Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Police in Nigeria suspect suicide bombers in deaths of at least 23 people in Maiduguri

    Police in Nigeria suspect suicide bombers in deaths of at least 23 people in Maiduguri

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A series of coordinated suicide bombings ripped through northeastern Nigeria on Monday night, killing at least 23 people and wounding 108 others in one of the deadliest attacks to strike the conflict-ravaged city of Maiduguri in recent years.

    According to Borno state police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso, the explosions targeted densely populated areas including a major marketplace and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The attacks occurred during peak evening hours when civilians were most vulnerable.

    While no militant organization has immediately claimed responsibility, suspicion has fallen upon the Boko Haram jihadist network and its splinter factions. The group initiated its violent insurgency in 2009 to impose its extreme interpretation of Islamic law across northeastern Nigeria.

    The bombings mark a significant escalation in violence against civilian targets in Maiduguri, which had experienced relative calm in recent years despite ongoing extremist activities in surrounding rural areas. Emergency services faced overwhelming casualties, with volunteers urgently appealing for blood donations to treat the wounded.

    This tragedy occurs amid a broader pattern of intensified assaults by extremist factions against Nigerian military installations. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of numerous senior officers and soldiers while systematically depleting armory stocks across the region.

    The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram splinter group with ties to the Islamic State, has emerged as particularly potent threat. Analysts note the group’s evolving tactics and growing military capabilities pose significant challenges to regional security forces.

  • Nigeria suicide attacks kill 23, wound more than 100

    Nigeria suicide attacks kill 23, wound more than 100

    A devastating series of coordinated suicide bombings has torn through the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, marking a grim escalation of violence in a region long plagued by jihadist insurgency. Local authorities confirmed that three separate explosions on Monday evening resulted in a tragic loss of at least 23 lives and left more than 108 individuals wounded with varying injuries.

    The assaults targeted critical civilian infrastructure, striking the city’s bustling main market, the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and a crowded area near the Post Office flyover. The attacks occurred just one day after suspected jihadists launched a separate assault on a military outpost on the city’s outskirts, signaling a dangerous resurgence of violence in an area that had recently experienced a period of relative calm.

    Eyewitness Mala Mohammed, 31, described the chaotic scenes following the initial detonations. ‘After about two or three minutes, other people who were running along the road started shouting that it was a bomb at the market entrance,’ he recounted. ‘Unfortunately, as they were running towards Post Office, the person who had the explosive device ran into the crowd while people were still trying to escape.’

    The violence has been attributed to extremist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), whose 16-year campaign to establish an Islamist caliphate has already claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people across Nigeria’s northeast. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the ‘barbaric’ attacks, suggesting they may be retaliation for intensified military operations against jihadist strongholds in the nearby Sambisa forest.

    Security forces have since restored order to the affected areas and implemented heightened surveillance measures throughout Maiduguri to prevent further bloodshed. The tragic events underscore the persistent threat posed by extremist factions despite governmental efforts to contain the insurgency and protect vulnerable civilian populations.

  • Kabul drug rehab clinic in ruins after Pakistan strikes on Afghanistan

    Kabul drug rehab clinic in ruins after Pakistan strikes on Afghanistan

    A major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Kabul following a devastating Pakistani airstrike that obliterated a drug rehabilitation center on Monday night. Rescue teams continue to sift through smoldering debris in a desperate search for survivors, with Taliban authorities reporting a death toll potentially numbering in the hundreds.

    AFP correspondents at the scene documented at least thirty bodies extracted from the ruins, while medical personnel scrambled to treat dozens of wounded civilians. The facility, which housed approximately 3,000 patients from across Afghanistan, was reduced to blackened wreckage containing chairs, blankets, and fragments of hospital beds amidst human remains.

    The incident has sparked frantic scenes as distraught families gathered outside the destroyed clinic seeking information about missing relatives. Baryalai Amiri, a 38-year-old mechanic searching for his brother who had been admitted 25 days earlier, expressed his anguish: “We are not given the proper information. So far, we don’t know where he is.”

    This tragedy represents a significant escalation in the ongoing border conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Islamabad maintains that its operations specifically target “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” with precision, denying allegations of striking civilian facilities. Conversely, the Taliban government rejects Pakistan’s accusations that Afghanistan harbors Islamist extremists responsible for cross-border attacks.

    The international community has expressed grave concern. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett voiced dismay at reports of civilian casualties and urged immediate de-escalation, emphasizing the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure under international law. China confirmed its special envoy has spent the past week mediating between the parties, while regional experts warn that conflict resolution appears increasingly unlikely as both sides demonstrate determination to continue military engagements.

