thursday that she still views the Trump administration as crucial for her nation’s path toward democracy, despite Washington’s continued backing of acting President Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s rightful leader.

During remarks in Chile’s capital of Santiago, Machado recognized the challenging road ahead while emphasizing that the United States continues to serve as an essential partner for Venezuela. She voiced optimism about Trump’s outlined strategy, noting it includes a comprehensive approach with “three phases” covering stabilization, recovery and democratic change.

Global election monitors broadly recognize Edmundo González, who had Machado’s support, as the actual victor in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential race. Machado herself was prohibited from seeking the presidency.

These statements follow last week’s announcement that the United States and Venezuela would resume diplomatic and consular ties, along with President Trump’s praise for Rodríguez, saying she was “doing a great job, and working with U.S. Representatives very well.”

Before addressing members of the Venezuelan community living in Chile, the Nobel Peace Prize winner lauded America as the “only nation in the world that has risked the lives of its citizens to secure freedom in Venezuela,” referencing January’s U.S. military action that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.

Machado made the trip to Chile for the swearing-in ceremony of conservative President José Antonio Kast, and she also spoke about the massive Venezuelan exodus caused by her country’s prolonged turmoil.

“Nearly 700,000 Venezuelans live in this country. They are decent people who were forced to flee their homeland to save their lives,” she stated. “What we are doing here today is asking all Chileans — and all Latin Americans — to help us ensure that every Venezuelan can return with dignity and freedom to the country they adore and that desperately needs them.”

Her visit occurred just one day after Kast took office with promises to make unauthorized immigration a criminal offense and remove approximately 330,000 undocumented foreigners from Chile, most of whom are Venezuelan nationals. Even with these strict immigration positions, Machado said she was “very grateful to President Kast,” stating that “every country has the right — indeed, the duty — to guarantee its own security.”

A devastating drone attack at a marketplace in Sudan’s Darfur region Thursday left four people dead and wounded more than 20 civilians, according to international medical officials.

The humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that the military drone targeted fuel storage areas at the Adikong border market near Chad, creating massive explosions. This represents the second deadly aerial assault on Adikong within the past month.

“Twenty-three people were injured, including seven children and four women,” stated Gado Mahamadou, MSF’s mission leader in Chad.

Sudan has been engulfed in civil conflict since April 2023, when escalating disputes between the country’s military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into full warfare in the capital Khartoum before spreading nationwide. United Nations statistics indicate the brutal conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives, though humanitarian organizations believe the actual death toll could be significantly higher.

The Darfur and Kordofan areas have emerged as primary battlegrounds, with aerial bombardments becoming increasingly common in Kordofan. These escalating drone operations have severely impacted civilian populations and disrupted relief efforts, according to humanitarian analysts.

While Sudan’s armed forces have not issued any public comments regarding Thursday’s marketplace strike, two military sources confirmed ongoing operations in the region aimed at RSF targets. Both officials requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to speak publicly.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a warning Thursday that the rising frequency of drone attacks throughout Sudan “are exacting a growing toll on civilians.”

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed his horror at the increasing aerial assaults Thursday, referencing intelligence that indicates drone strikes have killed more than 200 civilians in the Kordofan region and White Nile state since March 4 alone.

Just one day earlier, an RSF drone targeted a high school and medical facility in southern Sudan’s White Nile province Wednesday, resulting in at least 17 deaths, primarily female students.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog declined to provide a specific timeline for concluding hostilities with Iran during a Tuesday interview with German publication Bild, stating instead: “We need to take a deep breath and get to the end result.”

In his remarks, Herzog characterized the combined American and Israeli military operations against Iran as fundamentally reshaping Middle Eastern dynamics. He justified targeting Iranian oil infrastructure as a strategy to deprive Tehran’s “war machine” of crucial funding.

The interview appeared in print as American and Israeli forces launched what Pentagon officials and witnesses in Iran described as the most devastating aerial bombardment campaign of the ongoing conflict, even as international financial markets anticipate President Donald Trump may pursue a swift resolution to the hostilities.

Earlier, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had indicated his nation does not intend to engage in prolonged warfare and is coordinating with Washington regarding the appropriate time to cease operations.

“The Iranians are the ones spreading chaos and terror throughout the region and the world. So I think if we measure everything by a speedometer, we won’t get anywhere. We need to take a deep breath and get to the end result,” Herzog stated to Bild.

Removing the Iranian threat would “enable the entire system in the region to suddenly breathe again and develop further. That’s fantastic,” he concluded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that his nation’s armed forces successfully targeted a Russian manufacturing facility in the Bryansk region that produces missile components.

According to Ukraine’s military leadership, the attack utilized British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against the Kremniy facility. Military officials released footage showing explosions and fires at the manufacturing site, which they described as producing essential missile parts.

“Our fighters struck one of the important Russian military factories in Bryansk,” Zelenskyy stated during his evening video message, citing information from Ukraine’s top military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.

