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DAMASCUS – Washington has urged Syria’s new leadership to deploy military forces into eastern Lebanon to assist in dismantling Hezbollah, though Syrian officials remain wary of such an operation due to concerns about being drawn into regional warfare and sparking religious conflicts, according to five individuals with knowledge of the discussions.

The suggestion to Syria’s pro-American administration demonstrates escalating efforts to neutralize the Iran-supported militant organization, which began attacking Israel in solidarity with Tehran on March 2, triggering Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

According to two Syrian government officials and two other knowledgeable sources, American and Syrian representatives initially explored this concept last year. All sources requested anonymity given the delicate nature of these discussions.

American officials brought up the proposal again around the period when the U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran. The Syrian officials indicated the American request arrived shortly before hostilities commenced, while a Western intelligence contact said it came just after fighting began.

Reuters consulted ten sources for this report – six Syrian government officials and advisors, two Western diplomatic representatives, one European official, and one Western intelligence contact. All confirmed that Syria’s Sunni Islamic-led administration had been carefully weighing a cross-border military action while maintaining reservations.

Neither American support for Syrian intervention in eastern Lebanon nor Syria’s reluctance to proceed have been previously disclosed.

A State Department representative refused to discuss “private diplomatic communications” and directed inquiries to Syrian and Lebanese authorities regarding their military activities.

DAMASCUS PROVIDES GUARANTEES TO LEBANON

Despite longstanding hostility toward Hezbollah and Iran – both supported Bashar al-Assad throughout Syria’s 2011-24 civil conflict – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has proceeded carefully since U.S.-Israeli air operations against Iran commenced February 28.

A senior Syrian government source revealed that Damascus and its Arab partners agreed Syria should avoid the conflict and implement only protective actions.

Since early February, Damascus has positioned rocket batteries and thousands of soldiers along the Lebanese border, describing these deployments as defensive measures.

Syria’s foreign affairs and information ministries did not respond to comment requests.

When questioned by Reuters, Lebanon’s presidential office stated it had received no “indication or notification from the U.S., Western nations, Arab countries or Syria” regarding American-Syrian talks about potential cross-border operations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun conducted a bilateral conversation with Sharaa and participated in a three-way call including France’s president, during which Sharaa affirmed Syria’s respect for Lebanese sovereignty and denied intervention intentions, the presidency reported.

Lebanon coordinates with Syria on border arrangements but has never discussed Hezbollah matters with Damascus, according to the statement.

Lebanon’s armed forces said coordination channels with Syria remain active “within the scope of managing border matters and shared security concerns,” aiming to prevent tensions or incidents while ensuring border region stability.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Sharaa informed him that “the strengthening of military presence along the Syrian-Lebanese border serves only to enhance border security and preserve internal Syrian safety,” emphasizing the importance of ongoing coordination.

Aoun has pursued policies designed to achieve Hezbollah’s disarmament, but Beirut has proceeded carefully given Hezbollah’s powerful weapons arsenal and substantial backing among Lebanese Shiite Muslims.

Sharaa has expressed support for Aoun’s disarmament initiatives.

DAMASCUS PERCEIVES RISK OF IRANIAN STRIKES, MINORITY UNREST

The senior Syrian official revealed Washington had authorized an operation into eastern Lebanon to assist Lebanese disarmament efforts – when conditions are appropriate.

However, Damascus identified risks including potential Iranian missile strikes and possible unrest among minority Shiites, threatening efforts to stabilize Syria following sectarian violence last year.

Two Western diplomatic sources also confirmed Washington had endorsed the concept of Syrian cross-border action against Hezbollah. The Western intelligence source and European official said America had requested Syria’s military take a more aggressive role countering Hezbollah in Lebanon, including through possible eastern incursions.

The Western intelligence source and European official noted Syria’s leadership was cautious about entering Lebanon as this could worsen bilateral relations.

A Syrian military official said no final determination had been made regarding any potential Lebanese operation, but the possibility of intervention during a conflict between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah remained under consideration.

SYRIAN CONTROL UNDER THE ASSADS

Syria extensively controlled Lebanon under Assad family rule, deploying forces in 1976 during the 1975-90 civil war following President Suleiman Frangieh’s invitation and managing Lebanon’s post-war political landscape until withdrawing in 2005.

Any Syrian military action could intensify sectarian conflicts in both Syria and Lebanon, nations containing diverse religious communities including Sunnis, Christians, Druze and Shiites.

During a March 13 interview with Lebanese network MTV, Syrian Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Hassan Abdel Ghani characterized the border buildup as a protective measure. He noted extensive coordination with Lebanon’s military and said Sharaa supported establishing Lebanese governmental control throughout Lebanon.

Recently, Syria’s army reported Hezbollah artillery rounds struck a border village. Hezbollah claimed it had defeated an Israeli infiltration attempt from the same location. Israeli authorities said they were unaware of any such mission. Syria’s military stated it was “evaluating suitable options to implement necessary responses.”

Cuban authorities announced early Tuesday that they have successfully restored electrical connections across most of the island nation, following a complete power grid failure that plunged approximately 10 million residents into darkness on Monday.

The Energy and Mines Ministry reported that power lines have been reestablished from the western province of Pinar del Rio extending eastward to Holguin. However, Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second-most populous city, continues to experience outages.

The nationwide blackout occurred amid severe fuel shortages stemming from U.S. sanctions that have blocked oil shipments from Venezuela and threatened penalties against nations supplying fuel to the Caribbean island.

Even with grid restoration efforts underway, electricity production remains severely limited due to aging infrastructure and insufficient fuel supplies, offering little respite to Cuban citizens who have endured months of extended power outages.

Prior to Monday’s complete system failure, residents throughout Cuba, including those in Havana, were experiencing daily blackouts lasting 16 hours or longer, straining the endurance of a population long familiar with economic challenges.

“It affects every aspect of our lives,” Havana resident Carlos Montes de Oca explained, describing how the outages have disrupted basic necessities like food storage and water access. “All we can do is sit, wait, read a book… otherwise the stress gets to you.”

Cuban officials have not disclosed what triggered Monday’s system-wide power failure, marking the first total grid collapse since Washington severed Cuba’s Venezuelan oil supply and imposed sanctions on fuel shipments to the island.

Weather conditions may have contributed to the crisis, as overcast skies from an approaching cold front reduced output from solar facilities that provide roughly one-third of the nation’s daytime electricity generation.

Shipping data indicates Cuba has received only two small oil tankers this year, highlighting the severity of the fuel shortage.

The power crisis has coincided with diplomatic discussions between Cuban and American officials aimed at addressing what many consider the most serious tensions between the nations since 1959. While neither government has revealed specifics about the ongoing negotiations, President Trump has suggested Cuba is eager to reach an agreement.

In what appears to be a diplomatic overture during the talks, Cuba extended an invitation to Cuban Americans and other expatriates to invest in and establish businesses on the island, though this announcement was overshadowed by the electrical emergency.

Despite the mounting hardships, Cuban residents are displaying their characteristic resilience in the face of adversity.

“We still don’t have power at my house,” Havana resident Juana Perez noted. “But we’ll take it in stride, as we Cubans always do.”

Slovenia’s leader is pointing fingers at outside interference as the country prepares for a crucial election this Sunday, following explosive allegations about a secretive Israeli intelligence company’s activities in the European nation.

Prime Minister Robert Golob made strong accusations Tuesday about “foreign services” meddling in the upcoming vote after investigators claimed that operatives from Black Cube, a private Israeli spy organization, traveled to Slovenia in December for meetings with his main political rival.

The 8 March Institute, a group comprising journalists and activists, published findings suggesting that Black Cube executives, including company head Dan Zorella and consultant Giora Eiland, who previously led Israel’s National Security Council, held discussions with opposition figure Janez Jansa on December 22 in Ljubljana. Their conclusions stem from airline travel documentation and additional intelligence gathering.

Slovenia’s domestic intelligence service verified Monday that Black Cube personnel did enter the country during December, though they stopped short of confirming any meeting occurred with Jansa, whose conservative SDS party currently leads in polling data.

