Category: World News

PARIS – The world’s seven leading democratic nations issued a joint declaration Tuesday expressing steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial rights, marking exactly four years since Russia launched its military invasion.

The Group of Seven statement endorsed diplomatic efforts by President Trump to broker peace talks between the warring nations. “We express our continued support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve these objectives by initiating a peace process and bringing the parties to direct discussions. Europe has a leading role to play in this process, joined by other partners,” the leaders stated.

The declaration, which appears to have backing from Washington, emphasized that any lasting resolution must involve both countries working collaboratively. “We acknowledge that only Ukraine and Russia, working together in good faith negotiations, can reach a peace agreement,” according to the statement released from Paris.

The timing of the announcement coincides with the somber milestone of Russia’s February 24, 2022 invasion that launched the ongoing conflict.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian citizens are expressing deep concern as America positions unprecedented military strength throughout the Middle East, while diplomatic negotiations scheduled for Geneva this week represent what many consider a final opportunity for Iran’s leadership to reach an agreement with President Donald Trump.

Many describe feeling hopeless about their situation. Already weakened by years of economic sanctions that intensified after Trump pulled out of the international nuclear agreement in 2018, Iranians recently endured their nation’s most violent suppression of protesters in modern times, with security forces killing thousands and arresting tens of thousands more in January.

With Geneva negotiations set for Thursday, numerous citizens express fear about potential military conflict that could exceed the devastating Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.

However, unlike that previous conflict which united Iranians in patriotic defense, the possibility of war with America has created deep divisions among citizens who range from steadfast government supporters to those believing their nation is fracturing.

“Every morning when I get up, my brain is full of chaos,” said Sepideh Bafarani, a 29-year-old woman who works in a woman’s clothing store. “It’s a possible war … and an ongoing bad economic situation.”

Rasool Razzaghi, a 54-year-old resident in Tehran, the Iranian capital, summed up the approaching talks with a similar concern.

“I predict that if both sides really mean what they are saying, a war will start,” he said.

Trump has spent recent weeks discussing an “armada” now positioned near Iran’s coastline, featuring the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, he has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford, the globe’s largest aircraft carrier, from Caribbean waters toward Middle Eastern positions.

Analysis from Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies indicates at least 16 U.S. Navy vessels have been assembled in the region.

This deployment mirrors Operation Desert Fox from 1998, when American and British military forces conducted four days of bombing campaigns against Iraq due to Saddam Hussein’s failure to meet U.N. Security Council requirements regarding weapons inspections. Combined with carriers and ground-based aircraft in Jordan, the force includes stealth F-35 fighters and additional warplanes capable of executing significant strikes against Iran.

Iranian citizens have monitored this military concentration with increasing alarm, either by circumventing internet restrictions or accessing satellite news broadcasts. Meanwhile, Iranian state television continues broadcasting footage of domestic military exercises and officials promising massive retaliation against any American attack.

Tuesday reports from Iranian state TV described Revolutionary Guard exercises involving missile launches, drone flights, and coastal target practice, though specific timing and locations weren’t provided.

“I don’t know. I’m not so optimistic,” a passer-by told The Associated Press on Tuesday in Tehran, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. “It’s not an equal situation. One side has entered the talks with a lot of power, it has lot of equipment. On the other hand, Iran is in a weak position. They want total surrender, but I think that’s not viable.”

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s billionaire associate now functioning as his Middle East envoy, has stated the president couldn’t understand why Iran “hadn’t capitulated” considering the forces positioned against it regionally and in Europe. Iranian Foreign Minister spokesman Esmail Baghaei rejected Witkoff’s remarks Monday, declaring “the word ‘capitulation’ does not exist in the Iranians’ dictionary.”

Beyond public rhetoric, uncertainty remains regarding what Iran might propose to Trump. Tehran maintains its intention to continue uranium enrichment, which Trump has consistently demanded must cease. Iran also refuses to negotiate regarding its ballistic missile program or regional proxy support, both additional Trump requirements.

Communication with Iranian citizens remains challenging as internet and phone services continue experiencing disruptions following last month’s nationwide demonstrations. Tehran residents often remain wary of speaking with journalists, frequently assuming all reporters work for the government. Iran’s theocracy maintains control over all domestic radio and television broadcasting.

Those willing to speak with AP repeatedly referenced the 1980s Iraq conflict, a traumatic experience for anyone old enough to remember.

“I remember many bad situations but even during Iran-Iraq war in 1980s it was not like this,” said Hassan Mirzaei, a 68-year-old taxi driver. “I am in shock without any hope — especially when there is word about war.”

He added: “I have two orphaned grandchildren, and I need to work to feed.”

“Everybody is worried because (of) the consequences of war with a country like America,” said the Tehran passer-by. “We once fought Iraq for eight years, but it was a country at the same level with us. Going to war with America, Israel and NATO will have very horrible and unpredictable consequences.”

“What can we do,” he added. “We can’t leave your country. We have no choice but to adapt.”

However, not all citizens oppose their government. Ami Mianji, a 33-year-old who runs an auto repair shop, described Iranians as a brave people who are not afraid of war.

“I do not care about threats by Trump and others, eventually Iranians will push back any warmonger,” Mianji said.

For many younger citizens, however, the recent protest crackdown has destroyed any remaining trust in their government.

“I have no hope,” said one student who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity also fearing reprisals. “Iran is refusing to back down from its positions for sure, because if it does, it would have officially given up its 40-year-old ideology.”

“I have no hope,” he added. “The leaders of both countries speak often and none of them is willing to concede to reach a deal. So the likelihood for war is high.”

GENEVA – A coalition of Western nations stood in solidarity with Ukraine and denounced Russian military actions during a United Nations assembly in Geneva, marking four years since Russia’s military invasion began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to international partners from Kyiv to continue backing Ukraine, even as European allies remain split over implementing additional economic penalties against Moscow during anniversary observances.

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide addressed a Human Rights Council side meeting attended by representatives from numerous nations including France, Britain, Canada, Japan and Peru, though the United States appeared absent from the gathering.

“What Russia has done and is doing in Ukraine right now is violating every principle in the book,” Eide declared to the assembly. “Everything the U.N. stands for is being violated,” he continued, concluding his remarks with “Glory to Ukraine!”

Moscow has offered multiple justifications for deploying military forces into its neighboring country, citing the need to “demilitarise” Ukraine and counter NATO’s eastward growth following the Soviet Union’s dissolution. Ukrainian officials and Western supporters reject claims they threaten Russia, instead accusing Moscow of attempting territorial seizure.

During a separate Conference on Disarmament session in Geneva, a collection of primarily European representatives exited the room while Russian Ambassador Gennady Gatilov delivered his address. The departing diplomats assembled outside the venue, displaying Ukraine’s flag and wearing ribbons in the nation’s blue and yellow colors.

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock announced from New York that a resolution expressing alarm over Russia’s invasion and demanding an immediate ceasefire plus enduring peace agreement was being prepared.

Authorities in Uganda announced Tuesday that they have detained two women following allegations of public same-sex behavior, citing the nation’s strict anti-LGBTQ legislation passed last year.

The arrests took place February 18 in Arua city, located in Uganda’s northwestern region, according to official police statements. The detained individuals include a 22-year-old performer and her 21-year-old companion who is currently unemployed.

Law enforcement officials stated the women were “involved in queer and unusual acts believed to be sexual in nature, besides being allegedly seen openly kissing … in broad daylight,” with authorities claiming these alleged violations date back to last year.

Uganda’s parliament approved the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023, moving forward despite strong opposition from Western nations and human rights organizations both domestically and internationally.

Legal experts consider this legislation among the most severe anti-LGBTQ laws globally, establishing life imprisonment as punishment for same-sex relations while authorizing capital punishment for what the law defines as “aggravated” cases.

The law’s aggravated provisions apply to individuals with previous convictions, cases involving transmission of terminal diseases through same-sex contact, or intimate relations with minors, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities.

In a related development earlier this month, Ugandan judicial authorities dismissed charges against a man who had been the first person prosecuted under the aggravated homosexuality provisions, determining he was mentally incompetent due to extended pre-trial detention.

MOGADISHU – Somali authorities and United Nations officials announced Tuesday that approximately 6.5 million residents are experiencing severe hunger as the country’s devastating drought crisis continues to worsen.

The alarming announcement comes just days after the UN’s food assistance program warned that critical aid distributions could cease by April due to insufficient funding.

Somalia’s government officially declared a drought emergency in November following consecutive seasons of inadequate rainfall, a pattern that has also devastated neighboring nations throughout the region.

According to a joint declaration from Somalia’s administration and UN Somalia, children represent more than one-third of those suffering from severe malnutrition. The humanitarian disaster has displaced tens of thousands of families, many of whom have sought shelter in overcrowded camps throughout Mogadishu and other urban centers.

“The drought … has deepened alarmingly, with soaring water prices, limited food supplies, dying livestock, and very little humanitarian funding,” George Conway, the U.N.’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, said in a statement.

Hawo Abdi, who lost two children to disease after drought devastated her community in Somalia’s Bay region, described her desperate journey to the capital.

“When I saw that the suffering was getting worse, I fled my home and came to … Mogadishu,” she told Reuters from her shelter on the outskirts of the capital.

The World Food Programme reported last week that 4.4 million Somalis were experiencing acute hunger, while also announcing significant cuts to their assistance programs – reducing aid from 2.2 million recipients earlier this year to just over 600,000 people currently.

Officials have not clarified whether the updated 6.5 million figure represents a dramatic surge in those at risk or reflects different assessment methodologies.

The statistics released by Somalia’s government and the United Nations align with data published Tuesday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the international organization that establishes global standards for measuring food crisis severity.

Although anticipated rainfall between April and June may provide some relief, projections indicate that approximately 5.5 million people will continue facing crisis-level conditions or worse, with 1.6 million experiencing emergency-level hunger, according to the joint statement.

Abdiyo Ali, who was compelled to leave her agricultural land in the Lower Shabelle region, described the complete destruction of her livelihood.

“Our farms were destroyed, our livestock died, and water sources became too far away. We have nothing left to bring with us,” Ali told Reuters last week while preparing her food in a displaced people’s camp outside Mogadishu.

A prominent French politician with presidential ambitions has declared that America under Donald Trump’s leadership no longer serves as an ally to France and European nations, marking a sharp departure from decades of transatlantic partnership.

Raphael Glucksmann, who serves in the European Parliament and is considered a potential candidate for France’s 2027 presidential election, made the striking comments during a Tuesday interview with French television network LCI.

“For 80 long years, the United States was a strategic ally of European democracies. Today, this administration is no longer our ally,” Glucksmann stated during the broadcast.

The centre-left politician went further, condemning what he described as American meddling in European domestic matters. “We are not U.S. states, and therefore the U.S. administration cannot interfere in European internal affairs, and that’s what we must address,” he declared, urging European leadership to adopt an “extremely firm attitude toward the American administration.”

While Glucksmann didn’t specify particular instances of interference, diplomatic observers point to Trump’s renewed interest in gaining control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous region under Denmark’s authority, as a source of recent friction between Washington and European Union members.

French-American relations have faced additional strain across multiple areas, including trade disagreements, foreign policy differences, and varying approaches to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The diplomatic temperature rose further on Monday when France limited U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to French government officials. This action came after Kushner ignored a formal request to explain social media posts made by the American embassy regarding the death of a French far-right activist.

Though Glucksmann hasn’t formally declared his presidential intentions, political analysts view him as a strong contender within the moderate left coalition for the upcoming election cycle.

Recent polling data from November by Elabe showed Glucksmann capturing 11% support among potential voters, significantly outperforming Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure with twice his backing and surpassing former President François Hollande. However, he still trails behind far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, centrist politician Edouard Philippe, and far-left figure Jean-Luc Melenchon in voter preference surveys.

A separate October survey conducted by Toluna Harris indicated Glucksmann’s support ranging between 12% and 14%, matching Melenchon’s polling numbers during the same period.

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his country’s FSB security agency on Tuesday to enhance safeguards for Russia’s energy and transportation systems, citing Ukrainian strikes that he claimed were supported by Western intelligence agencies.

During remarks marking four years since the conflict began, Putin cautioned that Russia’s adversaries would face repercussions if they continue escalating tensions.

“They did not manage to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield, so the enemy is relying on individual and mass terror: this includes shelling cities, sabotaging infrastructure, and assassination attempts on government and military officials,” Putin stated while addressing FSB leadership.

“There is an absolute need to defeat Russia. They are looking for any way, anything at all. They will push themselves to some extreme point, and then they will regret it,” he added.

Throughout the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched numerous strikes against Russian oil storage facilities, refineries and maritime ports. Moscow has also blamed Ukraine for multiple killings of high-ranking military personnel.

During his televised address, Putin indicated that Russian energy pipelines beneath the Black Sea might become targets for attack.

The Russian leader issued a directive to “strengthen the anti-terrorist protection of energy and transport infrastructure and public gathering places, provide maximum coverage for critical facilities, and, if necessary, equip them with additional security measures.”

TEL AVIV, Israel — A coalition of seventeen humanitarian organizations filed an emergency legal challenge Tuesday with Israel’s Supreme Court, seeking to overturn a pending ban that would shut down their operations in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.

Israeli authorities plan to prohibit 37 humanitarian groups from operating after March 1 due to their refusal to follow newly implemented registration requirements. These regulations, announced in the previous year, mandate that organizations submit employee names and contact details, along with comprehensive information about their funding sources and operational activities. The humanitarian groups consider these demands intrusive and arbitrary, warning that the prohibition would severely impact vital assistance to Gaza’s war-torn population.

The organizations requested an emergency temporary injunction to suspend the ban pending a final court decision, according to their collective statement released Tuesday. Court documents show the Israeli government must provide its response by Wednesday afternoon.

The coalition warned that halting their work would result in “humanitarian collapse and irreparable harm” affecting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people. They argue the ban breaches Israel’s legal duties as an occupying authority and demonstrates “extreme unreasonableness and lack of proportionality.”

COGAT, Israel’s military agency managing civilian matters in Gaza, maintains that the organizations facing license revocation account for less than 1% of total aid entering the territory. The agency stated that more than 20 organizations will maintain operations after meeting the new regulatory standards.

Government officials directed inquiries about the legal challenge to COGAT, which has not yet provided comment.

Organizations opposing compliance express concerns about how Israel might use their staff’s personal information, highlighting that hundreds of humanitarian workers have died in Israeli military strikes throughout the conflict.

Israeli officials reject claims of deliberately targeting aid organizations. In certain instances, they stated they were pursuing militants who had infiltrated these groups or were posing as humanitarian workers. In other cases, the military later acknowledged mistakes. Israel attributes civilian casualties to Hamas, whose October 7, 2023 assault sparked the current war, noting that Hamas fighters operate within heavily populated civilian areas.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants depend on humanitarian organizations for basic necessities including food, water, medical care, housing and other essential services following Israel’s two-year military campaign that devastated much of the region. Hundreds of thousands remain in temporary tent shelters, with reconstruction efforts not yet started despite a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in October.

International charitable organizations serve a crucial function working alongside United Nations agencies and other aid providers, according to Athena Rayburn, who leads AIDA, an umbrella group representing more than 100 organizations active in Palestinian areas. AIDA joined the 17 groups in filing the legal petition.

“This petition could protect this life saving work, and allow for more time to find resolution to this issue,” she said.

The legal filing contends that the new regulations breach international law, asserting that Israel, as an occupying force, must ensure food and medical supplies reach the population. It further argues that Israel lacks authority to close organizations in regions under Palestinian Authority control.

The prohibited organizations include prominent groups such as Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam and Medical Aid for Palestinians, representing some of the most recognized among more than 100 independent aid groups operating in Gaza.

Doctors Without Borders ranks as the largest medical supply provider after UN agencies and the Red Cross. The organization, commonly known by its French initials MSF, reported being unable to import any supplies — including antibiotics, pain medications, anesthetics and wound care materials — since early January, shortly after the ban announcement.

“Patients with traumatic injuries, people requiring surgery, those with chronic illnesses, and vulnerable groups needing routine primary care are all at increased risk of not receiving the care they need,” said Dr. Adi Nadimpalli of MSF.

MSF maintains essential supply reserves lasting up to three months. While collaborating with the UN and other aid groups to transport supplies into Gaza, Nadimpalli noted pressure on licensed organizations to avoid bringing materials for unregistered groups.

Without adequate supply access, the organization may need to suspend or close its operations, including two Gaza field hospitals, he explained.

The new restrictions have also disrupted the group’s work in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, forcing them to terminate one project and scale back two others.

The UN humanitarian affairs office, known as OCHA, has not responded to questions about potential assistance to banned organizations for aid delivery.

Previously, Israel banned UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and Gaza’s primary aid provider, significantly limiting its operations. Israeli officials accused UNRWA of Hamas infiltration, charges the agency denies while emphasizing its extensive neutrality measures and quick action to remove any identified militants from its workforce.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tuesday that 11 men from his country who were allegedly tricked into joining Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict will be coming home soon.

This development will increase the total count of returned South African citizens to 15, after four men landed in Johannesburg last week following months of combat duty in the Russia-Ukraine war zone.

According to officials, the men were misled into making the trip to Russia with promises they would undergo security-related job training.

Two additional South Africans are still in Russia – one receiving medical care in a hospital while the other is completing paperwork before his scheduled departure home, Ramaphosa explained. The president noted that these returns have been made possible through diplomatic negotiations following a pledge made by Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

“The South African government working closely with the Russian government has secured a safe return of the men. The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Authorities are currently investigating three individuals connected to recruiting these men for Russian service, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma.

While she has maintained her innocence regarding any misconduct, she stepped down from her position as a parliamentary member in South Africa after the allegations surfaced.

In December, South Africa’s administration reported receiving emergency calls from the men who claimed they were stuck in Ukraine’s war-ravaged Donbas region in the east.

The government stated that these men, ranging in age from 20 to 39 years old, had enlisted with mercenary groups after being promised well-paying job opportunities.

This situation mirrors similar cases involving African men being recruited for the Ukraine conflict, including more than 1,000 individuals from Kenya, based on an intelligence briefing given to Kenya’s parliament recently.

In recent weeks, numerous Kenyan families have appealed to their government to retrieve family members stuck in Russia, with some reportedly compelled to serve in combat zones while others are being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

Thulani Mahlangu, who serves as a spokesperson and is related to one of the four South Africans who returned last week, informed The Associated Press that the men have been allowed to go to their homes after police questioning.

South African law forbids citizens from participating in foreign military conflicts without official government approval.

“They were questioned for quite sometime when they arrived here in South Africa because there is still an investigation about how the ended up in Russia. But they were released after talking to the police,” said Mahlangu.

British Parliament members are set to hold an unprecedented debate Tuesday regarding demands for transparency involving a royal family member, as King Charles III’s brother faces mounting scrutiny over his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The House of Commons will examine a proposal demanding the disclosure of classified records concerning the appointment of the former Prince Andrew as Britain’s international trade representative in 2001.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his royal title last year following revelations about his Epstein ties, was taken into custody last week on allegations of public office misconduct. Authorities suspect he may have provided confidential materials to Epstein while serving in his trade role. He was subsequently released pending further investigation without formal charges.

This parliamentary discussion represents a historic shift for the Commons, where longstanding traditions have prevented legislators from openly criticizing royal family members. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who proposed the motion, seeks to break this precedent.

“One thing the Liberal Democrats stand for is to hold the powerful to account,” Davey told the BBC. “And I think we’ve seen too often in the past that people, because of their title or their friend or whatever, have not been properly held to account.”

The proceedings occur as the U.S. Justice Department’s publication of extensive Epstein-related documentation reveals how the deceased financier leveraged relationships with wealthy, influential associates to build power and exploit young women. Britain has experienced particularly intense repercussions, with the controversy prompting examination of how authority operates among the aristocracy, high-ranking officials, and prominent business figures collectively known as “the Establishment.”

British authorities also detained Peter Mandelson, a former government official and ex-U.S. ambassador, Monday evening on similar public misconduct allegations involving suspected information sharing with Epstein. Following more than nine hours of interrogation, Mandelson was freed early Tuesday without charges as the investigation proceeds.

Neither Mountbatten-Windsor nor Mandelson has issued public statements regarding the ongoing investigations, though both have previously rejected any wrongdoing allegations. Epstein died in jail in 2019 awaiting sex trafficking trial.

Tuesday’s debate reflects an ongoing crisis for the House of Windsor that continues to intensify.

Buckingham Palace has attempted to shield the monarchy from scandal fallout by establishing clear separation between Mountbatten-Windsor and other royal family members. Beyond stripping his titles, Charles compelled his brother to vacate the 30-room property near Windsor Castle where he had resided without rent for over two decades.

However, these measures may prove insufficient to silence growing calls for reform. The most vocal criticism comes from Republic, an advocacy organization that has consistently pushed for replacing the monarchy with an elected leader.

Though Britain’s constitutional monarchy lacks direct political authority, it maintains substantial influence throughout British society. The monarch symbolizes national continuity while serving as head of state for Britain and 14 additional independent nations connected to the former British Empire. Active royal family members support this role through hundreds of annual public engagements, visiting charitable organizations, military installations, and community groups that continue seeking their presence.

Observers have drawn parallels between current royal pressures and 1936, when King Edward VIII abandoned the throne to wed American divorcée Wallis Simpson.

“Unlike the last significant family crisis of the modern monarchy, the abdication of 1936, this is not an immediate matter of constitutional crisis, yet its implications may well prove more significant for the monarchy, and so they should,” royal historian Anna Whitelock wrote this week in the Sunday Times newspaper. “It is the last of our public institutions to face the full glare of public scrutiny, with questions raised about its role, purpose, governance, financing and accountability.”

Pentagon officials announced Tuesday that American forces have intercepted a third oil tanker in the Indian Ocean following a lengthy pursuit that began in Caribbean waters, part of continuing operations to disrupt illegal Venezuelan oil trafficking.

The U.S. Southern Command reported through social media that military personnel conducted an overnight boarding of the tanker Bertha, describing the action as “a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding.”

According to the command’s statement, “The vessel was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean and attempted to evade. From the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, we tracked it and stopped it.”

For years, Venezuela has operated under American oil sanctions, using a network of illegally flagged vessels to secretly transport crude oil into international markets. In December, President Trump implemented a quarantine targeting these sanctioned tankers to increase pressure on Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro, who was later captured in January during a U.S. military operation.

Treasury Department records show the Bertha operates under a Cook Islands flag and faces American sanctions due to connections with Iran.

Pentagon footage released publicly shows military helicopters approaching the oil tanker during the operation.

The current Republican administration has been confiscating these vessels as part of a comprehensive strategy to gain control over Venezuelan oil resources. Officials did not specify whether the Bertha has been officially seized and placed under American authority.

Maduro now faces charges in the United States for allegedly collaborating with drug trafficking organizations to smuggle thousands of tons of cocaine into American territory, though he has entered a not guilty plea.

Government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo used a drone strike to kill a key rebel leader on Tuesday, according to multiple sources familiar with the incident.

Willy Ngoma, who served as the military spokesman for the M23 rebel organization, died in the attack that took place in the eastern region of the country. His death was confirmed by three separate officials: a regional diplomat, a high-ranking member of the M23 group, and a Western government adviser.

The targeted strike represents the latest development in the ongoing conflict between Congo’s military and the M23 rebel faction operating in the nation’s eastern territories.

A revolutionary court in Iran has sentenced a man to death for his alleged participation in January’s widespread protests, according to a family source who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.

Mohammad Abbasi received the death penalty on charges of “enmity against god,” marking what is believed to be the first execution order directly tied to the massive demonstrations that swept the country earlier this year.

The January protests represented the most significant internal upheaval Iran has experienced since the Islamic Revolution took place in 1979. Authorities’ violent response to the demonstrations is believed to have resulted in thousands of deaths.

During the height of the unrest, President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iranian leadership, stating he might authorize military intervention if the regime proceeded with executing protesters.

Iranian judicial authorities have not yet made a public announcement regarding Abbasi’s sentence.

JOHANNESBURG – The South African government announced Tuesday that eleven citizens who were deceived into joining Russian military operations in Ukraine will soon be returning to their homeland, following four others who successfully made it back last week.

Two additional men remain in Russia, with one currently receiving medical treatment at a Moscow hospital, according to a statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration.

The situation involving these 17 South African nationals came to light in November when they contacted their government seeking assistance after becoming stranded in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Ramaphosa personally discussed their predicament during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

This incident reflects a growing pattern of African citizens being deceived with job promises only to find themselves forced into combat roles on Ukraine’s battlefields, creating diplomatic friction between Russia and affected African nations.

