Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Mexican military kills cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ in US-backed raid

    Mexican military kills cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ in US-backed raid

    In a landmark counter-narcotics operation, Mexican special forces have eliminated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as ‘El Mencho’. The high-profile raid occurred Sunday in the Pacific coastal town of Tapalpa, Jalisco state, marking one of Mexico’s most significant victories against drug trafficking organizations.

    The operation, conducted with intelligence support from United States agencies, resulted in Oseguera sustaining fatal injuries during the confrontation. The 60-year-old cartel chieftain, who transitioned from law enforcement to become one of Mexico’s most feared criminal masterminds, died while in military custody. His body was transported to Mexico City under heavy National Guard security.

    The elimination of El Mencho triggered immediate retaliatory violence across multiple Mexican states. Cartel operatives erected blockades using burning vehicles, attacked businesses, and created widespread disruption. Popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta witnessed dramatic scenes as plumes of dark smoke rose above the bay, prompting several international airlines to suspend flights to the area.

    The operation comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify efforts against cartels responsible for producing and smuggling fentanyl and other drugs across the U.S. border. While praising the operation’s success, U.S. officials acknowledged Mexican leadership in executing the mission.

    Security analysts now monitor whether the cartel’s leadership structure will fracture into competing factions, potentially triggering extended violent confrontations. The CJNG under Oseguera’s command had diversified into multiple criminal enterprises including drug trafficking, fuel theft, extortion, and sophisticated financial fraud operations, employing innovative tactics such as weaponized drones.

    President Sheinbaum faces the complex challenge of balancing intensified cartel operations with maintaining national stability, while simultaneously affirming Mexico’s sovereignty against potential unilateral U.S. actions.

  • Artist wrongfully jailed for 27 years in US to auction art for UAE inmate releases

    Artist wrongfully jailed for 27 years in US to auction art for UAE inmate releases

    Valentino Dixon, an American artist who endured 27 years of wrongful imprisonment before his exoneration, is launching a charitable art auction to support debt-ridden inmates in the UAE during Ramadan. The initiative, inspired by Dubai philanthropist Firoz Merchant’s prisoner release program, will see Dixon donate 50% of proceeds from the sale of artworks created during his incarceration.

    Now known as Tariq Ramzan Abdullah after converting to Islam in 1999, Dixon was wrongly convicted of a fatal shooting in Buffalo, New York at age 21. Despite evidence pointing to another perpetrator, he received a 39-year sentence at Attica Correctional Facility where he developed his artistic practice, sometimes drawing for up to ten hours daily.

    His breakthrough came when prison authorities requested he sketch golf courses—a subject he had never personally experienced. Over two decades, Dixon produced more than 300 golf landscape drawings, including eight depicting Dubai courses like Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek, based solely on magazine references. These works eventually attracted national attention through Golf Digest’s coverage, leading legal advocates to reopen his case and secure his release in 2018.

    Today, Dixon’s art commands substantial value with original works selling for tens of thousands of dollars and large-scale pieces reaching up to $1 million. His collectors include prominent figures such as former President Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama, who acquired one of his golf pieces as a Christmas gift for President Barack Obama.

    Now residing in Southeast Asia, Dixon expresses no bitterness about his ordeal, crediting Islam with providing spiritual peace. His upcoming auction represents a full-circle moment: using the art that sustained him during imprisonment to help others regain their freedom. “If half of what I sell can help someone walk out prison,” Dixon stated, “that would mean more than any price tag.”

  • Mexican Open denies cancellation amid violence

    Mexican Open denies cancellation amid violence

    The Mexican Open tennis tournament will proceed as scheduled despite widespread security concerns triggered by the death of notorious drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. The criminal figurehead, widely known as ‘El Mencho,’ died in custody last Sunday following his capture by Mexican special forces during a violent confrontation in Jalisco state.

    In response to his death, members of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have initiated a wave of violence across multiple regions, including arson attacks on businesses and the establishment of burning blockades. This has prompted travel advisories from both the US and UK governments, specifically warning against non-essential travel to Guerrero—where the tournament is hosted in Acapulco—and four other Mexican states.

    Tournament organizers have issued an official statement denying cancellation rumors and confirming the event will continue under enhanced security protocols. ‘The event continues as scheduled and tournament operations are proceeding normally,’ organizers stated, emphasizing their ‘coordination and constant communication with federal, state, and municipal authorities.’