Neither Black Cube nor Jansa have provided responses to the allegations, with the opposition leader flatly rejecting claims of any such encounter.

The potential political implications extend far beyond Slovenia’s borders, particularly regarding Middle Eastern policy. If Jansa’s pro-Israel SDS party captures victory Sunday, it could dramatically shift the nation’s stance on Palestinian issues, contrasting sharply with Golob’s liberal Freedom Movement party, which has championed Palestinian causes.

During Golob’s tenure, Slovenia formally recognized Palestinian statehood and implemented restrictions last year preventing imports of products manufactured in Israeli-controlled Palestinian areas.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Golob expressed outrage over the situation: “The fact that … foreign services are interfering in the elections of a democratic member state of the European Union is something unheard of.”

During a televised confrontation between the two candidates Monday night, Golob characterized the matter as the “biggest scandal we have witnessed in Slovenia since independence.”

Jansa countered by suggesting that Golob was attempting to deflect attention from corruption within his own political circle.

Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar, who maintains political neutrality, has voiced serious concerns about the revelations.

“The extent of the activities of external actors has not yet been fully disclosed or explained, but the activities presented to date seriously undermine the democratic foundations of the Republic of Slovenia, regardless of who leads the government or who is in the opposition,” she stated.

Black Cube gained international notoriety in 2017 when it issued public apologies for conducting covert surveillance operations for Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, who faced sexual misconduct allegations from more than 50 women. Weinstein has consistently denied all accusations of assault or non-consensual encounters.

LinkedIn reported in 2023 that Black Cube orchestrated a hidden camera operation targeting Hungarian journalists and activists before that nation’s 2022 elections.

The intelligence firm, which describes itself on its website as established in 2011 by former members of Israel’s elite spy agencies, previously stated it exclusively handles litigation matters and white-collar criminal cases while following all legal guidelines.

Borut Mekina, a reporter for Mladina weekly magazine who helped compile the investigation, emphasized the timing’s significance: “It’s important for the politics and the people that this was revealed before the election.”

ANKARA, Turkey — Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand declared Tuesday that Ottawa had no advance warning about the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran that ignited the current Middle East war and will not take part in any offensive combat operations.

Speaking by phone with The Associated Press before meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, Anand emphasized that Canada’s main focus remains reducing tensions in the region and safeguarding civilian populations.

The Canadian foreign minister traveled to Turkey for regional discussions as fighting continues across the Middle East.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump urged NATO members and other major nations to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that the alliance could face dire consequences if they decline to help. Iran has shut down the crucial shipping route since hostilities began, causing fuel costs to surge and creating disruptions in global commerce and transportation.

“Canada was not consulted, did not participate in the military action, and has no intention of participating in the offensive military operation,” Anand stated. “Our foreign policy is focused on de-escalation and the protection of civilians and humanitarianism generally.”

The minister noted that during her discussion with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, both officials concurred that “de-escalation is of the utmost priority and that the war in the Middle East needs to end in the interests of civilian lives.”

Throughout the conflict, NATO defensive systems have successfully stopped three ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward Turkish airspace. These incidents prompted the alliance to station an additional Patriot missile defense battery on Turkish soil.

In a separate AP interview earlier this week, Fidan stated that Turkey’s primary goal is staying out of the conflict and dismissed the possibility of a military response for now, noting that NATO’s protective measures have proven successful.

When questioned about whether Canada would respond if a NATO member came under attack, Anand replied: “We will take all decisions concerning the alliance in conjunction with the alliance.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney originally supported the Iranian strikes but subsequently said he endorsed them “with some regret” because they exemplified an extreme breakdown of global order.

Anand maintained that Canada’s international policy remains unchanged.

“It has been our long-standing position that Iran is a destabilizing force in the Middle East and in particular, Iran’s proliferation of its nuclear capacity,” she explained. Anand clarified that Carney’s shift wasn’t about changing that position, but rather about promoting regional peace, supporting Gulf nations under attack, and putting civilians and infrastructure first.

The Canadian minister also voiced alarm about the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, noting that Lebanese citizens “are bearing the brunt of the ongoing war.”

On Monday, Canada joined France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom in releasing a joint statement cautioning about the serious ramifications of increasing violence in Lebanon. The declaration warned that a major Israeli ground campaign could result in catastrophic humanitarian impacts and that extended fighting “must be averted.”

“And we very much are concerned with Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians,” Anand said. “We want to ensure that there is meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution.”

TOKYO – Shigeaki Mori, the Japanese historian who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and gained worldwide recognition when President Barack Obama embraced him during a landmark 2016 visit, has passed away at age 88.

Mori was just 8 years old in 1937 when he lived through the devastating August 6, 1945 atomic blast while located just 1½ miles from ground zero. Three decades later, he discovered a tragic irony – American prisoners of war detained in Japan had also perished in the bombing carried out by their own nation.

While maintaining his regular job at a company, Mori dedicated himself to investigating both American and Japanese government records. Through his painstaking research, he identified 12 American POWs who died in the attack and reached out to their grieving families in the United States, many of whom had never learned the circumstances of their relatives’ deaths.

The atomic strike on Hiroshima immediately leveled the city and claimed tens of thousands of lives. By year’s end, the death count reached 140,000. The subsequent bombing of Nagasaki resulted in another 70,000 fatalities.

In 2008, Mori published his findings in a Japanese book titled “The Secret of the American POWs Killed by the Atomic Bomb.” The work earned him the distinguished Kikuchi Kan Prize and was subsequently published in English translation.

According to the English edition’s publishers, Mori passed away on Sunday. Japanese news outlets confirmed he died at a hospital in Hiroshima.

His decades of investigation ultimately resulted in official U.S. acknowledgment of the 12 American servicemen’s deaths in the bombing.

“The research I spent more than 40 years was not about people from the enemy country. It was about human beings,” Mori reflected in later years.

When Obama made history in 2016 as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, he referenced “a dozen Americans held prisoner” among the bombing victims in his address. Obama praised Mori for reaching out to the American families, recognizing that their grief matched his own experience, and concluded their meeting with an emotional embrace.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that his nation will refuse to participate in any military actions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz during ongoing Middle East conflicts.

Speaking at the opening of a cabinet session focused on Middle Eastern tensions, Macron emphasized France’s neutral stance in the regional disputes.

“We are not party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context,” Macron stated.

The French leader indicated his government is instead focusing efforts on building an international coalition designed to ensure safe passage through the vital shipping lane once the current hostilities conclude.

Macron’s comments came during discussions with his cabinet about the escalating situation across the Middle East region.

Somalia’s South West regional government declared Tuesday it would halt all collaboration and diplomatic relations with the national administration based in Mogadishu, marking another fracture in the East African nation’s unstable federal structure.

During a news briefing, regional officials from South West state leveled serious allegations against the central government, claiming federal authorities have been providing weapons to armed groups while orchestrating efforts to remove their president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, from office.

Attempts to reach Somalia’s defense and information ministers for their response to these accusations were unsuccessful, as neither official replied to requests for comment from Reuters.

Political tensions frequently emerge in Somalia due to disagreements about constitutional reforms, electoral processes, and how much authority should rest with the central government versus regional administrations.

According to the South West leadership, their relationship with Mogadishu deteriorated significantly after federal officials forced through constitutional changes that several state leaders had opposed.

The political rift has already created practical consequences, with travel companies reporting Tuesday that passenger flights connecting Mogadishu to Baidoa, South West state’s administrative center, have been suspended. However, humanitarian aircraft, including those supporting United Nations missions, continue operating.

Baidoa holds strategic importance both politically and militarily, situated approximately 245 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. The city serves as headquarters for federal military units, regional security personnel, and international aid organizations working in an area severely impacted by drought conditions, ongoing conflicts, and population displacement.

This latest dispute reflects broader tensions between Mogadishu and various regional authorities throughout Somalia. The breakaway territory of Somaliland proclaimed its independence in 1991 and has operated outside federal control ever since.

