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CAPE TOWN, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an unprecedented military intervention to combat South Africa’s escalating crime crisis, authorizing 2,200 soldiers to join police operations for an entire year.

The dramatic decision highlights the struggles faced by Africa’s most developed economy as it battles persistently high levels of violent criminal activity.

Under South Africa’s Constitution, Ramaphosa must inform Parliament when ordering military deployments. In his official notification to legislators, the president explained that troops will support police in addressing two primary criminal threats: violence perpetrated by criminal gangs and illicit mining operations controlled by organized crime networks.

The military presence on city streets will continue from March 1, 2024, through March 31, 2027, according to Ramaphosa’s announcement.

Despite initial concerns from some opposition politicians about operational costs, the president’s decision has received broad support. Communities exhausted by ongoing violence actually celebrated when soldiers appeared on streets in Johannesburg, the nation’s largest city, during the initial deployment last week.

Military personnel will operate across five of the country’s nine provinces, including Gauteng province, which serves as the economic center and home to Johannesburg, and Western Cape province, where Cape Town, the second-largest city, is situated.

Additional military operations will take place in North West, Free State, and Eastern Cape provinces.

According to Ramaphosa, the deployment specifically targets assistance for police dealing with gang-related violence and unauthorized mining activities.

Criminal gang warfare results in hundreds of deaths annually throughout South Africa, particularly in impoverished communities called the Cape Flats surrounding Cape Town, the country’s premier tourist destination.

Government officials estimate approximately 30,000 unauthorized miners work within South Africa’s 6,000 abandoned gold and mineral mines. These mining operations frequently involve armed and dangerous groups defending their territories under the control of criminal organizations, according to authorities.

Ramaphosa identified gang violence and illegal mining as the two forms of organized crime posing the greatest threats to South Africa’s democratic institutions and economic progress.

Police leadership, who will oversee the soldiers during law enforcement activities, have established four primary operational goals: decreasing criminal activity in designated problem zones, apprehending suspects, seizing illegal weapons and explosives, and confiscating illegal drugs.

This marks not the first occasion South Africa has utilized military forces for crime prevention, though it represents the most extended deployment in recent memory. During 2023, Ramaphosa authorized more than 3,000 soldiers for a one-month operation in specific high-crime locations.

Later that same year, military deployment occurred following a series of truck attacks on major highways that raised concerns about potential widespread civil disorder.

A new Human Rights Watch investigation released Monday alleges that El Salvador is secretly holding some of its own citizens who were deported from the United States, keeping them in detention without court appearances or disclosure of their locations.

The human rights organization based in New York documented cases involving 11 Salvadoran nationals who were among more than 9,000 people sent back to their home country since early January 2025 during President Donald Trump’s administration.

“The United States should stop casting people into the black hole of El Salvador’s prison system,” stated Juanita Goebertus, who serves as HRW’s Americas Director.

The deportations have been carried out under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemy Act from 1798, an rarely-utilized wartime statute that allows removal of immigrants deemed security threats without standard legal procedures.

Human Rights Watch noted that neither American nor Salvadoran authorities have provided proof that the detained individuals have gang connections, despite US allegations that some are linked to the MS-13 organization.

Reuters reached out to El Salvador’s government for response to the HRW findings but did not receive immediate comment.

Legal representatives and family members have disputed any gang associations for the detained men and report being kept in the dark about where their relatives are being held.

The human rights organization conducted interviews with 20 family members and attorneys representing the 11 deported Salvadorans between mid-March and mid-October 2025. All were taken into custody immediately upon arrival, and none have appeared before judicial authorities or been permitted family communication.

The report indicates that several of the 11 affected individuals were transported to El Salvador in March 2025 alongside 252 Venezuelan nationals and placed in CECOT, a maximum-security detention facility.

Human Rights Watch found that among the more than 9,000 people sent from the US to El Salvador since January 2025, only 10.5% had been found guilty of violent or potentially violent offenses in American courts.

The practice of deporting Venezuelans to El Salvador has generated significant opposition from human rights organizations and triggered court challenges.

Since March 2022, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has maintained a state of emergency that continues today, leading to widespread arrests and the elimination of standard legal protections.

A new survey from Peru reveals that left-wing presidential hopeful Alfonso Lopez Chau is making substantial progress against the two conservative candidates currently leading the field ahead of next month’s national election.

According to polling data from Datum Internacional, Lopez Chau has increased his support to 6.5 percent, up from 5.1 percent in previous measurements. The economist and former central bank official represents the left-wing Juntos por el Peru party.

Meanwhile, the current frontrunners Rafael Lopez Aliaga and Keiko Fujimori captured 11.4 percent and 10.9 percent support respectively in the survey. Given the poll’s error margin of plus or minus 2.5 percent, these results suggest the possibility of a statistical dead heat among the top contenders.

The polling was carried out between March 6-10 and announced Sunday during programming on America Television. Retired air force general and former intelligence chief Wolfgang Crozo ranked fourth with 5.1 percent backing.

Fujimori, making her fourth presidential bid, is the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who served a 16-year prison sentence for violations of human rights.

The survey found that 36.7 percent of Peruvian voters remain undecided or plan to abstain from voting, a decrease from the previous 38.5 percent but still significantly higher than the 18 percent recorded at the same point before Peru’s 2021 presidential contest.

Peru’s political landscape has been marked by ongoing turmoil, with eight different presidents holding office since 2018. The nation will conduct its election on April 12, with analysts predicting no candidate will secure a first-round victory, leading to a runoff election scheduled for June.

The winning candidate will take office at the end of July. Despite the political uncertainty, Peru’s economy has demonstrated stability as the world’s third-largest copper producer with significant dependence on mining operations.

Recent government statistics indicate Peru’s economy grew 3.54 percent compared to the previous year in January, driven by increased output of copper, zinc, gold and silver.

A United Nations investigation has determined that Israel’s bombing of an Iranian prison facility last year constitutes a war crime, according to findings presented Monday in Geneva.

The strike on Tehran’s Evin prison in June killed more than 70 individuals during aerial warfare between Israel and Iran, according to Iranian officials. The facility, notorious for housing political dissidents, has sustained additional damage from recent U.S.-Israeli military operations, creating serious concerns for inmates including a British couple.

Sara Hossain, who leads the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, addressed the U.N. Human Rights Council with her findings. “We found reasonable grounds to believe that, in carrying out the airstrikes on Evin prison, Israel committed the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against a civilian object…,” Hossain stated. She reported that 80 individuals perished, including one minor and eight women.

The investigation’s conclusions, delivered to the Council on Monday, drew from victim and witness interviews, satellite analysis, and additional documentation.

Israeli representatives were absent from the council proceedings, having withdrawn from participation in the body that monitors violations and launches investigations. Israeli government offices, including the prime minister’s office, Foreign Ministry, and military, did not respond to requests for statements.

Hossain expressed alarm over rising civilian casualties in Iran and warned that current bombing operations might prompt Iranian authorities to intensify their suppression of opposition voices, noting increased executions following last year’s attacks.

“The core lesson drawn from our investigations in this context is clear: external military action does not provide accountability or bring meaningful change. Instead, it risks intensifying domestic repression …,” she explained.

Mai Sato, another U.N.-designated rights specialist focusing on Iran, raised additional concerns about prisoners, including those detained during widespread January demonstrations. She reported that families cannot reach imprisoned relatives, while food and medical supplies become increasingly scarce in detention facilities.

