In a significant escalation of federal intervention, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has authorized the use of ‘full force’ and ordered the deployment of US troops to Portland, Oregon. The decision comes amid ongoing protests and violent clashes targeting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the city. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to mobilize all necessary troops to protect what he described as ‘war-ravaged’ Portland and ICE facilities under siege by Antifa and other ‘domestic terrorists.’ This move further expands the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and civil unrest across American cities. Portland’s Democrat lawmakers, including Mayor Keith Wilson, have vehemently opposed federal intervention, asserting that local authorities are capable of handling the situation. The ICE facility has been a focal point of protests, with some federal agents reportedly injured in violent confrontations. Trump’s announcement did not specify whether National Guard or regular military forces would be activated. Earlier in the week, Trump formally designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, a decision that has drawn criticism from Democratic Oregon lawmakers. Representative Suzanne Bonamici accused ICE of misleading the public about their targets for arrest and detainment. Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with him describing Portland as ‘like living in hell’ and vowing to take decisive action against ‘professional agitators and anarchists.’
作者： admin
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Search for fisherman off County Sligo coast resumes
A coordinated search operation involving multiple agencies resumed on Saturday for a fisherman who went missing off the coast of County Sligo in the Republic of Ireland. The emergency services were first alerted around 20:00 local time on Thursday after a member of the public reported a fishing vessel had run aground near Mullaghmore Head. The search is focused on the waters off Mullaghmore and extends into Donegal Bay. The Irish Coast Guard is leading the maritime search efforts in collaboration with gardaí (Irish police). Roisin McBride from the Irish Coast Guard stated that the vessel was found aground with its engine still running, prompting immediate action. The Malin Head Coast Guard coordination centre is managing the operation, deploying air and sea assets, RNLI units, and other boats. On Thursday night, lifeboats from Sligo Bay and Bundoran were redirected from a routine training exercise to assist in the search after a public report of a boat aground near Cliffoney Beach. The search continues as authorities work to locate the missing fisherman.
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FBI fires agents pictured kneeling at George Floyd protest, US media reports
The FBI has reportedly terminated a group of agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington DC in 2020, following the death of George Floyd. According to unnamed sources cited by US media, between 15 to 20 agents were dismissed on Friday, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. The agents had joined demonstrators in taking a knee, a gesture that became a global symbol of dissent against police brutality and racial injustice after Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. The FBI Agents Association condemned the dismissals, claiming the agents’ rights were violated. The FBI has declined to comment on the matter. The firings occur amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate perceived left-wing or ‘woke’ policies and personnel across federal agencies. While critics argue the kneeling was a tactic to de-escalate tensions, others view it as a political statement. This incident follows a series of high-profile dismissals within the FBI, including former acting director Brian Driscoll and other senior officials, some of whom have sued FBI leadership, alleging politically motivated terminations.
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Police break up ring trafficking Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine
Kenyan police have uncovered a human trafficking network that deceived over 20 Kenyans with false job offers in Russia, only to send them to fight in Ukraine. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conducted a raid on a residential apartment in Athi River, on the outskirts of Nairobi, where 22 individuals were found awaiting processing for travel to Russia. During the operation, authorities seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and fraudulent job offer letters. One suspect, accused of orchestrating the victims’ travel plans, has been arrested and detained for 10 days pending further investigations. Victims revealed they had signed contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, agreeing to pay up to $18,000 for visas, travel, and accommodation. Some had already paid deposits of $1,500. Police warn that many victims return home injured, traumatized, or, in some cases, never return. Two Kenyans recently returned, with one hospitalized. The Kenyan government is investigating reports of several nationals allegedly trafficked to Russia and now held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. This case highlights growing concerns over human trafficking in Kenya, where vulnerable job seekers are exploited under false promises. The operation was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort targeting the criminal network, which has been extorting large sums from desperate individuals. Similar cases have been reported globally, with citizens from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka also held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps. Ukrainian officials noted that many African states show little interest in repatriating their citizens. This incident underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