“The plant produced electronics and components for Russian missiles. The very missiles that strike our cities, our villages and civilians,” he said.

Regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported that the incident resulted in six civilian deaths and 37 injuries, sharing footage of himself visiting the affected area. Bogomaz characterized the strike as a “terrorist missile attack” and confirmed the wounded were receiving hospital treatment, though he did not acknowledge the military facility.

Ukraine’s General Staff described the targeted facility as “a critically important link in the chain of production of Russian high precision weapons” that manufactures semiconductor components and integrated microchips.

“The target was hit and significant damage to production facilities was recorded,” military officials stated. “The extent of the damage is being clarified.”

The released footage displays aerial views of multiple explosions and extensive fires across a broad area adjacent to wooded terrain.

Iran’s recently appointed leader Mojtaba Khamenei released his inaugural written communication on Thursday afternoon, breaking nearly two weeks of silence following his selection as the Islamic Republic’s new head four days earlier.

According to an informed source in Tehran, the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) actually composed the statement and published it under Khamenei’s name. The message featured multiple spelling mistakes when Iranian state media outlets distributed it.

In his debut statement, released two weeks after his predecessor’s death, Mojtaba Khamenei made threats to establish additional war zones throughout the region, particularly emphasizing plans to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz. He made specific mentions of Iran’s allied forces operating in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. The newly installed leader also demanded retaliation against Israel and the United States, while supporting continued strikes against nearby nations that house American and Israeli military and financial installations.

Saturday saw President Masoud Pezeshkian release a video statement offering apologies to neighboring nations for recent missile and drone attacks, explaining that these operations resulted from the deaths of top military officials whose troops had operated independently. He claimed the interim Leadership Council had authorized ending these strikes. However, within an hour, the IRGC conducted an assault on Dubai. Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i completely rejected any such decision, declaring that attacks on these nations would persist.

Speculation continues regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health status, with reports suggesting he sustained serious injuries during Israel’s strike on the leadership compound (Beit e-Rahbari) at the conflict’s beginning, potentially leaving him unable to walk or make camera appearances. In his initial message, he urged his followers to “remain present on the scene” and maintain solidarity.

He also stated he had viewed Ali Khamenei’s remains, a notable claim considering that no funeral or burial arrangements have been scheduled thirteen days following the death.

This situation demonstrates both Iranian officials’ reluctance to participate in public ceremonies and the disarray affecting government institutions during the past two weeks.

Speculation persists that minimal remains existed of Khamenei’s body, along with military commanders who were located on the bunker’s ground level during the attack. While the Israeli strikes killed most Khamenei family members, supreme leader’s office staff, and on-site security personnel, Mojtaba Khamenei’s survival—who would have been a key target for Israel and the United States—continues generating significant debate.

Unlike his father, Mojtaba Khamenei maintains a reserved personality with roots in traditional religious education. He possesses limited skills in public speaking, administrative management, or modern Persian writing.

His preference for the Arabic Hijri lunar calendar over Iran’s official Iranian Solar calendar demonstrates his separation from contemporary Iranian social conditions. This contrasts sharply with his father, who projected intellectual sophistication, organized literary events with followers, and exclusively used the solar calendar in official correspondence.

Mojtaba Khamenei has never given a public address. His sole video message dates to last year, when he announced in traditional clerical style the postponement of his religious classes indefinitely. Additionally, despite previously holding significant sway within his father’s office regarding political and security issues, he has been noticeably absent from such responsibilities during the past year.

The new leader’s digital office has encouraged supporters to follow his Instagram, X, and Telegram accounts, platforms that remain officially prohibited within Iran. Recently, social media users have ridiculed the new leader through artificial intelligence-created content, while IRGC-affiliated media organizations have employed similar technology to create images of him with Ali Khamenei, due to limited recent photographs, and to digitally improve his appearance.

A knowledgeable Tehran source informed The Media Line that following the message’s publication, the IRGC had originally composed it before adapting it to match Mojtaba Khamenei’s writing style. Many high-ranking officials have not met him personally, and reports indicate he is receiving medical care in a secure underground location outside Tehran. This occurs as the IRGC-connected Fars News Agency reported that the new “supreme leader” had become a janbaaz, a term specifically describing someone who has experienced severe physical trauma, including limb loss.

Early Monday morning, immediately after announcing Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, residents across various sections of the capital climbed onto their rooftops, shouting “Death to Mojtaba.”

A witness informed The Media Line that recently the Basij and IRGC have significantly increased their use of deadly force, resulting in multiple fatalities in Tehran. The casualties include civilians who had celebrated Ali Khamenei’s death in the streets, dancing and expressing joy, before being shot by security forces equipped with heavy infantry weapons and semi-heavy military gear.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — America has officially stepped into the legal fight at the United Nations’ top court to defend Israel against genocide accusations brought by South Africa, contending the charges are unfounded and cautioning that a decision against Israel could damage international law.