Iran’s diplomatic representative, Ali Bahreini, demanded international condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli attacks, claiming they have resulted in more than 1,300 Iranian deaths.

Two children died and 10 people suffered injuries when Pakistani military forces fired mortar rounds into Afghanistan’s Khost province overnight, according to Afghan officials who reported the violence Monday as border hostilities entered their third straight week.

Mustaghfar Gurbaz, who speaks for the provincial governor, confirmed that the mortar bombardment from Pakistan destroyed multiple residential buildings in villages throughout the southeastern region.

The deadly incident followed Pakistan’s report Sunday that an Afghan mortar strike hit a residence in the northwestern Bajaur district, resulting in four family members’ deaths and injuring two others, including a young child aged 5. Local residents and Pakistani officials stated their military retaliated Monday by attacking Afghan border positions where the previous day’s assault originated, inflicting significant casualties.

Afghan authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the retaliatory strikes.

These border confrontations, which have featured several Pakistani aerial bombardments targeting Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul, represent some of the most severe violence between the neighboring countries in recent memory.

Pakistani leadership has characterized the current situation as an “open war.” President Asif Ali Zardari declared that Afghanistan’s Taliban government violated a “red line” when they deployed drone aircraft that injured multiple Pakistani civilians during the previous week.

Pakistan’s air force responded to those drone incidents over the weekend by bombing equipment storage facilities and what they termed “technical support infrastructure” located in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, claiming these sites supported attacks within Pakistani territory. Kabul officials confirmed Pakistan struck two separate locations: an unoccupied security installation and a drug treatment facility that sustained minimal damage.

Afghanistan’s administrative Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi declared overnight in Kabul that protecting national sovereignty becomes every citizen’s responsibility when territorial integrity faces violation.

During discussions with political commentators and journalists, Hanafi expressed sorrow regarding civilian deaths from recent Pakistani military actions, stating that warfare had been forced upon Afghanistan.

Pakistan, however, maintains that Kabul provides sanctuary to extremist organizations, specifically the Pakistani Taliban, which allegedly conducts terrorist operations on Pakistani soil. Afghan officials reject these accusations, insisting they prohibit their territory from being utilized for attacks against neighboring nations.

The current military confrontation began in late February when Afghanistan initiated cross-border assaults responding to Pakistani airstrikes within Afghan territory that Kabul claimed killed innocent civilians. These clashes shattered a Qatar-mediated truce established in October following earlier violence that resulted in dozens of military personnel, civilian, and suspected militant deaths.

PARIS (AP) — Beijing issued a stern warning Monday regarding President Donald Trump’s recent trade policy actions, expressing fears they could undermine bilateral economic relationships following diplomatic meetings in the French capital.

During the discussions, Li Chenggang, serving as China’s international trade representative, voiced Beijing’s deep concerns about new manufacturing investigations targeting foreign production that the Trump administration initiated following the Supreme Court’s rejection of previous tariff measures.

“We are concerned that the possible results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the hard-won and stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Li stated to members of the press.

These diplomatic talks were designed to lay groundwork for Trump’s anticipated journey to China, scheduled for approximately two weeks from now, although the president has indicated the trip might face postponement. Li avoided discussing the visit’s timing and declined to field reporters’ questions.

The ongoing Iran conflict has surfaced as a potential obstacle precisely when Washington and Beijing were rebuilding their partnership after a destructive tariff battle that saw import duties climb into triple-digit territory. Both nations subsequently reached agreement on a twelve-month ceasefire.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, heading the American delegation in Paris, indicated that any postponement of Trump’s China visit would not stem from disputes over the Iran situation or initiatives to reestablish access through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for international maritime commerce.

Should Trump proceed with the China trip, it would mark his first presidential visit to the nation since his 2017 journey during his initial term. The visit would occur five months following his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.

European allies are declining President Donald Trump’s appeal for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that Iran has effectively shut down following recent U.S.-Israeli military operations.

The strategic waterway, which handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, was blocked by Iran using drones, missiles, and mines after Tehran retaliated against attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces.

NATO member countries, many of whom have faced Trump’s criticism in recent months, are showing hesitation about getting involved in the confrontation with Iran, despite typically being cautious about defying Washington.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about the request during remarks in Berlin on Monday. “What does Donald Trump expect a handful or two handfuls of European frigates to do in the Strait of Hormuz that the powerful U.S. navy cannot do?” Pistorius questioned, dismissing Trump’s warnings about potential consequences for NATO members who refuse to assist.

“This is not our war, we have not started it,” Pistorius stated.

A German government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, emphasized that the situation falls outside NATO’s scope and that Germany will not participate. “Neither the United States nor Israel consulted us before the war, and Washington explicitly stated at the outset of the war that European assistance was neither necessary nor desired,” Kornelius explained.

However, some European officials indicated limited willingness to contribute to a solution.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas revealed that the bloc is exploring options with the United Nations, potentially modeling efforts after agreements that have allowed Ukrainian grain exports during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The European Union is also considering whether to expand its existing Middle East naval operation, Aspides, which currently safeguards vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, to cover the Strait of Hormuz region, according to Kallas.

Greece, however, which oversees the Aspides mission, announced through government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis that it will restrict its Middle Eastern involvement to Red Sea operations only.

China’s foreign ministry announced Monday that Beijing is engaging with all parties involved in an effort to reduce tensions surrounding the strait.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to collaborating with allies on a joint approach to ensure safe passage through the waterway, though he acknowledged the challenges ahead and reiterated that the United Kingdom would avoid involvement in a broader conflict. Starmer mentioned that Britain possesses autonomous mine-detection technology that could prove useful.

Denmark’s position suggested the EU should pursue reopening the strait regardless of disagreements with the conflict itself. “Even if we don’t like what’s going on, I think it’s wise to keep an open mind on whether Europe in some way can contribute, but with a view towards de-escalation,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.

Several other European nations firmly rejected involvement. Spain indicated it would avoid any actions that might intensify the conflict, while Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned that deploying military vessels to a combat zone would constitute joining the war.

“Italy is not at war with anyone and sending military ships in a war zone would mean entering the war,” Salvini told reporters in Milan.

Tehran has requested the return of three oil tankers that Indian authorities captured last month, according to sources familiar with ongoing discussions between the two nations about securing safe maritime routes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Indian officials detained the Iran-connected vessels in February near their territorial waters, claiming the ships had disguised their identities and participated in unauthorized fuel transfers at sea.

According to an Iranian government source, Tehran has also requested medical supplies and pharmaceutical equipment as part of the negotiations. Iran’s diplomatic representative in New Delhi held discussions with Indian foreign affairs officials on Monday regarding these matters.

The sources requested anonymity given the delicate nature of the diplomatic talks.

Neither India’s external affairs ministry, Iran’s embassy in New Delhi, nor Tehran’s foreign ministry provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

Iranian authorities recently permitted two Indian liquefied petroleum gas carriers to navigate through the strait, with one vessel arriving back at India’s western coast on Monday. Maritime traffic has virtually ceased in the waterway since regional warfare began.

When questioned about discussions to guarantee safe passage for Indian ships, foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated Monday that recent vessel movements demonstrated a “history of engagement, of dealing with each other.”

During his regular press conference, Jaiswal emphasized that no formal exchanges were taking place.

Following the commencement of American and Israeli military operations against Iran in late February, Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes throughout the region, including attacks on vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz that resulted in three Indian crew members’ deaths and one person missing.