Earlier this year in March 2024, the semi-autonomous region of Puntland announced it would cease recognizing federal authority until controversial constitutional modifications receive approval through a national public vote.

Most recently, the semi-autonomous region of Jubbaland terminated its relationship with the central government in November 2024 following disagreements over how regional elections should be conducted.

BRUSSELS — European Union leadership announced Tuesday their willingness to finance repairs on a crucial oil pipeline crossing Ukraine, hoping this gesture will convince Hungary to drop its opposition to a substantial aid package for the war-torn nation.

The conflict between Ukraine and Hungary has intensified since January, when Russian crude oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia stopped flowing due to damage on the Druzhba pipeline running through Ukrainian land. Ukrainian authorities have pointed to Russian drone strikes as the cause of the pipeline damage.

Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s nationalist leader, has made accusations against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming he is intentionally disrupting oil deliveries — allegations Zelenskyy firmly rejects. As payback, Orbán has blocked a crucial 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) EU loan designed to support Ukraine’s defense and economic requirements over the next two years. Hungary has also prevented new EU penalties against Russia from moving forward.

In their Tuesday announcement, EU officials confirmed the bloc “has offered Ukraine technical support and funding” for pipeline restoration work.

“The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer. European experts are available immediately,” stated European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Zelenskyy strongly opposes permitting Russian energy to flow through Ukrainian territory, as energy profits have helped finance President Vladimir Putin’s four-year military campaign against his nation.

However, he indicated Tuesday that Ukraine is “undertaking all possible efforts to repair the damage and restore operations.”

Costa and von der Leyen contacted Zelenskyy on Monday, expressing their hope that the EU’s financial and technical assistance offer “can pave the way for overcoming the current blockage and ensure for the rapid repair of the pipeline.”

European leaders have criticized Orbán sharply for initially supporting the Ukrainian loan during December’s summit, only to withdraw his backing later.

They claim his actions violate the core EU principle of “sincere cooperation” among the 27 nations in the union.

Ukraine faces severe financial pressures, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the importance of securing at least an initial funding installment by next month.

Orbán, currently behind in polling before next month’s elections, has built his campaign around depicting Zelenskyy as a major threat to Hungary’s existence.

The Hungarian leader has claimed that Zelenskyy, working alongside von der Leyen, wants to pull Hungary into the conflict, arguing that only his reelection can guarantee Hungary’s continued peace and safety.

NEW YORK (AP) — Social media creator Ariana Afshar, an Iranian American, has been attempting to create content about the opening weeks of Middle Eastern warfare by drawing on viewpoints from people living in Iran.

However, the New York resident faces a significant challenge: Tehran’s government has implemented widespread internet restrictions that have cut off nearly all communication channels from the nation. This digital silence makes it extremely difficult to gather reliable opinions about the growing conflict from within Iran, where Afshar spent her teenage years and maintains family connections.

This communication void has elevated Iranian American content creators who are now using short, shareable videos to explain their homeland’s complex past and the mixed sentiments of its people.

Their material addresses growing American interest, as demonstrated by Google Search Trends data showing online queries such as “why are we at war with iran” jumped by 3,000% during March’s first week.

Several creators and analysts believe this outsized influence of external Iranian voices has deepened existing divisions within the diaspora community, which numbers approximately 750,000 people across the United States, per Pew Research Center data.

“I think it’s a huge problem among the Iranian diaspora, where they speak for Iranians a lot. I don’t want to fall into that,” Afshar explained. She maintains around 350,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok platforms.

Her online presence primarily challenges pro-war viewpoints through her bicultural upbringing experience. When she occasionally connects with family members, they typically remain too frightened to express genuine opinions about the conflict and their government.

“Content creators cannot thoroughly access the people’s opinions in Iran,” Afshar noted.

Creator perspectives vary widely on the conflict. Some endorse military action, arguing that war concerns are minor compared to a regime that eliminated thousands during January’s protest suppression. Others highlight destroyed infrastructure and rising death tolls — including over 165 fatalities from an elementary school attack — as warnings of future devastation, referencing previous American military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The outside media, especially Iranian diaspora, are playing a major role,” explained Babak Rahimi, a University of California San Diego professor specializing in Iranian culture, religion and technology. “It’s the kind of role that is not about really information, but it’s mostly about the circulation of emotions.”

Rahimi noted that most conflicts allow citizens to supplement official news coverage with personal social media accounts that spread widely. However, digital blackouts and government retaliation fears have drastically restricted this in Iran’s case.

Major news organizations including The Associated Press maintain journalists inside Iran, though communication limitations sometimes complicate reporting efforts. AP also relies on satellite images, telephone interviews, witness statements and verified user content for coverage.

Despite these efforts, false information flourishes on social platforms and messaging services like Telegram, where millions follow groups that easily distribute unverified and inaccurate material.

Iranian government sources produce some misinformation, including fabricated firsthand reports aimed at inflaming anti-war American sentiment, according to Houman Hemmati, who supports the conflict and departed Iran with his Persian Jewish family following the 1979 revolution.

Pro-American disinformation has also spread, including footage falsely claiming Iran conducted the school attack. Preliminary U.S. military findings suggest outdated intelligence probably caused the U.S. to execute that strike, based on reports from a U.S. official and another briefed individual.

When Iranians briefly manage to share information, Hemmati observed, it immediately attracts widespread attention, demonstrating the appetite for direct accounts.

“All it takes is for just a little bit to leak out, and those images and stories go viral,” said the 49-year-old Southern California resident, who appears regularly on Fox News and has accumulated over 83,000 X platform followers.

A 35-year-old Iranian New York resident, who requested anonymity to protect relatives in Iran, described how her family’s WhatsApp group between American and Iranian relatives demonstrates the blackout’s impact.

During brief connection windows, the chat serves as a vital news source for information her Iranian relatives struggle to obtain elsewhere.

Her Tehran cousin sent messages when bombing commenced: “Where did they hit?” one asked. “Everything I watch is just smoke and explosions.”

The family conversation has become a debate space about their homeland’s future, with relatives exchanging news articles and social media content presenting different perspectives on American involvement. She emphasized the stark contrast between her U.S.-based family members, who discuss war politics abstractly and passionately, versus those in Iran experiencing daily reality.

A longstanding “narrative war” exists among diaspora members, said 26-year-old content creator Ciara Moezidis, who was born in America and has Iranian extended family.

Her Instagram audience has grown by 2,000 followers since January, when she began posting support for Iranian demonstrators while opposing warfare.

“It’s been incredibly exhausting to navigate this while seeing bombs drop across Iran and not being able to reach our families,” Moezidis stated.

Content creator Zoya Biglary, an Iranian American with more than 600,000 Instagram followers, expressed hope that Iranians will someday witness the external support for their struggle.

“Maybe they’re looking for proof that someone on the outside kind of sees their humanity,” Biglary said.

MOSCOW – The Russian government declared its firm backing of Cuba on Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s remarks that he anticipates having the privilege of “taking Cuba” and stating “I can do anything I want” regarding the Communist island nation.

Russia’s foreign ministry voiced grave concerns about rising tensions surrounding what they referred to as the “Island of Liberty,” though they did not directly name Trump in their statement.

“Russia reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the government and fraternal people of Cuba,” the ministry declared.

“We strongly condemn attempts of gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, intimidation and the use of illegal unilateral restrictive measures.”

The Trump administration has intensified economic sanctions against Cuba, implementing an oil embargo that has severely damaged the island’s already outdated electrical grid infrastructure.

According to a New York Times report, ousting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel represents a primary U.S. goal. The newspaper cited four sources with knowledge of discussions, reporting that American officials have indicated to Cuban representatives that Diaz-Canel must be removed while allowing Cuba to determine how to proceed.

The Kremlin confirmed ongoing communication with Cuban officials and stated Moscow stands prepared to offer comprehensive aid.