  • Israel strikes Tehran, Beirut as Iraq pulled deeper into Mideast war

    Israel strikes Tehran, Beirut as Iraq pulled deeper into Mideast war

    The Middle East conflict escalated dramatically on Tuesday as Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Tehran and Beirut, simultaneously drawing Iraq deeper into a widening regional war that has triggered global economic disruption and massive civilian displacement.

    Israeli military operations targeted what officials described as ‘terror regime infrastructure’ in the Iranian capital, which has endured near-daily bombardment since the joint U.S.-Israeli initiation of hostilities on February 28. Concurrently, dawn strikes hit a residential building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group.

    The conflict, now entering its third week, has resulted in hundreds of casualties and expanded to include Iranian retaliatory strikes against Gulf nations. Lebanese authorities report over one million registered displaced persons since March 2, with approximately 130,000 seeking refuge in more than 600 collective shelters.

    Iraq’s deepening involvement became evident as drone and rocket attacks targeted the U.S. embassy complex in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone early Tuesday. Additional strikes killed four individuals at a residence reportedly hosting Iranian advisors, highlighting the nation’s continued role as a proxy battleground between U.S. and Iranian interests.

    The economic repercussions have been severe, with global oil prices surging over 40% since the conflict’s inception. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global crude oil passes, has experienced significant traffic disruption due to repeated attacks on oil infrastructure, including major fields in the United Arab Emirates and southern Iraq.

    Australia’s central bank responded to the crisis by raising key interest rates Tuesday, citing ‘sharply higher fuel prices’ directly attributable to the conflict.

    Diplomatic tensions intensified as several nations distanced themselves from U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for allied participation in securing the Strait of Hormuz. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated London was developing alternative plans with allies but explicitly ruled out NATO involvement, a position echoed by Germany, Japan, Australia, and several European Union members.

    Western allies including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have concurrently urged Israeli restraint in Lebanon, where limited ground operations against Hezbollah have been announced. Israeli President Isaac Herzog countered these appeals, calling for European support in ‘any effort to eradicate Hezbollah now.’

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained a defiant stance, asserting Tehran’s readiness to ‘continue the war wherever it may lead’ despite significant casualties and infrastructure damage. The UN refugee agency estimates up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran, where security forces previously suppressed domestic protests with lethal force.

  • Israel says it killed 2 top Iranian officials in wartime blow to country’s leadership

    Israel says it killed 2 top Iranian officials in wartime blow to country’s leadership

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israel has confirmed the targeted elimination of two senior Iranian security officials in overnight strikes, dealing a significant blow to Tehran’s leadership amid an intensifying regional conflict. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the deceased officials as Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij volunteer force.

    The targeted officials were instrumental in Iran’s violent suppression of January protests that challenged the theocracy’s decades-long rule. Their removal represents a strategic effort to weaken Iran’s governance structure during what has become the Islamic Republic’s most severe test in recent decades. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly stated the objective was to “undermine this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it.”

    Meanwhile, Iran continued its offensive operations, launching missile and drone attacks against Gulf Arab neighbors and regional oil infrastructure. Dubai’s airspace experienced temporary closure for the second consecutive day, disrupting international travel through the major transit hub. Iranian officials affirmed their intention to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transportation.

    The conflict has triggered growing concerns about a global energy crisis as oil prices surge. President Donald Trump acknowledged that NATO and most allies have rejected his appeals to help secure the strategic strait, despite his demands for approximately half-dozen countries to deploy warships. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas explicitly stated, “This is not Europe’s war,” emphasizing the bloc’s reluctance to participate in a conflict without prior consultation.

    In parallel developments, the Israeli military initiated extensive strikes across Tehran and intensified operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. The Lebanese government reports over 1 million displaced citizens—approximately 20% of the population—with 912 fatalities since the conflict’s escalation two weeks ago.

    The war has also created political repercussions in Washington, with Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigning citing concerns about the justification for military strikes in Iran. His departure signals growing unease within Trump’s political base as midterm elections approach, particularly regarding the administration’s departure from “America First” principles and rising gasoline prices.

  • Drone targets hotel in C. Baghdad

    Drone targets hotel in C. Baghdad

    A sophisticated drone attack targeted the Royal Tulip al-Rasheed Hotel within Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone on Monday evening, according to Iraqi security officials. The explosive-laden drone struck the hotel’s rooftop structure, producing substantial detonations heard throughout central Baghdad.