Indian officials reported Monday that no fewer than 22 Indian-registered ships and 611 Indian maritime workers remain stranded in Gulf waters.

An Indian government source revealed that six of the trapped vessels carry LPG cargo, and the country prioritizes their safe return to address domestic cooking fuel shortages. Approximately 90% of India’s LPG imports originate from Gulf nations.

Indian maritime authorities confiscated the tankers Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia and Stellar Ruby, alleging the vessels had falsified their identities and movements while conducting prohibited ship-to-ship fuel transfers.

While Stellar Ruby flies an Iranian flag, the remaining two ships are registered under Nicaraguan and Malian flags.

A February 15 Indian Coast Guard criminal complaint obtained by Reuters alleged that Asphalt Star smuggled heavy fuel oil that was transferred to Al Jafzia, while bitumen was moved to Stellar Ruby. All three vessels currently remain anchored near Mumbai.

During the seizure period, Iranian state broadcasters quoted the National Iranian Oil Company denying any association with the three captured tankers.

Jugwinder Singh Brar, whom Washington accuses of operating a shipping network that facilitates Iranian oil transportation, confirmed he served as a consultant for all three seized vessels and maintained their operations were legitimate.

“We were transporting bitumen and there is nothing illegal in doing this. My ships have been there for 40 days and I have faced losses,” Brar stated in a telephone interview, adding he was unaware of any negotiations concerning the tankers.

Representatives from President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” conducted discussions with Hamas officials in Cairo over the weekend, working to preserve the Gaza ceasefire amid mounting pressures from the ongoing Iran conflict, according to three sources who spoke with Reuters.

This marks the first reported diplomatic contact between the Palestinian militant organization and Trump’s newly-established international oversight body since U.S. and Israeli forces began their bombing campaign against Iran. The Board of Peace, which Trump personally leads, has been given responsibility for managing post-conflict Gaza operations.

In what appears to be a direct outcome of the Cairo discussions, Israel announced Sunday its intention to reopen the Rafah border crossing – the only pedestrian passage between Gaza and Egypt – which had been closed since the Iran military operations commenced. One source indicated this Israeli decision stemmed directly from the weekend talks.

Before the Iran conflict erupted, Trump’s Gaza reconstruction and peace strategy represented his primary Middle East policy achievement.

During the Cairo meeting, Hamas delegates cautioned Trump’s representatives that the organization might withdraw from previous ceasefire commitments if Israel continues enforcing the new Gaza restrictions implemented during the Iran war, sources revealed.

Israeli authorities closed all Gaza border points when military operations launched on February 28, citing safety concerns for crossing operations. While limited merchandise and humanitarian supplies later resumed flowing, the Rafah pedestrian crossing on Gaza’s southern border remained shuttered until Sunday’s announcement promised its reopening this week following completed “security assessment” procedures.

Previous Reuters reporting indicated that discussions regarding Hamas disarmament – intended as a central component of Trump’s next-phase planning – have been suspended since the Iran conflict began.

According to one source, Aryeh Lightstone, an American assistant to Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff, participated in the Hamas discussions on behalf of the Board of Peace. Two additional sources confirmed Lightstone’s scheduled involvement, though they could not verify his actual attendance.

Additional diplomatic sessions are anticipated this week. All sources requested anonymity due to lack of authorization for public statements.

A U.S. official confirmed Lightstone’s participation in Gaza-focused Cairo meetings during recent days, while declining to verify any direct Hamas contact. The official added that American negotiators continue engaging regional allies to advance Trump’s comprehensive 20-point Gaza framework.

Israeli government officials have not responded to inquiries about whether the Rafah reopening decision resulted from the Cairo diplomatic session. Hamas representatives declined comment requests.

Trump’s Gaza strategy commenced with an October ceasefire arrangement that left Israeli forces controlling over half the territory, while Gaza’s 2 million-plus residents remain concentrated in a narrow Hamas-controlled coastal area.

The peace initiative had shown increased progress during the month preceding the Iran conflict, including fresh reconstruction commitments and the initial Rafah reopening.

Israeli military forces have maintained Gaza operations throughout the broader regional conflict, including Sunday strikes that resulted in 12 fatalities, among them nine police personnel. Military officials cite ongoing Hamas threats and hostile fire as justification for continued attacks.

A Palestinian official familiar with the Cairo negotiations stated that Hamas believes Israel is using the Iran war as cover to abandon commitments under Trump’s peace framework. Israeli authorities dispute this characterization.

The success of Trump’s Gaza plan depends significantly on whether Hamas fighters will surrender their weapons in exchange for amnesty provisions, a crucial step designed to enable reconstruction efforts and additional Israeli military withdrawals.

None of the sources indicated whether weapons surrender discussions would feature in this week’s scheduled Cairo meetings.

MULTAN, Pakistan — A deadly building collapse claimed the lives of at least eight women and left more than 50 others injured Monday when a shop’s roof caved in during a government welfare distribution in eastern Pakistan, according to police and emergency responders.

The tragedy unfolded in Rahim Yar Khan, located in Punjab province, when more than 100 women had assembled to receive government financial aid in preparation for Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that concludes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Emergency worker Ashiq Mahmood explained that the structural failure occurred after the shop owner directed some women to climb onto the roof while others stayed inside the building, causing the roof to buckle under the excessive weight.

The women were there to collect funds from the Benazir Income Support Program, a government initiative honoring the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who died in a 2007 assassination involving gunfire and explosives. This program distributes financial aid to millions of Pakistan’s poorest families, with eligible households receiving quarterly payments of 13,000 rupees, equivalent to approximately $45.

Such dangerous overcrowding incidents frequently happen throughout Pakistan during Ramadan, as government organizations, charitable groups, and private companies hand out food supplies and monetary assistance to impoverished families. A similar tragedy struck in 2023 when at least 11 women and children lost their lives in a deadly crowd surge at a Ramadan aid distribution facility in Karachi, where hundreds of people had rushed to obtain assistance outside a manufacturing plant.

Israeli military forces have advanced into additional areas of southern Lebanon as part of an expanded ground operation targeting Hezbollah strongholds, military officials announced Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed during a press briefing that troops were operating in “new locations that our troops were not operating yesterday.”

Shoshani characterized the latest military actions as “limited and targeted,” but refused to specify how far into Lebanese territory the forces would penetrate or whether troops would establish permanent positions.

The Israeli military has maintained five positions in southern Lebanon following a November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Additional forces were deployed after Hezbollah launched a rocket barrage on March 2, escalating tensions and drawing Lebanon deeper into a widening regional conflict.

According to Hezbollah, their March 2 attack was a response to the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader on February 28, marking the beginning of what they call a U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Israel has countered with an intensive aerial bombardment campaign across Lebanon.

The conflict has resulted in more than 800 Lebanese deaths and displaced over 800,000 people from their homes, particularly in southern regions and areas surrounding Beirut, the capital.

Lebanese security sources reported to Reuters that Israeli troops surrounded the strategically important southern Lebanese town of Khiyam over the weekend. The town sits approximately 6 kilometers north of the Israeli border.

Israeli forces have gained effective control of Khiyam and are now moving westward toward the Litani River, according to sources. This advancement could potentially place significant portions of southern Lebanon under Israeli control while severing connections to the rest of the country.

Israeli military leadership has justified the ground offensive, which began after the March 2 rocket attacks, as a defensive strategy to shield Israel from ongoing Hezbollah assaults. Officials report that Hezbollah has been launching an average of at least 100 rockets and drones daily.