“Today, Liberty Island is facing unprecedented challenges, which have become a direct result of the long-term trade, economic, financial, and more recently, the U.S. energy embargo against Cuba,” Russia’s foreign ministry stated.

Russian officials confirmed they have provided and will maintain “to provide Cuba with the necessary support, including financial support.”

Russia lost a regional partner when the United States removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power, though Moscow has gained from elevated oil prices following U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran, a key Russian strategic ally.

Cuba maintained strong ties with Moscow for many years following the 1959 Communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, lasting until the Soviet Union’s dissolution. In recent years, Russia has resumed supporting the island through both monetary aid and material resources.

BEIRUT (AP) — As Israeli bombardments shake Beirut and ground forces push forward against Hezbollah fighters, Lebanon’s leadership has shattered a longstanding diplomatic barrier by offering unprecedented direct negotiations with Israel — the first such proposal in more than four decades. However, Lebanese authorities insist the violence must cease before any dialogue begins, and that opportunity may already be slipping away.

Hezbollah’s choice to join the broader Iran conflict by launching rocket attacks against Israel has triggered devastating Israeli bombing campaigns across southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern districts, resulting in approximately 850 Lebanese deaths and forcing more than one million residents to flee their homes.

The Iranian-supported Hezbollah considers this latest conflict a fight for survival, while Israel threatens expanded ground operations, territorial occupation, and the demolition of Lebanon’s essential civilian infrastructure.

The United States, which previously served as a mediator during earlier conflicts, has demonstrated little appetite for playing that role in the current crisis.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced his willingness to engage in face-to-face negotiations with Israel last week — marking the first such overture since Israel’s 1982 invasion during Lebanon’s civil conflict. Aoun simultaneously requested increased financial support for Lebanese military forces and renewed his pledge to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal, a long-sought goal of both Israeli and American officials.

However, Lebanon demands an end to hostilities before entering any discussions with Israel, according to three Lebanese diplomatic and government sources with knowledge of the situation. These officials requested anonymity because they lacked authorization to speak publicly.

Israeli representatives did not reply to requests for comment regarding the negotiation proposal. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, while visiting an Israeli community struck by Iranian missiles, rejected claims that any discussions were being planned.

The peace accord that concluded Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war mandated the dissolution of all militia groups, yet Hezbollah uniquely retained its weaponry, claiming these arms were essential for defending Lebanon against Israel, which maintained control over southern Lebanon until 2000.

Consecutive Lebanese administrations, including those led by Hezbollah’s political opponents, avoided direct confrontation with the organization, which was commonly perceived as more formidable than Lebanon’s official military. Concerns persisted that any forcible attempt to disarm Hezbollah might reignite civil conflict.

This calculation began shifting in 2024, as Israel eliminated most of Hezbollah’s senior leadership and devastated its military capabilities, potentially creating space for Lebanese officials to assert greater authority.

Aoun, a former military commander, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, both assuming office in early 2025, committed to dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons — a stance enjoying broad backing among Lebanon’s conflict-weary citizens.

During the months preceding the war, government forces deployed throughout extensive areas of southern Lebanon and reported dismantling more than 500 Hezbollah storage facilities and military installations. However, it avoided direct confrontation with the group.

Following Hezbollah’s missile barrage against Israel in the days after the unexpected U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, Lebanon’s government criticized the militant organization, banned its operations, and detained several fighters accused of illegal weapons possession.

Yet by that point, the nation had already descended into another war.

Hezbollah, which has continued launching missile and drone attacks against northern Israel since its initial strike, maintains its position as Lebanon’s sole credible defender.

The group claims Israel violated a 2024 U.S.-mediated ceasefire by continuing regular air attacks that frequently killed civilians and refusing to withdraw from five strategic border locations. Hezbollah likely also feels compelled to assist Iran, its primary backer, during this critical period.

Israel contends that Hezbollah has broken previous agreements requiring disarmament and that the airstrikes targeted potential attack preparations. It has consistently accused Lebanese officials of failing to neutralize the group and warned it would take action itself, potentially at enormous cost to Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated last week that Lebanon’s government “will pay an increasing price in infrastructure damage and territorial loss until the commitment to disarm Hezbollah is fulfilled.”

Hezbollah leaders have condemned the direct negotiation offer with Israel and criticized the government for failing to halt Israeli strikes or end border occupation.

Mahmoud Qamati, a senior member of Hezbollah’s political bureau, called the negotiation offer “a concession and a big mistake” given “the ongoing occupation and aggression.”

“This move would be stabbing the resistance in the back. The state cannot make any promises without the resistance’s approval,” he told the Al Jazeera network.

During previous escalations, Lebanon typically sought assistance from the United States, which maintains influence over Israel and provides substantial aid to Lebanese military forces. However, Washington appears focused on the broader conflict and its global economic implications.

“There is no senior official in the White House focusing on Lebanon,” said Randa Slim, director of the Middle East Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center. Thomas Barrack, serving as White House envoy to Turkey, Syria and Lebanon, characterized Lebanon as a “failed state” last year.

Slim suggested the negotiation proposal was unlikely to succeed or prevent an Israeli invasion.

Israel and the United States had anticipated more decisive action from Lebanon’s military following the previous war, despite its limited resources and financial constraints, and the dangers of directly challenging Hezbollah. They may be reluctant to provide another opportunity.

“They had been very clear with the Lebanese on how important it was to control Hezbollah from doing anything offensively,” said Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a nonprofit organization promoting stronger U.S.-Lebanon relations.

“Hezbollah’s actions have now set back for the time being any resolution of this war and created a lack of confidence by U.S. officials that the (Lebanese armed forces) can control and disarm Hezbollah,” he said.

Israeli forces continue advancing deeper into southern Lebanon in preparation for an anticipated larger ground operation. The Israeli military has targeted and destroyed bridges and critical roadways, and issued evacuation orders for territory extending dozens of miles north of the border.

Lebanon’s government, struggling with a severe, prolonged financial crisis, is working frantically to provide housing and assistance for nearly one million displaced individuals. It is also appealing to the international community to pressure Israel to protect essential infrastructure, including Beirut’s airport and seaport, according to one Lebanese official.

Aoun, previously optimistic about disarming Hezbollah with minimal conflict, continues his intensive diplomatic efforts from the mountaintop presidential palace. Drones patrol overhead, explosions resound in the distance, and smoke clouds rise from the south.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israeli military forces announced Tuesday they eliminated Ali Larijani, a prominent Iranian security leader who many believed was effectively governing the nation amid ongoing turmoil following the death of Iran’s supreme leader and escalating regional conflict.

The Israeli military also reported killing Iranian General Gholam Reza Soleimani, who commanded a formidable internal security force responsible for suppressing numerous mass demonstrations against Iran’s Shiite religious government.

Iranian officials have yet to verify or dispute these reported deaths. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and additional high-ranking security personnel were eliminated in unexpected joint U.S. and Israeli operations that initiated the current conflict. Khamenei’s successor, his son Mojtaba, has remained absent from public view, with Israeli intelligence suggesting he may have sustained injuries.

Despite the elimination of key leadership figures, the warfare continues unabated as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard maintains its missile attacks against Israel and neighboring Arab Gulf nations. Iran has successfully blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway handling twenty percent of global oil trade, causing petroleum prices to surge and destabilizing international markets.

Larijani belonged to one of Iran’s most prominent political dynasties, which news organizations have likened to America’s Kennedy family. His brother Sadeq held the position of Iran’s chief judge, while another sibling, Mohammad Javad, worked as a high-ranking diplomat who provided foreign policy counsel to the deceased Khamenei.

Throughout his career, Larijani maintained conservative positions within Iran’s religious government structure, delivering progressively aggressive statements over the years. During the 1990s, he held Iran’s culture ministry position, implementing stricter censorship policies. From 2008 to 2020, he led the parliamentary body, and recently directed the Supreme National Security Council.

Beyond politics, Larijani authored no fewer than six philosophical works, including three volumes examining German philosopher Immanuel Kant’s theories.

