Global Pulse

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  • Pentagon readies 1,500 troops for potential Minnesota deployment, US officials say

    Pentagon readies 1,500 troops for potential Minnesota deployment, US officials say

    The Pentagon has initiated prepare-to-deploy orders for approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers from Alaska-based units amid escalating tensions in Minnesota, according to senior U.S. officials. The mobilization preparation comes as federal immigration enforcement operations have sparked widespread protests and confrontations in the Midwestern state.

    The strategic positioning of cold-weather specialized troops from the 11th Airborne Division’s infantry battalions follows President Donald Trump’s Thursday threat to invoke the Insurrection Act if state officials fail to curb protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. While deployment remains uncertain, the move represents the administration’s latest escalation in responding to domestic civil disturbances.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, where tensions dramatically increased after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, during a January 7th encounter. The incident has galvanized opposition to the nearly 3,000 federal agents deployed to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since last week.

    The Trump administration maintains that military deployment would protect federal property and personnel, citing previous deployments in Los Angeles where Marines were dispatched under similar justification. Legal complexities surround potential deployment, as presidents possess authority to deploy active-duty forces for specific domestic purposes without invoking the Insurrection Act.

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the state’s National Guard while facing a Justice Department criminal investigation. Local leaders have consistently accused the administration of federal overreach and exaggerating isolated violence to justify military intervention. The administration has particularly focused on Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community in its rationale for increased enforcement.

    The Pentagon and White House have not publicly commented on the deployment preparations, which were first reported by ABC News. The situation continues to evolve as both protest activity and federal enforcement operations persist in the region.

  • Trump tests boundaries of his power as Minnesota pushes back

    Trump tests boundaries of his power as Minnesota pushes back

    Minnesota has become the epicenter of a mounting constitutional crisis as federal immigration enforcement operations trigger widespread civil unrest and prompt military deployment preparations. The state faces unprecedented tensions with approximately 1,500 troops reportedly standing ready for deployment amid escalating protests against President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign.

    In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, civilian monitoring groups have organized to track and document the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. One activist, operating under the pseudonym ‘Sunshine’ due to safety concerns, explained her daily routine of tracking unmarked ICE vehicles through city streets. ‘We have the legal right to observe [ICE agents], but they seem to have forgotten that,’ she stated while navigating the icy roads of St. Paul.

    The conflict reached a critical juncture following the January 7th fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renée Good by an ICE agent. The circumstances remain fiercely contested, with federal authorities claiming self-defense while local officials maintain the victim posed no danger. This incident has galvanized community resistance and intensified protests outside federal buildings, despite freezing temperatures.

    Federal judicial intervention has attempted to de-escalate tensions. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued a restraining order prohibiting ICE agents from arresting or using pepper spray against peaceful demonstrators monitoring immigration enforcement activities. However, clashes persist, with authorities deploying tear gas and pepper balls to disperse crowds.

    The Department of Homeland Security maintains that operations target ‘the worst of the worst,’ but documentation reveals numerous instances of non-criminal immigrants and even U.S. citizens being detained. The administration’s approach has proven particularly controversial in Minnesota, home to America’s largest Somali immigrant community, whom President Trump previously described as ‘garbage’ and suggested should ‘return to where they came from.’

    The political dimension has intensified with the Justice Department opening criminal investigations against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration operations. Governor Walz, who recently abandoned his re-election bid amid unrelated fraud scandals, condemned the probes as ‘weaponizing the justice system against your opponents.’

    President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act—a 19th-century statute permitting domestic military deployment—to quell resistance to his immigration campaign. Meanwhile, counter-protests have emerged, including attempts by pardoned January 6th participant Jake Lang to organize pro-ICE rallies, though these have been overwhelmingly outnumbered by opposing demonstrators.

    As temperatures plummet and tensions escalate, Minneapolis residents like ‘Sunshine’ continue their vigilante monitoring efforts, despite reporting intimidation tactics from federal agents. ‘If they’re doing this with me, they’re not putting their hands on someone,’ she remarked, acknowledging the personal cost in time and resources. ‘I think that I’m doing what I’m doing because I love my neighbors.’

  • Senegal stun hosts Morocco to win AFCON title after final walk-off protest

    Senegal stun hosts Morocco to win AFCON title after final walk-off protest

    In a stunning conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco during extra time, capturing their second continental title in three years. The match, however, was overshadowed by unprecedented scenes of controversy that culminated in Senegal’s temporary walk-off from the pitch.