Intelligence documents presented to Kenyan legislators last week revealed that over 1,000 Kenyan nationals may have been recruited to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Kenya’s foreign minister has announced plans to travel to Russia to address this concerning trend.

South Africa continues to pursue a neutral position regarding the Ukraine conflict while maintaining diplomatic relationships with Moscow through their shared membership in BRICS, which also includes Brazil, India, and China.

South African law prohibits citizens from providing military support to foreign nations or joining foreign armed forces without proper government authorization.

Russian forces currently occupy significant portions of the Donbas region, where intense combat has persisted since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began four years ago.

GENEVA (AP) — Lebanon’s government is calling on the Iran-backed militant organization Hezbollah to stay out of any potential conflict between the United States and Iran, according to statements made Tuesday by Lebanon’s foreign minister who expressed worries about renewed hostilities with Israel.

During a meeting with journalists in Geneva, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji revealed that Lebanese leadership has been cautioned that if another war breaks out between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces would target civilian infrastructure throughout Lebanon more aggressively than during past confrontations.

These concerns arise as speculation grows about possible new U.S. military action against Iran. On Thursday, Iran conducted yearly joint military exercises with Russia while a second American aircraft carrier moved toward the Middle East region.

Washington and Tehran have both indicated their readiness for military confrontation should diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear activities collapse.

According to Rajji, Lebanese officials have requested that Hezbollah, which has engaged in multiple conflicts with Israel including most recently in 2024, refrain from any actions that might create “bad situations” for Lebanon’s civilian population.

“Lebanon has received signs that the Israelis could strike civilian infrastructure and maybe the airport” in Beirut, Rajji stated while attending a Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva.

The Beirut airport escaped damage and continued operating during the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, but Israeli forces did target the facility during their monthlong 2006 war. Previous battles between Israel and Hezbollah have resulted in numerous Lebanese civilian casualties, injuries, and displacement.

One day following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel that sparked the Gaza war, Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israeli territory. What started as limited skirmishes grew into full-scale warfare by September 2024, when Israel commenced bombing campaigns that eliminated most of Hezbollah’s senior leadership, then launched a ground offensive that significantly damaged the organization before a U.S.-mediated ceasefire theoretically ended hostilities.

Since the November 2024 truce agreement, Israel has maintained almost daily strikes within Lebanon, claiming these operations prevent Hezbollah from regrouping.

Rajji indicated Lebanon is also requesting Western allies to persuade Israel against targeting civilian infrastructure should Hezbollah attack Israel, a crucial U.S. partner, following any American strikes on Iran.

His remarks follow Monday’s State Department announcement ordering non-essential diplomatic staff and their families to depart the U.S. Embassy in Beirut as Iran-related tensions escalate with the possibility of immediate military action.

Rajji stated he was unaware of other nations implementing similar protective measures to those taken by the United States in Lebanon.

For decades, Lebanon has experienced multiple Iran-connected retaliatory attacks on American facilities, interests, and personnel due to Tehran’s backing of and control over Hezbollah. The organization has been blamed for the devastating 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut and a 1984 embassy annex attack.

Medical officials in Sudan report that deadly violence has claimed the lives of at least 28 people following an assault by paramilitary forces on a town in the country’s troubled Darfur region.

According to the Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors the nation’s continuing conflict, the Rapid Support Forces conducted a devastating raid on Monday in the town of Misteriha, located in North Darfur province.

The targeted community serves as a base of operations for Arab tribal leader Musa Hilal, who shares tribal connections with many RSF members as both belong to the Rizeigat Arab tribe.

Medical authorities report that 39 additional people sustained injuries during the violence, with 10 of the wounded being women.

The current conflict in Sudan began in 2023 when rising tensions between the nation’s military and the competing RSF broke into open warfare that started in the capital city of Khartoum before expanding across the country. The fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths, massive population displacement, disease outbreaks, and critical food shortages, with humanitarian workers often becoming targets.

The medical organization reported that RSF artillery strikes damaged the town’s medical facility on Monday, followed by physical attacks on healthcare workers and the detention of at least one staff member. The paramilitary group initiated their campaign against the town during the weekend using drone attacks that struck Hilal’s guest facility. Monday saw the launch of a comprehensive ground assault that resulted in the town’s capture.

The takeover of Misteriha strengthens RSF dominance throughout the Darfur region, though it threatens to intensify tribal conflicts in an area with a long history of violence and warfare.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared in a London courtroom Tuesday where he entered not guilty pleas to additional charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 50-year-old performer now faces new allegations stemming from incidents that prosecutors say occurred in 2009, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. Brand denied these latest charges during his appearance at Southwark Crown Court.

These new allegations come on top of existing charges filed against Brand in April. Those earlier charges include two rape counts, two sexual assault counts, and one indecent assault count. Prosecutors allege those incidents involved four different women and took place from 1999 to 2005 in both London and the coastal English town of Bournemouth. Brand has also pleaded not guilty to those charges in previous court appearances.

The case is set to go to trial in June, with court officials estimating the proceedings will run four to five weeks.

Brand, who starred in “Get Him To The Greek,” gained fame through provocative comedy performances and public struggles with substance abuse. In recent years, he has stepped away from traditional entertainment and built an online audience through videos that blend wellness topics with conspiracy theories and discussions of his spiritual beliefs.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Five police officers lost their lives Tuesday when suspected militants carried out coordinated strikes against law enforcement vehicles in Pakistan’s northwestern region, according to local authorities.

The deadly sequence began when attackers targeted a police patrol in Kohat, located within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in one officer’s death. Police official Kamran Khan reported that when backup forces responded to the scene just minutes afterward, the militants struck again, claiming the lives of four additional officers.

While no organization has stepped forward to take credit for these seemingly orchestrated strikes, such incidents have become more frequent throughout Pakistan in recent months.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement denouncing the Kohat violence and extending his sympathies to the bereaved families.

These attacks come on the heels of Monday’s assault on a paramilitary facility in Karak, where militants deployed an explosive-laden drone that injured multiple officers. The perpetrators subsequently targeted two ambulances carrying the wounded personnel, murdering three officers and setting their remains on fire before escaping. Despite sustaining burn wounds, one ambulance driver managed to transport several injured officers to safety, while authorities later retrieved the victims’ remains.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for this week’s violence, investigators suspect the Pakistani Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. This organization operates independently from but maintains close ties with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the TTP of conducting operations from Afghan territory, allegations that both the group and Kabul’s government reject.

Pakistan’s armed forces announced they eliminated at least 70 militants during Sunday operations near the Afghan frontier, targeting bases used by Pakistani extremists allegedly responsible for recent domestic attacks.

PARIS — A diplomatic row between France and the United States has escalated after the French government announced it will deny access to American Ambassador Charles Kushner until he responds to an official diplomatic summons.

The conflict intensified Tuesday when French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot revealed that Kushner — father of former President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — had skipped a scheduled Monday meeting with French officials. The ambassador had been called in to explain controversial statements from the Trump administration regarding a recent incident in France.

The U.S. Embassy has not provided any response to multiple requests for comment from news outlets.

During an interview with France Info radio, Barrot characterized Kushner’s absence as unexpected and contrary to standard diplomatic practices, warning it would impact his effectiveness as an ambassador.

“It will, naturally, affect his capacity to exercise his mission in our country,” Barrot stated during the broadcast.

The foreign minister emphasized that Kushner “is bringing difficulties on himself. Because for an ambassador to be able to do his job he needs access to members of the government. That’s the basics.”

Barrot explained the diplomatic process, saying “There is nothing more usual than summoning an ambassador when explanations need to be made. When these explanations have taken place, then the U.S. ambassador in France will, naturally, regain access to members of the French government.”

The diplomatic crisis stems from social media posts by the Trump administration regarding the fatal assault of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist. The student died from brain trauma after being attacked by a group during clashes between opposing political factions in Lyon earlier this month.

The State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau posted on X that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety.” The American Embassy in Paris shared an identical message translated into French.

French officials view these statements as inappropriate interference in domestic political matters. Barrot stressed the need for clarification from the ambassador.

“We must have an explanation with him,” the foreign minister declared. “We don’t accept that foreign countries can come and interfere, invite themselves, into the national political debate.”

Despite the diplomatic tension, Barrot insisted the ambassador’s actions should not damage overall relations between the two nations.

“Not showing up is his personal responsibility,” he explained. “It does not affect the relationship between France and the United States in any way.”

This marks the second time French authorities have summoned Kushner for diplomatic consultations. In August, Paris called him in over a letter he sent to French President Emmanuel Macron criticizing France’s efforts to address antisemitism. French officials deemed those allegations “unacceptable.”

During the previous incident, Kushner also declined to attend personally and instead sent his deputy to the meeting.

Leading American cruise companies are rerouting their vessels away from certain Mexican destinations following deadly confrontations between drug cartels and government forces that claimed nearly 60 lives.

The violence began after Mexican military forces conducted a raid that resulted in the death of notorious cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, widely known by his alias “El Mencho.” The operation sparked retaliatory attacks across the country, with criminal organizations establishing more than 80 burning vehicle barricades spanning over a dozen Mexican states.

Government officials reported that the confrontations resulted in the deaths of at least 25 National Guard personnel and 34 individuals suspected of gang involvement during clashes that followed Sunday’s early morning military operation.

In response to the security situation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced that its vessel Norwegian Bliss, which carries 4,000 passengers, would cancel its scheduled Wednesday stop in Puerto Vallarta. The company stated that passengers would receive direct communication regarding any additional modifications to Mexican port visits.

Carnival Corporation also made adjustments to its sailing schedules. The company’s Royal Princess cruise ship avoided Puerto Vallarta on Monday, instead extending its stay in Cabo San Lucas by an additional night before proceeding to Mazatlán on Wednesday. Additionally, Carnival’s Holland America subsidiary redirected its Zuiderdam vessel away from Puerto Vallarta, substituting the port call with an extra day at sea.

Royal Caribbean has maintained its current itineraries without changes but indicated that both passengers and travel representatives would receive immediate notification if schedule modifications become necessary.

A comprehensive military corruption investigation in China is creating substantial weaknesses in the nation’s defense command structure and may be undermining the combat readiness of its modernizing military forces, according to a new report from a prominent defense research organization.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), based in London, released findings Tuesday indicating that the anti-corruption campaign remains far from complete despite affecting China’s top Central Military Commission, regional theater commands, weapons acquisition programs, and military educational institutions.

According to the IISS annual Military Balance report, which serves as a crucial resource for defense analysts worldwide, the organizational impact is severe. “From an organisational perspective, until the vacancies are filled, the PLA is operating with serious deficiencies in its command structure,” the research institute stated.

Chinese defense officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding these findings.

The analysis follows recent disciplinary actions against China’s two most senior military leaders, marking the most significant military purges in recent decades. Zhang Youxia, a longtime military associate of President Xi Jinping, came under investigation in January, while He Weidong faced expulsion last October.

These investigations have dramatically reduced China’s primary military leadership council from seven members to only two individuals: President Xi, who serves as the commission’s chairman, and newly appointed vice chairman Zhang Shengmin.

The report suggests that if personnel advancement occurred through personal relationships rather than merit, if defective military equipment entered service due to procurement irregularities, and if overall military morale has suffered, then “the purge is almost certain to have a near-term impact.”

Despite these concerns, researchers characterized the disruptions as “temporary” and predicted that “modernisation is likely to continue apace.”

The study also highlighted China’s expanding and increasingly aggressive military presence throughout the Indo-Pacific region as it pursues territorial objectives and broader strategic goals, with particular emphasis on heightened military activity near Taiwan in 2025.

President Xi acknowledged the military investigation publicly during a virtual speech to Chinese armed forces earlier this month, describing the previous year as exceptional.

“The past year has been unusual and extraordinary,” Xi stated. “The People’s Army has deepened its political education, effectively addressed various risks and challenges, and undergone revolutionary forging in the fight against corruption.”

The IISS analysis also revealed that Chinese military expenditure increases continue to surpass those of other Asian nations amid worldwide growth in defense spending.

China now accounts for nearly 44% of total regional military spending in 2025, representing an increase from the 37% average recorded between 2010 and 2020.

MONTERREY, Mexico – Mexican criminal organizations launched a massive disinformation blitz across social media platforms following Sunday’s death of El Mencho, the nation’s most sought-after cartel boss, according to security researchers who tracked the coordinated propaganda effort.

While genuine violence erupted throughout Mexico as supporters of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader blocked highways, burned commercial buses and retail establishments, and targeted fuel stations in response to his death, the online narrative painted an even more catastrophic picture.

Fabricated reports circulated widely claiming armed assassins had seized control of Guadalajara’s airport, showing aircraft engulfed in flames on airport tarmacs. Doctored images depicted smoke rising from religious buildings and numerous structures in Puerto Vallarta, a destination favored by international visitors.

Reuters analysis confirmed these viral images, shared tens of thousands of times across platforms, were completely fabricated.

While false information commonly spreads following significant news developments, especially in the artificial intelligence era, security analysts noted the unprecedented velocity at which these particular falsehoods circulated – driven not only by unwitting social media users but deliberately by cartel operatives seeking to magnify the perceived scope and terror of their violent response.

“They are trying to show that the Mexican government doesn’t have control over the country,” explained Jane Esberg, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania who researches Mexican criminal organizations’ social media tactics.

Esberg noted this approach serves to project nationwide cartel influence while obscuring the actual magnitude of violence confronting security personnel.

During Monday’s press briefing, Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed authorities had pinpointed “various accounts” suspected of cartel connections and announced plans for comprehensive investigations to identify those with “direct relationships with an organized crime group.”

Garcia Harfuch distinguished between criminally-linked profiles and separate accounts “dedicated to spreading lies” without established connections to illegal organizations.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged authorities were moving rapidly to counter false information, stating “many, many fake news stories” emerged following El Mencho’s elimination.

Criminal organizations in Mexico have historically exploited social media for propaganda purposes, including defaming competitor groups and promoting community assistance programs like pandemic relief distribution efforts.

Traditional disinformation tactics employed by these groups relied on simpler methods – recycling older cartel footage or repurposing violent imagery from distant international conflicts, according to researchers.

However, artificial intelligence capabilities now allow these organizations to generate increasingly sophisticated fraudulent content.

The growing influence of narco influencers – social media figures who cultivate massive audiences while glamorizing and promoting organized criminal activity – has created additional propaganda channels in recent years.

Such misinformation operations prove especially harmful in Mexico, where violence prevents journalists from accessing certain regions to conduct ground-level reporting and distinguish truth from fabrication, Esberg observed.

She and fellow experts emphasized the challenge of definitively identifying which accounts or websites maintain cartel ties while disseminating false information.

Pablo Calderon, who teaches politics and international relations at Northeastern University London, explained cartels leverage social media to enhance their perceived image and influence while manipulating public perception through disinformation.

“Sunday was a good day for Mexican security forces,” Calderon stated. “But organized crime has been successful in shifting the narrative, away from the (military raid) to chaos.”

Japanese officials announced Tuesday they have formally requested that the United States honor their current trade agreement terms as President Trump rolls out a new tariff structure that could impact Japanese exports.

The request comes as Japan carefully navigates trade relations ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s planned visit to Washington next month. Officials worry that Trump’s latest tariff measures might increase costs for certain Japanese goods shipped to America.

During a Monday phone conversation, Japan’s trade minister and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to implementing last year’s trade agreement “in good faith and without delay,” according to Japan’s trade ministry.

The new tariff situation emerged after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday against Trump’s previous tariff structure under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In response, Trump implemented temporary 15% import duties on all countries using alternative legal authority.

Trump also issued warnings that nations abandoning their U.S. trade agreements would face even steeper penalties through other trade regulations.

Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa explained during a Tuesday press conference that certain Japanese products currently enjoying reduced tariff rates might encounter higher fees if Trump’s new duties are added to existing charges. Ministry officials indicated that goods previously benefiting from tariffs below 15% under most favored nation terms could potentially face increased costs.

Akazawa emphasized that Japan has specifically asked for treatment matching the favorable terms established in last year’s bilateral agreement.

The July 2023 deal between Washington and Tokyo reduced automotive and other product tariffs to 15%, while Japan committed to a $550 billion investment and loan package for U.S. projects.

Japanese officials declined to comment directly on the Supreme Court’s decision, stating only that they would carefully review all aspects of the ruling.

Yoshinobu Tsutsui, who leads Japan’s largest business organization Keidanren, told media outlets the court decision “proved checks and balances are in effect” and represented a “positive for the economy overall.” However, he noted Trump’s new tariff policy creates additional uncertainty for business investment decisions, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.

Economic projections suggest significant benefits if the U.S. avoids implementing permanent replacement tariffs for the struck-down IEEPA measures. Nomura Research Institute economist Takahide Kiuchi estimates Japan’s real GDP could increase by 0.375% annually under such circumstances.

Last week, both countries announced the initial three U.S. projects worth $36 billion that Japan will finance, encompassing an oil export terminal, industrial diamond manufacturing facility, and natural gas power station.

“It’s not that Japan was forced into a loss-making agreement,” Akazawa stated, describing the tariffs-and-investment package as a “win-win deal” addressing mutual economic security concerns including reliance on Chinese rare earth materials. He confirmed no plans for additional U.S. trade negotiations.

Government sources familiar with the discussions revealed Tokyo will avoid seeking agreement modifications, fearing Trump might impose harsher industry-specific tariffs unaffected by the Supreme Court ruling, particularly targeting Japan’s crucial automotive sector.

With Takaichi’s late March Washington visit approaching—which Tokyo considers vital for security cooperation amid concerns like China’s export restrictions—Japan plans to maintain its current deal to preserve stable U.S. relations, sources indicated.

VIENNA – Both a 37-year-old Austrian mountaineer and state prosecutors have announced plans to challenge a court’s decision regarding his conviction for manslaughter in connection with his girlfriend’s fatal mountain climbing incident.

The tragic events unfolded in January of last year when the pair, known as Thomas P and Kerstin G, found themselves severely delayed while attempting to reach the peak of Grossglockner mountain during harsh winter conditions with freezing temperatures and strong winds.

After Kerstin G became too tired to continue the ascent, Thomas P made the decision to leave her behind while he sought assistance at a mountain shelter. However, he failed to properly communicate the emergency situation to mountain rescue authorities and ignored their subsequent phone calls and text messages. When rescue teams finally reached her location several hours later, she had already succumbed to the frigid conditions.

Last week, an Innsbruck court determined that Thomas P should have recognized much earlier that his companion lacked the ability to finish the dangerous climb. The judge emphasized that given his significantly greater mountaineering experience, he bore responsibility for her safety.

The court convicted him of causing Kerstin G’s death through severe negligence, resulting in a five-month suspended jail term plus financial penalties totaling 9,400 euros (approximately $11,100).

According to a Monday statement from the Innsbruck court, Thomas P’s legal representative has notified officials of plans to contest both the guilty verdict and the punishment, while the prosecutor’s office has indicated it will challenge the sentence as well.

The court noted that both parties have a four-week window to submit their formal written appeals once they receive the complete court decision, which has not yet been distributed.

LONDON – The British government announced Tuesday that major streaming platforms will face the same regulatory requirements as traditional television broadcasters, marking a significant shift in how online content is overseen.

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and other streaming giants must now comply with identical content standards and accessibility requirements that apply to established broadcasters such as the BBC, according to the new policy.

Government data reveals that approximately two-thirds of British households maintain subscriptions to at least one major streaming platform, while 85% of residents utilize on-demand services monthly. In contrast, only 67% continue watching traditional live television programming.

The expanded regulatory framework will place these digital services under the authority of Ofcom, Britain’s broadcasting watchdog, with the goal of safeguarding viewers from potentially harmful material while guaranteeing access to features like closed captioning for disabled audiences.

Under the new requirements, streaming platforms serving more than 500,000 British subscribers must ensure news content meets accuracy and impartiality standards while protecting viewers from offensive or dangerous material.

Ofcom will gain authority to conduct investigations and impose penalties when violations of the broadcasting standards occur, officials stated.

MOSCOW – Russian officials announced Tuesday they have opened a criminal investigation targeting Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov, alleging the messaging platform has enabled terrorist activities.

According to the Kremlin, Russian authorities have documented numerous legal violations by the messaging service and are now taking action in response to what they describe as Telegram’s refusal to work with Russian officials.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) is leading the criminal probe into Durov on charges of “facilitation of terrorist activities,” state media outlets reported Tuesday.

The messaging platform, which enjoys widespread popularity throughout Russia and former Soviet nations, has recently pushed back against multiple Russian accusations. Officials have alleged the app serves as a safe haven for criminal operations and has been compromised by Western intelligence agencies as well as Ukrainian security services.

Telegram has denied these various allegations in recent days as tensions between the company and Russian authorities continue to escalate.

Iran appears to be on the verge of finalizing an agreement with China to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, according to six sources with knowledge of the ongoing discussions. The timing coincides with the United States positioning substantial naval assets near Iranian waters as tensions escalate in the region.

The proposed agreement involves China’s CM-302 missiles, with negotiations reportedly approaching completion, though sources indicate no timeline for delivery has been established. These supersonic weapons systems can strike targets from approximately 290 kilometers away and are engineered to avoid naval defense systems through low-altitude, high-speed flight patterns. Military analysts suggest these missiles would substantially boost Iran’s offensive capabilities and create new risks for American naval operations in the area.

Sources reveal that discussions between the two nations regarding these weapon systems started at least two years ago but gained momentum following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last June. The information comes from three Iranian government-briefed officials and three security personnel. During final negotiations last summer, high-ranking Iranian military and government representatives visited China, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei, according to two security sources. This visit had not been previously disclosed.

Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence operative who now researches Iran at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, emphasized the significance of such a development. “It’s a complete gamechanger if Iran has supersonic capability to attack ships in the area,” Citrinowicz stated. “These missiles are very difficult to intercept.”

Reuters was unable to confirm the quantity of missiles included in the potential agreement, the financial terms Iran has accepted, or whether China will proceed with the deal given current regional instability.

An Iranian foreign ministry representative told Reuters, “Iran has military and security agreements with its allies, and now is an appropriate time to make use of these agreements.”

When Reuters contacted China’s UN delegation for comment, they were directed to Beijing’s Foreign Ministry. Neither the foreign nor defense ministries responded to requests for statements.

The White House avoided directly commenting on the Iran-China missile negotiations when questioned by Reuters. A White House representative noted that President Donald Trump has made clear that “either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” referencing the current Iranian standoff.

These weapons would represent some of the most sophisticated military equipment China has provided to Iran and would violate United Nations arms restrictions initially established in 2006. These sanctions were temporarily lifted in 2015 under a nuclear agreement with the U.S. and partner nations, then reinstated last September.

The prospective sale highlights strengthening military cooperation between China and Iran during a period of increased regional instability, creating challenges for U.S. efforts to limit Iran’s missile development and nuclear programs. This also demonstrates China’s increasing readiness to establish influence in a region historically controlled by American military presence.

China, Iran, and Russia conduct yearly joint naval training exercises. Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on multiple Chinese organizations for providing chemical materials to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for ballistic missile production. China disputed these claims, stating it was uninformed about the cited cases and maintains strict controls on dual-use product exports.

During Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s attendance at a Beijing military parade in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured the Iranian leader that “China supports Iran in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.”

On October 18, China joined Russia and Iran in a collective statement declaring their belief that the sanctions reimposition was unjustified.

One government-briefed official involved in the missile discussions observed, “Iran has become a battlefield between the U.S.” on one side and Russia and China on the other.

This development occurs as the United States deploys a massive naval presence within range of Iran, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying vessels. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships are also en route to the region. These two carriers combined can transport over 5,000 personnel and 150 aircraft.

Citrinowicz, the Israeli Iran expert, explained China’s strategic interests: “China does not want to see a pro-Western regime in Iran. That would be a threat to their interests. They are hoping that this regime will stay.”

On February 19, Trump announced he was allowing Iran 10 days to reach a nuclear program agreement or face military consequences. Reuters reported on February 13 that the U.S. is preparing for potential extended, multi-week operations against Iran should Trump authorize an attack.

According to Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, acquiring the CM-302 would substantially upgrade an Iranian weapons inventory weakened by last year’s conflict.

China’s state-controlled China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) promotes the CM-302 as the globe’s premier anti-ship missile, claiming it can destroy aircraft carriers or destroyers. The system can be deployed from ships, aircraft, or mobile land-based platforms and can also engage terrestrial targets.

CASIC did not provide a response to comment requests.

Sources indicate Iran is simultaneously pursuing Chinese surface-to-air missile systems, portable air defense systems (MANPADS), anti-ballistic weapons, and anti-satellite capabilities.