He received appointments to counsel Khamenei regarding nuclear negotiation strategies with the Trump administration and journeyed to Oman for diplomatic meetings just fourteen days before the U.S. and Israeli assault began. Similar to other senior Iranian officials, he faced extensive American sanctions related to violent suppression of January mass demonstrations.

While ineligible for supreme leader status due to his non-clerical background, he was anticipated to serve in a senior advisory capacity, with widespread belief that he was effectively governing as U.S. and Israeli attacks forced Iran’s leadership into hiding.

Seven days ago, following President Donald Trump’s warning to strike Iran “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” if Tehran blocked oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, Larijani issued a response via social media platform X.

“The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran,” he posted. “Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.”

Scottish Parliament members will cast ballots Tuesday on historic legislation that could make Scotland the first region within the United Kingdom to permit terminally ill adults to receive medical assistance in ending their lives.

The Edinburgh-based legislature has designated this as a conscience vote, allowing representatives to decide based on personal beliefs rather than following party directives. This approach makes predicting the results challenging, with the decision anticipated after 10 p.m. GMT.

As one of four nations comprising the United Kingdom along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Scotland operates under a semi-autonomous government with jurisdiction over numerous policy areas, including healthcare matters.

Should the legislation pass, Scottish residents with six months or fewer to live could request medical assistance to end their lives. The proposal requires confirmation from two physicians that the individual has a terminal diagnosis and possesses the mental competency to make such a decision.

Liberal Democrat representative Liam McArthur, the bill’s author, made an impassioned plea for support from his fellow lawmakers.

“If you believe that dying people should not have to suffer against their will and you have heard, like I have, of the many instances where they have been simply failed by the lack of compassion and safety in our current law, you now have to back this bill,” he said. “It is time to look terminally ill Scots in the eye and make this change.”

Critics of assisted dying legislation contend that vulnerable populations including disabled individuals, seniors, sick patients and those battling depression might face coercion to end their lives to avoid burdening family members.

Scottish National Party Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced her intention to oppose the measure. Several medical associations, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, have also expressed opposition.

“Doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists and palliative care specialists — the people who would be tasked with implementing this — are asking us not to do it,” Forbes said. “They think this bill is unsafe.”

Parallel legislation seeking to authorize assisted dying in England and Wales faces obstacles in the British Parliament located in London.

While the House of Commons gave approval to The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in June, more than 1,000 proposed amendments have stalled progress in the House of Lords. Bill supporters characterize this as deliberate obstruction by opponents, though some chamber members maintain they are conducting essential review to improve the legislation.

The measure appears unlikely to gain passage from both parliamentary chambers before the current session concludes in May. Should this occur, the bill would expire and future assisted dying legalization efforts would need to begin anew.

The British Crown dependencies of Jersey and the Isle of Man have enacted comparable laws awaiting formal approval from King Charles III. While these small territories govern themselves, they depend on the United Kingdom for defense and certain international relations.

Medical assistance in dying operates legally in numerous countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and several U.S. states, with eligibility requirements differing across jurisdictions.

Britain’s upper legislative chamber has approved new restrictions targeting online pornography, extending prohibitions that already exist for physical materials to digital platforms. The House of Lords voted to ban images showing children and violent content from internet pornography sites.

These latest amendments bring online regulations in line with existing laws that already govern traditional pornographic materials, closing what lawmakers saw as a regulatory gap. The United Kingdom has been steadily tightening controls on internet adult content over the past several years.

The legislative efforts have drawn attention from religious leaders and family advocacy groups in the United States, who have expressed hope that American lawmakers might adopt similar measures to restrict online adult content.

The European Union’s foreign policy leader firmly rejected suggestions Tuesday to rebuild diplomatic ties with Russia and resume purchasing inexpensive Russian energy supplies.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, dismissed remarks made by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in a weekend interview with L’Echo newspaper, where he advocated for restoring normal relations with Moscow.

De Wever’s position contradicts established EU policy, which maintains strict sanctions against Russia following its military invasion of Ukraine and seeks to eliminate dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

The Belgian leader claimed that European officials privately support his view but “no one dares to say it out loud.”

Speaking with Reuters in Brussels, Kallas disputed this characterization, stating she has witnessed no such sentiment during high-level discussions.

“I’ve been … behind those closed doors, when we talk about leaders’ meetings, and I don’t see this appetite,” Kallas explained, referencing her participation in European Council gatherings with EU heads of state and government.

The former Estonian prime minister emphasized the importance of establishing clear objectives before engaging with Russia.

“When we talk to Russia, of course, the most important thing is to first agree what we want to talk to them about,” Kallas noted.

She cautioned against premature diplomatic outreach, warning: “If we just go back to business as usual, we will have more of this – more wars. We have seen this before, so we have to be very vigilant and not to actually give Russia what they want because their appetite will only grow.”

Oil prices worldwide have jumped approximately 40% since conflicts involving the United States and Israel with Iran began, reaching levels not seen since 2022.

Following criticism from coalition partners over his weekend statements, De Wever has attempted to clarify his position, indicating he would only support normalized relations after a peace agreement ends the Ukrainian conflict.

French far-right political movements secured notable victories across southeastern regions during Sunday’s initial round of municipal voting, while leadership battles in major metropolitan areas including Paris remain unresolved before next week’s decisive runoff elections.

The electoral contest is being closely watched as an indicator of political sentiment ahead of France’s 2027 presidential campaign.

Approximately 35,000 communities participated in the voting process, with roughly 93% choosing their local leaders outright in the first round, primarily featuring independent candidates without party affiliations.

Participation levels hit just above 57%, surpassing the 2020 election held amid pandemic restrictions but falling short of 2014 numbers, Interior Ministry data shows.

Key developments before the March 22 second round:

Marine Le Pen’s National Rally demonstrated continued regional expansion, especially throughout France’s southeastern territories.

Party deputy leader Louis Aliot secured a decisive victory in Perpignan, his established political base.

Marseille’s current left-leaning mayor Benoît Payan finds himself in a virtual tie with National Rally challenger Franck Allisio heading into the runoff.

Along the French Riviera in Nice, Éric Ciotti, who departed conservative ranks to establish his own far-right movement in 2024 while partnering with the National Rally, positioned himself as the leading contender for the final round.

Right-wing candidates also gained strong footing in Nîmes and the Mediterranean naval hub of Toulon.

Thousands of municipal positions across France await determination, including leadership roles in Paris and other significant urban centers.

Where three or more contenders advanced to runoffs, candidate negotiations to combine voter lists concluded by Tuesday’s 6 p.m. deadline, potentially improving their chances for victory.

Political partnerships have sparked intense discussions between moderate leftist parties and the radical France Unbowed movement, headed by longtime activist Jean-Luc Mélenchon, which performed well in several metropolitan areas.

France Unbowed previously collaborated with Socialist, Green, and Communist parties, but the coalition fractured amid accusations that the hard-left group tolerated anti-Jewish rhetoric. Critics also blamed the far-left for escalating tensions following last month’s fatal beating of a far-right activist in Lyon.

Despite tensions, some electoral agreements emerged on individual race bases.

In Lyon, France’s third-largest municipality, current Green mayor Grégory Doucet partnered with France Unbowed in a competitive battle against right-wing candidate Jean-Michel Aulas, a business leader and former soccer club executive.

Anti-racism organization SOS Racisme urged mainstream political groups to collaborate against far-right advancement. Group president Dominique Sopo stated: “No alliance should be ruled out if it helps prevent this party from taking control of new municipalities.”

Le Pen’s organization maintains limited influence in several major urban areas, showing weak support in cities like Paris and Lyon.

Paris mayoral competition features left-wing candidate Emmanuel Grégoire leading after the initial vote, though the runoff against conservative opponent Rachida Dati promises to be competitive.

Dati, a high-profile politician who recently served as France’s culture minister, aims to break 25 years of leftist control at City Hall. However, her career faces scrutiny as she prepares for a September corruption and influence-peddling trial.

