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BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The eldest son of President Donald Trump made a controversial visit to Bosnia’s Serb Republic on Tuesday, where he delivered sharp criticism of the European Union during a private gathering with regional leaders.

During his stop in Banja Luka, the de facto capital of the Serb Republic, Donald Trump Jr. described the European Union as “a little bit of a mess” while speaking to a closed panel of political figures and business leaders. He was invited by Igor Dodik, son of the region’s former separatist leader Milorad Dodik.

Trump Jr., who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization alongside his brother Eric, shared feedback he claimed to have received from international business contacts. “But it’s a disaster they feel also needs to be fixed because of the impact that it does have on the values and Western civilization,” he stated, referring to concerns about Europe’s current state.

The timing of the visit aligned with Vice President JD Vance’s appearance in Budapest, where he accused the EU of interfering in Hungarian electoral processes.

The Serb Republic represents one half of Bosnia’s dual autonomous structure, established through the U.S.-brokered Dayton peace agreement in 1995. This accord ended a devastating three-year conflict that claimed approximately 100,000 lives and forced around 2 million people from their homes.

Milorad Dodik, who previously led the region, lost his political position last August following a court ruling that prohibited him from holding office. He had faced U.S. sanctions for violations of the Dayton peace framework but has emerged as a vocal supporter of Trump administration policies.

“The arrival of Vance in Hungary and Donald Trump Jr. in Banja Luka is a signal of an important shift in the U.S. administration under President Trump, showing concern for this part of Europe,” Dodik wrote on social media platform X.

The Treasury Department removed sanctions against Dodik and his associates in October without providing public justification for the decision. Serbian officials indicate they have been working behind the scenes to strengthen ties with Washington while preserving their relationship with Russia.

The panel discussion was restricted to government-friendly media organizations, though footage was subsequently aired on regional television networks.

LISBON, April 7 – Portuguese officials have granted permission for 76 American military aircraft to land at the Lajes air facility in the Azores, along with 25 flights over Portuguese airspace during the current U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, according to government statements made Monday.

The approvals come with strict stipulations that American forces avoid striking civilian targets, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel disclosed during testimony before parliament. Rangel confirmed that Washington has honored these requirements as part of what he described as “loyal cooperation” between the NATO partners, though he noted that Portuguese authorities have denied some landing requests.

Multiple European nations including Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland have either limited or completely blocked American military aircraft from using their airspace and facilities during the Iranian conflict.

The restrictions come as President Donald Trump has set a Tuesday 8 p.m. Washington time deadline – which translates to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in Tehran – for Iran to lift its Gulf oil blockade or face American strikes against Iranian bridges and power facilities.

“We are against any attack on civilian infrastructure, and we made that a condition for the use of the Lajes air base,” Rangel explained to lawmakers. He said Lisbon provides base access for military responses to attacks on America, but only when the retaliation is “necessary and proportional” and avoids civilian casualties.

“The Portuguese government has always made a point of handling this transparently. We say when we authorise it and when there are transits of U.S. aircraft, other (European) governments do as they see fit,” the Foreign Minister stated, emphasizing Portugal’s preference for diplomatic solutions to the Iranian crisis.

The Lajes facility serves as a crucial strategic location housing the U.S. Air Force’s 65th Air Base Wing, which supports American, NATO and allied military operations throughout the region.

Ukrainian military personnel have established operations in western Libya through a secret agreement backed by Western nations, and launched a drone strike against a Russian gas tanker from Libyan territory last month, two Libyan officials revealed Tuesday.

The Russian vessel Arctic Metagaz, loaded with 61,000 tons of liquefied natural gas, sustained severe damage from what authorities believe was a sea drone assault near Malta’s waters in early March. The ship has since been drifting off Libya’s coast. Rescue teams evacuated all 30 crew members to another ship bound for Benghazi, according to Libya’s Maritime Authority.

The targeted vessel belongs to Russia’s unofficial shadow fleet that transports oil despite international sanctions imposed over Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which began more than four years ago. Recent temporary U.S. sanctions relief aims to address supply shortages during the Iran conflict.

Moscow has attributed the assault to Ukrainian sea drones. Ukraine maintains that oil export profits are financing Russia’s military campaign.

The Ukrainian personnel, primarily drone specialists, are based mainly at a Misrata air facility along the coast, while also maintaining presence at military installations in Tripoli and the coastal community of Zawiya, the officials informed The Associated Press. Both requested anonymity when discussing sensitive information.

According to one official, Ukrainian operatives launched the March 3 drone assault from a Tripoli military installation.

Libya’s Maritime Authority reported at the time that the vessel suffered “sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire” approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Sirte. The maritime agency incorrectly initially announced the tanker had been destroyed.

Following the strike, the Arctic Metagaz stayed afloat and ocean currents pushed it toward Libya’s shoreline, the World Wide Fund for Nature reported. Recently, Libyan officials tried towing the vessel to safer waters off their western coastline. These attempts were unsuccessful due to severe weather and powerful winds that left the tanker drifting without control.

Russian and Ukrainian representatives have not immediately responded to these allegations. Tripoli’s government also did not provide immediate comment.

Ukraine has emerged as a center for rapid military technological advancement, particularly in unmanned aircraft systems, while defending against Russia’s larger military force.

Ukraine’s Sea Baby naval drones have successfully targeted Russian vessels throughout the Black Sea. These effective operations forced Russia to modify its tactics, reducing Black Sea attack opportunities and pushing Ukrainian specialists to plan more ambitious strikes.

The officials explained that Ukrainian forces were progressively positioned in western Libya over recent months through what one described as a “covert deal” between Kyiv and the struggling administration of Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli.

Western nations, including the United States, supported this arrangement. U.S. African affairs adviser Massad Boulos has created a proposal to resolve Libya’s prolonged conflict while maintaining Dbeibah as prime minister, the officials stated.

Boulos’ plan also involves naming Saddam Hifter, son of influential eastern military leader Khalifa Hifter, to lead the presidential council. Saddam Hifter serves as chief of staff for the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army controlling eastern and southern Libya, including significant oil reserves.

For over ten years, the nation has remained divided between a U.N.-recognized Tripoli government under Dbeibah and a competing eastern administration supporting Russia-aligned Hifter. Various armed factions and international governments have backed each side.

Dbeibah’s governmental authority ended when Libya couldn’t conduct its planned presidential election in December 2021. He has since resisted attempts to form a new government and guide the petroleum-rich country toward elections, cautioning that his removal could spark warfare.

Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya expert with the Royal United Services Institute, indicated that Ukrainian forces in western Libya represent NATO’s continuing efforts to prevent the region from falling under “Russia’s reach.”

“It is entirely plausible that, with the knowledge and blessing of NATO powers — chiefly the United States but also the United Kingdom and Turkey — several small groups of Ukrainian operatives now maintain a presence in the greater Tripoli area,” he stated.

Libya has experienced turmoil since a NATO-supported rebellion overthrew and killed longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The oil-wealthy country has become a battleground for ongoing competition between Russia and Western powers. With borders touching six nations, Libya has created challenges for Europe by serving as a migration route for people attempting to reach European territories.

Two French citizens who spent more than three years imprisoned in Iran have been released and are traveling back to France, according to French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement Tuesday.

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris were permitted to depart Iran after being confined to French diplomatic facilities since their prison release in November. “Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on route toward French territory, after three and a half years of detention in Iran,” Macron wrote on social media platform X.

The breakthrough came after extensive diplomatic efforts by France to secure their departure from Iranian territory. Macron acknowledged Oman’s assistance in mediating the release, stating “It’s a relief for us all and obviously for their families.”

According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Tehran agreed to release the French pair in exchange for Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari. Iranian officials had been demanding Esfandiari’s release since last year following her conviction in France for promoting terrorism through statements she made regarding the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks against Israel.

The prisoner exchange highlights Iran’s strategic approach to international relations during ongoing regional conflicts. Macron has maintained France’s distance from the broader Middle East tensions, stating his nation was not consulted about U.S.-Israeli military operations.

Iranian authorities had freed Kohler and Paris from prison in November but prevented their departure from the country. The two had been detained since May 2022 on espionage allegations that French officials consistently rejected as baseless.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed he spoke with both released citizens, who “expressed their emotion and their joy at soon being reunited with their country and their loved ones.” He praised France’s embassy staff in Tehran for keeping them secure “under very difficult conditions.”

France has long criticized Iran for what it calls a “hostage policy,” using foreign nationals as diplomatic leverage. Tehran denies these accusations from Western governments.

In September, Iranian officials indicated the two nations were close to finalizing a prisoner exchange involving Esfandiari. France subsequently withdrew its case against Iran at the International Court of Justice, where it had accused Tehran of violating consular protection rights.

A French court convicted Esfandiari in February on terrorism incitement charges, sentencing her to one year in prison plus a three-year suspended sentence and permanent ban from French territory.

O’SMACH, Cambodia (AP) — Thai military officials provided journalists with an unprecedented look inside what may be the largest online fraud operation ever discovered, a massive complex spanning 197 acres along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

The facility, known as the O’Smach Resort, covers an area equivalent to 150 football fields and housed an estimated 10,000 people engaged in elaborate online scamming operations targeting victims across the globe.

Thai forces seized control of the compound in December amid border tensions with Cambodia, with military officials stating they captured the area after Cambodian forces used it to launch cross-border attacks.

The sprawling operation represents the growing scale of online fraud networks that have expanded rapidly across Southeast Asia following the pandemic. United Nations human rights officials estimate approximately 300,000 workers are involved in similar scamming enterprises throughout the region.

The complex belonged to Cambodian politician Ly Yong Phat, who currently faces U.S. sanctions for human rights violations connected to this same facility. Construction materials and cranes scattered throughout the grounds suggest ongoing expansion plans.

Inside a four-story office building, evidence of the sophisticated American-targeted schemes remained scattered across desks. Investigators found detailed instruction manuals written in Chinese, along with American SIM cards and leftover snacks from the previous occupants.

Among the materials discovered was an elaborate 24-page character profile for a fictional woman named Mila, created to deceive targets interested in gold options trading. The fabricated backstory included tragic personal details about losing her husband to leukemia, childhood bullying experiences, and a manufactured history of living in South Africa with relatives.

The compound featured 157 buildings total, with 29 structures dedicated to housing the fraudulent operations and their administrative offices. The remaining buildings included large dormitory facilities and upscale living quarters featuring apartments and three-story residential villas.

To serve the predominantly Chinese workforce, the facility included multiple restaurants offering regional cuisines from Hunan, Shaxian, and Sichuan provinces, complete with traditional dishes like hot and sour rice noodles.

Recent FBI statistics reveal Americans suffered losses approaching $21 billion from various scam operations during 2025 alone, highlighting the financial impact of these international fraud networks.

Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, who guided the media tour, emphasized the global nature of the challenge facing law enforcement agencies.

“Every country of the world has to join together to solve this problem, (we) cannot do it alone with Cambodia and Thailand,” Sornchaidee stated.

Despite commitments from both Thailand and Cambodia to address these criminal enterprises, officials acknowledge the international scope of the problem requires coordinated global response efforts.

Residents living along Israel’s northern border are taking a stand, refusing to abandon their homes despite facing renewed rocket attacks from Hezbollah forces across the Lebanese frontier.

Fifty-nine-year-old Orna Weinberg was among those who evacuated from her home in Manara after a Hezbollah rocket damaged her property in October 2023. She spent two years away from her close-knit community, which sits mere meters from Lebanon’s border.

Weinberg characterized those years of displacement as “pretty tough,” marked by devastating personal losses. Several elderly community members, including her mother-in-law and uncle, passed away while living away from home.

“The day we had electricity, and we could put a mattress in, we got back, and we started fixing the house from inside out,” Weinberg explained about returning to her damaged home.

Despite current rocket fire targeting northern Israel as military forces engage Hezbollah in broader regional conflict, Weinberg and fellow residents of the small kibbutz are determined to remain, having only returned last October.

“We will never, ever leave this place again,” Weinberg declared.

The kibbutz of Manara was founded in 1943 by Jewish immigrants during the British Mandatory Palestine period, five years before Israel’s establishment as a state.

From Manara’s perimeter, Lebanese villages are easily visible, highlighting the community’s exposure to cross-border attacks. The sound of Israeli artillery responding into Lebanon regularly reverberates across the area.

People living in Manara and neighboring northern Israeli settlements, which house hundreds of thousands of residents, typically have mere seconds to reach protective shelters when rockets launch from Lebanon, unlike those in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem who have several minutes. Occasionally, alerts arrive only after projectiles have already hit their targets.

Construction work on Weinberg’s residence has stopped due to safety concerns. Other damaged homes in the kibbutz await demolition after sustaining damage from Hezbollah rockets during more than a year of combat that paralleled the Gaza conflict. The Israel-Hezbollah hostilities decreased following a ceasefire agreement in 2024.