Two Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in combat operations within southern Lebanon during the current military campaign.

Israeli officials indicated Sunday that Israel and Lebanon are anticipated to engage in discussions in the coming days to negotiate a lasting ceasefire agreement that would require Hezbollah’s disarmament.

While Beirut began assembling a negotiating team last week for potential talks, Lebanese officials told Reuters over the weekend that they have not received confirmation regarding the scheduling of such meetings.

The November 2024 ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon while Lebanese military forces would assume control of the region. In return, Israel was to halt its bombardment of Lebanese territory.

Israeli officials maintain that Lebanon has failed to honor its commitments under the agreement, leading Israel to continue conducting nearly daily airstrikes against what it identifies as Hezbollah positions and weapons facilities.

Dutch authorities are examining a second explosion in Amsterdam that struck an office building Monday, with the same extremist organization taking credit for both this incident and a recent bombing at a Jewish educational facility, according to police officials.

Law enforcement representatives confirmed they are working to determine whether the office building has any connection to Amsterdam’s Jewish community.

The blast resulted in a small fire that building security personnel quickly put out, causing only minimal damage to the structure, police reported. Investigators are working to verify if both incidents are truly connected to the same group.

Sienna Investment Managers, the company that oversees the damaged building, has not responded to requests for comment.

The earlier incident on Saturday targeted a Jewish school and also resulted in minor damage. Both Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten publicly denounced that attack.

The organization has additionally taken responsibility for previous attacks on synagogues in Rotterdam and in the Belgian city of Liege. These incidents have already prompted increased security measures at Jewish facilities throughout Amsterdam.

Justice Minister David van Weel stated Saturday that authorities cannot rule out connections between the Amsterdam and Rotterdam explosions, though he stopped short of confirming the group’s social media claims.

Fears about potential attacks targeting Jewish communities worldwide have increased amid recent military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared Monday that his nation will avoid getting pulled into an expanded conflict with Iran, while simultaneously working alongside international partners to develop a coordinated strategy for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

During a press conference, Starmer acknowledged the challenging nature of restoring access to the waterway but emphasized its importance for stabilizing global energy markets. The Prime Minister indicated he has been in discussions with European, Gulf, and American allies regarding a plan to ensure navigational freedom, clarifying that NATO would not lead such an operation.

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Starmer for initially declining to back U.S.-Israeli military actions against Tehran. Over the weekend, Trump suggested that Britain, along with China, France, Japan, and South Korea, should deploy naval vessels to the region to help reopen the shipping route.

The British government announced its first domestic financial assistance related to the crisis: a 53-million-pound ($70.30 million) aid package targeting vulnerable households that depend on heating oil, which has seen dramatic price increases due to the ongoing conflict.

“Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the (oil) market. That is not a simple task,” Starmer explained to journalists.

“So we’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact,” he continued.

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman typically handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transportation. Tehran’s effective closure of the strait has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel.

While confirming that Britain was “taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war,” Starmer emphasized the country’s limited military involvement.

When questioned about Britain’s military capabilities after withdrawing its final minehunter from the region this month, the Prime Minister noted that autonomous mine-detection systems remain deployed in the area.

Starmer explained that Britain and its partners are evaluating available resources for a collective contribution, seeking to involve as many nations as possible in the effort.

Addressing his relationship with Trump, Starmer revealed they discussed the strait situation during a Sunday evening phone call. He dismissed concerns that the conflict had strained relations with America, describing their conversation as occurring “in the way that you would expect between two allies and two leaders” and affirming his “good relationship” with the U.S. president.

Oil shipment activities have restarted at a major United Arab Emirates port facility following a drone strike that caused operations to halt earlier Monday, according to two industry sources speaking to Reuters.

The Fujairah port, situated along the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, serves as a crucial shipping point for approximately 1 million barrels daily of the UAE’s Murban crude oil – representing about 1% of worldwide petroleum demand.

Emergency response crews worked to extinguish the fire that erupted in the emirate’s petroleum industrial area, according to a statement from Fujairah’s government media office. Officials confirmed no injuries occurred during the incident.

This temporary shutdown represents the second significant interruption at the important fuel distribution center within recent days. The facility had just returned to normal operations Sunday after recovering from another drone attack that occurred over the weekend.

These incidents occur amid ongoing tensions as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran creates challenges for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage between Iran and Oman that typically manages one-fifth of global oil transportation.

A deadly shelling struck a village in northern Yemen on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 10 people, with six of the victims being children, while more than 30 others sustained injuries, government officials reported Monday. Yemen’s government is pointing the blame at Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the fatal bombardment.

According to the Information Ministry, the rebels launched their attack against civilians who had come together for iftar, the traditional evening meal that ends the daily fast during Ramadan, in Hajjah province. While the Houthis maintain control over most of this province, certain sections remain under the authority of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which operates from Aden.

Details surrounding Sunday’s bombardment remain murky, and Houthi representatives have refused to provide any statement regarding the incident.

Hajjah province has been a battleground between Houthi forces and government troops since Yemen descended into civil conflict in 2014. That year marked when the Houthis took control of Sanaa, the capital city, along with large portions of northern Yemen, forcing the government into exile. The following year saw a Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab Emirates, step in militarily in hopes of reinstating the government.

This ongoing war has brought Yemen’s economy to near-total collapse and created “severe” food shortages in northern regions, including Hajjah, the World Food Program reports.

In an official statement, the Information Ministry warned that fatalities could climb higher, noting that several of those injured remain in critical condition.

TOKYO (AP) — Government weather officials in Japan declared Monday that cherry blossom season has officially begun after confirming the first blooms in three cities across the country.

Meteorological experts inspected designated Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Kochi in southwestern Japan, along with Gifu and Yamanashi in the nation’s central region. They confirmed finding more than five blossoms on each monitored tree, meeting the threshold needed to make the seasonal announcement.

Kochi’s cherry tree bloomed ahead of the others for the third consecutive year, appearing six days sooner than typical, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The trees in Gifu and Yamanashi flowered nine days ahead of their usual schedule.

“Low rainfall during the winter and longer hours of sunshine might have helped the early blooming,” Shinobu Imoto from Kochi Meteorological Agency explained to TBS television.

The beloved cherry blossoms, known as “sakura” in Japanese, typically reach full bloom from late March through early April, coinciding with the nation’s new academic and business calendar year. Countless Japanese citizens participate in traditional activities like strolling and having outdoor meals beneath the flowering trees.

However, recent years have brought challenges as areas surrounding popular cherry blossom destinations have reported problems including trash accumulation, excessive noise, and other complications related to too many tourists visiting these sites.

For hundreds of years, sakura blossoms have held significant cultural importance throughout Japanese society.

LONDON, March 16 – The United Kingdom is coordinating with international partners to develop a joint strategy for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring safe passage through Middle Eastern waters, though the effort presents significant challenges, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday.

Speaking to the press, Starmer emphasized the critical importance of clearing the waterway for global economic stability. “Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the (oil) market. That is not a simple task,” the Prime Minister stated.

The British leader outlined efforts to build an international coalition to address the shipping crisis. “So we’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact,” Starmer explained.

French voters participated in the initial round of mayoral elections on Sunday, offering insights into the nation’s current political climate ahead of next week’s runoff contests.