    The tension reached its peak in the 24th minute of added time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. The decision triggered immediate outrage from the Senegalese camp, with players staging a prolonged protest and eventually leaving the field in defiance. The situation escalated further as segments of Senegalese supporters engaged in violent clashes with security personnel, throwing objects and attempting to breach the playing area.

    Real Madrid winger Díaz had the opportunity to clinch victory for the hosts but delivered a poorly executed ‘Panenka’ chip that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The missed penalty proved costly as Pape Gueye emerged as the match-winner just four minutes into extra time, unleashing a spectacular strike into the top corner after receiving a precise pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye.

    The victory marks Senegal’s successful defense of their AFCON title, achieved despite their historical struggle in tournament finals. Remarkably, Gueye’s goal represented Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final after failing to score in their three previous appearances.

    For Morocco, the defeat represents a heartbreaking conclusion to their campaign, extending their wait for a second African championship to fifty years. Coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment with the match’s proceedings, stating: ‘Congratulations to Senegal, but the image we gave of African football is disappointing.’

    The tournament concluded amid questions regarding spectator management and on-field discipline, with investigations likely to focus on the conduct of both teams and organizational protocols during the critical final moments.

  • Gang members in Guatemala kill seven police after prison crackdown: minister

    Gang members in Guatemala kill seven police after prison crackdown: minister

    In a brutal wave of retaliatory violence, Guatemalan gang members killed seven National Civil Police officers and wounded ten others on Sunday. The attacks came in direct response to the government’s firm stance against transferring imprisoned gang leaders to lower-security facilities.

    The deadly assaults occurred throughout Guatemala City and surrounding regions, just one day after gang-affiliated inmates seized 46 hostages across three correctional facilities. According to Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda, the coordinated attacks represented ‘cowardly acts by terrorists’ targeting state security forces.

    President Bernardo Arevalo convened an emergency cabinet meeting Sunday, pledging to make ‘decisive decisions to maintain security’ amid escalating tensions. The crisis began Saturday when inmates took prison staff hostage to protest the transfer of gang leaders to maximum-security institutions.

    In a dawn operation Sunday, Guatemalan security forces supported by military units stormed the Renovación I maximum-security prison in Escuintla, approximately 75 kilometers south of the capital. Utilizing armored vehicles and tear gas, authorities regained control within 15 minutes and successfully rescued nine hostages without casualties.

    During the operation, security forces captured Aldo Dupie, alias ‘El Lobo’ (The Wolf), identified as the Guatemalan leader of the notorious Barrio 18 criminal organization. The Interior Ministry released footage showing Dupie in bloodstained clothing being led away in handcuffs.

    The violence highlights the ongoing struggle against Barrio 18 and its rival MS-13, both designated terrorist organizations by the United States. These groups maintain significant influence within Guatemala’s prison system and are responsible for much of the drug trafficking and criminal violence plaguing the Central American nation.

    As of Sunday, gang members continued holding 37 additional hostages at two other facilities: Fraijanes II prison east of the capital and Preventivo prison on the city’s outskirts. While Interior Minister Villeda acknowledged ongoing negotiations for their release, he emphatically stated that the state ‘will not bow down to these criminals.’

    Defense Minister Major General Henry Saenz confirmed the army would maintain its presence on the streets to continue ‘dismantling’ criminal networks. The current crisis continues a pattern of prison unrest dating to mid-2025, with gangs repeatedly staging uprisings to demand improved conditions for their leadership.

    The situation underscores Guatemala’s severe security challenges, with the country recording a homicide rate of 16.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous year—more than double the global average.

  • Senegal stun hosts Morocco to win AFCON title after ugly scenes mar final

    Senegal stun hosts Morocco to win AFCON title after ugly scenes mar final

    In a stunning conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal secured their second continental title with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco. The match, played before 66,526 spectators at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was overshadowed by significant controversy and disruptive scenes that threatened to undermine the championship finale.

    The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute when midfielder Pape Gueye unleashed a spectacular strike that soared past Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the top corner. The winning sequence began with Sadio Mane winning possession in midfield before finding Idrissa Gana Gueye, who delivered the crucial pass to his namesake.

    The match’s turning point occurred in the 24th minute of added time at the end of regulation when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty following a VAR review. The decision, which involved a challenge on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, triggered furious protests from Senegal’s players and supporters.

    The ensuing chaos saw Senegal players temporarily leave the pitch while sections of their supporters threw objects and attempted to breach security barriers. Order was eventually restored by a substantial police and steward presence, after which Diaz’s weakly attempted penalty was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

    The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON championship in three tournaments, following their inaugural title victory against Egypt in 2022. For Morocco, the defeat represents a heartbreaking conclusion to their campaign, particularly as they sought to claim only their second African championship after a fifty-year drought.