At Hagoshrim, another kibbutz located approximately two kilometers from the Lebanese border, residents have similarly committed to staying despite deadly rocket threats. A community member was killed by Hezbollah fire in 2024.

Hagoshrim resident Dror Gavish acknowledges the terror posed by the Lebanese militant organization. Two Israelis have died in Hezbollah strikes since the group began launching rockets in support of Iran on March 2 this year.

Nevertheless, forty-two-year-old Gavish said he, his spouse, and their three children chose to remain rather than evacuate. “We are here and we’re not going to go anywhere.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has maintained that no northern residents will face forced evacuation as combat continues.

This approach contrasts sharply with conditions across the border, where Israeli forces have commanded hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians to flee their communities as bombing campaigns destroy villages, with Israel claiming Hezbollah uses these areas for launching attacks. Israel’s renewed military campaign in Lebanon has displaced over 1.2 million people.

Following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel, Manara’s population evacuated, fearing Hezbollah might execute a similar attack. Tens of thousands of northern Israeli residents received government support to stay in temporary housing throughout the country, with many still not returned.

Currently, Netanyahu’s government has not provided funding for residents to stay in hotels elsewhere until hostilities end. Instead, officials have promised to capture Lebanese territory to prevent Hezbollah from threatening northern Israeli communities with short-range weapons.

Weinberg expresses criticism toward Netanyahu’s government. Like numerous Israelis, she believes an investigation must examine the failures leading to the October 7 attack, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths, including two of her family members. Another relative was kidnapped to Gaza and subsequently killed, she reported.

Netanyahu has denied personal accountability for the failures and has resisted an independent investigation, instead supporting an inquiry where the government would select half the panel members.

“I don’t think the government are our saviours, and I don’t expect them to be,” Weinberg stated. She believes Israel’s leadership should pursue peaceful relations with neighboring countries rather than engaging in warfare.

Gavish from Hagoshrim said that while he, like many Israelis, views Iran as a significant threat, he lacks confidence in Netanyahu’s government to act in the nation’s best interests.

He anticipates upcoming elections will produce new leadership focused on diplomatic solutions, including peace agreements with Lebanon.

“I really believe things here can be much better for us,” he said.

The escalating Middle East conflict has reached extraordinary intensity as American and Israeli forces work together to dismantle Iran’s military and economic infrastructure, according to a senior Israeli defense official.

Brigadier General Amir Avivi, who founded and leads the Israel Defense and Security Forum, shared his analysis of the current situation with The Media Line. Despite facing continuous attacks across multiple fronts, Avivi expressed confidence in the coalition’s progress. “Obviously, it’s very, very challenging, but we are winning decisively,” he stated.

The general revealed details of recent joint operations, including a dramatic rescue mission where American forces, supported by Israeli intelligence and special units, extracted a downed US pilot from Iran’s mountainous regions. Avivi described how the airman moved “towards the top of the mountain to … a place where he can hide” while the US “built a whole base in the area in order to support the troops that were involved in the rescue itself.” Israeli forces provided intelligence support and elite unit participation in the operation.

According to Avivi’s assessment, the allied campaign has achieved remarkable success in degrading Iran’s capabilities, destroying 90% of the country’s essential military production facilities and eliminating 85% of petrochemical operations. The economic impact has been severe, with “tens of billions of dollars have gone to the drain,” he observed. The strategy aims to reach a point where “Iran cannot sustain anymore, where this regime cannot pay salaries, cannot sustain its economy and its military capabilities.”

Drawing parallels to World War II strategy against Japan, Avivi explained that current efforts focus on forcing surrender without requiring American ground forces. He noted that President Trump has discussed targeting electrical infrastructure and seizing control of Iranian oil resources. Supporting this approach, Avivi warned, “They have to lose everything,” predicting that “in a few attacks, this country will not function anymore at all.”

Regarding Iran’s interference with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Avivi argued there “shouldn’t be a problem for the US to take over the Strait,” describing it as strategically essential. He emphasized the waterway’s importance, noting “Twenty percent of the oil and gas goes through this Strait” and stressed that “Whoever controls it has a lot of power. And this power shouldn’t be in the hands of this apocalyptic, crazy regime.”

To address potential disruptions to global energy supplies, Avivi described an alternative transportation route through Saudi Arabia and Israel. This corridor would utilize Saudi pipelines and move petroleum from the Red Sea through Eilat to Ashkelon, making “Israel will become a corridor of energy that will supply huge amounts of oil to Europe.” Combined with increased exports from America, Venezuela, and Azerbaijan, he estimated this alternative route could address approximately half of the market disruption caused by strait closures.

The general emphasized that complete victory requires total elimination of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats. “If you want to get to the point where the Iranians give all the enriched uranium, where you have forces going in and dismantling all their underground cities with ballistic missiles. … This can be done only when the regime surrenders or falls,” he argued.

Avivi’s most dramatic recommendation involves destroying Iran’s electrical grid to paralyze the government’s ability to function. He believes this would leave the state without operational banking systems, command centers, or computer networks. “When you take down the electricity, they will have maybe a few days to use generators. … But this is good for a few days, not anymore. And once this is done, they’re done,” he explained.

Using biblical imagery, he advocated for “a plague of darkness in Iran, taking out their electricity plants and rendering this regime completely incapable.” However, Avivi clarified that the strategy targets the regime rather than ordinary Iranians. “You can destroy certain elements that can be rebuilt later on,” he noted, seeking to “enable the Iranian people to rebuild their future once there is a change of regime.”

On the home front, Avivi described the ongoing impact of Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Israeli civilians. While Israel’s defense systems intercept more than 90% of incoming threats, he acknowledged the psychological burden on the population. “People wake up in the middle of the night to sirens and in the middle of the day and little children,” Avivi described, adding that Iran’s indiscriminate targeting of civilians proves “It’s not a regime that can continue to exist.”

In Lebanon, Israeli forces have advanced five to six miles into the southern region to reduce anti-tank missile threats. When questioned about the permanence of this presence, Avivi responded, “Probably. We’ll see.” Israeli air operations continue targeting Hezbollah leadership, weapons systems, and financial networks. However, he stressed that Iran remains the primary target, serving as the financial backbone for “militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza.” He noted that “it’s the Iranian regime that is sustaining Hezbollah, that paid them in 2025, $2 billion.”

While Israeli operations have eliminated over a thousand Hezbollah operatives, Avivi argued that logistical advantages over Iran are crucial for overall victory. He pointed out that Israel and America maintain continuous weapons production while Iran’s manufacturing facilities have been destroyed. Quoting a military principle often attributed to General Omar Bradley, Avivi said, “Amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics.”

