Global Pulse

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  • US strike in Syria kills man linked to attack on soldiers, officials say

    US strike in Syria kills man linked to attack on soldiers, officials say

    United States military forces have successfully eliminated a senior al-Qaeda commander in northwestern Syria, according to an official statement from US Central Command (Centcom). The targeted operation, conducted on Friday, resulted in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described as having direct operational ties to the Islamic State terrorist responsible for the December 2025 ambush that killed three American service members.

    The precision strike represents the latest development in Operation Hawkeye Strike, the ongoing US counterterrorism campaign launched in response to the Palmyra attack that claimed American lives. Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized the significance of the operation, stating: ‘The elimination of this terrorist operative directly connected to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our unwavering resolve in pursuing those who attack our forces. There is no safe haven for those who plot against American citizens and our military personnel.’

    Since initiating the campaign in mid-December, US forces have conducted extensive operations against terrorist infrastructure across Syria. Military data reveals strikes against more than 100 weapons sites and operational facilities using approximately 200 precision-guided munitions. In a separate series of operations between December 20-29, nearly 25 Islamic State operatives were either killed or captured in 11 distinct missions.

    The security situation in Syria remains complex following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, which concluded 13 years of civil war. Current President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) maintains control through his former rebel faction, though terrorist elements continue to operate despite significantly degraded capabilities. Islamic State forces, while weakened, remain active primarily in northeastern regions where they frequently target Kurdish-led defense forces.

  • India pushes for consular access to 16 Indian crew members detained by Iran

    India pushes for consular access to 16 Indian crew members detained by Iran

    The Indian Embassy in Tehran has escalated diplomatic engagements with Iranian authorities to secure consular access to sixteen Indian crew members detained aboard the merchant vessel MT Valiant Roar. Despite persistent diplomatic correspondence and high-level meetings initiated since December 14, 2025, Iranian officials have yet to grant access to the detained seafarers.

    The maritime incident occurred in international waters near Dibba Port, UAE, on December 8, 2025, when Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted the vessel alleging involvement in smuggling approximately 6,000 metric tons of fuel. The Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas immediately activated diplomatic channels upon notification of the detention in mid-December.

    Ambassadorial-level interventions in both Bandar Abbas and Tehran have emphasized the urgency of permitting communication between crew members and their families in India. Concurrently, Indian diplomatic missions have coordinated with the UAE-based ship-owning company to ensure legal representation and continuous provision of essential supplies.

    Critical humanitarian interventions include the emergency provisioning of food, water, and fuel supplies facilitated through coordination with the Iranian navy in early January 2026. The Indian Consulate in Dubai continues to pressure the vessel’s ownership company to maintain regular provisions and secure competent legal defense for the ongoing judicial proceedings in Iranian courts.

    The diplomatic statement emerged following emotional appeals from families of detained crew members, including Third Engineer Ketan Mehta, who publicly sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention for their relatives’ safe return. Indian authorities maintain that while the matter remains subject to Iran’s judicial process, they continue advocating for expedited proceedings and immediate consular access.

  • Philippines arrests Estonian vlogger for harassment, ‘offensive’ remarks toward Filipinos

    Philippines arrests Estonian vlogger for harassment, ‘offensive’ remarks toward Filipinos

    Philippine authorities have taken decisive action against Estonian digital creator Siim Roosipuu, arresting and initiating deportation proceedings following numerous complaints of harassment and inappropriate conduct toward Filipino citizens. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed the 34-year-old vlogger’s apprehension on January 15th through coordinated operations involving intelligence operatives, the Philippine National Police, and anti-terrorism units.

    Roosipuu, who operates the YouTube channel ‘Pro Life Traveler,’ stands accused of multiple violations including unauthorized filming, harassment of minors, and creating offensive content that humiliated local residents. The situation escalated when local officials in Negros Oriental declared him persona non grata, forwarding their formal resolution to national agencies for enforcement action.

    BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado delivered a stern warning to foreign content creators, stating: ‘The Philippines is not a content playground. We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks, or profit will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting.’ He emphasized that visitors who ‘provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos’ would experience short stays and permanent exits from the country.

    The case bears resemblance to previous incidents involving foreign vloggers, particularly Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who faced criminal charges after livestreaming harassment activities in Taguig City. Philippine authorities have demonstrated increased vigilance toward digital creators who violate local laws and cultural norms while pursuing online engagement.

    The Bureau of Immigration has commenced formal deportation procedures, ensuring Roosipuu will be permanently barred from re-entering the Philippines following his removal from the country.

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney plans to accept Trump invite to join Gaza board

    Canadian PM Mark Carney plans to accept Trump invite to join Gaza board

    In a significant diplomatic development, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has agreed to join a newly established international board overseeing post-war Gaza governance at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. The formation of this multinational coalition represents a major initiative in stabilizing the region following the fragile ceasefire implemented in October.

    President Trump has appointed himself as chairman of what he terms the ‘Gaza Board of Peace,’ demonstrating personal investment in Middle East stabilization efforts. The board’s composition includes high-profile international figures, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio already confirmed in senior positions within the organization.

    The recruitment effort extends beyond North American and European leaders, with invitations extended to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Egypt has acknowledged receipt of the invitation and is currently conducting a formal review process, as confirmed by the country’s foreign minister during a recent press briefing.

    Additional confirmed participants include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who will serve alongside Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior advisor Jared Kushner. This diverse composition suggests a multifaceted approach to Gaza’s temporary governance, combining political veterans with regional experts.

    The board’s establishment comes at a critical juncture in Middle Eastern politics, with Gaza requiring substantial reconstruction and political stabilization following recent conflicts. The involvement of multiple international stakeholders indicates a coordinated effort to address both immediate humanitarian concerns and long-term governance structures.

    While specific operational details and mandate parameters remain undisclosed, the participation of G7 member Canada through Prime Minister Carney’s involvement signals Western commitment to the region’s stability. The Canadian government has confirmed Carney’s acceptance without elaborating on specific responsibilities or time commitments.

  • Trump tariff threat over Greenland ‘unacceptable’, European leaders say

    Trump tariff threat over Greenland ‘unacceptable’, European leaders say

    A severe transatlantic diplomatic crisis has erupted following President Donald Trump’s announcement of punitive tariffs against eight allied nations in response to their opposition to his proposed acquisition of Greenland. The unprecedented move, declared via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Saturday, threatens a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective February 1st, with potential escalation to 25% by June if no agreement is reached.

    The announcement triggered immediate and forceful condemnation from European leaders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the tariffs as “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron labeled them “unacceptable.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson explicitly stated, “We won’t let ourselves be blackmailed,” highlighting the collective European defiance against what many perceive as economic coercion.

    Simultaneously, thousands of protesters mobilized across Greenland and Denmark, waving placards with messages like “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland is not for sale.” Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrations in Nuuk, marching toward the U.S. consulate. Polls indicate approximately 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States, reinforcing the territory’s desire for self-determination.

    President Trump justifies the acquisition push by emphasizing Greenland’s strategic importance for U.S. national security, citing its resource wealth and critical location between North America and the Arctic for missile detection and regional monitoring. He has previously stated Washington would acquire the territory “the easy way or the hard way,” refusing to rule out military force.

    The European response has extended beyond rhetoric. Several nations, including France, Germany, and the UK, have dispatched troops to Greenland on a ‘reconnaissance mission,’ arguing that Arctic security should remain a collective NATO responsibility. Furthermore, the tariff threat has jeopardized the recently negotiated EU-US trade deal, with German MEP Manfred Weber announcing that its ratification must now be put on hold.

    This escalation comes despite recent diplomatic efforts, including the establishment of a high-level working group between U.S. and Danish officials, which many had hoped would de-escalate tensions. Instead, Trump’s actions have injected renewed urgency into the crisis, severely straining relations with key NATO allies and trading partners and creating one of the most significant diplomatic confrontations in recent transatlantic history.