The far-right National Rally achieved notable victories in its established territories, securing Perpignan in the opening round and placing second in Marseille. A potential win in Marseille, the country’s second-most populous city, would represent a significant milestone for the party.

However, the party’s influence remains confined to specific regions. In France’s largest metropolitan areas beyond its Mediterranean base, the National Rally struggled to gain traction, earning less than 8% support in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Strasbourg and Bordeaux. This pattern indicates the party’s efforts to broaden its mainstream appeal have not yet succeeded in wealthy, diverse urban areas.

The hard-left France Unbowed party, under Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s leadership, exceeded predictions and demonstrated continued strength despite facing campaign challenges. The party secured Saint-Denis, the Paris region’s second-largest municipality, in the first round and appears positioned to win Roubaix in northern France.

These victories occurred despite recent setbacks, including controversy surrounding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon and antisemitism allegations following Mélenchon’s comments about individuals with Jewish-sounding names.

The party’s success creates complications for moderate left-wing groups as they prepare for next year’s presidential race. How Socialists and Greens approach potential partnerships with France Unbowed in upcoming runoffs will signal the left’s unity or division heading into national competition.

Environmental parties, which capitalized on global climate activism to win major cities in 2020, faced difficulties replicating their previous success. Economic pressures and international tensions appear to have shifted voter priorities away from environmental concerns. This change was evident as Strasbourg’s Green mayor finished third, while Green candidates in Bordeaux and Lyon face uncertain prospects in next Sunday’s decisive votes.

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition, historically weak at the local level, entered these elections with limited expectations following disappointing 2020 results. However, one contest held national importance: former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s campaign to regain his Le Havre mayoral position.

Philippe exceeded polling forecasts by capturing 43.8% of first-round votes, positioning himself favorably against Communist and National Rally opponents in the runoff. Success would strengthen his credentials as a leading centrist candidate for the 2027 presidential election and potentially pressure other potential candidates, including former prime minister Gabriel Attal, to support his bid.

In Paris, left-wing parties appear likely to maintain their quarter-century control of the capital. Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire topped the first round with 38% support, leading conservative opponent Rachida Dati by more than 10 percentage points, effectively endorsing the environmental policies of the departing mayor.

The Paris race’s surprise came from nationalist candidate Sarah Knafo, who has built international recognition and attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Her 10% vote share qualified her for the second round, illustrating the strategic dilemma facing traditional conservatives before the presidential election: whether to isolate the far right and risk electoral defeat, or pursue collaboration with these groups.

BRUSSELS — European Union leaders announced Monday they are exploring ways to maintain access through the Strait of Hormuz as the three-week conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to drive up global energy and commodity costs.

Speaking before a gathering of foreign ministers from the 27-member alliance in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of keeping the waterway accessible. “It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side,” Kallas stated.

President Donald Trump has reached out to international partners including France, China, Japan, South Korea and Britain, requesting assistance in securing the strait for worldwide maritime commerce.

According to Kallas, the EU is considering two primary approaches: extending their existing Aspides naval operation from the Red Sea into the Persian Gulf, or establishing a voluntary alliance where member countries would provide military resources as needed.

The conflict, which began with February 28 airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States, has caused global energy costs to surge, with Brent crude oil prices climbing more than 40%. Beyond petroleum, the war has disrupted international supply networks, impacting Indian pharmaceuticals, Asian semiconductors, and Middle Eastern oil-based products including fertilizers.

Maritime vessels are either stranded in the Gulf or taking significantly longer routes around Africa’s southern coast. Aircraft transporting goods from Middle Eastern locations remain grounded. Extended fighting increases the likelihood of product shortages and price hikes across numerous sectors.

French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated his country is collaborating with European, Indian and Asian allies on a potential international escort mission for ships traversing the strait, though he stressed such action must occur “when the circumstances permit” and fighting has decreased.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the need for the United States and Israel to clarify “when they consider the military aims of their deployment to have been reached.” Speaking before joining his EU counterparts in Brussels, he added, “we need more clarity here” from both nations.

Wadephul also characterized the Iranian government as presenting a serious threat to regional stability, shipping freedom and the global economy, stating “this danger definitely must not continue.” He expressed support for sanctions targeting those responsible for blocking the strait, though he provided no additional specifics.

The German minister suggested that once U.S.-Israeli objectives become clear, discussions should focus on establishing “a security architecture for this whole region,” which would include dialogue with Iran.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel noted the EU has not committed to military involvement. “The fact is, for the moment, the EU is not directly part of the situation. So we need to decide if we are going to be part or not. That’s an important decision,” Bettel explained.

The Aspides mission was originally created to counter shipping attacks in the Red Sea by Somali pirates and Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthi rebels, who have not yet entered the current conflict. Saudi Aramco operates pipeline infrastructure that circumvents the Strait of Hormuz, delivering oil to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

“If we want to have security in this region, then it would be easiest to actually already use the operation that we have in the region and maybe change a bit,” Kallas explained. “There is also talk of coalition of the willing in this regard, but we also need to see what could be the fastest to provide this opening for the Strait of Hormuz, but of course, as you can see, it’s not easy.”

EU officials are concerned about a possible refugee crisis emerging from Iran if hostilities persist. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed this concern in a Sunday statement: “Although for now, the conflict has not translated into immediate migratory flows toward the EU, what the future holds remains unclear and necessitates the full mobilization of every migration diplomacy tool we have at our disposal.”

As the conflict with Iran stretches into its third week, President Trump is calling on NATO member nations and China to provide assistance in securing the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices soared to nearly $105 per barrel on Monday.

The president’s appeal comes as the ongoing military engagement continues to impact global energy markets and shipping routes through one of the world’s most important oil transit points.

BRUSSELS – The European Union plans to target nine individuals with sanctions over alleged war crimes linked to the massacre in Bucha, Ukraine, according to France’s top diplomat.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the sanctions decision Monday while arriving for a gathering of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels.

The sanctions relate to war crimes accusations stemming from the Bucha massacre that occurred during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

BAKU – An Azerbaijani court handed down a 10-year prison sentence Monday to a French national convicted of conducting espionage activities for his home country, according to reports from Russian state media RIA.

Officials in Azerbaijan say Martin Ryan, who was taken into custody in December 2023, was engaged in gathering classified intelligence regarding the nation’s defense partnerships with Turkey and Pakistan.

Authorities also allege Ryan worked to identify and enlist French-speaking residents of Azerbaijan to serve as informants for France’s intelligence services.

The defendant entered a partial guilty plea to the espionage charges brought against him.

MOSCOW, March 16 – Russian officials have imposed a substantial financial penalty of 35 million roubles, equivalent to $432,366, against the Telegram messaging platform for allegedly refusing to delete prohibited material, according to Monday reports from Russia’s Interfax news service.

Government officials have consistently criticized Telegram, which ranks among Russia’s most widely-used messaging applications, claiming the platform permits the distribution of illegal and extremist material through its services.

The messaging company disputes these allegations and has countered by claiming Russian authorities are intentionally disrupting its operations in an effort to compel users to migrate to MAX, a government-controlled messaging application.

The fine was calculated using an exchange rate of 80.95 roubles per U.S. dollar.

Aviation officials in Vietnam are alerting the country’s airlines to brace for substantial flight cuts beginning next month as fuel export restrictions from neighboring countries threaten to create widespread shortages.