Despite significant progress, he counseled patience in achieving complete victory. “We are winning the war. But we have to understand what was built in 47 years, you don’t destroy in a few weeks. It takes some time.” He summarized his strategic philosophy by declaring, “Iran is the key. And we really need to cut the head of the snake.”

Avivi strongly criticized NATO’s decision not to participate in the conflict, calling it a historic error that could reshape international alliances. He predicted growing tensions, stating, “I think the US understands that they cannot trust NATO anymore. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the US leaving NATO.” He warned that European nations will need to rebuild their military capabilities to counter Russian threats while observing that US-Israel cooperation is strengthening, potentially expanding the Abraham Accords after the conflict ends. “The US understands that they only have one really serious, capable ally. Nobody else really stepped [up] and helped in this war,” he observed.

Regarding Gaza operations, Avivi confirmed that Israeli forces control more than half the territory while maintaining clear objectives about Hamas’s future. “If anybody thinks that Israel will let Hamas stay armed in Gaza, this is not going to happen,” he stated firmly.

The general also addressed domestic Israeli debates about military conscription during wartime. He criticized exemptions that allow some groups to avoid service during what he considers an existential crisis, arguing that all Israeli society must contribute to defense efforts. “In Israel, everybody needs to serve,” he declared, calling draft avoidance “completely against our Jewish values.”

Looking back on the conflict’s development, Avivi expressed surprise at the rapid success achieved during last June’s 12-day campaign against Iran, particularly the swift destruction of Iranian air defenses within thirty-six hours. Comparing actual results to pre-war projections, he admitted, “With all the challenges that we have now, it’s not even 1% of what we thought it might be.”

Intelligence sources indicate that Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains unconscious and in grave condition in the city of Qom, creating uncertainty about who holds power in Tehran, according to a diplomatic briefing citing American and Israeli intelligence that was published Tuesday in The Times of London.

Former President Trump has questioned whether the Iranian leader remains alive or capable of governing. Speaking last month, Trump stated, “The supreme leader of Iran is dead or seriously wounded because nobody hears from him. Who would want to lead Iran? Nobody.”

Mojtaba Khamenei has been absent from public view since early March, just weeks after taking over as supreme leader. His current medical crisis stems from wounds he received during a combined American-Israeli military strike on February 28 that marked the beginning of the conflict. That same attack resulted in the deaths of his father Ali Khamenei, along with his mother, spouse, and child.

The intelligence memo reveals that funeral arrangements are being made in Qom for Ali Khamenei, with construction of an expansive mausoleum designed to accommodate “more than one grave,” suggesting additional family members may be interred at the location.

Meanwhile, Iran International, an opposition news source, has reported that a military committee consisting of high-ranking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders has taken control of governmental decisions in Iran. This council is allegedly blocking Mojtaba Khamenei from receiving updates about the nation’s wartime situation.

Additional friction has emerged between President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government and the Revolutionary Guards. Reports indicate that Pezeshkian sought an audience with Mojtaba Khamenei, but his request received no response and contact was never made.

Israeli military forces launched extensive bombing operations across Iran on Monday, striking facilities the military claims were essential to the country’s weapons manufacturing capabilities, according to statements from the Israel Defense Forces.

Military officials reported that warplanes targeted a chemical manufacturing complex in Shiraz that produced nitric acid, a substance Israeli forces describe as crucial for creating explosives and developing ballistic missiles. Israeli military representatives stated this location was among the limited number of Iranian sites still capable of manufacturing vital chemical materials for weapons production.

The Israeli military indicated these latest attacks followed previous bombardments of other major chemical manufacturing complexes, including what they characterized as Iran’s largest petrochemical operation and another facility in Mahshahr. Military officials claim these combined strikes have disabled more than 85% of Iran’s chemical export capabilities.

In addition to the Shiraz facility, Israeli forces reported hitting a major ballistic missile installation in Iran’s northwestern region during the same military operation.

Israeli officials expect the infrastructure damage will significantly hamper Iran’s capacity to produce essential missile components, which they say Iran uses to threaten Israel and neighboring Middle Eastern nations.

The United Nations migration agency reported Tuesday that over 80 migrants remain unaccounted for following a devastating boat accident in the central Mediterranean Sea. Two bodies have been found so far from the tragedy.

The vessel was carrying approximately 120 individuals when it left Tajoura, a coastal community in northwestern Libya, on Sunday. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the boat took on water and flipped over due to severe weather conditions in the area.

Rescue operations by a commercial ship and tugboat successfully pulled 32 survivors from the water, who were subsequently transported by Italy’s coast guard to Lampedusa, a southern Italian island. Officials confirmed the recovery of two victims’ bodies during the operation.

The North African nation has become a primary departure point for people escaping conflict and economic hardship across Africa and the Middle East. Libya descended into turmoil following the 2011 rebellion that resulted in the death of long-ruling leader Moammar Gadhafi.

This latest tragedy occurred roughly one week following another deadly incident when Italian coast guard personnel discovered 19 bodies and saved 58 individuals from a migrant dinghy approximately 80 nautical miles from Lampedusa. That rescue operation took place in Libya’s search and rescue waters during challenging weather.

The small Mediterranean island of Lampedusa serves as Europe’s primary arrival destination for migrants making the dangerous crossing from North Africa, with thousands perishing during these treacherous voyages. Most fatalities occur when small vessels launch from Tunisian and Libyan shores.

According to Tuesday’s IOM report, early 2026 has become the most lethal beginning to any year for Mediterranean crossings since 2014, with no fewer than 990 documented deaths already recorded. In the Central Mediterranean specifically, 765 people have lost their lives in 2026, representing approximately a 150% surge compared to the same timeframe last year.

IOM Director General Amy Pope recently told The Associated Press that the organization is observing increasing numbers of migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sudan aboard Mediterranean vessels.

“The issue of people crossing the Mediterranean is really dependent on what else is happening in the world and the factors at the moment, war, instability, lack of access to food, sexual violence, all of these things will drive people to move,” she said.

BULLY-LES-MINES, France — A locomotive engineer lost his life Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train collided with a truck transporting military equipment at a railroad crossing in northern France, according to local officials.

Sixteen passengers sustained injuries in the crash, with two in serious condition, authorities reported. The truck operator has been taken into custody as investigators launch an aggravated manslaughter probe, though Prosecutor Etienne Thieffry told media it remains too soon to pinpoint what caused the deadly collision.

Jean Castex, who leads France’s national railway system SNCF, confirmed that the crossing’s safety gates were operating properly at the time of impact.