While China served as Iran’s primary arms provider during the 1980s, major weapons transfers decreased by the late 1990s due to international pressure. Recently, U.S. officials have alleged that Chinese companies supplied missile-related components to Iran but have not publicly claimed complete missile system deliveries.

A medical transport flight carrying a critically injured patient crashed in a wooded area of eastern India on Monday, resulting in the deaths of all seven individuals aboard the aircraft.

The Beechcraft C90, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt. Ltd., went down shortly after departing from Ranchi, the state capital of Jharkhand, according to India’s civil aviation authority.

Among those killed were a severely burned patient being transported to New Delhi for specialized care, along with a physician, paramedic, and two relatives. The aircraft’s pilot and co-pilot also perished in the crash.

“All seven persons on board the air ambulance are dead and their bodies sent for postmortem,” senior local official Keerthishree G. told The Associated Press from the accident site Tuesday.

Investigators believe the aircraft may have encountered severe turbulence due to poor weather conditions, causing the crew to lose control of the plane.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is sending a team to examine the wreckage and determine what led to the fatal crash, India’s aviation regulatory agency announced.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing a powerful blast followed by smoke billowing from the heavily wooded crash site, which prompted emergency responders to race to the location, local news outlets reported.

Medical flights are commonly utilized throughout India to move patients requiring urgent care from smaller communities to major hospitals in large cities.

This tragedy highlights ongoing safety challenges for aviation operations during severe weather, particularly in areas with difficult geographic conditions.

The incident occurred just weeks following another private aircraft accident in western India that claimed five lives, including a high-ranking government official.

NAIROBI – A group of more than 600 Kenyan nationals has filed legal action in their country’s High Court, demanding government assistance to escape what they describe as a human trafficking operation in Cambodia.

Court documents submitted Monday detail how the Kenyans were enticed to travel to Cambodia with promises of legitimate employment, only to find themselves imprisoned in a heavily secured facility surrounded by tall walls and razor wire.

According to the legal filing, the victims endured grueling 16-hour work shifts while trying to meet unrealistic quotas. The documents describe multiple instances of violence, including stabbings, with many injuries going without proper medical treatment.

While the court papers don’t specify the exact nature of the work, Cambodia has recently intensified efforts to shut down cybercrime operations that have become widespread across Southeast Asia in recent years.

The situation changed when Cambodian law enforcement conducted a raid on the compound, allowing the perpetrators to flee. The petitioners state they are “currently hounded in a local shelter in Cambodia,” facing food shortages and requiring immediate medical attention.

Through their legal representatives, the group is requesting emergency court orders that would require Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related government departments to provide diplomatic protection, issue temporary travel documentation, and arrange their return to Kenya.

The lawsuit references Kenya’s constitutional guarantees against forced labor and torture, asserting that the government has an obligation to safeguard its citizens when they are overseas.

Legal documents reveal that Cambodian officials have given the Kenyan group until February 28, 2026, to depart the country or face prosecution and potential jail time. The petitioners say they lack the financial means to purchase airline tickets back to Kenya.

When contacted for comment, a representative from Kenya’s foreign ministry indicated they had no knowledge of the situation. Cambodia’s interior ministry has not yet responded to requests for information.

The High Court is scheduled to consider the case on Tuesday.

Tehran and Washington are scheduled to conduct fresh negotiations in Geneva this Thursday regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

The diplomatic meeting occurs while the United States has positioned its most extensive collection of military aircraft and warships in the Middle East region in decades, part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to pressure Iran into an agreement following widespread domestic unrest against the country’s religious leadership.

The following chronology outlines the escalating disputes surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities:

1967 — Tehran receives the Tehran Research Reactor from the United States through the “Atoms for Peace” initiative.

1979 — Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, America’s ally who was terminally ill, escapes Iran amid growing public demonstrations. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Tehran, leading the Islamic Revolution to victory. Iranian students capture the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, launching a 444-day hostage situation. International pressure causes Iran’s nuclear activities to become dormant.

August 2002 — Western spy agencies and an Iranian resistance organization expose Iran’s clandestine uranium enrichment operations at Natanz.

June 2003 — The United Kingdom, France, and Germany begin nuclear discussions with Iran.

October 2003 — Tehran halts uranium enrichment activities due to international pressure.

February 2006 — Following the election of hardline leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran declares it will resume uranium enrichment. The UK, France, and Germany abandon the stalled diplomatic efforts.

June 2009 — Iran’s controversial presidential election results in Ahmadinejad’s reelection amid fraud claims, triggering demonstrations called the Green Movement and violent government suppression.

October 2009 — During Barack Obama’s presidency, America and Iran establish a covert communication channel through Oman.

July 2012 — American and Iranian representatives conduct secret direct meetings in Oman.

July 2015 — Global powers and Iran reveal a comprehensive nuclear deal restricting Tehran’s uranium enrichment in return for sanctions relief.

May 8, 2018 — Trump withdraws America from the nuclear deal unilaterally, labeling it the “worst deal ever.” He promises to negotiate better terms addressing Iran’s missile program and regional militia support, but no such discussions occur during his initial presidency.

May 8, 2019 — Iran declares it will begin withdrawing from the agreement. Regional attacks on land and sea attributed to Tehran subsequently occur.

Jan. 3, 2020 — An American drone attack in Baghdad eliminates Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who orchestrated Tehran’s regional proxy conflicts.

Jan. 8, 2020 — Iran retaliates for Soleimani’s death by launching missiles at Iraqi military installations housing thousands of American and Iraqi personnel. Over 100 U.S. soldiers sustain traumatic brain injuries, the Pentagon reports. While preparing for potential counterstrikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard accidentally shoots down a Ukrainian civilian aircraft departing Tehran’s airport, reportedly confusing it with an American cruise missile. All 176 passengers and crew perish.

July 2, 2020 — An unexplained blast destroys a centrifuge manufacturing facility at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site. Tehran accuses its enemy Israel of the sabotage.

April 6, 2021 — Under President Joe Biden, Iran and America begin indirect Vienna negotiations to restore the nuclear agreement. These discussions, along with talks involving European countries, fail to produce results.

April 11, 2021 — A second assault within twelve months targets Iran’s Natanz facility, again presumably executed by Israel.

April 16, 2021 — Iran starts enriching uranium to 60% purity — its highest level ever and approaching weapons-grade concentration of 90%.

Feb. 24, 2022 — Russia begins its comprehensive Ukraine invasion. Moscow eventually depends on Iranian explosive drones and missiles in the war.

July 17, 2022 — Kamal Kharrazi, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, states Iran possesses the technical ability to produce nuclear weapons but hasn’t decided to do so.

Oct. 7, 2023 — Hamas fighters from Gaza attack Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages, initiating the most severe Israel-Hamas conflict ever. Iran, which supplies Hamas with weapons, supports the militants. Regional tensions escalate.

Nov. 19, 2023 — Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels capture the Galaxy Leader vessel, starting months of Red Sea shipping attacks that the U.S. Navy calls its most intense combat since World War II. The tactics mirror Iran’s previous methods.

April 14, 2024 — Iran conducts an unprecedented direct assault on Israel, launching over 300 missiles and attack drones. Israel, supported by a U.S.-led coalition, intercepts most incoming projectiles.

April 19, 2024 — A suspected Israeli attack targets an air defense system near an Isfahan airport in Iran.

July 31, 2024 — Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is killed during a Tehran visit following reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration. Israel later claims responsibility.

Sept. 27, 2024 — An Israeli strike eliminates Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon.

Oct. 1, 2024 — Iran launches its second direct Israel attack, though a U.S.-led coalition and Israel intercept most missiles.

Oct. 16, 2024 — Israel eliminates Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.

Oct. 26, 2024 — Israel publicly attacks Iran for the first time, targeting air defenses and missile program facilities.

Jan. 20, 2025 — Trump begins his second presidential term.

Feb. 7, 2025 — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls proposed U.S. talks “not intelligent, wise or honorable.”

March 7, 2025 — Trump reveals he sent Khamenei a letter proposing a new nuclear agreement with Tehran.

March 15, 2025 — Trump orders intensive airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the final active members of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.”

April 7, 2025 — Trump announces direct U.S.-Iran talks will occur in Oman. Iran confirms the meeting but describes them as indirect negotiations.

April 12, 2025 — The initial U.S.-Iran talks in Oman conclude with commitments for additional meetings after U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “briefly spoke” directly.

April 19, 2025 — The second negotiation round between America and Iran takes place in Rome.

April 26, 2025 — Iran and America meet again in Oman for their third session, now including expert-level discussions.

May 11, 2025 — A fourth round of U.S.-Iran negotiations occurs in Oman before Trump’s Middle East visit.

May 23, 2025 — The fifth round of talks happens in Rome, with Oman reporting “some but not conclusive progress.”

June 9, 2025 — Iran indicates it will reject a U.S. nuclear program proposal.

June 12, 2025 — The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors determines Iran violates its nuclear commitments. Iran responds by announcing construction and activation of a third uranium enrichment facility.

June 13, 2025 — Israel begins its war against Iran, attacking nuclear facilities, military sites, and government installations over 12 days.

June 22, 2025 — America joins the conflict, striking three Iranian nuclear locations.

June 23, 2025 — Iran retaliates against the U.S. attack by targeting an American military base in Qatar, causing minor damage.

June 24, 2025 — Trump declares a ceasefire in the conflict.

July 25, 2025 — Iranian and European diplomats conduct nuclear program discussions in Istanbul.

Aug. 8, 2025 — France, Germany, and the UK warn Iran in correspondence that they will restore U.N. sanctions without a “satisfactory solution” to the nuclear dispute by August 31.

Aug. 28, 2025 — The three European nations announce they have initiated the “snapback” sanctions process against Iran.

Sept. 9, 2025 — Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency agree on potential inspection procedures, though implementation questions persist.

Sept. 19, 2025 — The U.N. Security Council refuses to prevent “snapback” sanctions on Iran.

Sept. 26, 2025 — The U.N. Security Council rejects China and Russia’s final attempt to halt the “snapback.”

Sept. 28, 2025 — The United Nations reinstates “snapback” sanctions on Iran without last-minute diplomatic intervention.

Dec. 28, 2025 — Demonstrations erupt in two major Tehran markets after the Iranian rial drops to a historic low of 1.42 million rials per U.S. dollar, increasing inflation and raising prices for food and essential goods.

Jan. 3, 2026 — Khamenei declares “rioters must be put in their place,” interpreted as authorization for security forces to more aggressively suppress demonstrations.

Jan. 8, 2026 — Following Iran’s exiled crown prince’s appeal, masses of people shout from windows and join nationwide street protests. The government blocks internet access and international phone calls to isolate the 85 million population from external influence. Security forces kill thousands and detain tens of thousands during the subsequent crackdown.

Jan. 13, 2026 — Trump announces he has canceled meetings with Iranians and pledges unspecified “help is on its way.”

Jan. 26, 2026 — The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three escort vessels reach the Middle East amid Trump’s attack threats.

Feb. 3, 2026 — A U.S. Navy fighter destroys an Iranian drone approaching the Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Iranian speedboats attempt to intercept a U.S.-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Feb. 6, 2026 — Iran and America conduct indirect nuclear discussions in Oman, with the U.S. Central Command chief also participating.

Feb. 17, 2026 — Iran and America hold Geneva talks while Tehran announces temporarily closing the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow Persian Gulf passage through which one-fifth of global oil trade flows.

Feb. 26, 2026 — Iran and America are scheduled for another Geneva negotiation round after America assembles its largest Middle East military aircraft deployment in decades.

Authorities took Peter Mandelson into custody on Monday, charging the former British ambassador to the United States with allegedly sharing classified materials with Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased sex trafficking convict.

The arrest marks a significant development in ongoing investigations related to Epstein’s network of contacts and potential misconduct by high-profile officials who had connections to the disgraced financier.

Tuesday represents the fourth anniversary of Russia’s comprehensive military assault on Ukraine, when forces attacked the nation from several fronts. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared what he called a “special operation,” a military campaign that most analysts predicted would conclude rapidly with Ukraine’s surrender.

However, European leaders made the journey to Ukraine’s capital city Tuesday to demonstrate their continued backing of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian citizens who continue their resistance.

Although Putin failed to secure the swift and decisive triumph he anticipated, casualties have mounted significantly for both nations. As Europe’s largest military conflict moves into its fifth year, no peace agreement appears imminent despite ongoing U.S. diplomatic initiatives throughout the previous year.

Over a dozen high-ranking European officials touched down in Kyiv Tuesday as a demonstration of solidarity. However, they arrived without two agreements they had intended to deliver to Kyiv — additional sanctions against Russia and a 90 billion euro financial package to support Ukraine’s military efforts over the coming two years.

Hungary, widely regarded as the European Union’s most Russia-friendly member state, prevented both measures from moving forward. This development illustrates the challenges in preserving unity as the conflict continues.

Zelenskyy noted that his nation has survived attacks from Russia’s larger and more advanced military forces, which during the previous year of combat seized only 0.79% of Ukrainian land, based on data from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based research organization.

“Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has not achieved his goals,” Zelenskyy said on social media.

“He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war,” Zelenskyy also said.

KYIV, Ukraine — Over a dozen high-ranking European leaders descended on Ukraine’s capital Tuesday, demonstrating continental solidarity as the nation observed four years since Russia launched its comprehensive military assault — a somber milestone in a conflict that has claimed countless lives and heightened European concerns about Moscow’s broader territorial aspirations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that his nation has successfully resisted Russia’s larger and more advanced military forces, which managed to capture merely 0.79% of Ukrainian territory over the previous year of combat, based on data from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington research organization.

“Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood,” Zelenskyy posted on social media, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “not achieved his goals.”

“He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war,” Zelenskyy also said.

Nevertheless, as this grinding conflict of endurance moves into its fifth year, diplomatic efforts led by the United States to resolve Europe’s largest military confrontation since World War II seem no nearer to identifying compromises that could enable a peace agreement.

Peace talks remain deadlocked over the future of the Donbas region — eastern Ukraine’s manufacturing center that Russian forces largely control but haven’t completely conquered — and the framework for post-conflict security guarantees that Kyiv insists upon to prevent future Russian aggression.

Military casualties on both sides — including dead, wounded, and missing personnel — could total 2 million by spring, with Russia experiencing the highest military fatalities of any major nation in any war since World War II, according to estimates released last month by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

European leaders view their own national security as intertwined with Ukraine’s fate given concerns about Putin’s expanded objectives and have insisted on participation in the current U.S.-mediated negotiations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on X that “for four years, every day and every night has been a nightmare for the Ukrainians — and not just for them, but for us all. Because war is back in Europe.”

“We will only end it by being strong together, because the fate of Ukraine is our fate,” he added.

The conflict has involved nations well beyond Ukraine’s borders, creating international implications, and threatened to exacerbate supply shortages, food insecurity, and political unrest in developing nations worldwide.

Although NATO member states have provided assistance to Ukraine, Russia has received support from North Korea through troops and artillery ammunition; Iran through drone capabilities; and China, which according to U.S. officials and experts has supplied manufacturing equipment and computer components.

Tuesday’s European delegation to Kyiv included European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, alongside seven prime ministers and three foreign ministers.

Given Ukraine’s inability to continue fighting Russia without international assistance, NATO nations are now supplying military support, acquiring American weaponry after the Trump administration changed previous Washington policy that had ceased arms deliveries to Kyiv.

The European Union has additionally provided financial assistance, though it has occasionally faced resistance from member nations Hungary and Slovakia.

British Armed Forces Minister Al Carns characterized Russia’s war against Ukraine as “the most defining conflict” in recent decades.

“I don’t think anyone of us would be able to guess (when the war started) the scale and size of what has taken place,” he said.

Reconstruction expenses for war-damaged Ukraine would total nearly $588 billion over the coming decade, according to joint estimates from the World Bank, European Commission, United Nations, and Ukrainian government.

This figure represents almost triple Ukraine’s estimated nominal GDP for the previous year, according to their Monday report.

Hong Kong authorities are voicing strong objections to Panama’s decision to take over two strategically important ports along the Panama Canal that had been managed by a Hong Kong-based corporation for more than 25 years.

Officials from Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau announced Tuesday they have filed formal complaints with Panama’s diplomatic office, stating they expressed “strong opposition and dissatisfaction” while pledging to “staunchly support the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong corporations overseas.”

The facilities, positioned at both ends of the crucial shipping waterway, have been under the management of a CK Hutchison subsidiary since 1997 but became entangled in legal challenges amid escalating rivalry between the United States and China for regional dominance. The situation gained international spotlight when President Donald Trump claimed China was “running the Panama Canal.”

Panama’s administration assumed control of both port facilities Monday following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated legislation authorizing the operating agreement with Panama Ports Company, a CK Hutchison subsidiary. The court’s decision eliminated the legal foundation for the company’s port operations, prompting the firm to pursue arbitration against Panama.

Beijing also entered the dispute Tuesday, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declaring at a regular press briefing: “China will firmly safeguard the company’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests.”

Panamanian officials have pledged to maintain uninterrupted canal operations.

A representative from Panama’s Maritime Authority stated during a news conference that the agency “took possession of its ports and will guarantee continuity of operations.” The official noted that leadership will approve temporary management arrangements lasting up to 18 months while permanent operators are chosen.

In a subsequent national television address, President José Raúl Mulino clarified that the action was not an appropriation of property, but the government would maintain port oversight “until their real value is determined for corresponding actions.” He emphasized that “everything done was not against anyone, but in compliance with the law,” addressing concerns raised by the company and Chinese officials.

The port facilities are scheduled for sale as part of an agreement between CK Hutchison and a purchasing consortium that includes Blackrock, following pressure from Trump last year to diminish Chinese involvement in the region.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in China Wednesday for his inaugural official visit as leader, coming at a time when German businesses are under mounting competitive pressure from Chinese firms and President Trump’s policies are reshaping the global framework Europe has relied on since World War II.

The chancellor’s two-day diplomatic mission makes him the latest world leader to travel to Beijing in advance of Trump’s anticipated visit in approximately five weeks.

Beyond addressing Germany’s expanding trade imbalance with China, Merz plans to confront China’s support for Russia’s stance in the Ukrainian conflict, though officials don’t anticipate any shift in China’s position.

Beijing is working to gain international backing to counter Trump’s challenges to established global institutions and regulations, but Merz has expressed skepticism about China’s vision for reshaping international order in the 21st century. Diplomatic success may hinge on identifying modest areas of collaboration despite fundamental disagreements on major policy issues.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated Tuesday that “As the world’s second and third largest economies, sound China–Germany relations serve the interests of both sides and meet the expectations of the international community.”

She further emphasized that “the Ukraine crisis is not and should not become an issue between China and Europe.” China maintains what it calls “an objective and impartial position,” creating tension with Germany and most European nations.

Merz begins his visit Wednesday with discussions involving China’s Premier Li Qiang and top leader Xi Jinping, whose limited international travel requires foreign officials to come to Beijing for meetings. Thursday’s agenda includes touring a Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant and traveling to Hangzhou, a technology hub housing e-commerce leader Alibaba and prominent robotics company Unitree Robotics.

The chancellor is accompanied by business executives seeking to boost sales opportunities. China has traditionally served as a crucial market for Germany’s robust manufacturing export sector. However, recent technological progress by Chinese corporations has created fierce competition, particularly in automotive manufacturing, where emerging electric vehicle producers are challenging established brands like Volkswagen.

Trade statistics from last year highlighted concerns about the economic relationship’s growing imbalance. German purchases from China increased 8.8% to 170.6 billion euros ($201 billion), helping Chinese producers compensate for reduced U.S. imports due to Trump’s tariff policies. Conversely, German sales to China dropped 9.7% to 81.3 billion euros.

This widening gap has intensified Germany’s ongoing pressure for China to lower trade restrictions and provide greater market access to international competitors.

Merz’s diplomatic mission comes after visits by French President Emmanuel Macron in December and leaders from Ireland, South Korea, Canada, Finland and Britain last month.

During a January speech to Germany’s parliament, Merz argued that Europe must “learn the language of power politics” to establish its position in an evolving global landscape and strengthen both economically and militarily. He noted that the changing international order creates opportunities for Europe, as democratic nations with expanding markets “seek what we have to offer them, namely partnerships on the basis of mutual respect, trust and reliability.”

Merz has also recently warned that Germany should maintain realistic expectations about China, stating the nation “asserts the claim to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules.”

Following this week’s China visit, Merz is scheduled to make his second Washington trip since assuming office in May.

While some nations — particularly Canada and the United Kingdom — are working to rebuild Chinese relations, Germany aims to preserve a partnership that has grown increasingly complex in recent years.

Germany continues to view China as an essential economic ally while simultaneously recognizing it as a rival. The government has pursued what officials call de-risking, working to decrease the nation’s reliance on China for export markets and critical materials like rare earth elements, which are essential for automotive, technology and defense sectors.

During a December Beijing visit, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul addressed his administration’s worries about Chinese government subsidies for specific industries, excessive manufacturing capacity driving exports, rare earth export limitations and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian officials launched a comprehensive federal investigation Tuesday examining the surge of antisemitic incidents nationwide following a December attack where two gunmen, reportedly motivated by the Islamic State, fatally shot 15 individuals during a Jewish community celebration in Sydney.

Last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese established Australia’s highest-level investigative body, called a royal commission, to examine the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach.

Police fatally shot suspected gunman Sajid Naveed during the incident. His son, Naveed Akram, now faces terrorism charges along with 15 murder counts and 40 attempted murder charges. Akram has not yet entered any plea.

Virginia Bell, the Royal Commissioner leading the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, emphasized her intention to prevent the inquiry’s findings from affecting Akram’s upcoming criminal case.

“One might expect a royal commission set up to inquire into an attack would lead evidence of it and of the heroism of those who sort to confront the shooters and of those who ran toward the gunfire to offer medical assistance to the wounded,” Bell stated during her opening remarks.

“The trial of that individual (Akram) will be the occasion to lead evidence of the attack. This commission must do its work without risking any prejudice to that criminal proceeding,” she continued.

These royal commissions possess the authority to jail witnesses who decline to participate and frequently request deadline extensions as additional evidence emerges.

Bell serves as the single commissioner overseeing a team that includes legal counsel, analysts, researchers and administrative personnel, according to Richard Lancaster, the Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission. Lancaster’s responsibilities include guiding the investigation’s focus, presenting evidence to Bell, and conducting witness examinations.

Bell stressed that finishing her report by the attack’s one-year anniversary represents a “matter of critical importance.”

“This imposes a tight time frame and it’s going to impose limitations on how the commission approaches its terms of reference,” the former high court justice explained.

Bell recognized that other religious and ethnic communities beyond Jewish Australians face discrimination throughout the country.

“I expect that social cohesion will be advanced by measures that address discrimination against religious faiths, ethnicities and cultures generally,” Bell remarked. “Nonetheless, against the background of the massacre of innocent people who appear to have been targeted simply because they were Jewish, I trust everyone will appreciate why the focus of this commission will be on tackling antisemitism.”

Bell must deliver a preliminary report before April’s conclusion. This initial assessment will review coordination and information exchange between federal and state authorities, plus organizers of the targeted Hanukkah event. She will evaluate security protocols and determine whether intelligence and law enforcement performed at peak efficiency.

The commission must pinpoint weaknesses in legal and regulatory structures that could hinder law enforcement, border security, immigration and intelligence agencies from preventing and responding to similar attacks.

Bell will develop recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security personnel in combating antisemitism through initiatives like specialized training programs. The commission will study antisemitism’s characteristics and prevalence within institutions and communities, including contributing factors like extremism and radicalization.

Bell and her team will also assess security measures at Jewish religious sites, educational institutions, cultural centers and public gatherings.

Commission personnel have already distributed numerous document requests to government departments, with additional notices forthcoming, Lancaster noted, though public hearing schedules remain undetermined.

Albanese initially opposed demands from victims’ relatives, Jewish community leaders and opposition politicians to create a royal commission, contending it would delay providing necessary answers.

He instead selected former government official Dennis Richardson to review intelligence, security and law enforcement agency roles, plus potential procedural and legal failures contributing to the shooting. Richardson’s inquiry was scheduled to conclude in April.

Richardson’s investigation has now merged with the royal commission, and he has joined Bell’s team as special adviser.

Incidents of antisemitic and Islamophobic conduct have risen significantly throughout Australia since the Israel-Hamas conflict commenced in 2023.

Jewish Australians comprise under 120,000 individuals within the nation’s 28 million residents, with 85% concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne.