Grégoire, who previously served as deputy to departing mayor Anne Hidalgo, leads a coalition combining Socialists, Greens, and Communists. He declined to partner with France Unbowed, whose candidate also qualified for round two, creating uncertainty about the outcome.

Departing Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who won office in 2014 and secured reelection in 2020, decided against pursuing a third term after guiding the city through the 2015 terrorist attacks and hosting the 2024 Olympics.

Political attention increasingly focuses on the 2027 presidential contest, as municipal elections represent the final nationwide voting before the campaign for France’s highest office begins, offering all parties opportunities to strengthen local foundations. Current President Emmanuel Macron cannot pursue a third consecutive term under constitutional restrictions.

In the northern coastal city of Le Havre, sitting mayor Édouard Philippe, who finished first Sunday, seeks a runoff win that could boost his standing as a potential presidential candidate. The center-right politician served as Macron’s prime minister for three years.

The National Rally views key mayoral victories as demonstrations of the party’s governing capabilities.

Marine Le Pen had been viewed as a top presidential prospect until her embezzlement conviction last year, which included a five-year ban from public office. She is challenging the verdict, with a crucial court ruling expected July 7. Should the ban stand, her protégé Jordan Bardella would become the party’s presidential nominee.

Multiple prominent politicians across the political spectrum have expressed presidential interest, but no clear frontrunner has emerged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touched down in London Tuesday for high-level discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to British government officials. The visit comes as European nations work to maintain global focus on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine while world attention shifts to escalating Middle East conflicts.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte joined the meeting at 10 Downing Street, where leaders focused on peace initiatives for Ukraine and “the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia,” Starmer’s office announced.

The London summit follows recent U.S. decisions to temporarily lift certain Russian oil sanctions aimed at stabilizing global energy markets disrupted by Middle East warfare, which began with joint American-Israeli operations against Iran on February 28.

Zelenskyy condemned Washington’s sanctions relief, arguing it would give Moscow additional resources to continue its assault on Ukraine.

President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to broker a peace agreement ending what he calls Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, causing concern among European leaders who believe Russia may present a serious security threat to the EU within the decade.

However, U.S.-mediated negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have stalled, showing little advancement on critical matters as Middle East crises dominate international attention.

Trump has also rejected Zelenskyy’s proposal to assist the United States and Gulf allies in countering Iranian drone attacks, despite Ukraine’s emergence as a global leader in producing advanced, combat-proven drone defense systems.

UK officials report that Russia and Iran are working together on drone technology and strategies in the Middle East region. British and Ukrainian drone warfare specialists have been deployed to help Iran’s neighboring countries defend against drone strikes.

The UK and Ukraine will formalize an agreement combining “Ukraine’s expertise and the U.K.’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities,” according to Starmer’s office. Britain is also financing an “AI Center of Excellence” in partnership with Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.

“More security and opportunities for Ukraine” are his main goals, Zelenskyy posted on X when announcing his London arrival.

“Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East,” Starmer stated.

“By deepening our defense partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the U.K. and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future.”

Russian Defense Ministry officials reported Tuesday that their air defense systems shot down 206 Ukrainian drones during overnight operations across Russian territories, the occupied Crimean Peninsula, and Azov Sea areas. Forty of those intercepted drones were heading toward Moscow, ministry statements indicated.

When questioned about increased Ukrainian drone operations targeting Moscow in recent days, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized Kyiv authorities as “continuing absolutely futile resistance” against Russia’s invasion.

Ukrainian forces’ counteroffensives at eastern and southern front positions have disrupted Moscow’s planned March offensive, Zelenskyy claimed Monday evening.

While his statements could not be independently confirmed, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted Monday that Ukrainian counterattacks “are likely constraining” certain Russian offensive activities.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia deployed 178 long-range drones of different types nationwide overnight beginning late Monday, with 154 either intercepted or disrupted electronically while 22 additional drones reached their intended targets.

A Russian attack damaged a Nova Poshta terminal in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia, injuring eight people, according to regional military administration head Ivan Fedorov. Nova Poshta is Ukraine’s largest private delivery service.

Healthcare facilities across Sudan are facing a dire shortage of medical supplies that could reach critical levels within the next two weeks, according to warnings from the international charity Save the Children.

The organization reports that ongoing conflict in the Middle East has severely disrupted shipping routes and supply chains, leaving approximately $600,000 worth of crucial medications stranded at Dubai ports.

Willem Zuidema, Save the Children’s global director of supply chain safety, explained to Reuters that nearly 90 government-operated medical facilities throughout Sudan depend entirely on their organization’s medication deliveries to serve around 400,000 patients.

“We have a couple of weeks to do this rerouting before the country’s stocks run out. The clock is ticking,” Zuidema stated, warning that patients will lose access to fundamental healthcare services once emergency reserves are depleted.

The stranded medical supplies include critical treatments such as antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, deworming medications, pain relievers, fever reducers, and pediatric injectable medicines. These shipments typically arrive through Port Sudan before being transported overland to regions including Darfur.

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has created widespread disruption to international supply networks, forcing airspace restrictions and halting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher recently highlighted how the Middle East crisis is placing enormous strain on aid distribution systems, with sub-Saharan Africa and Gaza experiencing particularly severe impacts.

The World Health Organization has also issued warnings about increasing medical supply shortfalls affecting various regions of Sudan. WHO regional director Hanan Balkhy noted, “Right now there’s a huge crunch in Sudan, of course, and there’s also a bigger crunch in medical commodities going into certain provinces.”

Financial pressures are intensifying the crisis as transportation expenses surge while aid organizations face significant budget reductions from major donors. Container shipping rates have climbed 25-30% as maritime companies redirect vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, extending delivery schedules by several weeks.

Zuidema warned that the current disruption may prove more damaging than challenges faced during the early phases of the Ukraine conflict and COVID-19 pandemic, primarily because aid organizations have fewer resources available following recent funding cuts.

“Demand will go up, but the means for us to respond — especially with the increasing fuel prices driving up cost — will go down. That’s extremely worrying,” he explained.

Save the Children has experienced a $4 million reduction in their annual budget, bringing their total funding down to $98 million for this year.

Sudan continues to grapple with a three-year internal conflict that has forced millions from their homes and created one of the planet’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

NAIROBI – Two individuals faced formal charges in a Kenyan courtroom Tuesday for allegedly operating an illegal wildlife trafficking scheme involving thousands of live ants.

Zhang Kequn, a 27-year-old Chinese national, was apprehended at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last Tuesday as he tried to board an outbound flight carrying more than 2,000 living ants, according to court records. Immigration authorities had previously placed a stop order on his passport following his successful evasion of arrest in Kenya the previous year.

A second defendant, Charles Mwangi, was brought before the court Monday on accusations of providing live ants to international smuggling networks. Officials connected Mwangi to an ant shipment that authorities intercepted in Bangkok on March 10, which had been sent from Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa.

Both Zhang and Mwangi entered not guilty pleas before Senior Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi on charges that include handling protected wildlife species without proper authorization. The magistrate ordered both defendants to remain in jail custody while the case proceeds, with the next court appearance scheduled for March 27.

Collectors who keep ant colonies as a hobby often pay substantial amounts to house them in large glass containers called formicariums, which allow observation of the insects’ intricate social behaviors and organizational systems.

This case follows a similar prosecution last year where four individuals each received $7,700 fines for attempting to smuggle thousands of ants that play important roles in Kenya’s natural environment. Wildlife protection experts noted that such cases represent a shift in illegal animal trade from high-profile targets like elephant tusks to less conspicuous species.

Nigerian police confirmed Tuesday that suspected suicide bombers killed no fewer than 23 individuals and left more than 100 others injured during Monday evening attacks in Maiduguri, located in the country’s northeastern region.

The violence marks one of the most devastating incidents to strike the capital city of Borno state, a region long plagued by conflict, in recent memory.