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Drones seen over Danish military bases in latest air disruption
In a series of unsettling events, unidentified drones have been observed hovering over Denmark’s largest military base, Karup Airbase, and other key military installations. The incidents, which occurred overnight, forced the temporary closure of airspace and raised alarms about potential vulnerabilities to aerial threats. Similar drone sightings were reported in Germany, Norway, and Lithuania, further amplifying regional security concerns. Danish authorities have labeled these incursions as a ‘hybrid attack,’ though they have yet to attribute the activity to any specific entity, including Russia. The Russian embassy in Copenhagen has vehemently denied involvement, dismissing the allegations as ‘absurd speculations.’ The Danish Defence Ministry confirmed the sightings but refrained from providing further details, citing an ongoing investigation. This wave of drone activity follows recent disruptions at Danish airports, including Copenhagen, Aalborg, and Billund, where drones forced temporary shutdowns. Experts speculate that these incidents may be part of a broader strategy of indirect aggression by Russia against NATO members supporting Ukraine. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. Denmark’s Defence Minister emphasized that the attacks were orchestrated by a ‘professional actor’ but appeared to have been launched locally. The incidents have reignited debates about hybrid warfare tactics, which blend military and non-military methods to destabilize a nation’s infrastructure. NATO member states, including Estonia, Poland, and Romania, have also reported recent Russian drone and aircraft incursions, heightening tensions across Europe. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not ruled out Russian involvement, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed the accusations as baseless. As investigations continue, the drone sightings underscore the evolving challenges of modern security and the need for robust defense mechanisms.
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Two people die during failed Channel crossing attempt
In a tragic turn of events, two individuals lost their lives early Saturday morning while attempting to cross the perilous English Channel. French authorities confirmed the incident, which occurred off the northern coast of France, where approximately 100 migrants embarked on a makeshift boat in hopes of reaching the UK. According to Isabelle Fradin-Thirode, a French official cited by AFP, 60 people were successfully rescued and are currently receiving care from civil protection services. Among the survivors, a couple and their child, suffering from moderate hypothermia, were urgently transported to a hospital in Boulogne. This latest tragedy unfolded south of the beaches of Neufchâtel-Hardelot in the Pas-de-Calais region, adding to the grim toll of at least 25 deaths recorded this year in similar crossing attempts. Earlier this month, three migrants died in a crush on an overcrowded boat off the coast of Calais. Last year, the French coastguard reported 50 fatalities during such crossings. Since the beginning of 2025, over 30,000 people have reached the UK via small boats, with more than 50,000 making the journey since the Labour Party came into power in July 2024. The UK government faces mounting pressure over the increasing number of small boat crossings and asylum seeker applications. In response, France and the UK recently agreed on a ‘one in, one out’ returns deal, aimed at deterring further crossings by allowing the UK to return one migrant to France for each migrant with a strong asylum case who is allowed to enter the UK. Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the crossings as ‘totally unacceptable,’ while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has criticized the ‘vile’ people-smugglers responsible for the chaos at the borders.
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Netflix Irish subtitles ‘step in right direction’ for language
Netflix has taken a significant step toward cultural inclusivity by introducing Irish-language subtitles for its new series, *House of Guinness*. This marks the first time the streaming giant has incorporated Irish subtitles into one of its productions. The series, which delves into the storied history of the Guinness family and their iconic brewery, has been lauded as a positive move by Irish language advocates. The decision underscores Netflix’s commitment to supporting Ireland’s creative sector and its diverse audience. Linda Ervine, manager of the Irish language project Turas in east Belfast, described the initiative as ‘very positive’ and symbolic of the growing demand for the language. She emphasized the importance of offering viewers the choice to engage with content in both English and Irish. Póilín Nic Géidigh, a broadcaster and Irish language speaker from County Donegal, echoed this sentiment, calling it ‘a good step in the right direction’ and expressing hope that other companies would follow suit. Mary Delargy from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, an Irish language cultural organization, expressed her delight, noting that the move recognizes the power and significance of the Irish language on a global scale. Steven Knight, the creator of *House of Guinness*, highlighted the importance of the Irish language to the country’s cultural identity, stating that the subtitles allow the series to celebrate Ireland’s heritage. The show, set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, explores the legacy of Sir Benjamin Guinness and the impact of his will on his four children. Featuring a talented cast of Irish actors, the series is part of Netflix’s broader efforts to highlight Irish culture and history. This initiative not only enhances accessibility for Irish-speaking viewers but also amplifies the global recognition of Ireland’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