    Security personnel speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the incident occurred around nightfall, triggering immediate emergency responses from Iraqi defense forces. While preliminary assessments indicate no casualties or significant structural damage, security teams have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the breach of the high-security perimeter.

    The Green Zone represents Baghdad’s most secure district, housing critical government institutions including the Iraqi Parliament, ministerial complexes, and numerous foreign diplomatic missions—most notably the massive United States embassy compound. This fortified enclave has repeatedly faced security challenges in recent years, with frequent rocket and mortar attacks testing its defensive capabilities.

    This latest incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional violence that began on February 28th, when broader hostilities erupted involving Israeli, American, and Iranian interests. Security analysts note a concerning pattern of increased attacks targeting international diplomatic installations and military bases across Iraq since the regional conflict intensified. The drone strike methodology demonstrates evolving tactical capabilities among armed factions operating in the region, raising concerns about the potential for more sophisticated attacks against high-value targets.

    Iraqi authorities have heightened security alerts throughout the capital following the incident, while international missions within the Green Zone have been advised to review their security protocols. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify the perpetrators and determine the precise nature of the explosive device deployed in this brazen security breach.

  • Why did only two Iranian football players stay in Australia?

    Why did only two Iranian football players stay in Australia?

    In a revealing post-tournament development, Australia’s offer of humanitarian visas to seven members of Iran’s national football team has resulted in just two players choosing to remain in the country. The decision-making process, as detailed by BBC correspondent Katy Watson, highlights the complex considerations facing athletes from nations with strained international relations.

    The Australian government extended the humanitarian protection following the team’s participation in recent international matches, creating a potential pathway for players seeking political asylum or refuge from persecution. Despite this opportunity, the majority of the squad ultimately returned to Iran, underscoring the powerful personal and professional ties that compel athletes to maintain their homeland connections.

    This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and follows patterns of defection concerns involving Iranian athletes abroad. The relatively low uptake of Australia’s visa offer suggests either improved conditions for athletes within Iran or the significant personal sacrifices involved in permanent relocation. Sports analysts note that such decisions frequently involve weighing family security, career prospects, and national loyalty against political circumstances.

    The two players who remained join a growing diaspora of Iranian athletes who have sought international protection in recent years, though their identities and specific reasons for staying remain protected for privacy and security reasons. Australian immigration authorities have maintained strict confidentiality regarding individual cases, citing standard procedures for humanitarian visa recipients.

  • Hundreds of migrants are vanishing in the Mediterranean. Authorities are withholding information

    Hundreds of migrants are vanishing in the Mediterranean. Authorities are withholding information

    A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding across the Mediterranean Sea as migrants attempting to reach European shores vanish in record numbers through what aid organizations term ‘invisible shipwrecks.’ Government authorities in Italy, Tunisia, and Malta have systematically restricted information flow regarding migrant rescues and maritime disasters along the world’s deadliest migration route.

    The first quarter of 2026 has witnessed an unprecedented death toll, with the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration confirming at least 682 missing persons as of March 16—the deadliest opening period ever recorded. However, human rights groups assert the actual figure is substantially higher due to systematic underreporting and verification challenges.

    This information vacuum intensified following Cyclone Harry’s devastating impact in late January, which generated 9-meter waves and 100 kph winds across the central Mediterranean. Despite reports from Refugees in Libya indicating over 1,000 missing migrants after the storm, national authorities have neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.

    Julia Black, who leads IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, revealed the organization has created a secondary dataset for unverifiable cases due to the escalating information gap. ‘Last year, at least 1,500 reported missing persons could not be confirmed,’ Black stated, noting that 2026 has already produced over 400 such cases.

    The Associated Press conducted multiple inquiries with Italian, Tunisian, and Maltese authorities regarding their rescue policies and information disclosure practices. None provided substantive responses.

    Matteo Villa, migration researcher at the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, characterized the situation as ‘a strategy of silence’ designed to suppress public awareness. This opacity extends to Tunisia, which ceased sharing interception data in 2024 after previously publicizing numbers under a EU migration control agreement.

    The human impact is devastating for families awaiting news. ‘Europe should know that these people who got drowned in the sea have family members, have dreams, have passions,’ expressed Josephus Thomas, a Sierra Leonean migrant community leader in Tunisia.

    While Frontex, the EU border surveillance agency, reported spotting eight migrant vessels during the cyclone period, the fate of two boats carrying approximately 160 people remains unknown. Only one survivor has been confirmed from the Cyclone Harry period—a man rescued by merchant vessels who reported traveling with 50 others.