The following chronology outlines significant fatal attacks that have occurred throughout Borno over the past five years:

Militants believed to be affiliated with Boko Haram launched rocket-propelled grenades into crowded sections of Maiduguri, striking locations including a university campus and a children’s play area, resulting in no fewer than 10 deaths.

Women carrying explosive devices struck a marriage ceremony, burial service, and medical facility in synchronized assaults throughout Gwoza town, claiming at least 32 lives and wounding more than 100 others. While no organization took credit for these attacks, authorities typically link suicide bombing tactics to Boko Haram operations.

An individual detonated an explosive-laden vehicle after ramming into a Nigerian military convoy that was conducting operations against Islamic State fighters in the isolated community of Malam-Fatori, killing the attacker along with numerous soldiers.

A bomber targeting a dining establishment in Konduga town killed at least 10 individuals and wounded multiple others in the blast.

Boko Haram fighters conducted a nighttime assault on Darul Jamal village, killing more than 60 residents who had recently relocated from a displacement camp back to their community.

An explosive device detonated during religious services at a Maiduguri mosque, claiming five lives in what authorities characterized as a probable suicide bombing.

Militants suspected of Boko Haram ties killed seven Nigerian military personnel and took 13 others captive during an ambush targeting troops conducting patrols near Damasak in Borno.

Several suicide bombers struck Maiduguri simultaneously, hitting a medical facility and two commercial markets, killing at least 23 people and injuring more than 100 others.

GENEVA — United Nations human rights officials issued a stark warning Tuesday about what they describe as potential “ethnic cleansing” taking place in the occupied West Bank, where more than 36,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced amid accelerated Israeli settlement expansion.

The comprehensive report from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk examines a 12-month period ending in October, documenting escalating violence from Israeli settlers and security forces targeting Palestinian communities.

According to Türk, Israeli officials are “playing the central role in directing, participating in or enabling this conduct,” with the report condemning systematic harassment, intimidation and the destruction of Palestinian agricultural land and residences.

Israeli Foreign Ministry officials and the Geneva embassy have not yet responded to requests for comment on the allegations.

The majority of displaced Palestinians come from northern West Bank regions, where Israeli forces launched extensive military operations in early 2025. Israeli government officials justify these actions as necessary to eliminate militant organizations operating in those areas.

The UN document states that the displacement “appears to indicate a concerted Israeli policy of mass forcible transfer throughout the occupied territory, aimed at permanent displacement, raising concerns of ethnic cleansing.”

Simultaneously, Israel’s conservative government has accelerated new settlement development throughout the West Bank. While international law widely prohibits such settlements, the Trump administration has shown greater acceptance of the construction projects. Israel’s current leadership includes prominent settler advocates and their political supporters.

UN officials report that Israeli authorities have approved or advanced nearly 37,000 new housing units in occupied east Jerusalem, plus over 27,000 additional units in other West Bank locations.

Türk demanded immediate cessation of settlement activities and reversal of their effects, including complete settler evacuation and “an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territory.”

This construction surge coincides with increased settler attacks on Palestinian civilians. Israeli officials characterize such violence as actions by a small extremist faction, but Palestinian representatives and human rights organizations argue that Israeli military forces rarely intervene to stop these incidents, and perpetrators face minimal consequences.

Three Palestinians died earlier this month during violent confrontations with settlers near Khirbet Abu Falah, located east of Ramallah. In an unusual response, Israeli military leadership issued strong condemnation of the settler violence.

Though occurring after the UN report’s timeframe, Palestinian Authority officials accused Israel of “exploiting the atmosphere of war” and reduced international focus on West Bank issues to increase intimidation tactics, violence and forced population displacement.

MADRID, March 17 – Spain’s energy and competition regulatory authority CNMC announced Tuesday that its forthcoming investigation into last year’s extensive power failure across the Iberian Peninsula will not determine fault or responsibility for the incident.

The widespread electrical outage on April 28 plunged extensive areas of Spain and Portugal into darkness for as long as 10 hours, affecting millions of residents.

During testimony before senators on Tuesday, CNMC Director Cani Fernandez explained that while the investigation will provide recommendations and findings, it will stop short of assigning culpability. Fernandez stated that the current regulatory and technical tools available to CNMC are adequate for proper system oversight.

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon is taking a devastating toll on innocent people, with massive casualties and widespread forced evacuations, United Nations officials reported Tuesday from Geneva.

“Displacement is increasing incredibly quickly. Right now, hundreds of thousands of people left their homes. Many leaving with very little, just the clothes they were wearing,” U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza stated.

The violence erupted on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, claiming the strikes were retaliation for the death of Iran’s supreme leader. Israeli forces have since launched a major military campaign that has resulted in over 800 deaths across Lebanon while displacing more than 800,000 residents from their communities.

Lebanese government data shows nearly 20 percent of the country’s population is now officially registered as displaced persons, with the U.N. warning that these numbers are expected to climb even higher.

Border violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reached devastating new levels, with Tuesday’s Pakistani airstrike reportedly claiming more than 400 lives and injuring 265 others at a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, according to Afghanistan’s Taliban government. Pakistani officials dispute this account, stating they targeted a military installation and “terrorist infrastructure.”

The escalating conflict between these South Asian nations, who were once close partners, has unfolded over several months with multiple failed peace attempts.

Key Events in the Conflict:

October 2025: The crisis began on October 12 when dozens of combatants died during nighttime border battles, marking the most severe confrontation since the Taliban assumed control in Kabul. A week later, both countries agreed to halt hostilities following negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, with plans for additional discussions. However, by October 28, these diplomatic efforts collapsed when neither side could reach an agreement during the second round of mediated talks.

November-December 2025: Violence resumed on November 25 when Pakistani airstrikes killed nine children and one woman across three eastern Afghan provinces, prompting Taliban officials to promise retaliation. Peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia on December 3 also ended without progress, despite involvement from Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, along with Pakistani military, intelligence, and diplomatic representatives.

Early 2026: The conflict intensified dramatically on February 27 when Pakistani forces struck 22 Afghan military positions. Pakistan’s military reported losing at least 12 soldiers while claiming to have killed 274 Taliban officials and fighters within a 24-hour period. By March 3, fighting had spread to multiple border locations, with the United Nations mission in Afghanistan reporting 42 civilian deaths over six days.

Recent Developments: Chinese diplomatic intervention showed promise on March 12, with President Xi Jinping’s mediation efforts helping to reduce tensions. This included a February meeting between China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where Xi’s message to end hostilities was delivered. However, violence continued on March 13 when Pakistan bombed a Kam Air fuel depot near Kandahar airport and struck residential areas in Kabul, resulting in four deaths and more than a dozen injuries, according to Taliban authorities.

The March 17 incident represents the deadliest single attack in this ongoing conflict, with both sides providing conflicting accounts of the target and casualties involved.

A high-ranking Iranian official revealed Tuesday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has turned down diplomatic overtures designed to ease hostilities with the United States.

According to the official, two countries acting as intermediaries had delivered proposals to Tehran calling for reduced tensions and a potential ceasefire with America, but these efforts were rebuffed by Iran’s top leader.

During what was described as Khamenei’s initial foreign policy meeting, the official characterized his position toward seeking retribution against both the United States and Israel as “very tough and serious.” The source did not specify whether the Supreme Leader participated in the session directly or remotely.

BRUSSELS – Europe’s top diplomat says the European Union has learned to anticipate erratic behavior from the United States following a year of surprising policy decisions from Washington.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke with reporters Tuesday about how European leaders have adjusted their expectations when working with American officials.

“Of course, we are allies with America, but we don’t really understand their moves recently,” Kallas explained during the interview.

The Estonian diplomat described how European officials have changed their mindset over the past twelve months since working with the current U.S. administration.

“I think it is pretty clear after this one year that the word that we have to take into account is unpredictability. So we are now more calm because we are expecting the unpredictable things to happen all the time, and take it as it is, put some ice in our hats and be calm and stay focused,” she stated.

Kallas suggested that European leaders have developed a more patient approach to transatlantic relations, preparing themselves for sudden shifts in American foreign policy positions.