Emergency responders descended on the crash site in Bully-les-Mines, located along the rail line connecting Dunkirk to Paris, regional officials stated. More than 200 train passengers were safely evacuated from the scene following the accident.

An Associated Press reporter observed extensive damage to both vehicles, with the locomotive’s front end severely crushed and the truck also heavily damaged. The train cars stayed upright on the rails, though railway operations were suspended while emergency crews conducted their response operations.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan diplomatic officials announced Tuesday that peace negotiations taking place in China between Afghanistan and Pakistan aimed at stopping cross-border violence have shown encouraging progress.

The diplomatic meetings commenced last week in Urumqi, a city in western China, after Beijing extended an invitation to both nations in hopes of resolving the deadly conflict that erupted in February and has claimed hundreds of lives. Pakistan previously declared it was engaged in “open war” with Afghanistan and has conducted aerial bombardments on Afghan territory, including strikes in Kabul.

According to a Tuesday post by the United Nations humanitarian coordination office in Afghanistan, the ongoing violence has forced 94,000 people from their homes, while another 100,000 residents in two Afghan border districts have been completely isolated by the fighting since February began.

The escalating violence has created significant concern among international observers, especially given that extremist groups like al-Qaida and ISIS maintain operations in the contested region.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held discussions with China’s ambassador to Afghanistan on Tuesday, as reported by Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal on social media. Takal expressed gratitude to Beijing for organizing and facilitating the negotiations, while also acknowledging mediation assistance from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

“Noting that constructive discussions have taken place so far, FM Muttaqi expressed hope that minor interpretations would not hinder the progress of the negotiations,” Takal wrote.

Official communications about the diplomatic talks have remained limited since mid-level representatives from both countries began meeting on April 1.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Afghanistan has repeatedly alleged that Pakistan continued cross-border artillery attacks during the talks, resulting in civilian casualties. Pakistani officials have not responded to these accusations.

Pakistan frequently claims that Afghanistan allows militant groups to operate from its territory and launch deadly strikes inside Pakistan, particularly the Pakistani Taliban organization known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. This group maintains ties with but operates separately from the Afghan Taliban, which assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 after U.S.-led forces withdrew. Afghan authorities reject these allegations.

Pakistani military leadership pledged Tuesday to maintain current anti-terrorism operations until what they described as “militant safe havens” are destroyed and “the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan” ceases.

These statements emerged from a high-level military conference led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to an official military announcement.

The gathering assessed current domestic and international security conditions. The statement indicated that “terrorist proxies” working for “external sponsors” and their supporters would be tracked down and eliminated “relentlessly and without exception.”

The current violence represents the most intense fighting between the neighboring countries and began when Afghanistan launched retaliatory cross-border operations following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan soil. These clashes shattered a Qatar-mediated ceasefire agreement from October that had ended earlier fighting which killed dozens of military personnel, civilians and suspected militants.

A Pakistani airstrike on March 17 targeted a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, with Afghan authorities reporting more than 400 deaths. Pakistan disputed targeting civilians, claiming its operations focused on military installations.

Crude oil costs have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels approaching $150 per barrel as the escalating Middle East conflict continues to strangle global energy supplies, according to industry data released April 7.

The ongoing war involving the U.S.-Israel alliance against Iran has resulted in the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off approximately 12 million barrels of oil per day from reaching world markets. This represents roughly 12% of global oil production, creating severe supply shortages that are driving prices to historic peaks.

While Brent crude futures climbed to $119.50 per barrel last month – the highest level since 2022 – the actual cost of physical oil deliveries has far surpassed even those elevated prices. North Sea Forties crude reached an all-time high of $146.09 per barrel on Tuesday, surpassing the previous 2008 record of $147.50.

The dramatic price surge stems from desperate competition among refineries in Europe and Asia scrambling to secure alternative oil sources to replace the lost Middle Eastern supplies. This has created a bidding war for immediately available crude from regions like Europe and Africa.

Veteran oil trader Adi Imsirovic attributed the extreme pricing to widespread “panic” in the marketplace. “When there is a real, physical shortage, people are not thinking about July delivery – June loading and hence June futures prices – but oil NOW,” Imsirovic explained.

The gap between immediate delivery prices and future contracts has widened dramatically, with dated Brent crude – which reflects actual cargo prices – trading nearly $20 above June futures contracts. This premium reflects the urgent need for oil that can be delivered immediately rather than months down the road.

“At the moment, the market is scrambling for prompt, refinery-usable barrels, and stress is appearing first in the part of the benchmark that is closest to the immediate physical problem,” Morgan Stanley analysts noted in their latest market assessment.

S&P Global Energy Platts, a major oil price publisher, valued dated Brent at $141.365 on April 2, approaching the 2008 record of $144.22. Using this benchmark would push many physical oil cargoes, including Forties crude, well beyond the $150 threshold.

The supply crisis has also sent refined fuel costs soaring across European markets. Jet fuel prices reached $226.40 per barrel on Tuesday, nearly matching record highs set in mid-March. Diesel prices climbed to $203.59 per barrel, though still below the peaks reached in 2022.

BAGHDAD — Three Iraqi government sources revealed Tuesday that local officials suspect the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia orchestrated the March 31 kidnapping of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson from a Baghdad street corner, though efforts to secure her freedom have encountered significant roadblocks.

While U.S. authorities had previously pointed to this group as responsible for Kittleson’s abduction, Iraq’s government has not officially identified the perpetrators, and the militia organization has made no public claims regarding the kidnapping.

When contacted for comment, representatives from Kataib Hezbollah refused to respond.

Two Iraqi security officials and one member of the pro-Iran Coordination Framework political alliance shared details with The Associated Press under anonymity, as they lacked authorization to discuss the sensitive matter publicly.

According to one security source, a representative from the Popular Mobilization Forces — an umbrella organization of Iran-backed militias operating under nominal Iraqi military oversight — was assigned to establish contact with the kidnappers for Kittleson’s release but encountered substantial communication barriers with Kataib Hezbollah’s leadership.

“The primary challenge is that the leaders of the Kataib militia — specifically, the commanders of the battalions — are nowhere to be found. No one knows their whereabouts, and the process of establishing contact with them is extremely complex,” they said. “These leaders have gone underground, maintaining no active lines of communication, out of fear of being targeted.”

The political source indicated that Iraqi officials sent communications to Kataib leadership seeking their conditions for the journalist’s release. While authorities expressed readiness to free six detained Kataib Hezbollah members — most held for attacks on a U.S. facility in Syria — the militia has yet to clearly state its demands.