  • European leaders warn against Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon

    European leaders warn against Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon

    In a significant diplomatic move, the heads of state from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have jointly called for Israel to refrain from launching a comprehensive ground invasion into Lebanese territory. This collective appeal comes amid escalating hostilities that resumed in southern Lebanon two weeks prior.

    The five-nation coalition expressed profound alarm regarding the cross-border attacks, emphasizing the critical need for all involved parties to return to diplomatic negotiations. They articulated grave concerns about the potential humanitarian fallout, stating that a major Israeli ground operation would likely precipitate catastrophic human suffering and potentially ignite a prolonged regional conflict.

    Official statistics from Lebanon’s disaster management authority reveal the conflict has already displaced approximately one million people within the country. The human cost stands at 886 fatalities and 2,141 injuries among Lebanese citizens.

    The current cycle of violence began when Hezbollah initiated missile strikes against Israel following Israel’s joint military engagement with the United States against Iranian interests on February 28. Although a truce negotiated by the Trump administration in November 2024 had previously governed the border area, this agreement had reportedly been violated hundreds of times prior to the recent escalation.

    Israeli officials maintain their operations specifically target Hezbollah weapon storage facilities and high-ranking operatives deemed imminent threats. However, the Western leaders’ statement unequivocally condemned all attacks directed at civilian populations, essential infrastructure, medical personnel, and UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.

    The joint declaration specifically called for Hezbollah to cease its attacks on Israel and complete disarmament, while simultaneously urging the Lebanese government to enforce weapons prohibitions against the group. Hezbollah leadership has consistently rejected disarmament demands, citing ongoing security threats from Israel along their shared border. The militia organization, with decades of Iranian support, remains a deeply entrenched military force within Lebanon’s political landscape.

  • Iran war pushes importers into energy triage as they conserve power and curb soaring prices

    Iran war pushes importers into energy triage as they conserve power and curb soaring prices

    The escalating military confrontation with Iran has triggered a severe global energy crisis, forcing nations worldwide into difficult triage decisions regarding fuel allocation and consumption. This supply shock has exposed critical vulnerabilities in energy-importing economies, particularly across Asia where governments are implementing emergency measures to manage dwindling resources.

    Asia faces disproportionate exposure to the crisis due to its heavy reliance on imported fuels, much of which traditionally transits through the now-disrupted Strait of Hormuz. This critical maritime corridor, located offshore from Iran, typically facilitates approximately one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas trade. The blockage has compelled regional governments to enact conservation measures, compete for scarce supplies, and implement price controls—all while navigating difficult trade-offs between economic activity and energy security.

    Southeast Asian nations have adopted particularly stringent conservation approaches. The Philippines transitioned to a four-day workweek for government employees to reduce energy consumption by 20%, alongside mandating elevated office temperature settings and computer shutdowns during breaks. Vietnam encouraged remote work arrangements, while Thailand’s Prime Minister advocated for stair usage over elevators in conservation efforts.

    Energy analysts warn these measures inevitably impact economic productivity. Linh Nguyen of Control Risks consultancy noted that ‘even relatively modest constraints on energy use can create a drag on industrial activity,’ particularly affecting energy-intensive export industries like Vietnam’s manufacturing sector.

    The crisis extends beyond Asia to fuel-importing economies across Africa and other regions as global competition for limited supplies intensifies. Putra Adhiguna of the Energy Shift Institute in Jakarta emphasized that ‘the situation is common across the board—there is no easy decision for the short term.’

    East Asian economic powers are deploying strategic reserves to maintain industrial operations. Japan initiated the release of approximately 45 days’ worth of oil from its substantial reserves—a system established after the 1970s oil crises—while South Korea committed to releasing 22.46 million barrels through the International Energy Agency’s coordinated effort. However, energy experts caution that reserve depletion constitutes merely a temporary buffer rather than a sustainable solution.

    Populous nations face particularly complex challenges in balancing household needs against commercial demands. India prioritized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) allocations for residential cooking over commercial establishments, forcing restaurants to modify menus and operating hours. Similar dilemmas confront Indonesia and Thailand, where subsidy programs strain national budgets while attempting to shield consumers from price spikes.

    The European Union is addressing the crisis through accelerated clean energy transition strategies, seeking to reduce consumption and enhance energy security across member states. European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen confirmed officials are ‘working on immediate measures to help businesses and our most vulnerable citizens’ amid sharply elevated prices.

    As the conflict persists, analysts warn that energy rationing and difficult prioritization decisions will likely expand globally, with renewable energy and diversified supply chains emerging as critical long-term solutions to enhance energy security.