Three European allies are working together on a plan to pool their resources for buying military equipment and weapons as global tensions continue to rise due to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The United Kingdom, Finland, and the Netherlands announced Tuesday they are developing a collaborative approach to defense procurement that could be operational by 2027. According to a British government statement, additional unnamed partner countries are also participating in discussions about this new framework.

The announcement comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London on Tuesday, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also expected to participate in the meetings.

This proposed partnership would work alongside current NATO and European Union defense programs rather than replacing them.

“By joining forces, we get more security with the same resources and we strengthen our alliances as well,” Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen stated in the announcement.

British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships with allied nations while building up domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

Reeves plans to outline her vision for stronger European Union relationships later Tuesday, building on comments she made last month about how European defense collaboration could deliver better value through improved equipment compatibility and shared purchasing power.

BRUSSELS – The European Union’s top foreign policy official emphasized Tuesday that peaceful negotiations must be pursued to maintain open access through the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway, responding to President Donald Trump’s requests for allied nations to deploy naval forces in the region during Iran’s ongoing conflict.

Kaja Kallas, who leads EU foreign policy, told Reuters in an exclusive interview that military deployment isn’t the preferred approach for European nations.

“Nobody is ready to put their people in harm’s way in the Strait of Hormuz. We have to find diplomatic ways to keep this open so that we don’t have a food crisis, fertilizers crisis, energy crisis as well,” Kallas stated during the Tuesday interview.

The strait serves as a crucial shipping corridor for global commerce, making its security a significant concern for international trade and supply chains.

Four Israeli officials have confirmed that Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani was among the targets of overnight military strikes conducted by Israeli forces across Iran, though his current status remains unknown.

The officials speaking to Reuters said it remains unclear whether Larijani was killed or wounded in the attacks that took place last night.

Iranian authorities have yet to issue any statement regarding these reports.

Should Larijani’s death be verified, he would represent the highest-ranking Iranian official eliminated since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who perished on the conflict’s opening day.

A former nuclear negotiator who maintained close ties with Khamenei, Larijani was publicly observed in Tehran on Friday participating in Quds Day demonstrations.

That same Friday, the United States announced a bounty of up to $10 million for intelligence on top Iranian military and security leaders, with Larijani among ten individuals connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the list.

Israeli news sources have also reported that the strikes aimed at Gholamreza Soleimani, who leads the Basij Resistance Force, along with other high-ranking Basij commanders, though the results of these operations are still under evaluation.

Emergency response teams continue searching through debris at a drug treatment center in Afghanistan’s capital city on Tuesday, following what local authorities describe as a nighttime Pakistani military attack that claimed hundreds of lives at the medical facility.

The overnight strike targeted the rehabilitation hospital, leaving rescue workers to navigate through collapsed structures as they work to recover victims from the destruction.

This report includes a collection of photographs selected by Associated Press photo staff documenting the aftermath and ongoing recovery efforts.

Ukrainian officials reported Tuesday that overnight Russian strikes targeted key infrastructure across the Odesa region along the Black Sea, knocking out electricity to multiple communities in the area’s southern districts.

Oleh Kiper, the regional governor, announced via Telegram that the bombardment hit industrial complexes, port facilities, and power infrastructure throughout the coastal region. According to Kiper, emergency crews rapidly contained resulting blazes, and the assault produced no casualties.

“Critical infrastructure has been switched to backup power,” Kiper stated.

The strategic port city of Izmail, Ukraine’s largest Danube River shipping hub located directly across from NATO ally Romania, bore the brunt of what local officials characterized as an intense overnight drone bombardment.

Izmail’s mayor reported through social media channels that the strikes caused significant damage to both infrastructure systems and civilian housing throughout the municipality.

Romanian defense officials announced Tuesday they were conducting searches for reported drone debris near the border village of Plauru, situated on the opposite bank of the Danube from the targeted Ukrainian areas.

LONDON, March 17 – British telecommunications regulators announced Tuesday they will continue oversight of BT Openreach’s nationwide broadband infrastructure for an additional five-year period, implementing expanded price controls to boost competition and bring fiber internet to the remaining one-fifth of properties across the country.

The regulatory approach established by watchdog agency Ofcom in 2021 has delivered remarkable results, with nearly 80% of households now able to access full-fiber broadband service – a dramatic increase from fewer than 25% just five years earlier.

While approximately three-quarters of consumers can now choose between two providers – typically Openreach paired with either Virgin Media or a smaller alternative network – Ofcom determined that Openreach maintains substantial market dominance, making complete deregulation premature.

Under the new framework, regulators will impose price limits on what Openreach can charge retail companies such as Vodafone or Sky – which rent access to its network infrastructure – for download speeds reaching 80Mbit/s, expanding from the current 40Mbit/s threshold.

However, pricing for premium high-speed services will continue without regulatory constraints, creating financial motivation for companies to invest in infrastructure capable of delivering faster connection speeds, officials explained Tuesday.

President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing has created uncertainty in U.S.-China relations, though experts believe the delay won’t significantly damage diplomatic progress made since their October meeting.

The postponement demonstrates how the Iranian conflict has disrupted Trump’s international diplomatic priorities, adding military concerns to the existing challenges of trade disputes and Taiwan tensions between the world’s largest economies.

This delay interrupts efforts to reshape bilateral relationships just after both nations finished important trade discussions in Paris on Monday, which were meant to prepare for Trump’s Beijing visit originally planned for late March.

These talks occurred following Washington’s launch of new probes into “unfair trade practices” designed to increase trade pressure on nations worldwide, including China, after the Supreme Court overturned Trump’s global tariff policies last month.

“The situation is not in jeopardy, and Beijing still wants to organise the summit, but the U.S.-Iran conflict and the Supreme Court ruling on tariff policies have complicated these efforts,” stated Zhao Minghao, an international relations specialist from Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University. “It makes U.S.-China interactions this year more difficult because of Trump’s ‘war of choice’ in Iran.”

Zhao noted that the delay could also provide opportunity for additional trade measures.

“The White House says it will continue its tariff policy, but without a doubt, we could see new uncertainties in this regard that impact Beijing’s calculations on dealing with the U.S.,” he explained.

A person with knowledge of the Paris discussions told Reuters before the second day of negotiations that China demonstrated willingness to potentially increase purchases of American agricultural products, including poultry, beef, and crops other than soybeans.

Both countries also addressed the supply of rare earth minerals primarily controlled by China and explored new methods for managing trade and investment relations.

Government-controlled China Daily characterized the discussions in a Tuesday editorial as “constructive,” while cautioning Trump that Beijing’s “openness should not be mistaken for acquiescence.”

“The U.S. side should refrain from taking any further actions that could disrupt or undermine a stable China-U.S. economic relationship. Actions that inject uncertainty — whether tariffs, restrictive measures or unilateral investigations — do just that,” the editorial stated.

American officials have provided conflicting explanations for the postponement. On Sunday, Trump informed Britain’s Financial Times he might delay the meeting unless China assisted in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

However, on Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated Trump may need to postpone due to war coordination responsibilities, not because of requests for China’s help with the strait or trade disagreements.

Nevertheless, analysts say both nations prioritize maintaining stable relations and continuing preparations for an eventual successful visit. They emphasized that for China’s export-dependent economy, managing increasing global economic uncertainty remains the top concern.

“Trump is preoccupied with a war in Iran that has not been resolved as quickly as predicted, so he is keen to ensure that the military and economic fallout from that is contained within the next couple of weeks or so … which means planning a successful visit to Beijing is next to impossible,” explained Neil Thomas, a Chinese politics fellow at the Asia Society.

“From China’s perspective, there’s been a lot of concern in Beijing about the lack of preparations from the American side for the summit so Chinese policymakers wouldn’t mind an extra few weeks to prepare for a more substantive visit.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reflected this position on Monday when questioned about Trump’s weekend comments. “Diplomacy between heads of state plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations,” Lin stated, noting that both sides were discussing the trip arrangements.