During 2024, Australian officials designated a special representative to address increasing antisemitism nationwide. Several months afterward, the government similarly appointed a special representative to fight Islamophobia.

KOHAT, Pakistan – Five law enforcement officers were killed Tuesday when armed attackers ambushed a police patrol in the northwestern Pakistani city of Kohat, according to local authorities.

A police spokesperson from Kohat reported that multiple gunmen carried out the assault, which claimed the lives of five officers including a high-ranking official. The attackers also set fire to the patrol vehicle following the deadly encounter.

“Several gunmen attacked a police patrol. A senior officer is among five policemen dead. They also burnt the vehicle,” the police spokesman stated. Kohat is located adjacent to Pakistan’s tribal regions that border Afghanistan.

The identities of the attackers remain unknown at this time.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Four people lost their lives Tuesday when an Iranian military helicopter went down in a bustling produce market in the central part of the country.

The deadly incident occurred in Dorcheh, a town located approximately 205 miles south of Tehran in Isfahan province, according to Iranian state television. The region houses a significant Iranian air base and includes nuclear facilities that were targeted by U.S. forces during the Iran-Israel conflict in June.

State television confirmed the aircraft was conducting training exercises when it went down. Both the pilot and co-pilot perished in the accident, with footage revealing wreckage and smoke billowing from the marketplace.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that two civilians at the market were also killed in the crash.

The tragedy represents Iran’s second aviation accident in under a week. An F-4 fighter aircraft went down near the western city of Hamedan, claiming the life of one pilot.

Such fatal incidents have become increasingly common in Iran. International sanctions have severely limited access to replacement parts for aircraft, forcing the nation to operate an outdated fleet of helicopters and planes for both military and civilian purposes.

Myanmar’s freshly elected legislative body is scheduled to hold its inaugural session next month, according to state media reports released Tuesday, following elections that opposition groups criticized as illegitimate.

The March 16 gathering will mark the first time lawmakers have met in over five years, dating back to when military forces overthrew the civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. That military takeover triggered widespread civil unrest and armed opposition that has since escalated into full-scale civil conflict.

This parliamentary session follows staged voting that took place during December and January across 263 of Myanmar’s 330 townships.

The military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party, known as USDP, secured most legislative seats during the voting process. Myanmar’s previous governing party, the National League for Democracy, along with several other political organizations, refused to participate in elections they considered rigged.

While military authorities characterized the voting as a democratic restoration, opposition voices argue the elections were orchestrated to provide legal cover for military control following Suu Kyi’s removal in February 2021.

Government-controlled Myanma Alinn newspaper announced that the 440-member lower chamber will start proceedings March 16, while the 224-seat upper chamber will begin operations two days afterward in Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital. Regional assemblies numbering 14 will start meeting March 20, according to separate official statements.

The bicameral legislative body is theoretically designed to take over from the existing military administration, though this transition is unlikely to represent genuine civilian governance. Military forces and their political allies control most positions in both legislative chambers, guaranteeing continued army dominance.

Union Election Commission data shows the USDP captured 339 of 586 total parliamentary positions across both chambers. Combined with constitutionally guaranteed military seats numbering 166, these two groups control 505 positions — representing over 86% of the entire legislature. Twenty-one additional parties secured between one and 20 seats respectively.

Initial parliamentary duties will include selecting leadership for each chamber, followed by choosing a president and two deputy presidents.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who currently leads the military government, is anticipated to take the presidential role. However, constitutional provisions prevent simultaneous service as president and military commander-in-chief — Myanmar’s most influential position — creating uncertainty about whether he would abandon his military command.

Suu Kyi, the 80-year-old former national leader, remains imprisoned serving a 27-year sentence on charges considered fabricated and politically driven by most observers. Her political organization, which achieved overwhelming victories in both 2020 and 2015 elections, faced forced dissolution in 2023 after declining to comply with new military registration requirements.

Four people died Tuesday when an Iranian Army helicopter went down in a fruit market located in the central Isfahan province, according to state media reports.

The aircraft crashed in Dorcheh city, sparking a blaze that emergency responders were able to extinguish. Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the incident, along with two market vendors.

Aviation experts point to Iran’s troubled history with aircraft safety, noting frequent crashes involving planes purchased prior to the nation’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Many of these older aircraft lack access to genuine replacement parts needed for proper upkeep.

This latest incident follows another recent crash just one week ago, when an American-made F-4 fighter jet belonging to Iran’s air force went down during a training exercise in Hamadan province’s western region, resulting in one pilot’s death.

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale military assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared Tuesday that his nation has successfully maintained its sovereignty and vowed not to abandon the sacrifices of its citizens in pursuit of lasting peace.

Speaking from Kyiv, Zelenskyy stated: “Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken the Ukrainian people. He has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace. And to ensure justice.”

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to host high-ranking European officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for commemorative events marking four years since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, 2022.

The conflict has become Europe’s most devastating war since World War II, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of military personnel from both nations. Russian attacks have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and caused widespread destruction across Ukrainian cities through continuous missile and drone bombardments.

Current diplomatic efforts led by the United States have reached an impasse due to disagreements over territorial control. Russian forces, which continue to make gradual advances, maintain their demand that Ukraine surrender the remaining 20% of the eastern Donetsk region, while Ukrainian leadership firmly rejects giving up territory that has cost thousands of lives to protect.

In his anniversary remarks, Zelenskyy emphasized: “We want peace. Strong, dignified, lasting peace.”

The president revealed his instructions to Ukraine’s diplomatic team, stating: “Do not nullify all these years, do not devalue all the struggle, courage, dignity, everything that Ukraine has gone through. We cannot, we must not, give it away, forget it, betray it.”

KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine – A Ukrainian tank commander recalls when armored warfare in the early days of Russia’s invasion resembled heavyweight fighters exchanging blows. Now, four years after the conflict began, Senior Sergeant Valentyn Bohdanov says those direct confrontations have become virtually extinct.

Compact yet lethal “first-person-view” drones have transformed Ukraine’s war zones, making movement extremely dangerous for armored units, according to Bohdanov of Ukraine’s 127th Separate Heavy Mechanised Kharkiv Brigade.

“They won’t enter an open field: they’ll be peppered by FPV drones and stronger ones,” the 36-year-old soldier, known by his call sign “Bodia,” explained.

Today, his T-72 tank – seized from Russian forces – sits concealed under camouflage netting in the snowy northeastern Kharkiv region, functioning essentially as stationary artillery rather than mobile armor.

Since joining the fight during Moscow’s February 2022 assault, Bohdanov has witnessed conventional warfare strategies completely overturned as advancing technology forces both armies to recalculate their battlefield approaches.

Countless precision drones, many priced at just a few hundred dollars each, patrol daily across an expanding “kill zone” spanning the 1,200-kilometer front line. These are accompanied by increasingly sophisticated drones with extended range capabilities and larger explosive payloads.

The constant aerial threat makes nearly all movement – whether troop changes, medical evacuations, or armored attacks – exponentially more dangerous.

According to a recent French Institute of International Relations study, drone-caused casualties surged from under 10% of total losses in 2022 to as high as 80% in the previous year, as much of the conflict evolved into an “air battle of mutual denial.”

The research characterized this transformation as part of “a new logic of warfare defined by speed of innovation, rapid adaptation, and seamless technological integration” that will incorporate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Mobile anti-drone squads, similar to one Reuters observed near the contested eastern city of Kostiantynivka, have become standard operations.

These teams patrol highways covered with anti-drone mesh and scattered with burned vehicle wreckage, maintaining constant vigilance for aircraft ranging from small FPVs to massive long-range Shaheds. Their mission involves protecting supply lines essential for forces along front sections where Russian troops are gaining ground.

A drone-hunter known as “Marine” from the 93rd Mechanised Brigade described witnessing 54 drones targeting a single objective within 60 minutes.

“Three would circle, another would attack while the others join,” he recalled. “They’re in the air like that all the time, not letting anyone get away.”

Numerous soldiers who’ve experienced direct drone attacks describe feeling overwhelmed by FPV speed and maneuverability. Video footage of these strikes now floods social media platforms on both sides.

From a military hospital in northeastern Kharkiv, Andriy Meskov described returning from a mission when he and two colleagues faced drone attacks that pursued them while seeking shelter.

“We ran into a building, not really expecting that it would follow us,” said the 42-year-old, who operates drones for the 151st Separate Reconnaissance-Strike Battalion.

“The speed of a human being doesn’t compare to the speed of an FPV drone, so I didn’t even have time to pick up my rifle to shoot at it.”

Meskov suffered a shattered knee when a drone bounced off his helmet before detonating near his leg.

He was ultimately rescued using an unmanned ground vehicle. Such robotic systems are increasingly utilized for missions including supply delivery and casualty evacuation to reduce human losses.

These ground robots completed over 7,000 operations in January alone, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced recently. Ukraine intends to increase their manufacturing and acquisition this year, he added.

Extended evacuation periods represent another potentially deadly result of the widening “kill zone.” Colonel Viacheslav Kurinnyi, 45, head physician at the Kharkiv hospital treating Meskov, reported that drone threats to vehicles have extended average medical evacuation times beyond three days.

This contradicts the established “golden hour” principle of battlefield medicine, he noted, referencing the crucial 60-minute period when immediate treatment can save a wounded soldier’s life.

Ukraine’s Western partners must understand these realities, Kurinnyi emphasized: “Any countries that are preparing for war at home need to realise that there will be no ‘golden hour.’ Maybe a ‘golden day’ if they’re lucky.”

His facility once treated a wounded soldier who had worn a tourniquet for over two months.

Standing beside his snow-covered tank, Commander Bohdanov believes such equipment is becoming obsolete and should be reduced in favor of extended-range artillery. His team remains willing to retrain for greater effectiveness, he noted.

Although tanks continue serving in urban combat or adverse weather, armor-led offensives have largely given way to small infantry operations, according to military expert Rob Lee from the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

However, dismissing tanks entirely may be premature. The rapid pace of technological change suggests tactics could shift again soon, Lee observed.

“Right now, the current role is diminished, and I think we’re waiting for the next technological breakthrough that will enable manoeuvring again,” he concluded.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump believes he merits the Nobel Peace Prize following his involvement in eight international disputes since assuming office in January. However, the root causes behind many of these conflicts persist, and violence has reignited in several areas, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Cambodia-Thailand border region.

Below is an examination of the international conflicts where Trump has played a mediating role:

ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

On August 8, Trump facilitated a meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, resulting in a joint statement committing both nations to pursue peaceful relations after decades of hostility dating back to the late 1980s.

“I got to know them through trade,” Trump explained during a subsequent radio appearance. “I was dealing with them a little bit, and I said, ‘Why you guys fighting?’ Then I said, ‘I’m not going to do a trade deal if you guys are going to fight. It’s crazy.’”

Both nations had agreed to a ceasefire in 2023. By March, they announced consensus on draft peace agreement language, though no formal signing has occurred.

The White House-facilitated declaration remains short of a binding peace treaty with enforceable legal obligations. Unresolved matters include whether Armenia must amend its constitution as part of any final agreement.

Both countries entered into economic partnerships with Washington, granting the United States development access to a crucial transit route through southern Armenia. The Trump administration highlighted this corridor’s potential for increased energy exports. Released documentation shows the corridor bears Trump’s name. Vice President JD Vance traveled to both nations in February, establishing a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan and finalizing a nuclear agreement with Armenia.

CAMBODIA AND THAILAND

Despite Trump’s earlier mediation efforts, tensions persist between Thailand and Cambodia under a fragile ceasefire arrangement.

The U.S. president helped bring Thailand to negotiations after longstanding disputes with Cambodia erupted into five days of military confrontation in July – the most lethal fighting between the nations in over ten years.

Trump contacted then-acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai two days following the outbreak of border hostilities. He suspended trade agreements with both countries until the conflict ceased.

The president oversaw ceasefire agreement signing between the two nations in Malaysia during October, though this arrangement collapsed within weeks before a new truce took effect on December 27.

ISRAEL, IRAN AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace initiative on Thursday as part of efforts to broker an agreement ending Gaza conflict and facilitating reconstruction.

Israel and Hamas reached agreement in October on the initial phase of a Trump-mediated hostage release and ceasefire arrangement. Fighting has persisted despite this agreement.

Nevertheless, the deal represents significant progress toward ending a two-year Gaza war that has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives. Under the arrangement, Hamas released hostages captured during the deadly attacks that initiated the conflict. Both parties have repeatedly accused the other of truce violations.

Major disagreements remain between the sides, including Hamas disarmament, post-conflict Gaza governance, and the structure and authority of an international security presence in the territory.

The president continues working to expand the Abraham Accords, his first-term initiative designed to normalize diplomatic relationships between Israel and Arab states.

Trump initially pursued discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program. Israel began aerial operations against Iran on June 13 and urged Trump’s participation. He joined the effort on June 22, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, then pressured both Israel and Iran to accept a Qatar-mediated ceasefire.

Trump claimed at the time that Iran’s primary nuclear facilities were destroyed and challenged reports suggesting the program was merely delayed. Recently, however, Trump has issued threats to Iran concerning both its nuclear activities and human rights record. He has authorized substantial military buildup in the Middle East and preparations for potential extended air strikes against the country.

RWANDA AND DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The Rwanda-supported M23 rebel organization conducted a rapid offensive this year and now controls more eastern Democratic Republic of Congo territory than previously. Recent territorial gains have raised concerns about expanded regional conflict spillover.

Following Trump’s pressure, Rwanda and Congo signed a U.S.-mediated peace accord on June 27. Implementation has not occurred.

Trump brought Congolese and Rwandan leaders to a December 4 Washington gathering at a peace institute his administration unofficially renamed to honor the U.S. president. There, they executed additional documents reaffirming commitment to Trump’s peace proposal.

Fighting has continued nonetheless. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has stated that Rwanda is breaching its commitments, as has U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rwanda has consistently denied M23 support, though U.N. specialists and Congolese officials disagree. Qatar has facilitated separate negotiations between Congo and M23.

Meanwhile, a Congolese rebel coalition leader that includes M23 has declared a December critical minerals agreement between Congo and Washington unconstitutional, creating implementation uncertainty.

This insurgency represents the most recent chapter in a decades-long conflict rooted in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Trump has warned of “very severe penalties, financial and otherwise” for agreement violations. The U.S. seeks access to Congo’s extensive critical mineral resources as it competes with China for natural resource control.

INDIA AND PAKISTAN

U.S. officials feared escalation when nuclear-armed India and Pakistan clashed in May following an attack in India that Delhi attributed to Islamabad.

Working with Trump, Rubio and Vance encouraged Indian and Pakistani officials to reduce tensions.

A ceasefire was declared on May 10 after four days of combat. However, it resolved few fundamental issues dividing India and Pakistan, nations that have fought three major wars since 1947 independence from the United Kingdom.

Following the ceasefire, Trump said he used trade cut threats to secure the agreement. India disputed that U.S. pressure caused the truce or that trade considerations were involved.

EGYPT AND ETHIOPIA

Egypt and Ethiopia maintain a prolonged dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo considers a national security concern and fears will threaten Nile River water access.

“We’re working on that one problem, but it’s going to get solved,” Trump stated in July.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt subsequently listed Egypt and Ethiopia among conflicts that “the president has now ended.”

Trump’s specific actions on this issue remain unclear, though he has expressed interest in bringing parties together for discussions. In public statements, Trump has largely supported Cairo’s position.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed opened the dam in September despite objections from Sudan and Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pledged to defend his nation’s interests.

SERBIA AND KOSOVO

Kosovo and Serbia maintain strained relations five years following agreements Trump negotiated with both countries during his first presidency to enhance economic connections.

Without offering evidence, Trump claimed in June he “stopped” war between the countries during his initial term and that “I will fix it, again,” in his second.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, nearly a decade after NATO bombed Serbian forces to stop ethnic Albanian killings and expulsions during a 1998-1999 counter-insurgency conflict.

Serbia continues viewing Kosovo as integral territory. No peace agreement exists between the countries.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has sought to expand government authority over the north, where approximately 50,000 ethnic Serbs reside, many refusing to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in July that during “the last few weeks,” Trump had prevented regional escalation. She provided no details, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied any impending escalation.

RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

Trump, who promised during his 2024 campaign to resolve the Ukraine war in one day, has thus far been unable to end the nearly four-year conflict that analysts estimate has caused over 1 million casualties.

“I thought this was going to be one of the easier ones,” Trump said on August 18. “It’s actually one of the most difficult.”

Trump’s peace strategy has varied from advocating for ceasefires to suggesting negotiations could continue amid ongoing combat. He imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies in October.

Recently, Trump has attempted to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy into accepting a war-ending agreement that European leaders worry would benefit Moscow and destabilize the continent. Recent discussions have shown minimal progress.

SOUTH KOREA AND NORTH KOREA

Trump has expressed desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and pursue renewed peace efforts.

“We’ll come back, and we’ll, at some point in the not-too-distant future, meet with North Korea,” Trump told reporters during an October South Korea visit.

Trump and Kim conducted three summits during Trump’s 2017-2021 presidency. They also exchanged letters Trump described as “beautiful” before the unprecedented diplomatic initiative collapsed over U.S. demands for Kim’s nuclear weapons abandonment.

North Korea has advanced with larger ballistic missiles, expanded nuclear weapons facilities, and gained regional support in subsequent years. During his second term, Trump has acknowledged North Korea as a “nuclear power.”

Kim stated in September that talks with Washington were possible if it abandoned demands for his country’s nuclear disarmament. Trump agreed to support Seoul’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarine capabilities for defense.

TAPALPA, Mexico — For decades, Maria Dolores Aguirre’s family has operated a corner shop in the picturesque mountain town of Tapalpa, relying on the steady stream of visitors drawn to its cobblestone streets in Jalisco state.

But everything changed when gunfire broke out and military helicopters circled overhead as Mexican forces killed the nation’s top drug kingpin just miles from her doorstep.

The 50-year-old shop owner now fears the violence will devastate her business and transform communities throughout western Mexico — from coastal resort areas to Guadalajara, which is set to host 2026 FIFA World Cup games this June.

“It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage,” Aguirre said. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. … The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

Battles between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Mexican military forces continued across multiple states Monday, intensifying concerns among residents like Aguirre about future violence.

Officials reported Monday that more than 70 people perished during the operation to apprehend Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and the subsequent retaliation. The criminal boss, nicknamed “El Mencho,” headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, among Mexico’s most rapidly expanding drug organizations responsible for smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States while launching bold assaults on Mexican authorities.

The White House acknowledged providing intelligence assistance for the mission to capture the cartel chief and praised Mexico’s military for eliminating one of both nations’ most sought-after fugitives. U.S. officials had posted a $15 million bounty for information leading to “El Mencho’s” capture.

Oseguera Cervantes’ elimination occurred as Mexico’s administration has intensified its campaign against drug cartels to satisfy demands from U.S. President Donald Trump for a crackdown on criminal organizations, with Trump threatening additional tariffs or unilateral military intervention without visible progress.

Mexican officials hoped eliminating one of the world’s largest fentanyl suppliers would reduce that pressure, though many citizens remained anxious about the powerful cartel’s potential response.

The drug lord was killed following a gun battle with Mexican troops Sunday. Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla explained Monday that authorities had traced one of his girlfriends to his hiding place in Tapalpa. The cartel leader and two guards escaped into nearby woods where they sustained severe injuries during the firefight. They were captured and died while being transported to Mexico City, Trevilla reported.

Following the operation, anxiety spread throughout tourist destinations.

The Pacific coast resort of Puerto Vallarta also suffered from cartel revenge attacks, alarming vacationers.

Steve Perkins, 57, was vacationing in Puerto Vallarta with his wife Gayle and friends when explosions and dark smoke began appearing across the city Sunday morning from their hotel balcony.

Their departure to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was postponed when their Monday flight was cancelled and rescheduled for March 1.

Perkins and his spouse have made yearly trips to Puerto Vallarta since 2012 and previously felt secure, but not anymore. He stated they won’t be returning to Mexico.

“There’s a lot of Americans trapped here,” Perkins said.

In Tapalpa, Aguirre continued working alongside her son at the small neighborhood store her family has operated for five decades. The 15-year-old’s school was closed because of the violence.

Aguirre said it remained uncertain whether the military or the cartel controlled the surrounding region. She also wondered if this was an isolated incident or if more bloodshed would follow.

“We don’t know if these people (cartel leaders) are permanently here or not,” she said. “If they really did kill this leader, it could be that they fight between each other to win control or see who will lead it.”

Russian security officials have opened a criminal investigation targeting Telegram’s chief executive Pavel Durov on charges related to supporting terrorist activities, according to a report from the government-controlled newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta on February 24.

The Federal Security Service is leading the probe, though Durov has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. In recent statements, Telegram has pushed back against multiple Russian accusations that the messaging platform serves as a hub for illegal activities and has been compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies.

“The actions of the head of Telegram, P. Durov, are being investigated as part of a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 (assistance to terrorist activities) of the Criminal Code of Russia,” the state newspaper reported, citing information provided by Russia’s FSB.

The messaging service, which reports having over one billion users worldwide, has not issued a statement in response to inquiries about the investigation.

Russian telecommunications regulators have already imposed limitations on Telegram’s operations within the country, claiming the company has failed to remove extremist material from its platform. The app remains widely used throughout Russia for both personal and public communications.

The Russian government has been promoting its own messaging application called MAX as an alternative, which debuted nearly twelve months ago as part of efforts to move citizens away from foreign-owned platforms.

TAIPEI — Taiwan experienced a moderate earthquake Tuesday when a 5.6 magnitude tremor hit waters off the northeastern Yilan County coastline, according to the island’s weather administration.

Buildings in Taiwan’s capital city swayed momentarily during the seismic event. Weather officials reported the earthquake originated approximately 42 miles underground.

Fire department officials determined the earthquake’s center point was located about 10.5 miles offshore from Yilan County’s main government offices.

The island nation sits at the meeting point of major tectonic plates, making earthquakes a common occurrence in the region.

Taiwan has experienced devastating seismic activity in recent decades, including a 2016 earthquake in the southern region that claimed over 100 lives and a catastrophic 7.3 magnitude quake in 1999 that resulted in more than 2,000 deaths.

BEIJING – Chinese officials announced Tuesday they are imposing trade restrictions on 40 Japanese corporations following escalating diplomatic tensions over Taiwan, the island territory that Beijing considers part of China.

The Commerce Ministry in China revealed that 20 Japanese firms will face complete prohibitions on receiving dual-use materials – products that serve both civilian and military functions – from Chinese suppliers.

Among the companies facing total bans are several arms of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that focus on shipbuilding, aircraft engine manufacturing, and maritime equipment production. Other affected businesses include branches of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fujitsu.

Chinese authorities also prohibited foreign entities and individuals from supplying China-sourced dual-use materials to these 20 corporations.

“All ongoing related activities must cease immediately,” the ministry declared in its announcement.

An additional 20 Japanese businesses were placed on a monitoring list requiring Chinese exporters to obtain special export permits, complete risk evaluations, and provide written guarantees that dual-use materials won’t reach Japan’s armed forces.

This second group includes Subaru Corporation, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, and the Institute of Science Tokyo.

China’s Commerce Ministry defended the restrictions as efforts to prevent Japan’s military expansion and nuclear development, calling them “entirely legitimate, reasonable, and legal.”

Officials emphasized the measures “are only aimed at a small number of Japanese entities, and the relevant measures only target dual-use items,” adding “They will not affect normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan, and honest and law-abiding Japanese entities have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

The restrictions stem from ongoing friction over statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested in November that Japan might take military action if China launches an assault on Taiwan.

China views Taiwan as a rebellious territory that must eventually reunite with the mainland, using military force if needed, and strongly objects to foreign government statements supporting Taiwan’s independence.

Takaichi’s political party won decisively in recent parliamentary voting, positioning her to pursue more conservative approaches to national security, immigration, and additional policy areas.

NEW DELHI – A tragic air ambulance accident in eastern India has claimed the lives of all seven individuals on board, including a patient being transported for emergency medical care along with his family members and flight crew, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The fatal incident occurred Monday when a Beechcraft C90 aircraft operated by Redbird Airways departed from Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand state. According to India’s aviation authority, the pilot contacted air traffic control requesting permission to alter the planned flight route because of adverse weather conditions.

Contact with the medical transport plane was subsequently lost, with both communication and radar tracking ending abruptly, aviation officials reported.

“We have pulled out the bodies and sent them for post-mortem and further investigation,” said Keerthishree G, the deputy commissioner of Chatra district, where the crash occurred during a thunderstorm.