  • Tongji University’s Wu Jiang assumes presidency of architects’ Asia council

    Tongji University’s Wu Jiang assumes presidency of architects’ Asia council

    In a historic appointment, Professor Wu Jiang from Shanghai’s Tongji University has been inaugurated as the 23rd President of the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA). The landmark transition occurred during a formal handover ceremony held at Tongji University on Saturday, marking the first time since the council’s establishment in 1979 that a representative from the Chinese mainland has assumed this prestigious leadership role.

    Professor Wu addressed the gathering with a forward-looking vision, emphasizing the critical juncture at which architecture stands today. “With the rapid advancement of digital and intelligent technologies, our field confronts both unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities,” he stated. “ARCASIA must respond proactively to empower Asian architects in harnessing these transformative developments.”

    Highlighting his dual responsibilities as both practitioner and educator, Wu added: “As an architectural educator, I consider it my fundamental duty to foster extensive exchanges and elevate educational standards across Asia’s architectural institutions during my tenure.”

    The newly elected president brings exceptional qualifications to the position. His distinguished credentials include serving as Executive Director of the Architectural Society of China, Chairman of the ASC’s Architectural Education Branch, and Vice-Chairman of the Urban Planning Society of China. Additionally, Wu holds the prestigious title of Honorary Fellow from the American Institute of Architects and has been elected as an Academician of the French Academy of Architecture.

    Wu’s ascent to the presidency follows his 2018 appointment as ARCASIA Vice-President, where he represented the Architectural Society of China and led engagement initiatives with the regional body. Established in 1979, ARCASIA currently represents professional architectural associations from 24 countries and regions across Asia, standing as the continent’s most authoritative organization for the architectural profession.

  • Indonesia plane missing with 11 people on board; search ongoing

    Indonesia plane missing with 11 people on board; search ongoing

    Indonesian search and rescue teams are conducting an intensive multi-agency operation to locate a missing commercial aircraft that vanished from radar on Saturday afternoon. The Indonesia Air Transport turboprop plane, carrying three passengers and eight crew members, disappeared during its scheduled flight from Yogyakarta to Makassar on Sulawesi island.

    According to official reports from the Makassar search and rescue agency, contact was lost with the aircraft at approximately 1:00 PM local time (06:00 GMT). The last known position was tracked to the mountainous terrain of Maros Regency, bordering Makassar, prompting authorities to concentrate search efforts in this challenging geographic area.

    The comprehensive search operation involves coordinated efforts between Indonesian air force units, police departments, and volunteer organizations. Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of the local rescue agency, confirmed the deployment of both aerial and ground teams. Andi Sultan, operations chief at the Makassar agency, detailed that advanced search capabilities including helicopter surveillance and drone technology are being utilized to scour the difficult landscape.

    French aircraft manufacturer ATR, which produced the missing plane, has acknowledged the incident and released an official statement confirming their technical specialists are providing full support to Indonesian authorities and the operating airline. The company has characterized the situation as ‘an accident’ while awaiting further investigation findings.

    This incident highlights ongoing aviation safety concerns in Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation where air transportation serves as a critical connectivity infrastructure between its thousands of islands. The country has experienced several aviation tragedies in recent years, including two separate helicopter crashes in September 2025 that resulted in ten fatalities collectively.

  • Louvre heist probe still aims to ‘recover jewellery’, top prosecutor says

    Louvre heist probe still aims to ‘recover jewellery’, top prosecutor says

    French judicial authorities have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to recovering the imperial jewels stolen in an audacious October heist from the Louvre Museum, despite investigative hurdles. Paris’s chief prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed to AFP that while all four primary suspects in the €94 million ($102 million) robbery have been apprehended, the precious artifacts remain missing three months after the daylight theft.