A second security official noted additional complications, explaining that the Iraqi official overseeing the case still awaits authorization from U.S. authorities to move forward with negotiations.

U.S. officials have not yet responded to requests for comment. The State Department has previously stated it is collaborating with the FBI to secure Kittleson’s freedom.

Press freedom organizations have called on the U.S. government to officially classify Kittleson as a hostage or “wrongful detainee,” a status that would activate enhanced government response protocols.

The 49-year-old Kittleson spent years working internationally, previously operating from Rome while establishing a distinguished journalism career throughout the Middle East, with particular focus on Iraq and Syria. As is common for independent journalists, she frequently operated with limited resources and without the security measures provided by major news organizations to their staff reporters.

She had recently re-entered Iraq before her capture. U.S. officials report they repeatedly warned her about threats to her safety, but she chose to remain in the country.

Iraqi authorities described the kidnapping as involving two vehicles, with one crashing during a pursuit near al-Haswa in Babil province, located southwest of Baghdad. The journalist was subsequently moved to a second vehicle that escaped.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council will cast ballots Tuesday on a significantly diluted measure calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though uncertainty remains over whether Russia and China will block the Bahrain-backed proposal.

The balloting comes just hours ahead of an 8 p.m. Eastern time ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump requiring Iran to reopen the crucial shipping lane or face military strikes on its infrastructure including power facilities and bridges. Approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments normally transit through this waterway, and Iran’s blockade amid the ongoing conflict has caused energy costs to spike dramatically.

Even if the measure passes, it’s unlikely to influence the conflict, which has now entered its fifth week, given how substantially it has been diluted in attempts to persuade Russia and China to abstain instead of using their veto power.

The original proposal from Bahrain would have permitted nations to employ “all necessary means” — diplomatic language at the UN that encompasses military force — to guarantee passage through the Strait of Hormuz and prevent closure attempts.

Following objections from Russia, China and France, all permanent Security Council members with veto authority on the 15-nation body, regarding the authorization of force, the measure was amended to remove all references to offensive operations. The revised version would have permitted only “all defensive means necessary.” Voting had been anticipated for Saturday.

However, the proposal underwent further weakening to remove any mention of Security Council authorization — which constitutes a directive for action — and restrict its scope specifically to the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier versions had encompassed surrounding waters.

Tuesday’s resolution “strongly encourages states interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate with the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz.”

This would encompass providing protection for merchant and commercial ships, and preventing efforts to shut down, block or disrupt international shipping through the waterway, according to the text.

The measure also calls on Iran to immediately cease attacks on merchant and commercial vessels and stop hindering their navigation freedom through the Strait of Hormuz and targeting civilian infrastructure.

Following U.S. and Israeli military operations that began February 28, Iran has struck hotels, airports, residential areas and other civilian targets across more than 10 nations, including the Islamic Republic’s Gulf neighbors, some of whom rank among the world’s leading oil and natural gas exporters.

Gulf states view Iran’s strait blockade as a threat to their survival. Bahrain, which houses the U.S. Fifth Fleet and currently serves as the Security Council’s Arab representative and monthly president, has been advocating for UN intervention.

Meanwhile, Trump reiterated Monday his demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while praising U.S. forces for their bold rescue of two fighter jet crew members shot down over Iran. The Republican leader cautioned Iran that the “entire country can be taken out in one night, and that might be tomorrow night.”

He echoed this threat Tuesday, stating a “whole civilization will die tonight” unless Tehran meets his deadline to accept an agreement that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia and China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong have held the U.S. and Israel responsible for initiating the conflict and creating a widening international crisis. They informed the Security Council last week that the most pressing need is an immediate cessation of military activities.

Following Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors, the Security Council passed a Bahrain-sponsored resolution March 11 denouncing the “egregious attacks” and demanding Tehran immediately stop its strikes.

That measure, approved 13-0 with Russia and China not participating, also criticized Iran’s Strait of Hormuz actions as endangering global peace and security and demanded an immediate end to all shipping blockade activities.

Turkish law enforcement officers fatally shot an assailant during an armed confrontation outside the structure that houses Israel’s consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, officials and eyewitnesses confirmed.

The violent encounter brings attention to Turkey’s extensive record of extremist violence spanning nearly a decade. Here’s a chronological overview of significant terrorist incidents that have occurred across the country:

December 29, 2025 – Six Islamic State fighters and three Turkish law enforcement officers died during armed combat in Yalova, located in Turkey’s northwest region.

September 8, 2025 – Authorities detained a teenager, age 16, in connection with the fatal shooting of two officers during an assault on a police facility in Izmir, a western Turkish municipality.

October 24, 2024 – A pair of armed assailants murdered five individuals at TUSAS, Turkey’s premier aerospace company in Ankara. Officials attributed the assault to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) extremist organization.

January 28, 2024 – Two masked shooters fatally wounded one person while attacking a religious service in Istanbul. Law enforcement apprehended the suspects and established connections to Islamic State.

October 1, 2023 – Two militants set off an explosive device outside government facilities in Ankara, killing themselves and injuring two law enforcement officers. The PKK took credit for the bombing.

November 13, 2022 – An explosion on a crowded Istanbul street resulted in six deaths and 81 injuries. Turkish officials accused the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which they regard as a PKK affiliate, though both organizations rejected involvement.

January 5, 2017 – A vehicle bomb in Izmir claimed the lives of one police officer and one court worker. Officials determined PKK members carried out the attack.

December 31, 2016 – Islamic State accepted responsibility for a New Year’s Eve mass shooting at an Istanbul entertainment venue that resulted in 39 fatalities.

December 17, 2016 – A car bomb explosion killed 13 military personnel in Kayseri. A PKK splinter group claimed the attack.

December 10, 2016 – Dual explosive attacks near an Istanbul football stadium killed 44 people, primarily law enforcement officers. The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), affiliated with PKK, claimed responsibility.

August 26, 2016 – A suicide truck bomb targeting a police station in southeastern Turkey killed no fewer than 11 people. The PKK claimed the operation.

August 20, 2016 – A suicide bomber struck a wedding celebration in Gaziantep, killing at least 51 attendees. President Tayyip Erdogan stated the perpetrator had Islamic State connections.

June 28, 2016 – A coordinated attack involving three suicide bombers and gunmen at Istanbul’s primary airport killed 45 and injured more than 160. The attackers, believed connected to Islamic State, received life imprisonment sentences.

March 19, 2016 – A suicide bomber killed four people in Istanbul, including three Israeli citizens (two holding dual U.S. citizenship) and one Iranian national. A Turkish Islamic State member was responsible.