The patient aboard the doomed flight, identified as Sanjay Kumar, had suffered injuries in a fire incident and was receiving medical treatment in Ranchi before his condition deteriorated, prompting the emergency transport to Delhi.

“His condition had become worse so we were taking him to Delhi by air ambulance,” said Vijay Sau, his older brother.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has deployed a specialized team to determine what caused the deadly crash. Aviation safety experts note that such investigations typically require a minimum of one year to complete, as most aircraft accidents result from multiple contributing factors.

This marks the second significant aviation tragedy in India within recent weeks. In January, a Learjet 45 charter flight crashed, resulting in five fatalities including Maharashtra state’s deputy chief minister and two staff members.

TAIPEI, Feb 24 – Taiwan’s legislative body has scheduled deliberations for next week on a massive $40 billion defense spending package that has been stalled due to opposition party resistance, drawing attention from concerned American legislators.

The enormous military expenditure was put forward last year by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te as a response to escalating Chinese military threats aimed at forcing the island nation to submit to Beijing’s territorial claims.

However, opposition parties holding a parliamentary majority have blocked consideration of the proposal, instead pushing forward their own reduced-cost alternatives that would only cover portions of the American weaponry sought by President Lai.

This month, 37 U.S. Congress members from both parties sent correspondence to top Taiwanese officials voicing worries about the legislative delays on the proposed military funding.

The governing Democratic Progressive Party, along with the primary opposition Kuomintang and the smaller Taiwan People’s Party, have now reached an agreement to place the administration’s defense proposal on the March 6 agenda, as shown in social media posts shared by legislators.

Last week, Taiwan’s parliamentary leadership issued a response to the American lawmakers’ correspondence, committing to make the defense spending measure a top priority for legislative review.

America serves as Taiwan’s primary international ally and weapons provider, even without official diplomatic recognition between the nations.

The current U.S. administration has encouraged partner countries to boost their military expenditures, a policy direction that President Lai and his administration have eagerly adopted.

Beijing has maintained its position of not ruling out military action to bring Taiwan under Chinese authority. While President Lai has consistently proposed dialogue with China, these overtures have been rejected, and he maintains that Taiwan’s citizens alone have the right to determine their nation’s destiny.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Power went out across the entire Dominican Republic on Monday, marking the Caribbean nation’s second complete electrical system failure in just three months and sparking worries about grid reliability.

The widespread outage created chaos on roadways, halted public transit services, and forced numerous businesses to shut their doors while utility workers rushed to bring the system back online.

According to the state-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company, the nation’s primary power facilities suddenly ceased operations before midday, which triggered automatic shutdowns at all remaining plants. However, Energy Minister Joel Santos reported that by mid-afternoon, approximately 30% of normal capacity had been restored.

“Essential services such as hospitals, drinking water systems, mass transit and airports are operating with their backup systems,” he said.

Santos explained that the widespread failure resulted from a malfunction in a transmission line switch, which activated the system’s protective shutdown protocols.

The previous nationwide outage that struck the Dominican Republic in November was attributed to worker error during routine maintenance on transmission lines.

Canadian officials announced Monday they are developing a support package for Cuba as the island nation faces critical fuel shortages resulting from intensified U.S. efforts to cut off oil deliveries.

The Trump administration has ramped up its pressure strategy against the Communist nation, a longtime adversary of the United States, over recent weeks.

President Trump’s government has taken steps to prevent all petroleum products from reaching Cuba, including supplies from Venezuelan sources, leading to increased costs for food and transportation while creating serious fuel shortages and extended power outages.

“We are preparing a plan to assist. We are not prepared at this point to provide any further details of an announcement,” stated Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand during Monday’s briefing, declining to specify what type of aid the assistance package would contain.

United Nations officials have cautioned that failure to address Cuba’s energy requirements could trigger a humanitarian emergency. Canadian authorities indicated last week they were closely watching Cuba’s situation and expressed worry about “the increasing risk of a humanitarian crisis” developing there.

Following the U.S. military’s capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro during a fatal operation in January, Trump has grown more confident, frequently discussing potential action against Cuba and applying pressure to its government.

Relations between Washington and Ottawa have also been strained during Trump’s presidency over various issues including trade duties, Trump’s statements regarding Greenland, Ottawa’s efforts to improve relations with Beijing, and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comments that “middle powers” should work together to prevent being dominated by U.S. influence.

Trump has declared “Cuba will be failing pretty soon,” noting that Venezuela, previously the island’s primary oil provider, has not recently delivered petroleum or financial support to Cuba.

The United Nations human rights division has declared that the U.S. operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture violated international law. Human rights analysts describe Trump’s foreign policy approach and his emphasis on accessing Venezuelan oil while pressuring Cuba as resembling imperialist tactics.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican military forces killed one of the world’s most notorious drug kingpins Sunday during an operation in western Mexico’s Jalisco state.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known by his alias ‘El Mencho,’ died when army special forces tried to apprehend him in Tapalpa, according to authorities. The 59-year-old had managed to stay largely invisible despite commanding one of Mexico’s most feared criminal enterprises for over twenty years.

The few existing photos of Oseguera Cervantes date back to his early run-ins with law enforcement in California during the 1980s and 1990s, when he faced robbery and narcotics charges.

Born as Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in the rural town of El Naranjo in Michoacan state, he later adopted the name Nemesio for reasons that remain unclear, according to Carlos Flores, who studies organized crime at the Center for Research and Higher Education in Social Anthropology. This name change led to his infamous moniker ‘El Mencho.’

As a young man, Oseguera Cervantes crossed into the United States and made California his home. His marriage connected him to the ‘Cuinis’ criminal network through his brother-in-law Abigael González Valencia, nicknamed ‘El Cuini.’

Following a three-year federal prison sentence for heroin distribution, American authorities sent Oseguera Cervantes back to Mexico. Once in Michoacan, he deepened his involvement with ‘Los Cuinis,’ a group connected to drug trafficker Armando Valencia Cornelio, known as ‘El Maradona,’ who headed the now-dissolved Milenio cartel.

During the 1990s, Oseguera Cervantes ‘was in contact with a significant organization’ that moved cocaine with Colombian suppliers and maintained connections to Sinaloa trafficking networks, Flores explained. Valencia Cornelio employed him as an armed enforcer.

Rising violence with rival factions in Michoacan forced Valencia Cornelio and González Valencia to relocate their criminal enterprise to Jalisco, where they expanded their partnership with Sinaloan drug networks.

When authorities captured Valencia Cornelio in 2003, both González Valencia’s crew and Oseguera Cervantes shifted their allegiance to Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Coronel, who handled financial operations for the Sinaloa Cartel and worked alongside Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, the former cartel boss currently imprisoned for life in the United States.

Óscar Nava Valencia assumed leadership of the Milenio organization, transforming them into muscle for the Sinaloa Cartel in their war against the brutal Zetas.

The arrest of Nava Valencia in 2009, followed by Coronel’s death at the hands of Mexican forces a year later, created internal fractures that demonstrated how eliminating cartel leadership often spawns new criminal groups. Oseguera Cervantes aligned with Erik Valencia Salazar, called ‘El 85,’ to establish the Jalisco New Generation Cartel around 2009.

Within less than twenty years, Oseguera Cervantes built a massive criminal empire employing thousands of operatives. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports the organization maintains operations across 21 of Mexico’s 32 states, while Mexican officials claim the cartel functions in 36 nations worldwide.

Flores credits this explosive expansion to several elements, particularly security strategies under former President Enrique Peña Nieto that damaged the Sinaloa Cartel, including Guzmán’s final arrest and transfer to American custody. These developments created opportunities for the Jalisco organization to fill the void.

American authorities took notice of the cartel’s rapid growth, placing Oseguera Cervantes on their most wanted fugitive list in May 2016. The U.S. State Department initially posted a $10 million bounty for information leading to his capture in 2018, later increasing it to $15 million in 2024. Former President Donald Trump classified the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and five other Mexican trafficking organizations as foreign terrorist groups last year.

Despite having only a basic education, Oseguera Cervantes possessed the cunning and strategic thinking necessary to construct an organization that secured backing from local and federal corruption while expanding beyond drug smuggling into extortion, property investment, fuel theft and various other illegal enterprises, Flores noted.

His violent end highlighted what Flores described as his ‘capacity for violent action’ that enabled him to construct his criminal kingdom.

SEOUL, South Korea — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is challenging his life prison sentence after being found guilty of rebellion for his short-lived martial law declaration in December 2024, according to his legal representatives on Tuesday.

The imprisoned conservative politician showed defiance after his conviction at Seoul Central District Court last week, describing the ruling as illogical and claiming his decisions were “solely for the sake of the nation and our people.” He also alleged judicial bias against him.

Yoon’s attorneys stated in a text message that they plan to challenge what they consider “errors in fact-finding and misinterpretations of the law” from Thursday’s verdict. The appeal will go before a special panel at Seoul High Court, created under December legislation to handle rebellion, treason, and foreign subversion cases.

“We will never be silent about what we view as an excessive indictment by a special prosecutor, the contradictory judgment rendered by the lower court based on that premise, and its political circumstances,” his defense team declared.

The martial law order, issued late on December 3, 2024, remained in effect for approximately six hours before legislators fought past armed military personnel and police surrounding the National Assembly. They successfully voted to reverse the decree, compelling his administration to withdraw the measure.

Following his impeachment by the opposition-controlled parliament, Yoon lost his presidential powers on December 14, 2024, and was officially removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. After being detained again in July, he now confronts eight separate criminal proceedings related to the martial law incident and additional charges, with rebellion carrying the most severe penalty.

Despite its brief duration, Yoon’s emergency declaration created South Korea’s most serious political upheaval in decades, freezing government operations and diplomatic activities while destabilizing financial markets. The crisis subsided only after his liberal opponent Lee Jae Myung secured victory in an emergency presidential contest last June.

Yoon has defended his martial law announcement as a lawful and essential governance measure against opposition legislators, characterizing them as “anti-state” elements who were crippling government functions through impeachments of senior officials, budget reductions, and legislative obstruction.

However, Seoul Central District Court determined that Yoon’s conduct constituted organizing a rebellion, concluding he deployed military forces and law enforcement in an illegal attempt to control the legislature, detain political adversaries, and establish unlimited authority for an extended period.

The special prosecutor investigating Yoon’s rebellion charges had requested capital punishment, arguing he warranted the maximum legal penalty due to the danger his actions created for the nation’s democratic system. After last week’s decision, investigation team member Jang Woo-sung suggested they might appeal, citing unspecified concerns about certain court findings and the sentence’s severity.

South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, reflecting what many consider an unofficial halt to capital punishment amid growing public support for its elimination.

Yoon becomes the first former South Korean president to receive life imprisonment since deceased military ruler Chun Doo-hwan, who received a death sentence in 1996 for his 1979 military takeover, the deadly 1980 suppression of democracy advocates in Gwangju that killed or disappeared over 200 people, and corruption. The Supreme Court later commuted Chun’s sentence to life imprisonment, and he was freed in late 1997 through a special presidential clemency.

A senior Ukrainian official announced Monday that diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict could resume before the weekend concludes.

Kyrylo Budanov, who serves as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, indicated to Ukrainian news outlets that discussions may occur within days. Multiple diplomatic sessions have already taken place in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, with participation from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, as Washington works toward ending the conflict that began with Moscow’s invasion in 2022 and has now stretched into its fourth year.

When reporters questioned Budanov about timing for upcoming negotiations, he responded: “I think at the end of the week, this week.”

According to statements released by the president’s office, Budanov acknowledged the challenging nature of the diplomatic process while expressing optimism. “It is no secret that the negotiations are not easy, but we are definitely moving forward and approaching the moment when all sides will need to make final decisions — whether to continue this war or transition to peace,” he stated.

Beyond peace discussions, Budanov revealed that a prisoner exchange between the two nations might also occur within the coming days. He suggested this swap could surpass the scale of the most recent exchange, where both countries returned 157 prisoners of war each, though he declined to specify exact numbers.

Regarding Russia’s behavior during diplomatic sessions, Budanov described their approach as “restrained, polite and professional.”

“They behave in a completely diplomatically correct manner; it’s also clear to everyone that we have different positions,” he explained to media representatives.

While Ukraine continues pursuing arrangements for a direct meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, Budanov characterized such a summit as “very difficult” to organize at this time, despite his country “doing everything” to make it happen.

KYIV, Ukraine — Four years into the conflict with Russia, Ukrainian citizens continue to endure tremendous hardship while maintaining their determination. They’ve suffered the loss of family members, physical injuries, destroyed homes, and shattered careers, yet their spirit remains unbroken. These are their personal accounts, with nearly all individuals holding photographs captured by family or friends prior to Russia’s comprehensive military assault.

Khimion spent her life immersed in ballroom dancing from childhood, eventually becoming a certified international judge and operating her own dance academy in Sloviansk within the Donetsk area. Her days revolved around competitions and instruction rather than combat.

“We believed that the world was beautiful and kind,” she said.

Today she serves as a marksman in Ukraine’s military forces. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded over her military green uniform as she stood in woodland outside Kyiv. While her spouse enlisted immediately and encouraged her to wait, she explained, “but once I decide something, it’s very hard to turn me from that path.”

Following training in Europe and service with multiple units, she eventually reached frontline duty. “Sniping is a very creative profession, and I’m a creative person,” she said. “At the same time, it’s very mathematical, and I love math.”

The mother of two adult sons hopes they won’t face the same military obligation.

Osypenko and her welder husband Oleksandr were parenting their son Davyd in northern Ukraine’s Chernihiv while hoping to expand their family. Their second son Hlib arrived in 2020.

Oksana, who worked as a high school educator, described the feeling as “New breath of life, new plans, a fresh start.” The couple accumulated savings for better housing while making future plans.

However, on March 3, 2022, a Russian aerial bombardment of Chernihiv claimed multiple lives, including Oleksandr, who was serving with local defense forces. His family didn’t learn of his death for over two weeks and found the news difficult to accept.

“I lived for about a year and a half with the feeling that he might walk through the door,” Oksana said.

Now 5 years old, Hlib has spent more time without his father than with him. “He seems to be starting to understand that his father isn’t there anymore,” his mother said.

Prior to the conflict, Liliia focused on dance and theatrical performance. She connected with her partner Bohdan through a dating application in January 2019. “I didn’t think it would turn into anything really serious,” she recalled.

Bohdan had joined the Azov Brigade voluntarily in 2015 to fight Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. When Russia began its comprehensive offensive in 2022, he responded immediately before being taken prisoner.

Late last year, a Russian tribunal sentenced Bohdan to 18 years imprisonment.

“It’s a constant fear for someone you love, for his life above all, and for his health, which is deteriorating every day in captivity, in inhumane conditions,” said Liliia, who withheld her surname for safety reasons.

She participates in weekly demonstrations supporting imprisoned soldiers in Kyiv.

“It’s hard for me to function and to give people beauty on stage while dancing in the theater when inside I feel empty,” she said.

Knysh was 16 when he stepped outside his Selydove apartment in the Donetsk area at sunrise on Feb. 24, 2022, as Russian military began their major offensive. He described the sky as ominous and troubling.

“I was feeling defenseless and powerless,” he recalled.

At 20, he’s now a war veteran. In February 2024, he enlisted in Ukraine’s military following family disputes over his pro-Ukrainian stance in an area where some locals favor Russia.

A drone strike in the Kharkiv area wounded him last October, resulting in the loss of both arms and legs.

During recovery and preparation for prosthetic treatment in America, he maintains his spirits through dark comedy, recites Ukrainian poetry, and stresses the value of understanding history.

“There are moments when it really overwhelms you, when you start thinking about ending your life,” he said. “But I realize that maybe fate has its own plans.”

Nehoda and his spouse Antonina spent approximately two decades trying to conceive before their daughter Adelina was born healthy last April.

They frequently visited the home constructed by Nehoda’s grandfather following World War II in Pohreby village near Kyiv. The location appeared more secure than the capital, and Nehoda’s parents could assist Antonina with childcare.

A Russian Shahed drone hit their house in the early hours of Oct. 22. Nehoda’s wife, their 6-month-old daughter, and his niece were in the targeted room. All three perished.

“If it had hit half a meter to the side, they would all be alive,” said Nehoda, who had remained in Kyiv that evening.

He describes living dual existences — one filled with memories and another focused on rebuilding. The challenge is significant.

“I’m not in my twenties anymore,” he said.

Khmelnytskyi previously managed customer service calls for large delivery companies. On Feb. 24, 2022, morning, he accessed the work platform to find no other employees online. Explosions had already occurred near his Kyiv-area town, though he had slept through them.

He initially tried to enlist but was rejected due to lack of military experience. Later, a friend informed him about a position with the State Emergency Service.

Currently, Khmelnytskyi serves as a sergeant with an emergency response team, primarily addressing missile and drone attacks. He says the work has toughened him. Initially fearful of walking on unstable wreckage, experience gradually replaced his apprehension.

He maintains constant readiness, keeping his phone beneath his pillow while sleeping. Sometimes he rests in vehicles between duties. Even during time off, he can be summoned within an hour.

“The hardest thing is that this becomes normal,” he said, adding: “No Ukrainian likes this. People are tired. Tired — but holding on.”

Shytik and her 78-year-old husband Viktor had established their lives in Vuhledar within the Donetsk region. He worked construction at a coal facility while she handled accounting duties.

On Feb. 24, 2022, Shytik was tending her garden when a low-altitude aircraft flew overhead. Artillery bombardment soon followed. Trees were uprooted from the earth. She and her husband took shelter underground for almost a month before evacuating with only identification papers in a plastic container. Their residence was subsequently destroyed by fire.

The pair has relocated nine times. One Kyiv apartment sustained damage during a missile attack in October 2022, injuring them and their daughter with flying debris.

They currently occupy subsidized housing near Kyiv, where they’ve resided for two of their allotted five years. Their future destination remains uncertain.

“At first I couldn’t bear it,” Shytik said regarding their displacement. She eventually compelled herself to concentrate on her daughters and grandson.

“But we will live,” she added, smiling. “We are not going to die.”

MOSCOW – A suicide bombing targeting law enforcement officers in Russia’s capital left one police officer dead and two others wounded in the early morning hours Tuesday, according to Russian authorities.

The incident unfolded shortly after midnight in downtown Moscow, near the Savyolovsky Train Station, as reported by the Interior Ministry’s Moscow division.

Officials say an unknown individual walked up to a traffic enforcement patrol car and set off an explosive, instantly killing one officer while sending two colleagues to the hospital with injuries.

Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened an investigation into the bombing but has not released the identity of the perpetrator or provided any details about what may have motivated the attack.

The timing of the assault coincides with the four-year mark since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military forces into Ukraine.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday he will embark on a multi-nation diplomatic mission to India, Australia and Japan over the next two weeks as part of his strategy to reduce his country’s economic reliance on the United States.

The prime minister’s first stop will be Mumbai on Thursday, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet with business executives.

Carney’s itinerary includes a historic address to Australia’s Parliament in Canberra, marking the first time a Canadian leader has spoken to both legislative chambers in two decades. He will also hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese focusing on defense cooperation and artificial intelligence developments.

The diplomatic tour concludes in Tokyo, where Carney plans to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to explore partnerships in renewable energy, essential minerals and food security initiatives.

“In a more uncertain world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are diversifying our trade and attracting massive new investment,” Carney said in a statement.

The Canadian leader has established an ambitious objective to double his nation’s exports to countries other than the United States within ten years, citing concerns that American trade barriers are deterring investment.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Canada’s economy and independence through tariff threats, including controversial suggestions that Canada should become “the 51st state.”

Trump has recently warned of imposing 100% tariffs on Canadian imports in response to Canada’s potential trade agreement with China, escalating tensions with the longtime North American ally and Carney personally.

During last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney criticized economic bullying tactics used by major powers against smaller nations. His remarks garnered significant international praise and media attention, overshadowing Trump’s presence at the event.

Canada and India have worked to rebuild their trade relationship over the past year following a two-year period of diplomatic tensions. India currently ranks as Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner as of 2024.

The relationship between the two nations deteriorated after Canadian law enforcement officials alleged that New Delhi was involved in the June 2023 killing of a Canadian Sikh activist near Vancouver.

Canada is not alone in making such accusations against Indian officials regarding foreign assassination plots.

U.S. federal prosecutors revealed in 2023 that an Indian government representative orchestrated an unsuccessful attempt to kill another Sikh separatist leader in New York. Earlier this month, an Indian national pleaded guilty to conspiring to hire an assassin to carry out the planned killing of the Sikh separatist leader.

MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials dispatched 2,000 additional military personnel to Jalisco state on Monday as violence erupted following the capture and killing of the nation’s top-priority cartel boss.

The military reinforcements were sent to the western Mexican state after authorities apprehended and killed Nemesio Oseguera, who went by the alias “El Mencho” and was considered Mexico’s most wanted cartel leader.

The troop deployment represents the government’s response to unrest that broke out in Jalisco following Oseguera’s death while in custody.

PANAMA CITY – Panama officially ended more than two decades of port operations by a Hong Kong-based company on Monday, transferring temporary control of two vital Panama Canal terminals to major international shipping firms.

The country’s Supreme Court ruling, now published in Panama’s official record, officially terminated the port agreements held by Panama Ports Company, a division of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison. The decision clears the path for new operators to manage the Balboa and Cristobal terminals.

Panama’s Maritime Authority has assumed control of both facilities through government decree to maintain continuous operations, according to Alberto Aleman Zubieta, who leads the technical committee managing the transition process.

The government announced Monday afternoon that it has authorized two interim operating agreements with the Maritime Authority, each running up to 18 months. APM Terminals Panama, owned by Maersk, will manage the Balboa facility, while TIL Panama, connected to Mediterranean Shipping Company, will oversee Cristobal operations.

President Jose Raul Mulino described the interim agreements as “a legitimate tool that respects asset ownership.”

“Let me be clear, this does not imply an expropriation of those assets, but rather their use to ensure the operation of the ports until their real value is determined for the corresponding actions. I repeat, this is not an expropriation,” Mulino stated during a Monday afternoon television broadcast.

Earlier this month, Mulino had indicated the government would proceed with formalizing arrangements with APM Terminals Panama to oversee the ports once the court decision became legally enforceable.

Mulino explained the temporary setup will continue while Panama creates a new “competitive” bidding process for future port management, “with the humility not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

The president assured that neither port functions nor jobs would be disrupted during the transition period.

Maersk has not yet provided a response regarding the development.

“The moment the official gazette publishes the court’s ruling, Panama Ports loses control of the ports,” political observer Jose Stoute had predicted before the official publication.

The January court decision emerges during intensifying competition between the United States and China over international shipping lanes and represents a victory for Washington’s interests.

President Donald Trump has actively worked to limit Chinese control over the Panama Canal, a waterway that handles approximately 5% of worldwide maritime commerce.

PARIS – France has prohibited US Ambassador Charles Kushner from conducting meetings with French government officials following his failure to appear at a scheduled Foreign Ministry appointment on Monday, according to diplomatic sources.

The ambassador had been called to the ministry to address statements made by the US Embassy regarding last week’s death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque. A diplomatic source explained the situation: “Following the publication by the U.S. Embassy of comments on a tragedy that occurred in France and concerns only our national public debate – which we refuse to allow to be exploited – ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned today to the ministry. He did not show up.”

Deranque died after being attacked during a confrontation with suspected far-left activists in an incident that has deeply disturbed France. Some have compared it to “France’s Charlie Kirk moment,” referencing the shooting of the American conservative activist last year.

The American Embassy in France and the State Department’s counterterrorism office issued statements on social media platform X, declaring they were tracking the situation and cautioning that “violent radical leftism was on the rise” and represented a threat to public safety.

French officials expressed their displeasure with what they viewed as inappropriate interference. “Faced with this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of an ambassador who has the honour of representing his country, the minister requested that he no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government,” the diplomatic source stated.

This marks the second occasion Kushner has ignored a French government summons. Previously, in August 2025, he was called to provide explanations at the Foreign Ministry after publicly expressing concerns about increasing antisemitic incidents in France and condemning French officials for insufficient action against such acts.

MEXICO CITY – A daring military strike that eliminated Mexico’s top cartel kingpin has become President Claudia Sheinbaum’s most significant gamble since taking office, as she escalates her administration’s battle against the nation’s most dangerous criminal organizations.

Mexican forces executed a surprise assault Sunday targeting Nemesio Oseguera, better known as “El Mencho,” who commanded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The criminal organization, abbreviated as CJNG in Spanish, had grown into Mexico’s largest and most violent syndicate, surpassing even the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in geographic influence.

U.S. officials had placed a $15 million reward on Oseguera’s head, and the crime boss had successfully avoided capture across several American and Mexican presidential terms.