The crisis stems from China and Thailand’s decision to halt jet fuel exports due to regional conflicts, leaving Vietnam scrambling to secure adequate aviation fuel supplies. The country relies heavily on imports for more than two-thirds of its aviation fuel requirements, with 60 percent traditionally sourced from these two nations, based on regulatory documents and importer records reviewed by Reuters.

Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a stark warning in a March 9 memo to transportation officials, stating: “There are risks of jet fuel shortages for Vietnamese airlines from the beginning of April and the following months.”

The regulatory agency has directed airlines to reassess their operational schedules, particularly for domestic flights, while instructing airport facilities to arrange additional aircraft parking areas for Vietnamese carriers. Supply disruptions have also affected shipments from Singapore, according to official documentation.

Two major fuel importers, Petrolimex and Skypec, indicated in separate communications that they can only assure aviation fuel availability through March. Skypec has recommended that authorities limit air transportation to critical domestic routes should the regional situation continue to deteriorate.

These warnings followed China’s initial guidance to refineries against new export agreements earlier this month, which later escalated to a complete prohibition on refined fuel exports effective March 11. Thailand implemented its own ban on refined petroleum product exports, including aviation fuel, on March 6, with exceptions only for Myanmar and Laos.

Neither the aviation regulator, transportation ministry, nor the importing companies provided responses to requests for comment. Vietnam’s leading carriers, Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, also declined to offer statements.

According to Chinese customs records, Vietnam ranked as the third-largest purchaser of aviation kerosene from China in the previous year, trailing only Australia and Japan.

Vietnamese officials have initiated diplomatic discussions with both affected supplier nations. During a previously scheduled meeting in Hanoi on Sunday, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung requested “close coordination to ensure energy security” from his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as reported by the Vietnamese government’s official news platform.

A representative from China’s foreign ministry indicated on Monday that Beijing remains prepared to enhance cooperation with Vietnam and other nations in addressing energy security challenges.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also appealed to Thailand for assistance during a Friday meeting with the Thai ambassador to Vietnam, according to state media coverage.

Vietnam’s aviation authority has suggested exploring alternative supply sources, identifying South Korea, Japan, Brunei, and India as possible options. However, officials acknowledged that “in the current context it is difficult to find new suppliers.”

The country’s two domestic refineries face constraints in expanding jet fuel production due to pressure to increase output of other petroleum products, further complicating the supply situation.

Beyond supply concerns, escalating fuel costs are creating additional industry challenges, with many flight routes becoming financially unviable due to price increases.

Both Petrolimex and Skypec have reported that surging jet fuel prices are pushing them toward credit limits, prompting requests for more flexible banking arrangements until market stability returns.

Current jet fuel trading prices in Singapore have reached approximately $157 per barrel on a cost and freight basis, representing more than a 50 percent increase from pre-conflict levels, according to LSEG pricing information.

Voters in Kazakhstan have decisively backed constitutional amendments that expand presidential authority in the Central Asian nation, according to preliminary election results announced Monday.

Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission reported that more than 87% of voters who participated in Sunday’s referendum endorsed the constitutional revisions. Voter participation surpassed 73% of eligible citizens.

The approved changes will consolidate Kazakhstan’s bicameral parliament into a single legislative body and grant the president authority to select important government positions with parliamentary consent, including reestablishing a vice presidential role.

Additionally, the amendments establish a new governmental entity called the People’s Council, which will operate alongside parliament and possess the authority to propose laws and referendums. The president will have sole appointment power for all council positions.

This marks Kazakhstan’s second constitutional revision in four years, both initiated under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership. Political observers suggest these modifications could create a pathway for Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond his current term’s conclusion.

The 72-year-old leader, who previously worked as a Soviet administrator and Kazakhstani ambassador before serving at the United Nations, faces a single seven-year term restriction ending in 2029. Political experts theorize Tokayev might leverage this referendum to restructure presidential term limitations, following patterns seen in other former Soviet nations including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, where leaders have modified constitutions to alter term restrictions.

The constitutional revisions also redefine marriage specifically as a union between a man and woman, rather than simply between two individuals. Political analysts indicate this language was incorporated following legislation that prohibits what government officials consider LGBTQ+ “propaganda.”

Tokayev, who has navigated carefully between Moscow and Western nations amid sanctions imposed on Russia for its Ukrainian invasion, frames these constitutional modifications as necessary for rapid decision-making in an evolving global landscape.

“This step is of exceptional importance, especially in the current period when the geopolitical situation is unstable and challenges and threats to national security are becoming increasingly tangible,” Tokayev stated last week.

Kazakhstan’s opposition lacks representation in governmental institutions and has struggled to meaningfully impact public opinion during the month since referendum plans were announced.

The referendum occurred during challenging economic circumstances for Kazakhstan, with inflation hitting 11.7% in February and tax hikes generating public frustration.

Political analysts warn that economic difficulties might spark renewed demonstrations similar to the 2022 nationwide protests triggered by fuel price increases, which resulted in dozens of deaths among protesters and law enforcement officers. Experts suggest Tokayev aims to prevent such unrest by concentrating governmental authority under his control.

A tragic boating accident near a disputed US military installation site in Japan claimed two lives Monday when vessels carrying high school students from Kyoto overturned in waters off Okinawa.

According to Japan Coast Guard officials, twenty-one people were aboard two watercraft that capsized near Henoko, where construction of a controversial US base relocation project continues. The victims included a 17-year-old female student and the captain of one of the boats, named Fukutsu.

Eighteen students from a Kyoto high school were participating in a peace education field trip to observe the Henoko area. Ten students traveled on the vessel Heiwa Maru, while eight others rode on the smaller Fukutsu boat.

Emergency responders successfully rescued all 21 individuals from the water, but efforts to save the two victims were unsuccessful. Two additional people sustained injuries, though medical officials report their conditions are stable.

The vessels overturned approximately one kilometer east of Henoko during conditions that included a wave advisory, though officials noted the seas were relatively calm and showed no evidence of a collision between the boats. Coast Guard investigators are working to determine what caused the accident.

The location holds significance as the proposed site for relocating US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, a plan that has faced nearly three decades of legal challenges and community opposition from Okinawan residents and Tokyo officials.

While Henoko frequently attracts protesters opposing the base relocation, authorities emphasized the students were not participating in any demonstration activities.

The island of Okinawa hosts approximately 25,000 of the 50,000 American military personnel stationed throughout Japan under existing security agreements. Local residents have long expressed concerns about safety risks, environmental impact, noise pollution, and criminal activity associated with the military presence.

BEIJING – Chinese officials confirmed Monday that discussions are ongoing with Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming diplomatic visit, following Trump’s recent comments suggesting the trip could face delays over Strait of Hormuz security concerns.

In remarks published Sunday by the Financial Times, Trump emphasized that nations relying on the strategic waterway for shipping should contribute to its protection. “I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits,” Trump stated to the publication, noting he wanted clarity on Beijing’s stance before proceeding with the scheduled visit. “We may delay,” he indicated regarding the planned trip.

The White House has announced Trump’s visit to China will take place from March 31 through April 2, marking a significant diplomatic summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During a routine press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed Trump’s statements, emphasizing the importance of high-level diplomatic engagement. “Head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations,” Lin explained, confirming that both nations are maintaining dialogue about the upcoming visit.

Beijing also indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expected to join Trump’s delegation, would be welcome in China despite sanctions previously levied against him in 2020 related to his statements on Hong Kong and Xinjiang during his Senate tenure.