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Seychelles president seeks a second term as people vote in African tourist haven
The Seychelles, Africa’s smallest nation, witnessed a crucial electoral event on Saturday as citizens cast their votes to elect a new president and parliament. Incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan, an Anglican priest turned politician, sought re-election after his historic victory in 2020, which marked the first time an opposition leader had unseated the ruling party since 1976. His primary challenger, Patrick Herminie of the United Seychelles Party, brought a wealth of political experience, having served as parliamentary speaker from 2007 to 2016. Polls opened at 7 a.m., with long queues forming at voting stations across the 115-island archipelago, signaling robust voter participation. Electoral authorities reported smooth proceedings, and counting began after polls closed at 7 p.m., with results anticipated by Sunday. A runoff will be held if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote. The election unfolded against a backdrop of pressing national issues, including economic recovery, environmental sustainability, and a burgeoning drug crisis. The governing Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party campaigned on promises of economic revitalization, social development, and environmental preservation. However, the government faced criticism over a controversial decision to lease part of Assomption Island to a Qatari company for a luxury hotel project, raising concerns about sovereignty and foreign influence. Seychelles, renowned for its luxury tourism and environmental beauty, is also grappling with the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, which threaten its low-lying islands. Additionally, the nation faces a severe drug epidemic, with heroin addiction rates among the highest globally. Critics argue that both Ramkalawan and Herminie have fallen short in addressing this crisis, despite their respective roles in drug prevention efforts. With a population of just over 120,000, the election outcome will shape the nation’s trajectory in addressing these multifaceted challenges.
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US revokes Colombian president’s visa during UN visit
The United States State Department announced on Friday its decision to revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing his ‘incendiary actions’ during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters in New York. Petro, a leftist leader, had earlier criticized the Trump administration’s airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea, labeling them as ‘acts of tyranny’ in an interview with the BBC. During the protest, Petro addressed a large crowd through a megaphone, urging ‘nations of the world’ to contribute soldiers for an army ‘larger than that of the United States’ and calling on U.S. soldiers to ‘disobey Trump’s order’ and ‘obey the order of humanity.’ The State Department condemned his remarks as reckless and inflammatory, leading to the visa revocation. Petro, who was already en route back to Bogota, has been a vocal critic of U.S. policies, particularly regarding the drug trade and Venezuela. Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti defended Petro, suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visa should have been revoked instead. This incident further strains the already tense relations between Colombia and the Trump administration, which has also denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 officials, preventing their attendance at the UN General Assembly.
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Trump to declassify files over aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart
In a significant announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his intention to declassify all government records pertaining to the mysterious 1937 disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Earhart, who vanished while attempting to circumnavigate the globe, has remained a subject of fascination and speculation for decades. Trump emphasized the enduring intrigue surrounding her case in a social media post on Friday, stating that her story ‘has captivated millions.’ Earhart’s disappearance over the Pacific Ocean has spawned numerous theories, ranging from a crash due to fuel exhaustion to claims of Japanese capture or U.S. government espionage. While some FBI files and Navy search reports have been declassified over the years, certain records have remained sealed, fueling conspiracy theories about a potential cover-up. The official explanation suggests Earhart failed to locate Howland Island for refueling, lost communication, and ultimately crashed into the ocean. However, the absence of definitive evidence, such as plane debris, has kept alternative theories alive. These include the possibility that she crash-landed near the then-Japanese Marshall Islands or survived as a castaway on Nikumaroro Island near Kiribati. A skeleton found on Nikumaroro in 1940 was initially thought to be Earhart’s, but medical analysis concluded it belonged to a male. Trump’s pledge to release ‘all government records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her’ could shed new light on this enduring mystery. Interest in Earhart’s case remains strong, with recent efforts, including sonar imaging, claiming to have located her long-lost plane at a depth of 4,877 meters in the Pacific Ocean. The declassification of these records could finally provide answers to one of the 20th century’s most perplexing aviation mysteries.