    The violence has impacted other sporting events across Mexico, with four football matches postponed over the weekend. One match was temporarily suspended when players exited the field following reports of gunshots near the stadium.

    Despite the security situation, British players Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, and Heather Watson are all scheduled to compete in Mexican tournaments this week. The WTA has confirmed additional security measures have been implemented at the Merida Open, where Boulter and Watson are competing, noting that the Yucatan region has remained largely unaffected by the recent violence.

  • 4-day weekend for Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Likely dates revealed

    4-day weekend for Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Likely dates revealed

    United Arab Emirates residents are looking ahead to a substantial four-day weekend for Eid Al Fitr in March 2026, according to astronomical projections and official calendar calculations. The Islamic festival marking Ramadan’s conclusion will bring one of the longest public holidays of the year regardless of moon sighting outcomes.

    Islamic calendar experts indicate Ramadan’s ninth month will likely complete its full 30-day cycle based on celestial calculations. The UAE’s Moon-Sighting Committee will conduct official observations on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (29th of Ramadan) to determine the holiday’s commencement.

    Two scenarios emerge for the holiday structure:

    If the crescent moon is sighted on March 18th, Eid Al Fitr would begin Thursday, March 19th, with public holidays extending through Saturday, March 21st. Combined with the regular Sunday weekend, this creates a four-day break.

    If the moon isn’t sighted on March 18th, Ramadan would complete 30 days with Eid Al Fitr beginning Friday, March 20th. Under updated regulations, the 30th day of Ramadan also qualifies as a holiday, creating a four-day break from Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 22nd.

    Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group, confirms astronomical projections suggest Ramadan will span 30 days, positioning Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026. These calculations align with prayer timings published by the UAE’s Islamic affairs authority, which similarly indicates a 30-day Ramadan period.

    The consistency in holiday duration regardless of moon sighting reflects the UAE’s thoughtful approach to public holiday planning, ensuring residents can make firm arrangements for the important religious celebration.

  • Nigeria paid Boko Haram ransom for kidnapped pupils: intel sources

    Nigeria paid Boko Haram ransom for kidnapped pupils: intel sources

    Intelligence sources have revealed that Nigerian authorities conducted a clandestine multi-million dollar ransom payment to Boko Haram militants in exchange for the release of approximately 230 students and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in November. The transaction, which directly contradicts Nigeria’s official policy against negotiating with kidnappers, involved both financial compensation and the release of two high-ranking Boko Haram commanders.

    According to three separate intelligence officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, a substantial cash ransom was transported via helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, northeastern Borno State. The payment was delivered to Ali Ngulde, a prominent militant commander operating along the Cameroon border. Due to communication limitations in the remote region, Ngulde reportedly crossed into neighboring Cameroon to verify receipt of the funds before authorizing the initial release of 100 captives.

    The mass abduction, initially not attributed to Boko Haram, is now confirmed to have been orchestrated by Sadiku, one of the organization’s most feared commanders. Sadiku previously masterminded the devastating 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service, which resulted in substantial ransom payments for wealthy passengers including bankers and government officials.

    Despite categorical denials from Nigerian security agencies, four independent intelligence sources maintain that the government sanctioned a ‘huge’ ransom payment ranging between 40 million naira per captive or approximately two billion naira overall. The National Security Advisor’s office, led by Nuhu Ribadu who supervised negotiations, declined repeated requests for comment.

    This incident occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop, with former U.S. President Donald Trump applying diplomatic pressure regarding Christian persecution in Nigeria. However, analysts note that Muslims constitute the majority of kidnapping victims in Nigeria’s multifaceted security crisis.

    The ransom payment controversy highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with what experts describe as a ‘structured kidnap industry.’ According to recent data from SBM Intelligence, armed groups extracted approximately $1.66 million between July 2024 and June 2025 alone. Despite 2022 legislation imposing 15-year prison sentences for ransom payments, the practice continues unabated, with security personnel occasionally acting as intermediaries between families and kidnappers.