“China’s sanctions were aimed at Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds concerning China during his tenure in the United States Senate,” Lin clarified when questioned about whether the restrictions would prevent Rubio from traveling to China.

Meanwhile, Chinese and American officials are conducting meetings in Paris this week, exploring potential cooperation areas including agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade arrangements that could feature prominently in discussions between Trump and Xi during the Beijing summit.

Fragments from Russian drones scattered across Ukraine’s capital city on Monday following an aerial assault, with local authorities confirming no casualties despite multiple impacts across three neighborhoods.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, pieces of destroyed drones landed in the central Shevchenkivskyi district, which serves as a busy area of the city center. Additional debris struck the western Svyatoshynskyi district, where fragments ignited a grass fire in an open space, and the adjacent Solomianskyi district, where wreckage hit an area without residential buildings.

Residents throughout the city reported hearing numerous explosions during the attack. City military officials had previously announced an air raid alert via Telegram, warning citizens of incoming Russian drone threats targeting the Ukrainian capital.

BRUSSELS, March 16 — The European Union’s top diplomat revealed Monday that she has been exploring with United Nations officials the possibility of establishing a shipping agreement similar to Ukraine’s wartime grain corridor to restore vital oil and gas transport through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking before a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas disclosed her conversations with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres regarding potential solutions to clear the strategic waterway, which remains blocked due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

“I had talks with Antonio Guterres about whether it was possible to also have the same kind of initiative like we had (with) the Black Sea Initiative,” Kallas stated.

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively sealed by Iran during the third week of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Iranian military forces have launched attacks against vessels navigating the narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, cutting off one-fifth of worldwide oil supplies in what represents the most significant disruption on record.

The EU official characterized the strait’s closure as “really dangerous” for energy deliveries to Asia while also highlighting concerns about fertilizer production impacts.

“And if there is a lack of fertilisers this year, there’s going to be also food deprivation next year,” Kallas warned, though she offered no additional specifics.

Kallas indicated that ministers would examine potential modifications to the European Union’s Middle Eastern naval operation, known as Aspides, which presently concentrates on safeguarding vessels in the Red Sea against attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebel forces.

“It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side,” she explained.

When questioned about German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s doubts regarding Aspides’ effectiveness in the Strait of Hormuz region, Kallas acknowledged the need for consensus.

“Of course we need to also have the member states on board,” she responded.

“If the member states say that we are not doing anything with this, then of course it’s their decision, but we have to discuss how we help to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.”

BRUSSELS, March 16 – Cyprus will proceed with hosting European Union informal council meetings in person from April through June, according to the island nation’s Energy Minister Michael Damianos, who made the announcement Monday.

The Mediterranean country, currently serving its term as the rotating EU presidency, had shifted all March gatherings to virtual formats or delayed them following a drone attack on a British military installation amid heightened tensions involving Iran earlier this month. Government officials from Cyprus identified the weapon as a Shahed drone manufactured in Iran, believed to have been deployed by the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization operating from Lebanese territory.

Speaking before a European foreign affairs gathering in Brussels, Damianos declared: “Things are all back to normal. All business, including your business resumes and all informal councils to be held in Cyprus between April and June will be held in the normal way.”

JAKARTA – Law enforcement officials in Indonesia have launched an investigation into a brutal acid assault targeting a prominent human rights advocate who has spoken out against military involvement in civilian governance.

Andrie Yunus, who serves as deputy coordinator for the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), sustained severe chemical burns across a quarter of his face and arms when two unknown attackers on a motorcycle doused him with acid on March 12.

The assault occurred shortly after Yunus had finished recording a podcast discussing the military’s growing influence in civilian matters, according to KontraS officials. The activist has been an outspoken opponent of this trend.

Concerns about weakening democratic institutions have mounted in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. The retired general’s administration has overseen a notable expansion of military participation in civilian sectors and government-operated enterprises.

These tensions contributed to widespread civil unrest that swept across Indonesia last August and September, which escalated after security personnel fatally shot a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest, sparking riots and mass detentions.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the assault in a social media post Saturday, calling it “horrific” and demanding justice for what he termed a “cowardly act of violence.”

A coalition of more than 170 Indonesian civil society organizations, including Amnesty International, has accused the perpetrators of attempting to murder Yunus as part of a campaign to intimidate human rights defenders.

Jakarta police spokesman Iman Imanuddin confirmed Monday that investigators are reviewing security camera recordings that captured the suspects trailing Yunus before the attack.

A parliamentary human rights oversight committee characterized the assault as a breach of Prabowo’s human rights pledges, while Justice Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra described the incident last week as “an assault on democracy itself.”

“Human rights activists work for the interests of the people and the state, as the protection of human rights and democracy is a constitutional mandate,” Mahendra stated.

Made Supriatma, a research fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, suggested the attack might have been designed to intimidate critics and discourage future demonstrations.

“It’s a warning shot for us all,” Supriatma observed.

BANGKOK – Thailand’s legislative body is scheduled to meet Thursday, March 19, for a crucial vote to select the country’s next prime minister, according to an announcement Monday from House Speaker Sophon Zaram. The session follows the nation’s general elections held last month.

Current caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to secure his return to the top government position when the newly-elected parliament casts their ballots. His political party, Bhumjaithai, achieved a decisive win during the February 8 electoral contest, positioning him as the leading candidate for the role.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his nation expects financial compensation and technological transfers in exchange for providing drone defense expertise to Middle Eastern countries facing Iranian aerial attacks.

Speaking to reporters on March 15, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has deployed three specialist teams to conduct evaluations and train regional forces on effective anti-drone operations. These teams were dispatched to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a U.S. military installation in Jordan.

“This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran,” Zelenskyy stated.

The Ukrainian leader indicated that broader, long-term agreements for drone defense systems could be established with Gulf nations, though the specific terms of compensation remain under discussion.

“For us today, both the technology and the funding are important,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

Gulf nations have depleted substantial stockpiles of air defense missiles while combating Iran’s Shahed drone attacks. Ukraine has developed cost-effective countermeasures, using smaller interceptor drones and electronic jamming systems to neutralize Russian drone strikes on a nightly basis.

According to Zelenskyy, nations from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have all requested Ukrainian assistance in developing anti-drone capabilities.

Despite this international interest, President Donald Trump has stated that America does not require Ukraine’s help with drone defense operations.

Zelenskyy expressed confusion about Washington’s reluctance to finalize a substantial drone defense contract that Ukraine has been promoting for several months, questioning whether any agreement will materialize.

“I wanted to sign a deal worth about 35–50 billion dollars,” he revealed.

The Ukrainian president also criticized unnamed domestic companies and foreign governments for attempting to negotiate anti-drone equipment contracts without official authorization from Kyiv.

Zelenskyy voiced concerns that prolonged Middle Eastern conflicts could impact Ukraine’s access to critical air defense missiles.

“We would very much not like the United States to step away from the issue of Ukraine because of the Middle East,” he told reporters.

Peace negotiations involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington, originally scheduled to occur in the UAE, were delayed following U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran that escalated regional tensions two weeks ago.

While Washington has proposed conducting the talks in the United States next week, Zelenskyy noted that Russian representatives have rejected meeting on American soil.

“Either they will change the country where we meet, or the Russians must confirm (a meeting in) the U.S.,” he explained.

Regarding military developments, Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces believe Russia’s planned spring offensive has “already failed,” as Moscow had intended for major operations to be fully operational by this time.