    The brazen October 19th operation saw thieves employ a moving truck with an extendable ladder to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery, where they used angle grinders to breach display cases containing France’s crown jewels. Two accomplices waited below as the perpetrators made their escape on high-powered motorcycles, inadvertently dropping a diamond-and-emerald crown during their frantic departure.

    Among the eight still-missing pieces is a historically significant emerald-and-diamond necklace originally presented by Napoleon I to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise. Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized that investigators maintain an open theory regarding the jewels’ whereabouts, noting no definitive evidence suggests the treasures have left French territory, though she acknowledged all possibilities remain viable.

    International art world intermediaries have provided crucial intelligence to detectives pursuing the recovery operation. These networks offer early warning systems for stolen goods trafficking across borders. Beccuau indicated that voluntary return of the jewels would constitute ‘active repentance’ and could influence judicial proceedings.

    An additional fifth suspect, the 38-year-old partner of one alleged thief, faces accessory charges but has been released under judicial supervision pending trial. Investigators continue to explore whether the theft was commissioned, maintaining no preconceptions about motives behind France’s most significant cultural property crime in recent history.

    The prosecution team remains determined, with Beccuau declaring, ‘We haven’t said our last word. It will take as long as it takes,’ underscoring the priority status of this high-profile cultural heritage investigation.

  • Trump invites Egypt’s Sisi, Turkey’s Erdogan to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    Trump invites Egypt’s Sisi, Turkey’s Erdogan to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    In a significant diplomatic move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has extended formal invitations to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to participate in a newly established international framework for Gaza governance. The initiative, termed the “Board of Peace,” aims to oversee temporary administrative functions in the war-torn territory, which has maintained a precarious ceasefire since October.

    The Egyptian government confirmed it is currently reviewing the invitation through its Foreign Ministry, which made the announcement during a press briefing on Saturday. This development follows the White House’s Friday revelation of several key appointments to the board’s leadership structure.

    The proposed governance body will operate under Trump’s chairmanship and includes notable international figures: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, who previously orchestrated Middle East peace efforts during the Trump administration.

    This multinational initiative represents the most comprehensive international effort to address Gaza’s political vacuum and reconstruction needs following recent hostilities. The inclusion of both Egyptian and Turkish leadership is particularly significant given their historically divergent approaches to Gaza and the broader Palestinian question, suggesting a potential convergence of regional interests under U.S.-led mediation.

  • Massive fire engulfs dozens of shops at a shopping mall in southern Pakistan, killing 3 people

    Massive fire engulfs dozens of shops at a shopping mall in southern Pakistan, killing 3 people

    A devastating nocturnal blaze ravaged a multi-story commercial complex in Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous metropolis, on Saturday evening, resulting in a confirmed death toll of three individuals and leaving approximately twelve others with injuries, as reported by municipal police and emergency response authorities.

    The conflagration ignited at Gul Plaza shortly after 10:00 PM local time, prompting an immediate deployment of firefighting units and rescue personnel. Local media outlets indicated that the majority of retail proprietors were either in the process of concluding daily operations or had already vacated the premises when the rapidly spreading fire erupted.

    While the precise origin of the catastrophe remains undetermined pending formal investigation, preliminary reports suggest the inferno originated within a section designated for storage of imported textiles, garments, and plastic household merchandise. These highly combustible materials reportedly acted as significant accelerants, facilitating the fire’s aggressive progression throughout the building’s structure.

    Televised news footage documented emergency crews clad in specialized protective equipment employing extended ladders, high-capacity water cannons, and multiple hose lines to combat flames erupting from windows and balconies. An Associated Press correspondent on location reported dense plumes of black smoke permeating the nocturnal atmosphere, visible from considerable distances.

    This tragic incident underscores a persistent pattern of inadequate fire prevention infrastructure and emergency response systems prevalent throughout Karachi and broader Pakistani urban centers. The provincial capital of Sindh has witnessed multiple comparable tragedies, including a November 2023 shopping mall fire that claimed ten lives and injured twenty-two individuals, highlighting systemic public safety deficiencies that frequently culminate in substantial property damage and human casualties.