    The crisis has normalized crowdfunding initiatives among affected families, with recent online campaigns seeking substantial sums for hostage release. This case exemplifies the difficult balance between official policy and practical resolution in Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

  • US tariff policy ‘hasn’t changed’, says Trump’s trade representative

    US tariff policy ‘hasn’t changed’, says Trump’s trade representative

    The Trump administration has initiated a rapid legal recalibration of its international trade policy following a landmark Supreme Court decision that struck down the primary mechanism used to impose sweeping global tariffs. Despite this judicial setback, White House officials maintain the president’s protectionist trade agenda remains fundamentally unchanged.

    On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump had exceeded his executive authority by utilizing the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement a comprehensive tariff program last April. This legislation had served as the foundation for the majority of tariffs enacted during Trump’s second term.

    Within hours of the ruling, the administration deployed alternative legal provisions to announce a new 10% blanket tariff on imports from all nations, subsequently raising this rate to 15% on Saturday. This emergency tariff authority, while immediately effective, carries a 150-day limitation before requiring congressional consultation for extension.

    US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer characterized the administration’s response as a strategic adaptation rather than a policy shift. “The legal tool to implement it—that might change, but the policy hasn’t changed,” Greer stated during a Sunday interview with ABC News. He described the new tariff structure as “roughly equivalent” to the previous system despite reduced flexibility.

    The court’s decision has created significant uncertainty for numerous countries that had previously negotiated bilateral trade agreements with the United States following the original IEEPA tariff announcement. The White House has indicated these nations will now be subject to the new universal rate, while simultaneously expecting them to honor concessions made in their individual agreements.

    Among affected nations, the United Kingdom faces particular complications. Having secured a preferential 10% rate on most goods through bilateral negotiations, British exporters now confront the heightened 15% tariff. The UK government has expressed confidence that its “privileged trading position” will be preserved despite the legal developments.

    Commerce Secretary Scott Bessent addressed financial concerns surrounding the ruling, noting that while the Court determined the IEEPA tariffs were illegally implemented, it provided no guidance regarding potential refunds of approximately $130 billion already collected. Bessent predicted this matter would be adjudicated in lower courts while assuring that “tariff revenue will be unchanged this year and will be unchanged in the future.”

    The administration continues to defend its tariff philosophy as essential for national security and economic revitalization, arguing that protectionist measures bolster domestic manufacturing and address trade deficits perceived as threatening. Critics counter that tariffs primarily burden American consumers and businesses while creating destabilizing uncertainty in global markets.

    International businesses have reported severe operational challenges due to the constantly shifting tariff landscape. Fraser Smeaton, co-founder of a UK costume company that exports 60% of its products to the US, described experiencing rate fluctuations from 0% to 145% throughout the past year, with changes occurring sometimes within hours of court decisions or presidential announcements.

    President Trump himself denounced the Supreme Court’s ruling as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American,” reflecting the administration’s determination to maintain its trade policy objectives through alternative legal avenues despite judicial opposition.

  • At least 18 killed after bus carrying over 35 passengers plunges into Nepal river

    At least 18 killed after bus carrying over 35 passengers plunges into Nepal river

    A devastating bus accident in central Nepal has resulted in at least 18 fatalities and 25 injuries after the vehicle plunged into the Trishuli River during overnight hours. The tragedy occurred near Chinadhara, close to Charaundi in the Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, at approximately 1:15 AM local time on Monday.

    The bus, transporting more than 35 passengers on the route from Pokhara to Kathmandu, veered off the roadway and into the treacherous waters. The remote location and darkness significantly hampered initial rescue efforts, according to authorities on the scene.

    Emergency response teams comprising personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local volunteers immediately launched a complex rescue operation. District Traffic Police Office Chief Shishir Thapa confirmed the death toll, while Rajkumar Thakuri, Chair of the Highway Rescue Management Committee, reported that all injured survivors have been transported to medical facilities for treatment.

    This incident highlights the persistent challenges of road safety in Nepal’s mountainous regions, where difficult terrain and infrastructure limitations frequently contribute to transportation accidents. The Trishuli River area has witnessed similar tragedies in the past, raising concerns about highway safety measures and emergency response capabilities in remote areas.

    Investigation into the precise cause of the accident remains ongoing, with authorities examining factors including driver fatigue, road conditions, and potential mechanical failure. The nighttime timing of the incident presents additional challenges for investigators working to determine the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic outcome.