The International Court of Justice is examining whether Israel’s Gaza military campaign aimed at defeating Hamas constitutes genocide under a post-World War II treaty. Israel, established following the Holocaust, has strongly rejected these claims.

According to documents The Associated Press obtained Thursday, America contends these accusations represent part of a “broader campaign” targeting Israel and Jewish people “to justify or encourage terrorism against them.”

Any nation that signed the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide may intervene to offer its legal interpretation of the case. In 2023, more than 30 nations supported Ukraine in a similar case against Russia.

Over a dozen additional countries have submitted interventions in the Israel matter, including Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland. Many hold different positions than America’s stance.

The American submission emphasizes that proving genocide demands “specific intent” to commit the offense and warns the Hague-based court against “lowering the standard.”

“Civilian casualties, even widespread civilian casualties, are not necessarily probative of genocidal intent, particularly when they occur in the context of an armed conflict involving urban combat,” America contends in its filing.

Reed Rubenstein, a State Department legal adviser representing America, stated that a decision against Israel would constitute a “radical repudiation” of the court’s established precedent.

Such a ruling would “feed the perception that the court is simply just one more tool in the ongoing pro-Hamas lawfare campaign” against Israel, Rubenstein explained to the AP.

Following a US-negotiated ceasefire that took effect last year, Gaza’s most intense combat has decreased, although regular Israeli military action persists.

The fragile deal has allowed increased humanitarian aid and other supplies into the territory, though limitations have returned during American and Israeli strikes against Iran.

The ICJ has issued multiple directives regarding Israel’s Gaza actions since South Africa launched its case in 2023, including ordering the nation to take all possible measures to prevent deaths, destruction and any genocidal acts. In related proceedings, the court has ruled that Israel must permit the UN aid organization in Gaza, called UNRWA, to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian areas.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest orders for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister in 2024 related to the Gaza fighting. The ICC stated there was evidence to suggest the pair employed “starvation as a method of warfare” by limiting humanitarian aid and deliberately attacking civilians.

The Trump administration retaliated by imposing sanctions on ICC officials, including nine judges and senior prosecutors.

Pakistan’s government has launched an emergency two-month conservation program as Middle East tensions threaten to trigger a major energy shortage, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced during a televised address Monday evening.

The sweeping measures take effect immediately and include shutting down schools for two weeks, requiring half of all workers to operate remotely, and establishing three-day weekends for both government and private sector employees.

During his national broadcast, Sharif highlighted the gravity of regional instability, emphasizing that Iran and surrounding Middle Eastern nations remain locked in severe warfare that poses risks to global energy supplies.

The Prime Minister unveiled comprehensive cost-cutting initiatives spanning the next two months, targeting energy savings, government spending reductions, and economic relief for citizens.

Transportation restrictions will slash government vehicle fuel allowances in half, while 60% of official vehicles will be temporarily removed from service. Emergency vehicles and public transit systems remain unaffected by these limitations.

Top government officials face significant financial sacrifices under the new policy. Cabinet ministers, advisers, and special assistants will surrender their entire salaries, while parliamentary members will see 25% pay reductions. Administrative departments must cut non-personnel expenses by 20%, and purchases of vehicles, office furniture, and air conditioning units are completely prohibited.

International travel by federal ministers, government advisers, senior bureaucrats, and provincial leaders faces strict limitations, with only critical overseas trips receiving approval.

Virtual meetings will replace in-person gatherings wherever possible, and workplaces will operate just four days weekly with expanded weekend breaks. Banking, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors are excluded from these operational changes.

Educational institutions will suspend in-person classes for two weeks, while universities and colleges will transition to remote learning platforms.

Sharif expressed Pakistan’s profound grief over the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his relatives, and other Iranian citizens killed in Israeli military strikes, while strongly denouncing the attacks on Iran. Notably, he avoided directly naming the United States in his remarks.

The Prime Minister also condemned military actions against multiple Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, describing the human casualties as both heartbreaking and alarming.

However, Sharif did not acknowledge that Iran was responsible for attacks on several of these countries.

Pakistan is pursuing diplomatic solutions to address the regional crisis, Sharif stated.

He warned that today’s interconnected world means conflicts in one nation rapidly impact others, cautioning that further deterioration could cause prices to surge uncontrollably.

Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s heavy reliance on Gulf region oil and gas imports for its economy, farming sector, manufacturing, transportation, and daily life. He acknowledged that the government’s response required making challenging and significant policy choices.

The Prime Minister issued stern warnings against fuel hoarding or price manipulation, promising swift legal consequences for violators regardless of their status.

Pakistani citizens are already experiencing the impact of increased fuel costs resulting from Middle Eastern conflicts and an unexpected government price increase implemented March 7.

Rising oil prices are driving up costs for food and essential goods, creating additional hardships for a population already struggling with inflation.