British youth find themselves caught in a complicated relationship with social media platforms, recognizing their harmful effects while opposing government efforts to restrict access.

The United Kingdom is exploring options to limit social media usage among children, potentially implementing restrictions similar to Australia’s under-16 ban. Officials have launched a public consultation running through May, seeking input from all stakeholders.

Students aged 16-18 from a south London school told reporters that platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok serve important roles in their social lives, helping them connect with others and discover new information about the world around them.

However, these same students acknowledged significant drawbacks, including feelings of unhappiness and fatigue, exposure to cyberbullying and dangerous content, and awareness that the applications are specifically engineered to maintain user engagement.

Awand Khdir, 17, described his summer usage habits: “During the summer, I’d spend around eight hours a day on just TikTok. But now it’s more like three or four hours. It’s still not good.” He added that “doom scrolling is an issue on its own, but… the content that you see sometimes, especially on TikTok, there’s a lot of dodgy stuff.”

Platform representatives highlighted their safety measures for teenage users. Snapchat implements age-appropriate protections for users 13-17, including default private accounts and restricted access to public profiles for younger teens. Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature sensitive content controls and parental supervision tools. TikTok automatically limits screen time to 60 minutes for teen accounts and prompts users to log off after 10 p.m., while age-restricting potentially inappropriate material.

Despite these protections, the interviewed students reported being able to circumvent the controls.

While parents and politicians often support restrictions, some mental health experts and researchers question their effectiveness. University of Cambridge Research Professor Amy Orben emphasized that social media’s influence varies widely among users, noting that while some teenagers encounter serious dangers, many others find valuable connections through these platforms.

“The online world, like the offline world, is very complex and its impacts will be very dynamic,” Orben explained.

Sumiksha Senthuran, 16, described “mindlessly scrolling” as helpful relief from academic pressure. Elizabeth Alayande, 17, highlighted social media’s role in building self-confidence and personal identity: “You can express yourself by posting videos or just relating with other people… and I don’t think it’s the biggest waste of time if you spread it out evenly with other priorities.”

However, students also reported exposure to disturbing material and online harassment. Teyanna Charley, 17, said “sometimes it’s quite negative because all you see is bad stuff… it’s quite tiring.” Vish Ragutharan, 16, who maintains a film blog, noted that his posts attract both positive and negative feedback, calling this “a real disadvantage.”

Body image content particularly affects some users. Joelle Azebaze Ayangma, 18, observed: “When you see other girls on TikTok, you kind of want to look like them. And that’s really crushing people’s self-esteem.”

Despite recognizing these risks, most students opposed implementing a ban. Ali Raza, 16, relies on apps to maintain contact with overseas family members. Dua Arshia, 16, worried that restrictions might drive young people toward platforms “where there’s more dangerous things.” Leah Osando, 17, questioned enforcement feasibility, stating “even if children get banned… they’ll go onto the dark web or use a VPN.”

Students also expressed concern about increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content that becomes harder to identify.

Three experts who have advised lawmakers on children’s internet safety stated that clear evidence supporting ban effectiveness remains lacking. Industry data revealed that one-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 continued using social media two months after their country’s ban took effect, raising questions about platform age-verification methods.

These experts advocate for pressuring social media companies to develop safer platforms, particularly as algorithm-driven feeds become more addictive and sometimes direct children toward content promoting eating disorders or self-harm.

“These are commercial platforms,” Orben noted. “They are designed to harness attention, and… young people are increasingly saying that they struggle to get off.”

University of East London Professor Julia Davidson, a child online safety expert, suggested that intervention may come too late for children over 13. British regulator Ofcom reported in 2022 that six out of ten children aged 8-12 maintained social media profiles, despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 13.

“How are we going to enforce a ban with 14 and 15-year-olds who have grown up with it and built extensive networks?” Davidson questioned.

Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics’ Digital Futures for Children centre warned that policymakers risk choosing inappropriate solutions, describing a ban as “a very blunt hammer to crack a nut.”

Livingstone urged politicians to demand “safety by design… without eliminating children’s access to the digital world, which is what they want and have a right to.”

She recommended that government focus on addressing big tech companies through targeted approaches: “Why don’t we say: Snapchat is the one where the randomers can get in touch with you. Instagram is the one where you can see the self-harm content. And TikTok is the one that wants you on so long that you can never get to sleep or do your homework.”

Citizens of Kazakhstan overwhelmingly endorsed constitutional reforms in a nationwide referendum held this week, with the Central Election Commission announcing Monday that 87.15% of voters supported the changes.

Nearly three-quarters of eligible voters participated in the referendum, with turnout reaching 73.12%, according to election officials.

The approved constitutional amendments reorganize Kazakhstan’s Parliament structure and restore the vice president position, which the country eliminated in 1996. Under the new framework, the president gains authority to select the vice president along with numerous other senior government positions.

The rapid pace of the constitutional drafting process has led some political observers within Kazakhstan to speculate about President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s future plans. Some analysts suggest he may be positioning to name a successor as vice president and step down before his term expires, while others believe he intends to remain in power with the new constitution potentially resetting his term limitations.

Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Astana, the nation’s capital, Tokayev addressed questions about whether the constitutional changes signal an upcoming leadership transition. He stated that the next presidential election would occur in 2029 when his current term concludes.

PARIS, March 16 – Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, returned to court Monday to challenge his criminal conspiracy conviction tied to allegations he sought illegal campaign financing from Libya, which resulted in a five-year prison term last year.

The conviction marked a historic low point for Sarkozy, making him France’s first post-World War II president to face imprisonment – a dramatic fall from grace for the politician who governed the nation between 2007 and 2012. He began serving time at La Sante prison in Paris last October but was released after three weeks when a court granted his release under judicial monitoring, which prohibited him from traveling outside France.

The conviction represented the culmination of extensive legal proceedings surrounding claims that his victorious 2007 presidential campaign received millions in illegal funding from Libya under the regime of deceased dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Throughout the proceedings, Sarkozy has consistently maintained his innocence regarding accusations that he struck an agreement with Gaddafi in 2005, while serving as France’s interior minister, to secure campaign money in return for backing the internationally isolated Libyan regime.

Court officials determined there was insufficient evidence that Sarkozy directly negotiated such an arrangement with Gaddafi, or that Libyan funds actually reached his campaign accounts, despite acknowledging the timing was “compatible” and the money’s routing was “very opaque.”

However, judges found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy spanning 2005 to 2007 for allowing his close associates to contact Libyan officials in attempts to secure campaign financing.

“The fight against corruption is not just a matter of integrity: it is a prerequisite for protecting the rule of law and maintaining effective democracy,” stated advocacy organizations Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France in a Friday release.

Sarkozy’s attorney Christophe Ingrain declined to provide comment before the appeal proceedings began.

Regional authorities in southern Ethiopia report that fatal landslides have now claimed 125 lives, marking a significant increase from earlier casualty reports.

Intense rainfall last week caused multiple landslides across various areas within the Gamo Zone, creating widespread devastation throughout the region. Initial reports from officials last Thursday had confirmed 70 fatalities, but the South Ethiopia regional government updated that figure to 125 on Sunday.

The disaster has forced more than 11,000 residents to flee their homes, according to an announcement posted on the regional government communications office’s Facebook page.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to the affected areas on Saturday to offer condolences to grieving families and community members. During his visit, he promised government assistance for those impacted by the tragedy, sharing details of his trip on his X social media account.