    Both teams created limited scoring opportunities throughout the tense encounter, reflecting the defensive quality that has established them as Africa’s top-ranked teams. Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd struck the crossbar during extra time, while Senegal’s Cherif Ndiaye missed a late opportunity to extend their lead.

    The tournament organizers and football authorities are expected to review the disciplinary incidents that marred the final, including the conduct of Senegal’s team and supporters as well as potential security shortcomings.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Chance of rain over coastal areas; temperatures to increase

    UAE weather tomorrow: Chance of rain over coastal areas; temperatures to increase

    Meteorological authorities have forecasted potential light rainfall across select coastal and northern regions of the United Arab Emirates for Monday, January 19, 2026. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) indicates a shift in weather patterns characterized by partly cloudy to overcast skies in these areas.

    Wind patterns are expected to remain light to moderate, originating from southeasterly to northeasterly directions. Wind speeds will typically range between 10-25 km/h, with occasional gusts reaching up to 35 km/h. Concurrently, temperatures across the Emirates will witness a gradual increase, marking a shift from recent conditions.

    Temperature projections reveal Abu Dhabi reaching a daytime high of 25°C with an overnight low of 15°C. The emirates of Dubai and Sharjah will experience similar warming trends, with maximum temperatures of 24°C and minimums of 16°C and 13°C respectively.

    Maritime conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are anticipated to remain calm with slight wave activity, presenting favorable conditions for maritime operations and coastal activities. The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric developments and will provide updates as necessary.

  • Five dead after high-speed trains collide in Spain

    Five dead after high-speed trains collide in Spain

    A catastrophic rail collision involving two high-speed trains near the Andalusian town of Adamuz has resulted in significant casualties, with at least five fatalities and dozens injured. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a Malaga-to-Madrid service derailed and collided with an opposing Madrid-to-Huelva train, according to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif.

    Emergency response teams mobilized rapidly to the scene following the derailment, which took place approximately ten minutes after the Malaga train’s 18:40 local time departure. Andalusia’s emergency services reported at least 25 individuals sustained serious injuries, with numerous others suffering minor harm. The private rail operator Iryo confirmed approximately 300 passengers were aboard the Malaga-Madrid service at the time of the accident.

    Eyewitness Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with RTVE who was traveling in the first carriage, described the experience as resembling an earthquake. ‘They immediately called to see if there were healthcare professionals who could assist,’ Jimenez recounted. ‘They used hammers to break windows and eventually evacuated us.’

    In response to the tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced government coordination with emergency services to support affected individuals. Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno similarly expressed profound concern and solidarity with victims and their families. All rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended indefinitely as investigation into the cause of the derailment continues.

  • Intersec 2026 spotlights AI, smart cities and security convergence in Dubai

    Intersec 2026 spotlights AI, smart cities and security convergence in Dubai

    Dubai has further cemented its status as a premier global center for security technology and innovation following the successful conclusion of Intersec 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The landmark event, held from January 12-14, attracted an unprecedented gathering of over 50,000 trade professionals and 1,200-1,400 exhibitors representing more than 60 nations, marking the largest edition in the exhibition’s 27-year history.

    The 2026 edition prominently featured the accelerating integration of artificial intelligence across multiple security domains, including physical security systems, cybersecurity protocols, fire protection mechanisms, and AI-enhanced emergency response solutions. Organizer Messe Frankfurt Middle East significantly expanded the exhibition space to approximately 65,000-67,000 square meters to accommodate surging international demand from government entities, infrastructure operators, and private-sector procurement specialists.

    A central theme throughout the International Security Leaders’ Summit and Health & Safety Conference was the transition of AI applications from experimental pilot programs to operational deployment in safety-critical environments. Experts demonstrated advanced implementations including predictive policing analytics, intelligent fire detection systems, automated access control, and sophisticated risk monitoring platforms, while consistently emphasizing the necessity of maintaining human oversight in critical decision-making processes.

    The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, who emphasized Intersec’s evolving role in bridging technological innovation with institutional preparedness and practical implementation. “Intersec has established itself among the world’s foremost platforms dedicated to security and safety,” Sheikh Mansoor stated. “The substantial international participation underscores the growing confidence in Dubai’s capacity to host major global events that actively shape the future of vital sectors through environments fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

    Significant commercial developments emerged during the event, including a memorandum of understanding between Messe Frankfurt Middle East and UXE Security Solutions, designating the company as Future Cities Partner for Intersec 2026. This collaboration highlights Dubai’s strategic advancement toward intelligent, regulated urban security ecosystems, particularly through UXE’s involvement in the emirate’s pioneering Keyless Security Project for holiday accommodations. Additional partnerships between public-sector agencies and international standards organizations reinforced Intersec’s dual function as both a commercial marketplace and policy formulation platform.