March 13, 2016 – An explosive-laden vehicle detonated at a busy transportation center in Ankara, killing 37 people. TAK claimed responsibility.

February 17, 2016 – A car bomb targeted military transport vehicles near the armed forces headquarters, parliament, and additional government structures in Ankara, killing 28 and wounding many others. TAK claimed the attack.

January 12, 2016 – A suicide bomber killed at least 10 individuals, predominantly German visitors, in Istanbul’s historic district. Authorities attributed the incident to Islamic State.

October 10, 2015 – Twin bomb attacks outside Ankara’s central railway station killed more than 100 people. Turkish courts gave life sentences to the perpetrators, who had Islamic State ties.

September 8, 2015 – PKK fighters killed 15 law enforcement officers in the eastern provinces of Mardin and Igdir.

July 20, 2015 – An Islamic State suicide bomber killed over 30 people, mainly young students, in Suruc, a predominantly Kurdish community near Syria’s border.

Two French citizens who spent more than three years imprisoned in Iran are now heading home, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday.

Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are “free and on their way to France, after three and a half years of detention in Iran,” Macron wrote on the social media platform X.

The news prompted French legislators to rise in a standing ovation when the announcement was shared at the National Assembly in Paris.

Military strikes targeted infrastructure across Iran on Tuesday, hitting transportation networks and a train facility, while President Donald Trump issued what he called a final ultimatum demanding Tehran agree to terms that would reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Trump delivered stark warnings that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless Iranian leaders accept his latest proposal by an 8 p.m. Washington deadline. The president has previously extended similar ultimatums but indicated this one would be his last.

American forces also conducted operations against military installations on Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export facility, marking the second assault on the location. Previous attacks on the island destroyed air defense systems, radar equipment, an airfield, and a naval base, according to satellite imagery analyzed by defense research organizations.

The escalating conflict has Iran’s leadership calling on citizens to protect critical infrastructure. Iranian official Alireza Rahimi released a video appeal urging “all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors” to create protective human barriers around electrical generation facilities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on social media that 14 million citizens have responded to recruitment drives, volunteering for military service, and declared his intention to join them. Revolutionary Guard commanders have encouraged families to send their children to staff security checkpoints.

The military standoff centers on Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies normally flow during peacetime. Iran imposed the shipping restrictions after coordinated attacks by Israel and the United States on February 28 initiated the current conflict.

Iranian forces retaliated Tuesday morning by launching seven ballistic missiles toward Saudi Arabia, with debris scattering near energy installations as defense systems intercepted the projectiles. The attacks forced Saudi authorities to temporarily shut down the King Fahd Causeway, the sole roadway linking Bahrain and the Arabian Peninsula.

Additional missile strikes targeted Israeli territory, with incoming projectiles reported near Tel Aviv and Eilat. Israel’s military confirmed it attacked an Iranian petrochemical facility in Shiraz for the second consecutive day and issued warnings in Farsi advising Iranians to avoid railway travel.

The humanitarian toll continues mounting, with Iranian state media reporting over 1,900 deaths since hostilities began, though officials haven’t updated casualty figures recently. In Lebanon, where Israel battles Iran-supported Hezbollah forces, more than 1,400 people have died and over one million have been displaced.

Economic consequences are spreading globally as oil prices surge. Brent crude reached above $108 per barrel in Tuesday trading, representing approximately a 50% increase since the conflict started.

International leaders are expressing alarm at the escalating rhetoric. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that strikes against civilian and energy infrastructure “are barred by the rules of war, international law” and would trigger “a new phase of escalation.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also cautioned the United States that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international legal standards, according to his spokesperson.

When asked about potential war crimes concerns, Trump told reporters he’s “not at all” worried about such allegations.

Behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts are continuing despite the public threats. Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are working intensively to broker a compromise before the deadline expires. Iran has connected any reopening of the strait to sanctions relief, while the United States has shown willingness to ease some restrictions, particularly on Iran’s oil sector, partly to stabilize global energy markets.

Tehran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal on Monday, demanding instead a permanent end to hostilities. However, indirect communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain active as negotiators race against time.

The mood in Iran’s capital reflects the gravity of the situation. One teacher in Tehran, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, expressed fear that continued attacks on infrastructure could create widespread chaos. Many Iranians who initially hoped the conflict might topple their government now worry about returning to primitive conditions without electricity, internet, or basic utilities.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has threatened to “deprive the U.S. and its allies of the region’s oil and gas for years” and expand attacks throughout the Gulf region if Trump follows through on his ultimatum.

The conflict has also claimed lives beyond Iran and Lebanon, with more than two dozen deaths reported in Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, 23 fatalities in Israel, and 13 American service members killed.

LAGOS, Nigeria — Massive crowds gathered in Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos for the spectacular annual Fanti Carnival, honoring the rich Afro-Brazilian culture of the “Aguda” community — descendants of formerly enslaved individuals who made their way back from Brazil during the 1800s.

Typically held during the Easter season in recent years, this cultural extravaganza ranks among West Africa’s most significant celebrations, drawing comparisons to Brazil’s famous Rio Carnival, known worldwide as the ultimate party.

Upon arriving in West Africa, many of these returnees made Lagos their home, integrating with the local Yoruba community while maintaining elements of Brazilian and Portuguese traditions. These influences became woven into local music, cuisine, building styles, religious practices, and daily life, ultimately creating the foundation for the Fanti celebration.

“If you know the history of Lagos, you will understand how this carnival is important to the city and its history,” carnival participant Ademola Oduyebo explained on Monday. “It is important that we preserve this so for our children.”

Under this year’s banner “A Homecoming of Heritage,” parade groups from throughout Lagos made their way to Tafawa Balewa Square, showcasing multiple generations of descendants from formerly enslaved communities.

Participants donned vibrant attire as they danced through the streets toward downtown, with some riding on horseback. Each group proudly showcased aspects of their Brazilian ancestry and cultural identity.

Performers and artists from across the African continent displayed stunning outfits adorned with beads and feathers, while others painted their bodies in brilliant colors, moving to traditional Yoruba beats.

Festival attendee Glamour Sandra expressed her enthusiasm for participating in both the Fanti celebration and Brazil’s Rio Carnival.

“I love the energy, the artistic splendor that they create,” she remarked about the Fanti festival.

Community organizations representing the historic Aguda neighborhoods play a central role in the yearly celebration and assist with its coordination.