Sunday’s operation – representing Mexico’s most significant security action in over ten years – could signal a turning point in the nation’s ongoing cartel conflict.

American intelligence agencies assisted in the mission, as Washington has intensified pressure on Sheinbaum to strengthen anti-cartel efforts. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of potential unilateral U.S. military intervention in Mexico.

The successful raid allowed Sheinbaum to demonstrate to Washington that Mexico can execute complex operations against top criminals without requiring American ground forces. However, domestically, the action threatens to generate public opposition if it leads to uncontrolled violence.

“It was a huge bet to go against the most powerful criminal group in the country,” stated David Mora from the International Crisis Group in Mexico. “The stakes are really high.”

Mexico’s presidential office declined to provide comment on the matter.

DEPARTING FROM PREVIOUS STRATEGY

Oseguera’s followers responded with widespread revenge attacks Sunday that revealed the extensive territorial control of their criminal network through destructive displays.

Cartel members burned vehicles and commercial properties while establishing over 250 roadblocks across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, with violence extending from the American border to Guatemala’s frontier, Mexican officials reported.

Authorities had cleared most blockades by Monday morning, though the violent outbursts renewed concerns among citizens exhausted by nearly twenty years of brutal cartel warfare.

These political dangers pose particular challenges for Sheinbaum, whose leftist MORENA party gained control in 2018 largely due to Mexican frustration with the drug conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and disappearances.

Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador focused on addressing poverty and violence’s underlying causes through social initiatives, adopting the motto “hugs not bullets.” However, opponents argue his strategy enabled groups like CJNG to strengthen territorial control and diversify into numerous criminal enterprises, ranging from avocado producer extortion to sophisticated fuel trafficking operations.

Although Sheinbaum has generally continued Lopez Obrador’s political direction, Oseguera’s elimination marks her clear departure from her predecessor’s security approach, according to Jeronimo Mohar, who leads Aleph risk analytics firm.

U.S. officials immediately praised the mission. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Sunday that the Trump administration “commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”

Nevertheless, Trump maintained pressure on Sheinbaum Monday, posting on social media: “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”

EXPANDING THE CONFLICT?

Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, Mexico has experienced significant homicide rate reductions, though analysts wonder whether post-raid violence might reverse this improvement.

Mexican security specialist Carlos Perez Ricart explained that declining murder statistics partly resulted from CJNG establishing territorial monopolies in various regions. The leader’s death could destabilize this arrangement.

Unlike conventional cartels, CJNG operates through a franchise model – Perez Ricart likened it to Mexico’s widespread Oxxo convenience store network – with numerous smaller organizations functioning under CJNG branding. Following Oseguera’s elimination, some semi-independent groups might change loyalties, noted Carlos Olivo, a former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent and CJNG specialist.

Mexican leadership must now determine whether to launch comprehensive operations against CJNG while already conducting year-long campaigns against the established Sinaloa Cartel. Mexico has positioned hundreds of soldiers in Sinaloa state, yet violent incidents continue, including January’s kidnapping of ten Canadian mining company employees.

Matthew Smith, former Joint Task Force North commander experienced in Mexican anti-cartel missions, questioned the military’s capacity to simultaneously wage intensive campaigns against both Sinaloa and CJNG organizations.

“The Mexican military couldn’t seize and hold terrain when they were fighting only the Sinaloa Cartel. There’s no way they could do it with both,” Smith explained.

The Brazilian government announced Monday it will cancel a controversial policy that would have expanded privatization of Amazon waterways, following the takeover of a major grain shipping facility by Indigenous demonstrators.

Indigenous groups had occupied a Cargill grain terminal on the Tapajos River over the weekend, bringing operations at the Santarem port facility in Para state to a halt. The demonstrators had been protesting outside the terminal for several weeks before moving inside the facility.

The protesters opposed an August government decree that they said would lead to increased dredging of Amazon rivers including the Tapajos. They argued such operations would damage water quality and threaten the fishing that provides their primary food source. The waterways are crucial shipping routes for soybeans, corn and other agricultural products heading to international markets.

Guilherme Boulos, who heads Brazil’s presidential secretariat, confirmed the policy reversal while explaining the protesters’ concerns. “Indigenous people have been demonstrating for more than 30 days, questioning the decree and pointing out the effects it could have on their communities,” Boulos stated.

Demonstrators at the Cargill terminal cheered when they learned of the announcement, according to witnesses. However, a local Indigenous leader said the group would continue occupying the facility until the government officially publishes the decree’s cancellation in the federal register.

Cargill has not yet provided a statement regarding the situation at their Santarem terminal.

A Venezuelan government official announced Monday that approximately 2,200 individuals have been freed from the country’s prison system following the launch of a new amnesty program.

Jorge Arreaza, who heads the commission responsible for overseeing the amnesty law’s implementation, confirmed the prisoner releases. The legislation officially went into effect this past Friday.

Arreaza serves as the chairman of the monitoring body established to track how the new law is being carried out across Venezuela’s correctional facilities.

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Officials in Peru announced Monday the recovery of two bodies – a father and his son – who perished when heavy rainfall in the nation’s southern region caused deadly mudslides that have impacted approximately 5,500 residences and prompted mass evacuations.

The tragic deaths occurred when the pair were caught in a landslide within Arequipa city, in an area where houses were constructed directly on top of a historic natural waterway. Experts note these residences sit on a route that has channeled rushing water for hundreds of years whenever intense rainfall occurs.

Local officials in Arequipa are urging the nation’s interim president to issue an emergency declaration for their region. Regional Governor Dr. Rohel Sánchez Sánchez has announced the establishment of numerous emergency shelters throughout the Arequipa area. He also reported that both the National Institute of Civil Defense and Arequipa’s regional administration have begun distributing emergency supplies including food and temporary housing.

Weather experts attribute the recent weeks of torrential downpours to the El Niño Costero weather pattern.

Officials report that Pacific Ocean temperatures are rising, with El Niño Costero projected to intensify somewhat during March. The elevated ocean temperatures create higher evaporation levels and severe precipitation, along with swollen river systems.

Two fatalities resulted from a bombing incident that occurred during the early morning hours Tuesday outside a railway station in Moscow, according to statements from Russian law enforcement officials.

The deadly blast at Savyolovsky station in central Moscow claimed the lives of both a police officer and the individual suspected of carrying out the attack, Russian news agencies reported citing police sources.

According to law enforcement officials, surveillance video revealed that a suspect had approached a police vehicle stationed outside the railway terminal and positioned an explosive device at that location.

The incident also left two additional officers with injuries from the blast. Authorities have not provided any details regarding the motive behind the attack or circumstances that may have led to the incident.

The United States Ambassador to Chile stood firm Monday in supporting recently imposed visa restrictions targeting three senior Chilean government officials, characterizing the decision as America’s sovereign authority to control border access.

Ambassador Brandon Judd addressed the diplomatic tensions arising after the Trump administration implemented travel prohibitions against the officials over their purported participation in actions that Washington claims have jeopardized regional stability. Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz is among those facing sanctions.

“It’s our sovereign right to take actions when we feel that the region’s security is being threatened,” Judd stated during a Santiago press briefing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the penalties Friday, alleging the three officials engaged in “activities that compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure and eroded regional security.” This statement appears to reference a proposed underwater fiber optic cable project, currently under review, that would establish communications links between Chile and China.

Chilean authorities confirmed Muñoz was targeted by the sanctions but declined to reveal the identities of the remaining two officials.

The ambassador maintained that Washington pursued all diplomatic channels before implementing sanctions, asserting that despite explicit concerns about the submarine cable initiative, Chilean leadership failed to offer adequate transparency.

The American action has triggered fierce backlash from Chile’s leftist administration. President Gabriel Boric criticized the decision, alleging the Trump government made “indeterminate accusations” and imposed “unilateral sanctions” that violate Chilean independence.

Boric, scheduled to transfer authority to far-right leader José Antonio Kast within two weeks, has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken regional opponents.

When questioned about the heated Chilean government response, the US ambassador insisted America poses “no threats.” “We are not making any threats. What we have strictly told you all the time is that everything we do depends upon communication and security,” he explained.

Without identifying particular nations, Judd contended that “there are many malicious actors in this region that want to cause harm, not just to this region and to Chile, but to the United States as well.”

Chilean-American relations have significantly worsened during Trump’s second presidency. Boric has launched harsh attacks against his American counterpart, describing the Republican’s governing approach as resembling a “new emperor.”

Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Boric while embracing Kast’s forthcoming presidency after his decisive December electoral triumph.

“We look forward to working with the new government to provide what the Chilean people demanded,” Judd commented.

SANTO DOMINGO – Electricity vanished across the Dominican Republic on Monday morning after a catastrophic breakdown in the country’s electrical transmission system, government officials announced, marking the Caribbean nation’s second complete power failure in three months.

The widespread outage brought traffic to a standstill, crippled public transportation networks, and forced numerous businesses to close their doors while utility crews rushed to restore electrical service nationwide.

Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos revealed during a news briefing that the electrical system collapsed around 10:50 a.m. due to a malfunctioning transmission line switch that activated protective shutdowns throughout the grid.

“From the very first moment, the established protocols for this situation were activated, with the goal of restoring the system as quickly as possible,” Santos told the press.

According to the government-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company, the nation’s primary power generation facilities unexpectedly reduced their output before noon, creating a cascade effect that shut down additional power plants across the system.

Santos reported that by the middle of the afternoon, electrical crews had managed to restore approximately 30% of the grid’s normal operating capacity.

Critical infrastructure including medical facilities, water treatment plants, public transportation systems, and airports continued operating through emergency backup power systems, Santos confirmed.

Electrical service interruptions occur frequently throughout the Caribbean island nation, which previously suffered a similar country-wide power failure in November.

MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials revealed Monday that tracking one of his romantic relationships ultimately led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the feared boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel who went by “El Mencho.”

Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla announced that the high-stakes military mission on Sunday, supported by American intelligence, concluded when elite troops discovered Oseguera Cervantes “hiding in the undergrowth” within his native Jalisco state. Following multiple firefights, eight gunmen lost their lives while the drug kingpin and two personal guards sustained injuries. All three were detained but succumbed to their wounds during transport to Mexico City, according to Trevilla.

The total death count from the operation and subsequent violence exceeded 70 individuals, encompassing military personnel, alleged cartel operatives, and civilians.

Mexican and American law enforcement had pursued “El Mencho” for years, with multiple warrants pending in both nations for organized crime and narcotics trafficking charges.

This breakthrough came when military intelligence officers identified and monitored a close companion of one woman linked romantically to Oseguera Cervantes. This associate accompanied the woman to Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Friday for a rendezvous with the crime boss. Trevilla explained that pinpointing his exact whereabouts was made possible through “very important additional information” supplied by U.S. intelligence agencies.

After the woman departed following an overnight stay with “El Mencho,” special operations teams completed their tactical preparations, having verified his presence in the region alongside armed protection.

Mexican army and National Guard forces created a perimeter on the ground while six helicopters and backup special forces units positioned themselves in neighboring states around Jalisco.

Air Force assets provided additional reconnaissance and aerial support, Trevilla reported. The assault commenced before dawn Sunday after confirming his location. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum received continuous updates throughout the mission while traveling in northern Mexico.

Gen. Trevilla characterized the criminals’ reaction as exceptionally brutal.

During the battle, he reported that “El Mencho” tried escaping with two bodyguards while a heavily armed faction stayed behind to delay military progress. The on-site casualty count reached eight, four higher than Sunday’s initial reports.

Confiscated weapons included two rocket launchers, one matching the type the CJNG employed in 2015 to bring down a military helicopter. That 2015 incident marked a dark turning point, demonstrating the cartel’s willingness to engage Mexican forces with devastating, military-grade firepower.

Oseguera Cervantes sought refuge in a forested area scattered with small structures near Tapalpa’s edges. Despite the criminals possessing rocket launchers, Trevilla observed they failed to use them effectively. Special forces ultimately “located him hiding in the undergrowth,” sparking another fierce battle that wounded “El Mencho” and his two guards.

Amid the violence, a military helicopter made an emergency landing after taking gunfire, leading to two arrests at the location. Three soldiers suffered injuries during the engagement.

After securing the area, the cartel leader and his guards were placed aboard a helicopter for urgent medical transport. However, Trevilla confirmed their deaths during the flight, stating they were already in “critical condition.”

The flight path was then altered. Rather than touching down in Jalisco’s capital, the remains were transported to Mexico City to prevent potential violent revenge by the criminal organization.

Approximately 100 kilometers west of Tapalpa, a logistics and financial operative identified only as “El Tuli” allegedly promised gunmen 20,000 pesos — more than $1,000 — for each soldier eliminated, Trevilla stated.

The defense minister also identified “El Tuli” — reportedly Oseguera’s second-in-command — as the architect behind numerous roadblocks, arson incidents, and attacks on government facilities throughout Jalisco state.

Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that Jalisco experienced the worst violence, with fatalities including 25 National Guard personnel, one prison worker, one prosecutor’s office staff member, and one presumed civilian woman, plus 30 suspected criminals.

In adjacent Michoacán, four additional gunmen perished while 15 security officers sustained wounds.

A paratrooper rifle unit hunted down “El Tuli” and eliminated him in a gunfight, recovering various firearms and nearly $1.4 million in combined American and Mexican currency. Nevertheless, cartel retaliation persisted across several Mexican states.

American officials have directed non-essential government employees and eligible family members to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, following increased security threats throughout the Middle East region.

The State Department announced the evacuation Monday, explaining their decision in an official statement: “The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from US Embassy Beirut.” Officials further stated: “We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel.”

This diplomatic withdrawal coincides with a massive American military deployment throughout the region. Current U.S. naval forces include destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea (two vessels), Red Sea (one vessel), and Persian Gulf (four vessels). The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its four accompanying destroyers are positioned in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier arrived in Mediterranean waters Friday with its escort ships.

According to Axios reporting Tuesday, American forces have deployed over 50 fighter aircraft to Middle Eastern locations within the last day, as confirmed by a U.S. official. Flight tracking services documented F-16, F-22, and F-35 warplanes heading toward the region as part of the expanded air and sea presence near Iran.

These security measures occur while Washington prepares for nuclear negotiations with Iran scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. However, The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump is evaluating potential limited military action against Iran designed to force Tehran’s compliance with nuclear agreement terms.

The newspaper’s reporting indicates initial strike options would focus specifically on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, ballistic missile installations, or components of Iran’s nuclear program. Should these targeted operations prove unsuccessful, the administration is reportedly considering a broader military campaign later this year designed to remove Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power.

The Israeli Defense Forces and law enforcement officials are looking into allegations that Jewish settlers torched the Abu Bakr al-Taddiq Mosque in the Arab community of Tel, located near Nablus in the West Bank, according to reports from both Palestinian and Israeli sources on Monday.

According to reports, the perpetrators also spray-painted the words “revenge” and “price tag” on the mosque walls after starting the blaze.

The Palestinian Authority’s Religious Affairs Ministry described the incident through the PA-controlled news agency WAFA as a “nationalistic attack.”

In response to the incident, the IDF issued the following statement: “The IDF strongly condemns such incidents, including harm to religious institutions, and will continue to act resolutely to maintain security and order in the region.”

The PA ministry highlighted an increasing pattern of attacks on Islamic religious facilities, claiming that 45 mosques have been targeted in 2025, which they attribute to what they termed a “protection of the occupation.”

In a separate incident also occurring Monday, Israeli forces detained four teenagers suspected of planning an assault on military personnel in Karmiel, according to Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet. The security agency stated in their announcement that the suspects had “conspired to carry out an attack targeting soldiers in Karmiel” and noted that several of the individuals had undergone training and received instructions for executing their planned operation.

GENEVA (AP) — A senior American arms control official on Monday released what he described as newly declassified information about a suspected Chinese underground nuclear test from nearly six years ago, calling on the international community to pressure Beijing and Moscow toward greater nuclear disarmament efforts.

Christopher Yeaw, who serves as assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, addressed a United Nations-supported forum following this month’s expiration of the final nuclear weapons agreement between America and Russia. The treaty’s end has removed restrictions on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, sparking fears of a renewed arms competition.

Yeaw demanded increased openness from China while highlighting weaknesses in the expired New START agreement, including its failure to cover Russia’s extensive collection of tactical nuclear weapons — estimated at up to 2,000 warheads.

“But perhaps its greatest flaw was that New START did not account for the unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup by China,” he told the U.N.-backed Conference on Disarmament.

According to Yeaw, Beijing “has deliberately, and without constraint, massively expanded its nuclear arsenal” contrary to its public statements. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding China’s ultimate objectives or “endpoint.”

“We believe China may achieve parity within the next four or five years,” he said.

China has resisted any limitations on its smaller yet expanding nuclear stockpile and continues to deny conducting such nuclear testing.

Yeaw held discussions Monday with Russian representatives and planned to meet with Chinese and additional delegations Tuesday in Geneva. American officials have already conducted multiple sessions with allies, including nuclear powers France and Britain.

During his remarks, Yeaw referenced a blast registered at China’s Lop Nur underground facility in the western region as a 2.75 magnitude seismic occurrence on June 22, 2020, according to data gathered from an international monitoring network station in nearby Kazakhstan.

“It was a probable explosion based upon comparisons between historic explosions and earthquakes,” he said. “The seismic signals were indicative of a single fire explosion, not typical of mining explosions.”

Yeaw stated that China has made monitoring its testing operations “difficult” for the global community and that during negotiations, Beijing refused to permit seismic monitoring equipment at distances comparable to what America allows near its Nevada test facility.

China’s representative to the conference responded Monday that Beijing “resolutely rejects the unfounded accusations” from the US and criticized the “continued distortion and smearing of China’s nuclear policy by certain countries.”

“The U.S. accusation that China conducted a nuclear explosion test is completely unfounded and is merely a pretext for resuming its own nuclear testing,” Ambassador Jian Shen said. “The U.S.’s practice of smearing other countries to evade international arms control obligations seriously damages its own international standing.”

President Donald Trump indicated in October America’s intentions to restart nuclear testing for the first time since 1992, though Energy Secretary Chris Wright subsequently clarified such tests would not involve nuclear detonations.

During his initial presidency, Trump unsuccessfully attempted to establish a three-nation nuclear agreement including China.

Following the New START treaty’s expiration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated America was “pursuing all avenues” to achieve Trump’s “desire for a world with fewer of these awful weapons,” while emphasizing Washington would not remain passive as Russia and China build up their nuclear capabilities.

“Since 2020, China has increased its nuclear weapons stockpile from the low 200s to more than 600 and is on pace to have more than 1,000 warheads by 2030,” Rubio wrote on Substack this month.

America has indicated willingness to explore various diplomatic approaches to address the issue — whether through bilateral discussions, small group negotiations, or broader international talks.

“We are looking to all of you to help encourage nuclear-weapon states like China and Russia to engage meaningfully in a multilateral process,” Yeaw told the conference, which includes approximately 65 nations addressing nuclear, biological and chemical weapons issues.

Shen emphasized that China has continuously backed the objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, “always adhered” to commitments by the five nuclear weapon states to halt nuclear testing and “never” participated in activities violating the agreement.

He also noted that Beijing, despite its recent extensive military expansion, maintains a smaller nuclear arsenal than America or Russia and called it “unfair, unreasonable and unfeasible” to expect China to participate in three-way nuclear arms control discussions.

“China’s nuclear arsenal is not on the same scale as the country with the largest nuclear arsenal, and the strategic security environment faced by China’s nuclear policy is completely different from that of the U.S.,” Shen said.

GALAXIDI, Greece — A coastal Greek community transformed into a chaotic battlefield of flying flour Monday as locals and tourists engaged in their traditional celebration marking the beginning of the Lenten season.

The main waterfront street in Galaxidi became covered in a rainbow of colored flour as participants hurled bags of the dyed powder at one another during the annual festivities. Town residents and numerous visitors enthusiastically joined the messy celebration, while others watched safely from nearby balconies.

The colorful chaos lasted several hours, though some dedicated participants continued the festivities well into the evening hours.

“This custom was brought here by (our ancestors) in their sailboats, in 1800. It only exists here,” said Panayiotis Paphilis, a local resident.

This vibrant spectacle occurs annually on Clean Monday, an important Orthodox Christian observance that begins Lent — the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter. The holiday also signals the conclusion of carnival season, which maintains connections to the nation’s ancient pre-Christian customs.

First-time visitors, particularly young adults, made up a significant portion of the crowd.

“We had a great time. We’ll come back,” said Stephanos Kapetanakis, 28, who was accompanied by several of his friends.

Across most of Greece, Clean Monday observances tend to be much calmer, typically involving kite flying and eating large quantities of shellfish and seafood.

However, in Galaxidi — a former shipping hub located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Athens — the celebrations are notably boisterous, with participants attempting to make each year more intense than the last.

While many comparable festivals trace back to ancient pagan origins that have been incorporated into Christian traditions, Galaxidi’s flour battle appears to have more recent beginnings.

The custom dates to the 1800s, when seafaring merchants drew inspiration from similar events they witnessed in Sicily during the era when locally-constructed sailing vessels traveled global trade routes.

Those prosperous times eventually ended, and Galaxidi — now home to 1,700 residents — became cut off from the wider world as harbor traffic declined and mountain ranges blocked road access to other areas.

Road construction didn’t occur until the 1960s, but the decades of isolation helped maintain the community’s distinctive traditions.

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia has suspended emergency power assistance to Ukraine on Monday, intensifying a disagreement over oil shipments as Ukraine continues to face widespread blackouts from Russian attacks on its electrical infrastructure.

Oil deliveries from Russia to Slovakia and Hungary have been disrupted since January 27 following what Ukrainian authorities describe as Russian drone strikes that harmed the Druzhba pipeline, a crucial route transporting Russian crude through Ukrainian land into Central Europe.

Slovakia and Hungary, considered the EU’s most Russia-friendly nations, have accused Ukraine of intentionally blocking oil shipments. Both countries secured temporary waivers from European Union restrictions on Russian oil imports.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, a populist leader, announced Monday’s action came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to address the matter with him before Wednesday.

“Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of oil emergency in Slovakia, we are forced to take the first reciprocal measure immediately. It will be lifted immediately after the resumption of oil transit to Slovakia,” Fico said in a statement.

“As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the Ukrainian energy network, it will not receive such assistance,” he said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged both nations “to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible behavior.”

Opposition parties in Slovakia criticized the move.

Fico warned of additional actions if oil deliveries don’t restart, including withdrawing Slovak support for Ukraine’s European Union membership bid.

Both Slovakia and Hungary have disputed Ukraine’s account, asserting the Druzhba pipeline remains operational for oil transport, though they haven’t provided supporting evidence.

“Our intelligence services report that the oil pipeline in Ukraine is functional,” Fico said. “Our ambassador to Kyiv has not yet been allowed to visit the part of the oil pipeline that the Ukrainian side claims is damaged.”

The Slovak leader claimed halting oil shipments represented “a purely political decision with the aim of blackmailing Slovakia” due to the country’s differing perspective on the Russian conflict compared to mainstream European views.

PARIS (AP) — France’s foreign minister announced Monday that US Ambassador Charles Kushner will face restrictions on his direct access to French government officials following his failure to attend a mandatory diplomatic meeting.

Kushner was ordered to appear at France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Monday evening to address controversial statements made by the Trump administration regarding the fatal beating of a far-right activist, but diplomatic sources confirm he did not attend.

Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot implemented the access restrictions citing “this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of the mission of an ambassador, who has the honor of representing his country.”

Despite the diplomatic tensions, French officials indicated willingness to resolve the dispute.

“It remains, of course, possible for Ambassador Charles Kushner to carry out his duties and present himself at the Quai d’Orsay, so that we may hold the diplomatic discussions needed to smooth over the irritants that can inevitably arise in a friendship spanning 250 years,” the ministry stated.

The diplomatic crisis began after the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau published a social media post declaring that “reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.” The US Embassy subsequently shared this statement on its social platforms.

Deranque, who was involved in far-right activism, succumbed to severe brain trauma earlier this month following a violent assault in Lyon, France. The attack occurred during clashes on the sidelines of a student gathering featuring a far-left politician as the main speaker.

The incident has intensified France’s already volatile political atmosphere as the nation approaches its upcoming presidential election.

“We reject any instrumentalization of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends,” Barrot declared over the weekend. “We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.”

The State Department’s original post asserted that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and expect to see the perpetrators of violence brought to justice.”

This marks the second time Kushner has avoided a diplomatic summons, having previously failed to appear in August when called to explain his correspondence to French President Emmanuel Macron criticizing France’s efforts to combat antisemitism. On that occasion, French officials met with a representative from the US embassy instead.