    With robust attendance from government authorities, civil defense agencies, and leading technology providers, Intersec 2026 demonstrated the security industry’s decisive shift toward integrated, intelligent, and regulation-compliant solutions. Organizers have announced expansion plans under the newly launched Intersec Global brand, signaling continued growth for Dubai’s influential role in defining the future trajectory of worldwide safety and security standards.

  • A47 secures $2 million funding to build AI native news platform

    A47 secures $2 million funding to build AI native news platform

    A47 News has successfully closed a $2 million pre-seed funding round to advance development of its artificial intelligence-driven news platform. The UAE-based startup aims to transform how audiences consume and trust digital information through an AI-native infrastructure that emphasizes verification and personalization.

    The platform emerges at a critical juncture in digital media, where consumers face increasing challenges with misinformation, algorithmic noise, and content overload. A47’s technology framework utilizes autonomous AI agents, real-time data ingestion, and multi-model orchestration to source, analyze, and validate information before presentation. Built-in verification systems including fact-checking protocols and source triangulation are designed to enhance reliability while reducing the cognitive burden on users.

    A47’s operational model follows a structured five-phase process: discovery of trending stories from social platforms every 30 minutes; verification against trusted news outlets and whitelisted sources; enrichment through creation of Verified Foundation Briefs with timelines and contextual background; content generation in multiple formats (text, image, video, audio) based on user preferences; and final human approval before publication.

    The platform offers significant customization capabilities, allowing users to tailor topics, depth levels, formats, and alert preferences according to their consumption habits. Additionally, A47 provides infrastructure for digital publishers and independent creators seeking to maintain editorial voice while scaling content production. Through uploadable style guides or brand DNA profiles, the system ensures consistent branding across automated content.

    Shehab Gargash, Chairman and Co-Founder of A47, emphasized the company’s vision: “We’re building long-term media infrastructure with the ambition to reshape how verified information reaches audiences. Our technology works alongside journalism’s noble tradition to enhance integrity, efficiency and trust.”

    CEO Ali Rizvi added: “We serve as the trusted news infrastructure layer that supports rather than replaces editorial judgment. Our goal is to help teams operate faster with verified facts while maintaining brand consistency.”

    The $2 million investment came from institutional and angel investors and will support product enhancement and market expansion across the Middle East and international regions. A47 News is currently available to pilot customers in the UAE.

  • Look: ‘End-of-Rajab crescent’ photographed in Abu Dhabi

    Look: ‘End-of-Rajab crescent’ photographed in Abu Dhabi

    The Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi successfully documented the crescent moon marking the conclusion of the Islamic month of Rajab (1447 AH) on Sunday morning, January 18. This significant astronomical observation provides crucial data for determining the commencement of Shaban, the preparatory month preceding Ramadan.

    Captured precisely at 11:00 AM local time, the image represents the 29th day of Rajab across numerous Islamic nations. At the moment of documentation, the moon positioned itself 7.3 degrees from the sun with an age of approximately 13 hours and 5 minutes. The observation team comprised Osama Ghannam, Anas Muhammad, Khalafan Al-Naimi, and Muhammad Awda from the International Astronomy Center.

    According to Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the International Astronomy Center, most countries will likely begin Shaban on Tuesday, January 20, though some regions may commence the month on Wednesday, January 21. Astronomical calculations indicate the crescent will not be visible in many Islamic countries on the expected sighting day as the moon will set before sunset, prompting these nations to complete Rajab with 30 days.

    The visibility conditions vary significantly across global regions. While countries including Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, and Albania may potentially spot the crescent using telescopes on Monday, January 19, naked-eye observation remains challenging. Optimal telescope viewing conditions are anticipated across central, western, and southern Africa, alongside parts of the Americas, with naked-eye visibility restricted to central American regions.

    Sheikh Nasser Al Hammadi from Sharjah Islamic Affairs recently emphasized during a live lecture that Rajab constitutes one of the four sacred months within the Islamic Hijri calendar, during which transgressions carry heightened spiritual consequences while righteous deeds yield greater rewards. The conclusion of Rajab triggers global Muslim anticipation for Shaban’s arrival, which serves as both a spiritual preparatory period for Ramadan and an opportunity for increased voluntary worship, contemplation, and charitable acts.