ISTANBUL, Turkey — A violent confrontation erupted outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday when three armed individuals launched an assault on police officers, resulting in one gunman’s death and the capture of two wounded suspects, according to Turkish authorities.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul reported to the media that two law enforcement officers received minor injuries during the exchange of gunfire. The attackers were armed with long-barrel firearms during the incident.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti revealed on X that the perpetrators had driven approximately 60 miles from Izmit to Istanbul in a rental vehicle. According to Cifti, one of the suspects had connections to an organization that “exploits religion,” though he did not specify which group. Turkey has previously experienced fatal attacks carried out by the Islamic State organization.

The Interior Ministry identified the two captured brothers as Onur C. and Enes C., with the former having a prior criminal history involving narcotics. Both suspects are currently undergoing questioning.

Footage captured during the assault revealed one gunman wielding what looked like an assault weapon while wearing a brown backpack, taking cover behind a bus during the firefight with officers. The video shows a police officer being struck and falling before rolling to safety behind a tree.

Ministry officials confirmed that one officer sustained a leg wound while another was injured in the ear during the confrontation.

The consulate operates within a high-rise structure located in Levent, a major commercial area of the city. Authorities noted that no Israeli diplomatic personnel are currently stationed at Israeli facilities throughout Turkey, as Israel removed its diplomats due to safety concerns and worsening diplomatic ties during the Gaza conflict.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, have been appointed to oversee the investigation.

Law enforcement cordoned off the building and closed multiple streets while forensic specialists in protective gear searched the scene for evidence.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack criticized the attack and commended Turkish officials for “their swift and decisive response.” He stated on X: “Attacks on diplomatic missions are attacks on the international order — and an assault on the principles that bind nations together.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry similarly condemned the incident and praised Turkish security personnel for their “swift action in thwarting this attack.”

Vice President JD Vance confirmed Tuesday that recent American military strikes against Iran’s Kharg Island do not signal any shift in the United States’ current approach, while a U.S. official confirmed the attacks focused on military installations rather than oil facilities.

An unnamed U.S. official speaking with Reuters indicated that the strikes targeted locations that had been hit in previous operations, with the military action taking place during the early morning hours on Tuesday.

During remarks made in Budapest, Vance emphasized that these strikes maintain consistency with existing U.S. policy, noting the Trump administration expects Iran to respond by 8 p.m. Tuesday (0001 Wednesday GMT) regarding ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the current conflict. President Trump has demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear weapons program and allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil transport.

“We were going to strike some military targets on Kharg Island, and I believe we have done so,” Vance stated.

“We’re not going to strike energy and infrastructure targets until the Iranians either make a proposal that we can get behind or don’t make a proposal,” he continued. “I don’t think the news in Kharg Island … represents a change in strategy, or represents any change from the President of the United States.”

Officials from Afghanistan announced Tuesday that productive negotiations occurred in the Chinese city of Urumqi as part of efforts to address escalating tensions with neighboring Pakistan.

China, which borders both nations along its western frontier, has stepped into a mediating role to help resolve what has become the most serious diplomatic crisis between the two countries since Taliban forces regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.

The talks represent an attempt to repair the deteriorating relationship between the former allies, whose partnership has soured significantly in recent years.

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Officials in Cameroon announced Monday that Russian authorities have verified the deaths of 16 soldiers from the Central African nation who were killed fighting in Ukraine, based on correspondence sent to Russia’s embassy in Cameroon.

The foreign affairs ministry in Cameroon sent a communication to the Russian embassy confirming the deaths of the 16 Cameroonian soldiers who were deployed in Ukraine’s conflict zone. Ministry officials stated that “necessary arrangements” have been initiated to reach out to the families of the fallen soldiers.

On the same day, the ministry issued another communication requesting that relatives of six additional Cameroonian citizens residing in Russia visit the ministry regarding “urgent matters” related to their family members. No additional details were provided about these cases.

Last March, Cameroon’s defense minister directed the nation’s military leadership to implement “strict emergency measures” aimed at stopping additional defections among current and former military personnel.

Ukrainian officials estimate that over 1,700 African nationals have been enlisted to fight alongside Russian forces, with multiple African governments reporting that their citizens were deceived into combat roles through promises of well-paying employment or professional training opportunities.

A security briefing delivered to Kenya’s parliament this year revealed that approximately 1,000 Kenyan nationals were recruited for Russian military service after being deceived with false job promises before being deployed to combat zones.

Ukraine’s intelligence services reported this month that two Nigerian citizens were killed in combat while fighting for Russian forces late last year.

A separate AP investigation conducted in 2024 revealed that African women were also deceived into supporting Russia’s military operations, being sent to work in facilities manufacturing attack drones for use against Ukraine. These women were recruited through social media advertisements promoting educational work programs.

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s energy officials confirmed Tuesday that crude oil shipments through a critical Black Sea pipeline continue operating normally, despite a Ukrainian strike that damaged Russian port facilities used for the exports.

Russian military officials reported Monday that Ukrainian forces had struck the maritime transfer complex at Novorossiysk port during overnight operations, causing damage to a docking facility used by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium and sparking blazes at four petroleum storage tanks.

“The work of our oil sector is stable and CPC exports continue to be stable,” Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov stated to media representatives. A ministry advisor had previously indicated Monday that Kazakhstan was keeping watch on developments following the Novorossiysk incident, though no additional details were provided at that time.

The CPC facility, situated southwest of Novorossiysk, processes 80% of Kazakhstan’s crude oil exports. Transportation volumes through the 938-mile Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline increased in the previous year to 70.5 million metric tons – equivalent to 1.53 million barrels daily – up from 63 million tons in 2024.

Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the alleged strike on CPC infrastructure. However, Ukraine’s military separately confirmed Monday that its drone operations had targeted oil loading facilities at Sheskharis, located approximately 9 miles from the CPC terminal.

The CPC consortium, which includes U.S. energy giant Chevron among its stakeholders, has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Chevron’s subsidiary Tengizchevroil, which manages Kazakhstan’s largest oil field at Tengiz and serves as the primary source for CPC exports, reported that field operations have continued without interruption.

Additionally, Tengizchevroil’s director general William Lacobie announced Tuesday that the facility has resumed full production capacity following electrical supply problems experienced earlier this year.

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov told journalists Tuesday that Ukrainian responsibility for the facility attack was unquestionable and noted similar previous incidents. He directed operational status questions to the CPC’s management team.

“The strikes took place. That much is clear. As we all know, this is not the first time the Kyiv regime has targeted the CPC’s infrastructure,” Peskov stated.

The pipeline consortium was forced to suspend operations temporarily for several days following a late November Ukrainian attack that effectively eliminated one of three offshore loading platforms.