CAIRO (AP) — University campuses throughout Iran’s capital became centers of opposition demonstrations Monday, with eyewitness accounts and online footage showing renewed civil unrest while American military assets position themselves in the region for potential military action.

The campus demonstrations, which saw numerous students voicing backing for Iran’s exiled royal heir from the former monarchy, started over the weekend. Monday witnessed protest activity on no fewer than three university grounds, with one incident resulting in physical confrontations involving the paramilitary Basij force.

Iranian authorities launched a brutal suppression campaign in January targeting widespread demonstrations, resulting in thousands of deaths and the imprisonment of tens of thousands more. President Donald Trump issued threats of military intervention in response before redirecting attention to Iran’s controversial atomic program and demanding negotiations.

American and Iranian representatives plan to conduct another session of indirect negotiations in Geneva this week, with Iran anticipated to present a comprehensive plan for limiting its nuclear activities. The USS Gerald R. Ford, representing the globe’s most massive aircraft carrier, is currently en route to the Middle East to supplement another carrier already deployed.

Iranian officials maintain their atomic program serves entirely civilian purposes and claim no uranium enrichment has occurred since 12 days of combined Israeli and American bombardments last June. The United States and international partners have historically questioned Iran’s intentions regarding nuclear weapons development. Iran has blocked inspections of atomic facilities following extensive bombing campaigns last year.

Country-wide demonstrations began late last year following Iran’s currency collapse under persistent American sanctions targeting the nuclear program. Protesters have demanded the removal of the Shiite religious government that has controlled the nation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Monday’s demonstrations included activity at Sharif University, a prestigious institution in the capital, according to a student witness. The student described how he and fellow classmates assembled outside dining facilities at midday before covering their faces and applauding while chanting during the Muslim prayer call broadcast through speakers.

As participant numbers grew, one student displayed a printed banner featuring the lion-and-sun symbol of the former monarchy, while dozens voiced support for exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

The student reported physical altercations between demonstrators and Basij members, who have historically suppressed opposition activities, as campus security personnel attempted to keep the groups apart.

At the University of Tehran, protest activity occurred during commemorative services for a student killed in previous demonstrations, another student reported. Participants chanted “women, life, freedom” — the rallying cry from 2022 protest movements — and demanded the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The student noted that university security did not intervene. Both student sources requested anonymity citing safety concerns.

Video footage reviewed and confirmed by The Associated Press documented additional protests at Al Zahra University, where female students assembled and voiced pro-Pahlavi messages.

Measuring Pahlavi’s actual support within Iran remains challenging, though some of the largest demonstrations in years erupted in early January following his public call for street protests. Trump issued military action threats regarding protester killings and potential mass executions as authorities worked to eliminate those demonstrations.

The United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 7,015 deaths during recent protest activities and government crackdowns, including 214 government personnel. The organization has demonstrated accuracy in documenting casualties during previous Iranian unrest periods and uses activist networks within the country to confirm deaths. The casualty count continues increasing as the group verifies information.

Iran’s government provided its sole official death count from earlier protests on January 21, claiming 3,117 fatalities. Iran’s religious leadership has historically undercounted or failed to report deaths from past civil unrest.

The Associated Press cannot independently verify casualty figures, partly due to significant disruptions affecting Iran’s communication infrastructure.

American diplomats engaged in nuclear arms control discussions with Russian officials in Geneva on Monday and are set to hold similar talks with Chinese representatives today, according to a senior State Department official.

The United States is pushing for a comprehensive new arms control agreement that would include China alongside Russia, following the expiration of the New START treaty, which previously limited missile and warhead deployments between the US and Russia.

However, China’s disarmament ambassador, Shen Jian, stated earlier this month that Beijing would not join nuclear arms control negotiations with Moscow and Washington at this time. Officials have not clarified whether today’s discussions will constitute formal negotiations.

Neither the Chinese nor Russian diplomatic missions in Geneva have responded to requests for comment.

Tensions have been elevated after the United States accused China of conducting a covert nuclear test in June 2020, an allegation that Shen strongly rejected.

The senior American official noted that productive bilateral discussions had already taken place with the United Kingdom and France, both permanent members of the UN Security Council.

“Taking discussions to the five permanent members of the Security Council was the next logical step,” the official said, expressing optimism about the process.

MEXICO CITY – Mexican military forces successfully eliminated the nation’s most sought-after drug trafficking leader during a weekend operation that resulted in widespread violent backlash across the country.

Nemesio Oseguera, known by his criminal alias ‘El Mencho,’ died during a complex military assault on Sunday. Oseguera controlled the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the primary organizations smuggling deadly fentanyl into American communities.

Mexican authorities provided a detailed account of the operation on Monday:

FEBRUARY 20: INTELLIGENCE BREAKTHROUGH

Intelligence operatives received crucial information from a confidential source connected to one of Oseguera’s romantic companions. This intelligence led authorities to track the companion to a compound located in Tapalpa, within Jalisco state, where the cartel leader was hiding. Government officials declined to release additional specifics about the location.

FEBRUARY 21: MILITARY MOBILIZATION

After the romantic partner departed the compound, Mexican intelligence agencies verified that Oseguera remained inside under armed protection from his security detail.

A massive force comprising army units, National Guard military police, elite tactical teams, combat aircraft and six helicopters deployed to the region under strict secrecy.

According to a U.S. defense official speaking to Reuters, a recently established American military task force focused on cartel intelligence gathering provided assistance during the operation.

FEBRUARY 22: THE ASSAULT

Before sunrise, Mexican ground troops surrounded the target area in preparation for a prolonged confrontation. Armed cartel members initiated combat, but specialized units successfully countered their assault, resulting in eight suspected criminal organization members being killed.

Oseguera and his closest associates escaped to a cabin compound situated in nearby forested terrain. Elite forces followed them into the wilderness, where additional armed confrontation occurred.

Once Mexican security personnel gained control of the scene, they discovered Oseguera and two of his bodyguards with serious injuries. Medical evacuation by helicopter was arranged to transport them to a treatment facility, however Oseguera succumbed to his injuries while airborne.

Meanwhile, the military action had sparked extensive violent retaliation from cartel operatives, preventing the helicopter from reaching its intended destination in Guadalajara, the Jalisco state capital. The aircraft was redirected to Morelia airport in neighboring Michoacan state, where Oseguera’s remains were transferred to a military aircraft heading to Mexico City.

FEBRUARY 22: ESCALATING RETALIATION

Violent responses rapidly expanded throughout the region.

Defense ministry officials identified an individual known as ‘El Tuli’ – described as Oseguera’s primary lieutenant and chief financial coordinator – as the organizer behind numerous roadway blockades, arson incidents and attacks targeting government facilities throughout Jalisco state.

Law enforcement reported that ‘El Tuli’ was providing financial incentives of 20,000 pesos ($1,100) for the assassination of military personnel.

Security forces tracked ‘El Tuli’ to El Grullo, a small municipality approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles) southwest of Guadalajara. When confronted, he attempted to escape by vehicle and engaged the arrest team in combat. He was fatally wounded during the confrontation.

Multiple commercial airlines suspended service to Puerto Vallarta, a popular Pacific coast resort destination in Jalisco state, where shocked vacationers recorded video of smoke columns rising above the city.

Throughout various municipalities, tourists and local residents received advisories to remain indoors while commercial truckers were instructed to utilize alternative routes or return to their facilities. Educational institutions including schools and universities suspended operations across Jalisco and multiple neighboring states.

Government officials reported Monday that approximately 30 suspected criminal organization members, 25 National Guard personnel, and one civilian died in the violence following the initial raid. Additionally, at least 70 individuals were detained across seven states, while authorities documented 85 cartel-organized roadblocks on Sunday alone.

FEBRUARY 23: RESTORING ORDER

During a Monday press briefing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that roadblocks had been cleared as of Monday morning. She indicated that conditions were anticipated to return to normal and that airline operations should resume Monday or Tuesday.

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch stated that individuals considered potential successors to Oseguera’s cartel leadership position were under intensive government monitoring. He emphasized that authorities remained vigilant for additional retaliatory actions from the organization or competing cartels seeking territorial expansion.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that Mexico ‘must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!’ Mexico serves as America’s primary trading partner, and the North American trade agreement faces review this year.

Seven Ukrainian police officers sustained injuries during a Monday blast in the southern city of Mykolaiv, with two officers suffering serious wounds, according to the country’s top police official.

National police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi reported that the officers were positioned near their patrol vehicles while awaiting a shift change when the blast took place.

Writing on his Facebook page, Vyhivskyi connected the incident to another recent attack on law enforcement personnel.

“The day before yesterday, a terrorist attack against police officers took place in Lviv,” Vyhivskyi stated, referencing the western Ukrainian city located close to Poland’s border.

“This is not a coincidence. The enemy is deliberately trying to kill Ukrainian police officers who defend people and the state every day,” he added.

The Saturday incident in Lviv resulted in the death of a female police officer and left 24 additional people with injuries.

FRANKFURT, Germany — European lawmakers are demanding answers from Washington after President Donald Trump announced new import taxes that could undermine a trade agreement negotiated this summer, leading EU officials to delay ratification of the deal.

The European Parliament’s trade committee canceled Tuesday’s scheduled vote on the agreement following Trump’s Saturday announcement of a 15% worldwide tariff on imports. This move came after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s previous attempt to impose tariffs using emergency powers, prompting the president to invoke different trade legislation to justify the new rates that begin Tuesday.

“A deal is a deal,” stated European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill, summarizing the EU’s stance. “So now we are simply saying to the US, it is up to you to clearly show to us what path you are taking to honor the agreement.”

The original US-EU agreement established a maximum 15% tariff rate on most European products entering America, while eliminating tariffs entirely on American industrial exports to Europe. Though the deal raised costs for consumers and businesses compared to the previous 4.8% average, it provided market stability that economists credit with helping Europe dodge recession last year.

Trade committee chairman Bernd Lange explained that Trump’s newly announced 15% rate would stack on top of existing tariffs, violating the ceiling established in their agreement. This prompted legislators to postpone Tuesday’s committee vote.

The situation also raises concerns about separate agreements negotiated with individual nations, including Brazil, India, and Britain. Britain’s deal caps tariffs at 10%, while India accepted 18% and Vietnam agreed to 20%. Though the Supreme Court ruling doesn’t directly impact these bilateral arrangements, they were negotiated using the threat of tariffs that have now been invalidated.

US Trade Representative Jamison Greer addressed these concerns Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” stating the administration had warned negotiating partners that Trump intended to pursue tariffs regardless of the court’s decision. “Whether we won or lost, there were going to be tariffs,” Greer explained.

Greer emphasized that the bilateral agreements “are good deals, we expect to stand by them, we expect our partners to stand by them.”

Berenberg bank economist Atakan Bakiskan noted that switching from country-specific rates to a uniform 15% global tariff “will have considerable implications elsewhere.” Some nations would see reduced rates, including Brazil, which would drop nearly 15 percentage points, and China, facing a reduction of almost 10 percentage points.

The legal authority Trump is using for these latest tariffs only permits them for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension. This timeframe could allow Trump to seek alternative legal justifications for his trade policies.

The uncertainty affects both European businesses and the American economy, where consumers and companies bear the cost of import tariffs. “Uncertainty around trade policy appears here to stay — putting continued pressure on the US economy,” Bakiskan observed.

QUITO, Ecuador — A dozen attackers wearing military uniforms invaded a coastal property in western Ecuador during the early morning hours Monday, fatally shooting at least seven individuals in what authorities describe as the newest chapter of escalating drug-related bloodshed plaguing the South American country.

Law enforcement officials reported that the assailants, posing as government soldiers while carrying firearms, targeted the seaside location in Manabi province and opened fire on multiple victims, including three adult male siblings.

The nation’s murder statistics have increased fivefold since 2020, with Ecuador documenting its most deadly year on record in 2023 when homicides reached 50 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, data from the Interior Ministry shows.

This dramatic rise in deadly violence stems from battling criminal organizations linked to Mexican and Colombian drug cartels, along with their domestic partners, as they compete for dominance over narcotics smuggling corridors and shipping facilities used to transport cocaine northward to American markets.

President Daniel Noboa responded to the crisis in January by implementing emergency powers across seven provinces, granting law enforcement authority to conduct warrantless home searches while deploying military forces for city patrols.

Noboa has accused Colombia’s leadership of fueling the bloodshed by failing to adequately manage rebel factions and trafficking networks operating near their mutual boundary. Colombian officials have rejected these claims, sparking a commercial dispute between the adjacent nations.

Ecuador documented over 9,000 homicides throughout 2023, with the majority of these killings occurring within the coastal regions of Guayas, Manabi and Esmeraldas provinces.

The United States has evacuated dozens of diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Lebanon as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, raising fears of potential military confrontation in the region.

A high-ranking State Department official announced Monday that non-essential government workers and their eligible family members have been withdrawn from the Beirut facility as a precautionary measure.

“We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel,” the official told reporters while requesting anonymity.

The official emphasized that operations will continue with skeleton staffing. “The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist U.S. citizens,” they explained.

Sources indicate approximately 50 individuals were evacuated, with airport officials in Beirut confirming that 32 embassy employees and their family members departed on flights Monday.

This diplomatic pullback comes as the United States has assembled one of its largest military presences in the Middle East in recent years. President Trump issued stern warnings last Thursday, stating that “really bad things will happen” without progress on resolving the ongoing nuclear dispute with Tehran. Iranian officials have countered with threats to target American military installations throughout the region if attacked.

Internal State Department communications obtained by news outlets detailed instructions for remaining staff, advising those in critical roles to coordinate coverage arrangements and consult with regional offices before considering departure.

The State Department also revised its Lebanon travel guidance Monday, maintaining its recommendation against all travel to the country. Current embassy staff face restrictions on personal travel and may encounter additional limitations “with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats,” according to the updated advisory.

Lebanon holds particular significance for American security concerns, as U.S. interests faced repeated attacks during the country’s 1975-90 civil conflict. The Iran-supported Hezbollah organization was blamed for devastating strikes, including the 1983 bombing of Marine barracks that claimed 241 American lives and a separate embassy attack that same year killing 49 diplomatic personnel.

Despite rising tensions, diplomatic efforts continue. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains plans to visit Israel this Saturday for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though officials note scheduling could change based on developments.

The nuclear standoff remains at the heart of U.S.-Iran relations, with Washington demanding Tehran abandon its atomic program while Iran maintains its activities are peaceful and refuses to halt enrichment operations. American officials view Iran’s uranium enrichment as a potential route to weapons development.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed cautious optimism Sunday, confirming plans to meet with Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff in Geneva Thursday. Araqchi suggested “a good chance” exists for diplomatic resolution.

However, significant disagreements persist between the nations, particularly regarding sanctions relief timing and scope, following two previous negotiation rounds. A senior Iranian source indicated both sides remain far apart on key issues.

Recent reporting suggests the situation is deteriorating rapidly, with diplomatic sources across the Gulf and Europe warning that military conflict appears increasingly likely as peaceful solutions seem less achievable.

Witkoff commented Sunday that President Trump questions why Iran has not yet “capitulated” and agreed to nuclear program restrictions.

Any potential military action would mark the second time within twelve months that U.S. and Israeli forces have struck Iranian targets, following coordinated attacks on military and nuclear sites last June.

LONDON – Britain’s public broadcaster issued an apology Monday after failing to remove offensive language from its coverage of the country’s premier film awards ceremony, where a guest living with Tourette syndrome called out a racial slur during a presentation by two Black performers.

The incident took place Sunday evening at the British Academy Film Awards as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage to present an award. John Davidson, whose life story inspired the award-winning film “I Swear,” shouted the offensive term from the audience. When the BBC aired its delayed broadcast approximately two hours later, the slur remained in the program and stayed available on the network’s streaming service until Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the broadcaster chose to remove director Akinola Davies Jr’s “Free Palestine” comment from his acceptance speech in the edited version.

Davidson had been invited to attend Sunday’s London ceremony after his personal journey with Tourette syndrome became the basis for “I Swear,” which received multiple honors at the awards show. The neurological condition causes individuals to experience sudden, uncontrollable sounds or movements called tics, which may sometimes involve profanity.

A BBC representative acknowledged Monday that audience members may have been exposed to “strong and offensive language” during the awards broadcast.

“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer,” the spokesperson stated.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts organization did not provide a response when contacted for comment.

During the live ceremony, host Alan Cumming addressed the situation later in the evening, explaining that the individual with Tourette’s could not control his words and stating: “We apologise if you were offended.”

Several prominent figures in the entertainment industry expressed frustration with how the situation was handled. Wendell Pierce, who appeared alongside Jordan in “The Wire,” took to social media platform X to voice his anger that the two presenting actors did not receive an immediate and comprehensive apology.

“The insult to them takes priority,” Pierce wrote. “It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”

Hannah Beachler, who worked as production designer on “Sinners,” described the circumstances as an “impossible situation” but criticized what she called a “throw-away” apology for making matters worse. “Of course we were offended,” Beachler commented.

The film “Sinners,” a vampire thriller highlighting blues music and Black culture during America’s segregation period, is experiencing a remarkable awards season that has been celebrated as historic for Black filmmakers.

The movie earned a record-breaking 16 Academy Award nominations and claimed three victories at the British awards: best original screenplay for writer-director Ryan Coogler, best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and best original score.

Jordan received nominations across multiple award ceremonies, including an Oscar nod, for his dual role as twin brothers in the film. Lindo, an accomplished stage and screen performer, also earned an Oscar nomination.

“I Swear” chronicles Davidson’s experience growing up with Tourette syndrome and how the condition shaped his life, leading him to become an advocate for raising public understanding of the disorder.

The advocacy organization Tourettes Action released a statement acknowledging the pain Davidson’s words caused at the awards ceremony while emphasizing that such outbursts do not represent a person’s true beliefs, intentions, or character.

“We are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary,” the group’s statement read.

Four Syrian government security forces were killed Monday when ISIS militants attacked a checkpoint in northern Syria, according to the country’s state news agency, marking the terrorist organization’s most lethal strike against government troops since President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power.

The deadly incident occurred at a security post located west of Raqqa city and represents a significant increase in hostile activities by the extremist organization targeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration. This attack follows ISIS’s recent announcement just two days prior, when the group proclaimed “a new phase of operations” against Syria’s current leadership.

While ISIS has not yet taken responsibility for Monday’s deadly assault, the terrorist group did claim credit for two separate attacks over the weekend that targeted Syrian military personnel in the country’s northern and eastern regions, resulting in the deaths of one soldier and one civilian.

Syrian state media reported that government forces successfully repelled the Monday attack and eliminated one of the attacking militants. A security official confirmed to the news agency that ISIS was responsible for carrying out the assault.

Syria’s government became part of the U.S.-led international effort to defeat ISIS last year. During January, Syrian government troops took control of Raqqa city from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and secured significant portions of surrounding territory across northern and eastern Syria.

At the same time, American military personnel started their departure Monday from their primary base in northeastern Syria, according to three Syrian military and security officials. This withdrawal is part of a larger pullback of U.S. forces who were originally deployed to Syria ten years ago to combat ISIS.

LONDON — For the first time in nine decades, Britain may remove a royal family member from the line of succession to the throne. The UK government announced it’s exploring legal measures to formally exclude Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the monarchy’s succession order.

King Charles III’s younger brother currently holds the eighth position in line for the crown, even though he lost his prince title last October due to his connections with deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Constitutional experts warn that eliminating him from succession could take considerable time since it would need approval from approximately a dozen nations that recognize the British monarch as their head of state.

However, support for this change appears to be growing following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last week on charges of suspected misconduct in public office. The 66-year-old faces accusations of providing confidential trade secrets to Epstein during his tenure as Britain’s trade representative between 2001 and 2011. These allegations emerged after the US Justice Department released extensive Epstein-related documents last month.

Authorities released Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday after holding him for approximately 11 hours, though the investigation continues.

“The government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course,” Chief Secretary Darren Jones informed Parliament members on Monday.

Jones emphasized that any action would wait until police complete their investigation.

The current succession order places Prince William as heir apparent, followed by his three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Harry ranks fifth, with his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in sixth and seventh positions respectively.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who held second place at birth, now sits in eighth position. His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, occupy ninth and twelfth places.

Parliamentary legislation would be necessary to remove him from succession, requiring lawmaker approval.

The Liberal Democrats have openly endorsed such action.

“I think it would be intolerable for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to succeed to the crown,” party leader Ed Davey stated last week. “It’s not as remote as some people think.”

Commonwealth nations where Charles serves as head of state would also need to approve succession changes.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed Monday his willingness to support any UK plan to exclude Mountbatten-Windsor.

“These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously,” Albanese wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.”

Starmer’s administration hasn’t received comparable letters from the other 13 countries recognizing Charles as head of state, including Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu.

University College London politics professor Robert Hazell, who established the Constitution Unit, noted that some nations would need formal constitutional amendments while others could act through legislation. He questioned whether governments would invest time removing someone ranked eighth in succession.

“The last time this happened was for the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which made the law of royal succession gender neutral,” Hazell explained. “It took two years of protracted negotiations for all the different countries to amend their own laws or constitutions.”

Questions remain about whether excluding Mountbatten-Windsor would impact his daughters and their children.

“Not necessarily — it depends how the legislation is framed,” Hazell said.

The most recent royal removal from succession occurred when King Edward VIII abdicated in December 1936 to wed American divorcee Wallis Simpson. That legislation eliminated both him and any future descendants from the succession list.

King Charles hasn’t publicly revealed his position on removing his brother from succession. The monarch has emphasized allowing the legal process to proceed, stating: “My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

British media reports suggest the palace wouldn’t oppose legislative changes to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from succession. The Times of London reported Saturday that an unnamed palace source said the royal family would “never get in the way” of Parliament’s decisions.

LONDON — Authorities in Britain have detained Peter Mandelson, the former United Kingdom’s ambassador to America, as part of an ongoing investigation into his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest occurred on Monday, just days following the detention of former Prince Andrew in a related case involving the convicted financier.

The detention comes as authorities continue examining over 3 million pages of Epstein-related materials made public by the U.S. Justice Department.

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers detained a 72-year-old individual on charges related to misconduct in public office at a residence in northern London. The suspect was transported to a police facility for interrogation.

While police did not release the suspect’s identity following standard British protocol, the individual has been previously identified as the former diplomat, who is 72 years old. Video footage captured Mandelson being escorted from his London residence by two undercover officers on Monday afternoon.

British law permits authorities to detain suspects without formal charges for up to 24 hours, with possible extensions reaching 96 hours maximum. Mandelson may face formal charges, unconditional release, or release pending continued investigation.

Investigators are examining allegations that Mandelson shared confidential government data with Epstein approximately fifteen years ago. The case does not involve any sexual misconduct accusations.

His detention occurred four days following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, on similar charges connected to his relationship with Epstein. Andrew was freed after spending 11 hours in custody while the investigation proceeds.

Mandelson lost his diplomatic position in September after published emails revealed he continued his relationship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction on sex crimes involving a minor.

Mandelson held high-ranking government positions under previous Labour administrations and served as Britain’s ambassador to Washington until Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed him in September due to his Epstein connections.

The Epstein documents indicate that Mandelson shared confidential government intelligence with Epstein in 2009, when Mandelson held a government position. This included an internal government analysis exploring methods for Britain to generate revenue following the 2008 financial crisis, including through government asset sales. Mandelson also reportedly informed Epstein he would advocate with other government officials to lower taxes on banking bonuses.

British authorities initiated a criminal investigation earlier this month and conducted searches of Mandelson’s residences in London and western England.

Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson nearly jeopardized his position as questions arose about his judgment regarding someone with a controversial political history spanning decades.

While Starmer has admitted his error and issued apologies to Epstein’s victims, his political future remains uncertain. His survival may depend on files related to Mandelson’s appointment. The government has committed to releasing these documents in early March, though his arrest may complicate this schedule.

Mandelson has remained a significant, though controversial, figure within the center-left Labour Party for decades. He is recognized as a skilled political strategist whose expertise in political maneuvering earned him the moniker “Prince of Darkness.”

As the grandson of former Labour Cabinet member Herbert Morrison, he helped orchestrate the party’s 1997 return to power as the centrist “New Labour” movement under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mandelson occupied senior government roles under Blair from 1997 to 2001, and under Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010. He also served as the European Union’s trade commissioner during this period. Brown has expressed particular anger over these revelations and has assisted police in their investigation.

During the Blair years, Mandelson resigned from government twice due to allegations of financial or ethical violations, admitting errors while maintaining his innocence.