  • ICC to begin pre-trial hearing for Philippines’ Duterte

    ICC to begin pre-trial hearing for Philippines’ Duterte

    The International Criminal Court has initiated a pivotal four-day judicial proceeding to examine evidence against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a significant development in one of the court’s most high-profile cases. The confirmation of charges hearing, which commenced Monday in The Hague, will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a full trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

    The 80-year-old former leader, currently detained at Scheveningen Prison following his arrest in Manila and subsequent transfer to the Netherlands in March 2025, will not physically attend the proceedings. The court granted a defense request to waive his appearance despite judicial findings that he remains medically fit to participate.

    Prosecutors have leveled three distinct charges against Duterte, encompassing his alleged involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018. The first charge pertains to 19 murders allegedly orchestrated during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. The second involves 14 killings of designated ‘high-value targets’ during the initial phase of his presidency, while the third charge addresses 43 murders occurring during nationwide anti-drug operations.

    Human Rights Watch has characterized these proceedings as a crucial advancement toward accountability for victims of the Philippines’ drug war, which independent estimates suggest resulted in thousands of fatalities. Legal representatives for victims anticipate that a formal trial could empower additional families to come forward with testimony.

    The case unfolds amid significant geopolitical tensions, with the ICC facing two rounds of US sanctions implemented since June 2025. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s directive, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed between 2011 and 2019. A defense appeal challenging this jurisdiction remains pending.

    Duterte, who maintains popularity in the Philippines for his tough stance on crime, becomes the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC. The hearing has sparked polarized reactions, with simultaneous demonstrations both supporting Duterte and advocating for victims registered outside the courthouse.

    Following the hearing, ICC judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision determining whether the case will advance to trial.

  • Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s son faces attempted murder charges in South African court

    Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s son faces attempted murder charges in South African court

    JOHANNESBURG — Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, made his initial court appearance in Johannesburg on Monday alongside co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze. The pair face serious criminal charges including attempted murder, obstruction of justice, and illegal firearm possession following a shooting incident at the Mugabe family residence in the affluent Hyde Park suburb.

    The case stems from an altercation last Thursday that resulted in the shooting of a domestic employee at the Mugabe property. According to law enforcement authorities, the victim—identified as the family’s gardener—sustained gunshot wounds requiring immediate hospitalization. While the precise motive remains under investigation, police confirmed the firearm allegedly used in the shooting has not been recovered since the suspects’ arrest on the day of the incident.

    During their hearing at Alexandra Magistrates Court, the defendants learned their formal bail application would be heard on March 3. The 29-year-old Mugabe scion and his 33-year-old associate now await further judicial proceedings while in custody.

    This development brings renewed attention to the Mugabe family’s legal troubles in South Africa. Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years until his 2017 ouster, died in Singapore in 2019. His widow Grace Mugabe has previously faced legal challenges in South Africa, including allegations of assault in 2017.

  • ‘One Battle’ win best film at BAFTAs as local talent triumphs over American A-listers

    ‘One Battle’ win best film at BAFTAs as local talent triumphs over American A-listers

    The British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday night evolved into a celebration of domestic cinematic achievement, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ securing the prestigious Best Film honor. The production dominated the evening with six total awards, including Best Director for Anderson, whose work resonated deeply through its portrayal of a fractured American political landscape.

    In a remarkable upset, British actor Robert Aramayo claimed the Best Actor trophy for his transformative performance in ‘I Swear,’ surpassing established Hollywood icons Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Aramayo’s portrayal of a man navigating life with Tourette syndrome generated one of the evening’s most emotional moments, with the visibly moved actor dedicating his win to raising awareness for misunderstood conditions.

    Irish actress Jessie Buckley made history as the first performer from her nation to win the Best Actress BAFTA for her heartbreaking depiction of Agnes Shakespeare in ‘Hamnet,’ which also earned Outstanding British Film honors. The adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel explores the Bard’s marriage and the couple’s grief following their son’s death during the Elizabethan plague.

    Further British recognition came through Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku’s Best Supporting Actress win for her role in the vampire period piece ‘Sinners,’ which collected three awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Score. Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ secured three technical awards, while ‘Marty Supreme’ – despite eleven nominations – departed empty-handed.

    The ceremony, attended by Prince William and Princess Catherine alongside Hollywood royalty, maintained its tradition as a key Oscar predictor while notably shifting focus toward British and Irish talent. Norwegian cinema also achieved a milestone as Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ became the first film from Norway to win the Foreign Language Film category, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma through intimate family dynamics.