He subsequently returned to government service and resumed frontline politics when Starmer appointed him as ambassador to Washington at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Mandelson’s trade knowledge and ease with wealthy individuals were viewed as significant advantages. He successfully negotiated a trade agreement in May that protected Britain from some tariffs Trump imposed globally.

The agreement’s future remains uncertain following Trump’s announcement of new worldwide tariffs after a Supreme Court ruling overturned his previous import tax directive.

TORONTO — Canadian officials revealed Monday they are developing assistance measures for Cuba as the Caribbean nation grapples with widespread power outages and critical fuel shortages intensified by U.S. oil sanctions.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand refused to elaborate on specific details regarding the assistance package.

“We are preparing a plan to assist. We are not prepared at this point to provide any details of the announcement,” Anand stated.

The Caribbean island confronts a worsening energy emergency that has escalated in recent weeks following the suspension of oil deliveries from Venezuela, Cuba’s primary petroleum supplier, after U.S. actions against the South American nation in early January resulted in the arrest of its leader. Mexico, another key supplier, subsequently halted oil shipments following U.S. pressure.

Air Canada along with other carriers have suspended service to the Caribbean nation due to aviation fuel shortages on the island.

Tourism from Canada plays a crucial role in Cuba’s economic stability. Global Affairs Canada, a government department, reports that Canada ranks as Cuba’s second-largest source of direct investment, especially in mining and tourism industries.

Canada will be joining Mexico in offering assistance.

Earlier this month, two Mexican naval vessels carrying humanitarian supplies arrived in Cuba, occurring two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of imposing tariffs on nations selling oil to the island, further worsening an already critical economic and energy situation in the Caribbean country. The vessels delivered approximately 800 tons of supplies, plus an additional 1,500 tons of powdered milk and beans.

Cuba’s economic troubles that began in 2020 have been worsened by heightened U.S. sanctions designed to pressure changes in the island’s political system. These measures have created critical supply shortages and devastating blackouts that reached their worst point in early 2026.

Since Cuba only generates 40% of its needed fuel domestically, the nation remains extremely susceptible to external blockades. Although strong allies including Russia and China have criticized the U.S. actions, their assistance has been mostly symbolic to date.

A recent episode of ‘Facing the Middle East’ explores Iran’s escalating internal crisis, where economic desperation has evolved into a nationwide call for political transformation. Host Felice Friedson examines how what started as economic grievances in late December has morphed into widespread civil unrest.

According to the program’s analysis, the current upheaval represents more than isolated domestic unrest – it’s characterized as a rapidly developing crisis with international implications. The demonstrations reportedly began as a response to severe economic difficulties but have since grown into massive public gatherings spanning what observers believe to be hundreds of Iranian cities.

The economic backdrop driving the unrest includes a dramatically weakening Iranian currency and inflation that reached 42.2% by late 2025. These harsh economic realities have transformed public anger from financial concerns into broader demands for political freedom, with many participants now calling for complete governmental change.

Friedson’s program suggests that millions of Iranian citizens have joined the street demonstrations, indicating the scope and intensity of the current situation. The episode frames these events as having significance beyond Iran’s borders, potentially affecting regional and global stability.

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s most significant remaining insurgent organization announced Monday it would temporarily halt military operations before next month’s crucial legislative elections, which have been disrupted by violent incidents targeting political candidates in remote regions.

The National Liberation Army, known as ELN, released a statement on its official website declaring it would suspend attacks on government forces and election officials to ensure voters can participate “in liberty,” though the organization did not specify an end date for the temporary truce.

The insurgent organization has faced longstanding allegations of targeting political figures who challenge its agenda and maintaining control over local government positions in territories under its influence to divert government resources.

The group disputed these accusations in its announcement, stating it does not seek electoral victories and “does not finance any campaigns as drug traffickers do.”

“For the ELN it is very important for the people to vote for whom they think is best, or to abstain if they feel that is most appropriate,” the statement read.

Colombian officials suspended negotiations with the insurgent organization last year after a series of ELN operations in the nation’s northeastern regions displaced over 50,000 residents from their communities.

On March 8, Colombian voters will select new members for both chambers of Congress, with political candidates vying for more than 300 legislative positions.

The same day will feature primary contests to determine representatives for a progressive political alliance and a moderate-conservative coalition in the upcoming May presidential race.

These legislative contests represent a crucial moment for President Gustavo Petro as he works to secure a congressional majority for his progressive movement, the Historical Pact, which could potentially support efforts to draft a new national constitution.

However, the electoral process has already been disrupted by violent incidents targeting candidates and campaign workers across multiple Colombian regions, where insurgent influence has expanded during the Petro presidency.

This month, Indigenous Senator Aida Quilcue was abducted while traveling between communities in the southwestern Cauca province but was freed without harm several hours later after military forces mobilized for her rescue.

In Colombia’s eastern territories, two security personnel protecting Senator Jairo Castellanos were killed when ELN militants opened fire on his convoy. The organization later claimed they had not targeted the senator specifically, explaining they fired on the vehicle after it failed to halt at their checkpoint.

Last year, conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe was wounded during a political gathering in Bogota and succumbed to his injuries two months afterward. This assassination represented the first attack on a Colombian presidential contender in thirty years and prompted some current candidates to reduce public campaign events due to safety considerations.

The Movement for Electoral Observation, a Colombian democracy monitoring organization, reported this month that 11% of the country’s municipalities face “extreme risk” of election-related violence.

This assessment considers various factors including armed group presence, recent population displacement incidents, and violence against civil rights advocates.

BRUSSELS – The head of the European Council is demanding that Hungary’s leader stick to a previously agreed-upon financial package worth 90 billion euros ($106 billion) for Ukraine, according to correspondence obtained Monday.

Antonio Costa, who leads meetings of European Union heads of state, sent a strongly-worded message to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after Hungary threatened to obstruct the massive loan arrangement. Budapest’s opposition stems from its demand that Russian oil shipments resume through the Druzhba pipeline, which runs across Ukrainian territory.

In his correspondence to Orban, Costa emphasized that European leaders must stand by agreements they’ve already reached. “When leaders reach a consensus, they are bound by their decision. Any breach of this commitment constitutes a violation of the principle of sincere cooperation,” Costa stated in the letter reviewed by news agencies.

Costa further stressed that individual countries cannot be permitted to damage the reliability of collective European Council decisions, specifically referencing the Ukraine loan package that received approval from EU leadership during their December summit meeting.

BRUSSELS – European Union parliamentary members decided Monday to delay their scheduled vote on a trade agreement with the United States following President Donald Trump’s implementation of new 15% import tariffs, according to two sources within the parliament.

The delay comes after the Supreme Court overturned Trump’s earlier worldwide tariff policies, prompting the president to establish the blanket import duty as a replacement measure.

European legislators have been reviewing proposals that would eliminate numerous EU import taxes on American products, which represents a central component of the agreement negotiated in Turnberry, Scotland, during late July. The package also includes provisions to maintain duty-free status for American lobster imports, a policy originally established with Trump in 2020.

Both the parliament and EU member nation governments must give their approval for these measures to take effect.

The parliamentary trade committee had originally planned to conduct their vote on Tuesday, but this marks the second time EU legislators have suspended proceedings on this trade deal.

Previously, lawmakers had paused their deliberations in response to Trump’s efforts to purchase Greenland and his warnings of additional tariffs against European nations that rejected his proposal.

Numerous parliament members have expressed concerns that the trade agreement favors the United States unfairly, requiring Europe to reduce most of its import duties while America maintains its comprehensive 15% rate.

Despite these objections, legislators had shown previous willingness to move forward with the deal, though they wanted specific conditions including an 18-month expiration date and protective measures against potential flooding of European markets with American imports.

BRUSSELS – The European Union’s top foreign policy official announced Monday her intention to recommend removing sanctions against Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez, following recent legislative action in the South American nation.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, made the announcement after Venezuelan lawmakers passed a limited amnesty bill for select prisoners last week.

“I will propose that we will lift the sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez as, the current … interim president in office. Whether we have consensus then we will see. We don’t know that yet,” Kallas stated during a press briefing with reporters.

The announcement came just days after Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares publicly called on the European Union to move forward with such action on Friday.

LONDON – Ukraine’s former military commander Valeriy Zaluzhnyi brushed off speculation about running for president, calling such discussions “pub talk” while his nation remains under martial law due to the ongoing war with Russia.

During an appearance at London’s Chatham House think tank, Zaluzhnyi – who now serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain – stated he won’t reveal any political intentions until the conflict concludes.

“When it is over, when martial law is lifted in Ukraine…only then will we be able to discuss my personal future,” he said.

The former general led Ukraine’s military forces until February 2024 before taking his current diplomatic post in London. While he hasn’t announced any campaign plans, polling data consistently positions him as the strongest potential opponent to current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has indicated willingness to conduct elections after the fighting stops, particularly as the United States pushes for a peace agreement.

Recent media interviews featuring Zaluzhnyi revealed fresh information about disagreements between him and Zelenskyy, fueling renewed discussion about future electoral contests and the widely reported friction between the two Ukrainian leaders.

However, Zaluzhnyi deflected questions about any presidential aspirations with humor.

“In order to answer this question, I should go to one of the wonderful pubs in this very city…it’s pub talk, actually, or bar talk,” he responded when pressed about his political intentions.

University students across Iran continued demonstrations against their government for a third consecutive day Monday, as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington over potential US military action.

Iranian state media documented student demonstrations at multiple universities in the capital city, including anti-government chants at Tehran University, flag burning at the women-only al-Zahra University, and confrontations at Amir Kabir University.

Video footage confirmed by Reuters captured students at al-Zahra University shouting slogans such as “we’ll reclaim Iran,” though the exact timing of the recording could not be verified.

The demonstrations follow weeks after Iranian security forces suppressed widespread civil unrest that resulted in thousands of casualties.

Meanwhile, escalating Middle East tensions prompted the United States to withdraw non-essential embassy staff and family members from Beirut, according to a senior State Department official.

President Donald Trump has issued repeated warnings to Iran following January’s nationwide protests, stating Thursday that “really bad things will happen” should diplomatic negotiations fail to reach an agreement.

The US administration is demanding Iran significantly reduce its nuclear program, which Washington believes aims to develop weapons capability, restrict its missile range to short distances, and cease support for regional proxy groups.

American military forces have increased their presence throughout the Middle East, intensifying pressure on Iran while the country weighs its response to US demands during ongoing diplomatic talks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confronts the most serious challenge of his 36-year leadership, facing an economy weakened by international sanctions and increasing domestic unrest that erupted into major protests in January.

Despite a second US aircraft carrier moving toward the Middle East, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that diplomatic talks with America had “yielded encouraging signals.”

Trump has not provided detailed information about potential military action against Iran. A senior White House official informed Reuters last week that the administration lacks “unified support” for proceeding with an attack.

PANAMA CITY — Panama’s administration issued an official order Monday to take immediate control of two strategic ports positioned at the Panama Canal’s gateways, following the nation’s highest court’s final decision that deemed a Hong Kong corporation’s management contract unconstitutional.

The government directive gives the Panama Maritime Authority permission to assume control of the facilities citing “urgent social interest” as justification. This takeover encompasses all equipment and assets at both the Balboa and Cristóbal port facilities, including lifting equipment, transportation vehicles, computing infrastructure and operational software.

This port controversy reflects the larger geopolitical tension between America and China, with Panama finding itself in the crossfire after President Trump claimed last year that China was “running the Panama Canal.”

The Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison had planned to transfer ownership of both ports to a group including American investment giant BlackRock, but China’s government quickly stepped in to block the transaction.

Earlier this year in January, Panama’s highest court overturned the legislation that had approved the management agreement for Panama Ports Company, a CK Hutchison subsidiary. The court decision also cancelled a 2021 contract extension, leaving the port management without legal authorization.

Since 1997, PPC has managed these port facilities after Panama granted the company rights to oversee operations at both the Pacific and Atlantic canal entry points.

Just days earlier, Panama’s leadership promised to maintain uninterrupted port services and protect worker employment, announcing that APM Terminals, owned by Denmark’s A.P. Moller-Maersk corporation, would handle interim management duties until new contracts are finalized.

In response, CK Hutchison Holdings has initiated dispute resolution procedures against Panama through the International Chamber of Commerce framework. The duration and potential consequences of these legal actions remain uncertain. The company has also warned of potential legal action against APM Terminals should they proceed with operations, though the Danish company maintains it has no involvement in the legal dispute.

Last week, a PPC representative informed local news outlets that the company was pursuing negotiations with Panama’s government to maintain their operational role.

Ukraine is experiencing its most severe economic downturn since the opening phase of Russia’s military invasion, as relentless aerial bombardments have devastated the nation’s electrical infrastructure during the conflict’s fifth year, compelling businesses to reduce production and diminishing government income.

Industrial leaders across Ukraine’s manufacturing sector – spanning steel production, mining operations, cement manufacturing, and food processing – report being compelled to slash output while absorbing increased operational expenses as they attempt to adjust work schedules and protect machinery from unexpected power failures, according to executives from eight major companies.

Sergii Pylypenko, who leads Kovalska Group – the nation’s top concrete and construction materials manufacturer – explained that backup diesel generators purchased by his company cannot sustain full production at their large-scale facilities.

“For more than two months now, we have been working under emergency power cuts without any predictable schedule,” Pylypenko stated.

“In certain periods, the lack of a stable power supply can reduce production volumes by up to 50%.”

The Ukrainian economy contracted by approximately one-third during the war’s initial year, and while experiencing slight expansion in following years, it remains significantly smaller than pre-invasion levels and depends heavily on public sector expenditure. Nearly 6 million citizens have departed Ukraine while over 3 million face internal displacement, representing more than one-fifth of the country’s pre-war population.

During February, the monthly business activity recovery index compiled by Kyiv’s Institute for Economic Research – which measures companies reporting improved versus deteriorated business conditions compared to the previous year – recorded its first negative reading since 2023.

Ukraine’s economic health proves essential not just for generating tax income to support military operations and service debt obligations, and manufacturing weapons, but also for creating employment opportunities and economic stability for veterans and returning refugees once peace is restored.

Oleksandr Myronenko, serving as chief operating officer at Metinvest – a mining and metals corporation generating approximately $7 billion in annual revenue – described how extended power interruptions complicate restarting operations following Russian attacks.

Metinvest, under the control of Rinat Akhmetov, among Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals, has served as a significant source of tax income and steel for military needs.

The company had projected expansion this year within Ukraine but failed to meet those targets during the first two months due to Russian bombardment effects, according to Myronenko.

“This included damage to generating capacities and also to the transport infrastructure, which affects not only steel makers but all producers in Ukraine: they have to decrease volumes,” he explained.

Nataliia Kolesnichenko, an economist with Kyiv’s Centre for Economic Studies, calculated that energy demand surpassed available supply by 30% during January and February. “The energy situation has deteriorated dramatically in recent months,” she noted.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on February 12 that despite rising temperatures, maximum demand reached 16.4 gigawatts, considerably exceeding Ukraine’s production capacity of 12.3 gigawatts, with the country importing nearly 2 gigawatts during peak periods.

Companies must navigate reduced output, increased expenses, supply chain disruptions, and extended delivery periods. These factors impact competitiveness and will drive inflation higher, which already operates at approximately 7%, according to three economists.

The electrical crisis has already led Ukraine’s central bank to lower its annual economic growth projection to 1.8% from 2% – matching the 1.8% growth anticipated to be reported for the previous year.

Independent economic analysts express greater caution. Dragon Capital, an investment firm, predicts 1% growth this year due to electricity shortages, while ICU – a Kyiv-based asset management and investment banking company – has reduced its growth forecast to 0.8% from 1.2%.

ICU determined that roughly 20-25% of economic production depends on reliable electricity access.

Numerous small enterprises have fought to survive during the war’s coldest and darkest winter season, also dealing with reduced consumer spending caused by prolonged blackouts.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko revealed that the energy crisis cost the national budget approximately 12 billion hryvnias ($280 million) in customs duties and tax collections during January alone.

An increase in Ukraine’s debt burden to nearly 100% of gross domestic product – despite two restructuring efforts – has concerned some investors. Last week, when Geneva peace negotiations appeared to stagnate, Ukrainian bond prices declined.

However, Ukraine appears close to securing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a new $8.1 billion lending package after the IMF agreed to relax certain conditions, including controversial tax hikes, Svyrydenko has indicated.

IMF approval should facilitate European Union assistance valued at roughly 90 billion euros ($105 billion) across two years, provided Hungarian opposition can be resolved – crucial support following President Donald Trump’s administration’s termination of direct budget assistance.

Hungary recently threatened to block the aid unless Kyiv restores Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.

More urgently, Hungary and Slovakia last week warned they would cease power exports to Ukraine if oil transportation did not resume. Kyiv attributed pipeline damage to Russian strikes and by Monday had provided no repair timeline.

Hungary and Slovakia supplied 68% of Ukraine’s imported electricity this month, according to Kyiv-based consultancy ExPro.

While businesses have invested millions of hryvnias in backup power systems, including generators, batteries, solar equipment, and gas, a recent survey by Ukraine’s European Business Association revealed that outages created difficulties for four out of five companies. Half reduced production, while 61% reported increased costs.

International steelmaker ArcelorMittal experienced approximately 10% losses in hot metal production and over 25% in finished rolled products due to electricity shortages in January.

ArcelorMittal halted one continuous casting machine to prevent emergency shutdowns and equipment damage, resulting in more than 70% losses in planned hot-rolled billet production.

QAMISHLI, Syria (AP) — American military personnel have begun evacuating a strategic base in northeastern Syria, according to security officials who spoke Monday about what appears to be a broader reduction of U.S. military presence in the region.

Security sources from Iraq and Syria confirmed that American forces started relocating personnel and military hardware from the Qasrak base to Iraq’s Kurdish-controlled northern territory.

Reporters from the Associated Press witnessed a large military convoy on Monday in Qamishli, a northeastern Syrian city, where dozens of trucks transported military vehicles and gear toward Iraq’s border while military helicopters provided aerial support.

Neither the U.S. military’s Central Command nor the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which maintains control over the area surrounding the Qasrak installation, provided responses to requests for comment.

According to a high-ranking Iraqi security source, the base evacuation commenced Sunday, with American personnel and military assets crossing into Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region on Monday.

A Syrian security source reported that approximately 200 troops remained at the facility Monday, working to disassemble military communication jamming equipment, air defense installations, and the base’s engineering operations.

Both security sources requested anonymity since they lacked authorization to speak publicly about the matter.

This evacuation follows an announcement earlier this month from CENTCOM and Syria’s defense ministry confirming that American troops had departed from the al-Tanf installation in eastern Syria, located near Jordan’s border.

The military withdrawal occurs after U.S. forces completed relocating approximately 5,700 suspected Islamic State fighters from Syrian detention facilities to Iraqi prisons, where the detainees will face trial.

American troops stationed in Syria primarily focus on preventing Islamic State from regaining strength. While the extremist organization lost its final Syrian territory in 2019, dormant cells continue launching sporadic attacks throughout Syria, Iraq, and internationally.

The prisoner transfer decision followed clashes between Syrian government troops and the SDF last month, during which dozens of IS suspects escaped from a detention facility, while an undetermined number of families reportedly fled from al Hol camp, which housed relatives of Islamic State members.

The camp’s remaining occupants have since been relocated to alternative facilities or returned to their home countries.

CAIRO (AP) — Chad announced Monday that it has temporarily sealed its frontier with Sudan following incidents where armed combatants from Sudan’s civil war crossed into Chadian territory during recent battles.

The border closure will remain in effect indefinitely as a protective measure, according to government spokesperson Gassim Cherif Mahamat. “It aims to prevent any risk of the conflict spreading to our soil, to protect our citizens and refugee populations, and to guarantee the stability and territorial integrity of our country,” Mahamat stated.

The boundary shutdown follows weekend combat in the border community of Tine, where Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces launched an offensive. Sudan’s regular army and its allies reported successfully defending against the assault, forcing RSF combatants to retreat across the international border into Chad.

Tine represents one of the final strongholds maintained by Sudan’s military forces in the vast Darfur region, an area that has fallen under RSF dominance since October 2025.

Since Sudan’s civil conflict erupted, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese civilians have sought refuge in Chad. Officials indicated that the border restrictions will include “exceptional exceptions, strictly justified by humanitarian reasons” for those fleeing violence.

This marks Chad’s second temporary border closure since Sudan descended into warfare in April 2023, when tensions between the country’s military leadership and the RSF escalated into widespread combat throughout Khartoum and other regions.

United Nations data indicates the fighting has claimed over 40,000 lives, though humanitarian organizations believe the actual casualty count could be significantly higher.

The Sudanese crisis has generated what experts call the globe’s most severe humanitarian emergency, displacing more than 14 million individuals from their communities. The violence has also triggered disease epidemics and created famine conditions across portions of Sudan.

WASHINGTON — American diplomatic personnel and their families have been directed to evacuate Lebanon following escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran, according to a State Department official who spoke Monday.

The evacuation order affects non-essential staff members, with the official describing the move as a “prudent” response based on ongoing evaluations of regional security conditions. Only critical embassy personnel will remain to maintain operations.

The official, who requested anonymity since no formal announcement had been made, emphasized that the evacuation is temporary and that embassy operations continue as of Monday.

Military tensions have intensified as Iran conducted joint exercises with Russia last week while a second U.S. aircraft carrier moved toward the Middle East region. Both Washington and Tehran have indicated readiness for military action should nuclear negotiations collapse completely.

Speaking Thursday, President Donald Trump stated his belief that Iran has “enough time” within 10 to 15 days to negotiate an agreement. However, nuclear discussions have remained stalled for years, with Iran rejecting broader American and Israeli demands to reduce its missile capabilities and cut support for armed militant organizations. Recent indirect diplomatic efforts have shown minimal advancement, raising concerns that either side may be stalling while making final military preparations.

A separate State Department source, also speaking anonymously about unannounced plans, indicated Secretary of State Marco Rubio might postpone his planned weekend trip to Israel.

MEXICO CITY – Violence erupted across Mexico after the death of the nation’s most notorious drug cartel leader, resulting in the deaths of 25 National Guard members, according to Mexican officials.

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch announced during a Monday press briefing that the fatalities occurred during attacks in Jalisco state following the capture of Nemesio Oseguera, known by his alias “El Mencho,” on Sunday. An additional state prosecutor’s office official was also killed in the violence, Harfuch confirmed.

Oseguera had been the country’s top fugitive cartel leader, with authorities offering a $15 million reward for information that would lead to his arrest. His death sparked retaliatory violence throughout Mexico as members of his criminal organization launched revenge attacks against government forces.

Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla revealed Monday that intelligence which led to Oseguera’s capture and subsequent death came from a romantic relationship the crime boss maintained.

The United Nations confirmed Monday that Pakistani military operations in eastern Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians and left seven others wounded, marking a dangerous escalation in tensions between the two neighboring nations.

These casualties raise concerns about a potential return to retaliatory violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan, putting at risk a delicate ceasefire along their 1,600-mile shared border and worsening diplomatic relations as both countries blame each other for militant attacks.

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the organization received “credible reports” that Pakistani air operations conducted during the night of February 21-22 resulted in civilian casualties in the Behsud and Khogyani areas of Nangarhar province.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban representative, had previously stated that dozens were killed or wounded in the military actions, which also targeted areas in Paktika province. Reuters was unable to confirm these casualty figures independently.

Pakistani officials justified the military action by pointing to recent suicide bombings, including attacks during Ramadan, which they attributed to militant groups operating from Afghan soil.

Pakistan’s information ministry stated on X that the “intelligence-based” mission targeted seven facilities belonging to the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province, claiming they possessed “conclusive evidence” that terrorist operations against Pakistan were coordinated by “Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.”

Afghan authorities have consistently rejected claims that they permit militant organizations to use their territory for launching attacks against Pakistan.

The military strikes occurred just days after Kabul freed three Pakistani military personnel through a Saudi-brokered prisoner exchange designed to reduce months of border tensions.

Afghanistan’s defense ministry denounced the strikes as violations of national sovereignty and international law, warning that an “appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time.” Additionally, the Afghan foreign ministry summoned Pakistan’s diplomatic representative.

In response to the February 21-22 operations, Afghanistan’s education ministry reported that eight students – five male and three female – died in Behsud within Nangarhar province, while one religious school student was injured in Barmal in Paktika province. The ministry added that numerous other civilians were killed or wounded and educational facilities were damaged. Reuters could not verify this information independently.

These recent military actions follow months of border conflicts and repeated frontier closures that have disrupted commerce and travel along the mountainous boundary region.