分类: world

  • Death toll rises to 16 following landslide in Indonesia’s West Java

    Death toll rises to 16 following landslide in Indonesia’s West Java

    Rescue operations in Indonesia’s West Java province continue under challenging conditions as the confirmed death toll from a devastating landslide has risen to sixteen. The disaster struck the Cisarua area within West Bandung Regency, burying numerous homes under tons of earth and debris.

    According to official statements from West Java Police spokesman Hendra Rochmawan, only seven of the sixteen recovered victims have been formally identified through conventional means. The remaining nine bodies are undergoing sophisticated DNA analysis to establish their identities, with all unidentified remains temporarily housed at a local hospital facility.

    The scale of the tragedy appears far more extensive than initially reported. Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency has mobilized approximately 250 specially trained personnel to locate an estimated 80 individuals who remain missing and are presumed buried beneath the landslide debris.

    The rescue mission represents a complex multi-agency effort hampered by extremely difficult terrain conditions. Authorities have deployed technological assets including surveillance drones and specially trained tracking dogs to enhance search capabilities. However, the operation faces significant limitations as unstable ground conditions prevent the full deployment of heavy machinery that could accelerate debris removal but potentially compromise rescue team safety.

    The geographical characteristics of the Cisarua region, known for its steep slopes and volcanic soil composition, have historically made it susceptible to landslides, particularly during Indonesia’s rainy season which typically extends from November through March. The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing disaster response agencies in Indonesia’s topographically diverse archipelago.

  • US preparing to deport Iranians despite unrest, killings, NGO says

    US preparing to deport Iranians despite unrest, killings, NGO says

    The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to deport Iranian nationals back to their home country despite ongoing security concerns following recent violent suppression of mass protests, according to revelations from the National Iranian American Council (NIAC). This would mark the first deportation flights to Iran since widespread uprisings rocked the nation, reaching their peak in early January before being brutally suppressed with thousands reported killed.

    The Iranian-American advocacy organization disclosed Thursday that it had obtained information indicating the administration’s intention to resume deportation flights to Iran, following previous removal operations conducted in September and December. NIAC President Jamal Abdi expressed grave concern over the decision, stating: “The same administration that promised Iranians that ‘help is on the way’ amid a deadly crackdown is now forcibly sending Iranians back into danger.”

    According to Iranian diplomat Abolfazl Mehrabadi, who represents Tehran’s interests in the United States, approximately 40 Iranian nationals are scheduled for deportation. The individuals are expected to depart from an airport in Phoenix, Arizona, according to statements made to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

    The development comes amid complex diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. President Trump had previously threatened military action against Iran in response to the government’s violent crackdown on protesters, though those threats appeared to diminish after Tehran reportedly suspended planned executions.

    Current reports indicate that at least two men subject to deportation orders remain detained at an immigration facility in Arizona, with legal efforts to prevent their removal still underway. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not immediately responded to media inquiries regarding the planned deportations, leaving many questions unanswered about the timing and rationale behind this controversial decision.

  • Syria frees 126 minors after taking prison from Kurdish forces

    Syria frees 126 minors after taking prison from Kurdish forces

    In a significant development within Syria’s ongoing conflict resolution efforts, government authorities have secured the release of 126 minors from a northern detention facility. This action follows a strategic agreement between Damascus and Kurdish-led forces that marks a notable shift in territorial control and administrative responsibilities.

    The prisoner release occurred at Al-Aqtan prison in Raqa province, a facility previously managed by Kurdish authorities that has housed numerous detainees with alleged connections to the Islamic State group. Syrian state television broadcast emotional scenes of families reuniting with the freed youths, while the official SANA news agency published comprehensive lists of remaining detainees to facilitate public identification.

    This transfer forms part of a broader ceasefire and integration agreement announced by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) chief Mazloum Abdi. The arrangement includes provisions for incorporating the Kurds’ autonomous administration into the state apparatus, with Damascus assuming responsibility for managing IS prisoners nationwide.

    The geopolitical implications are substantial, as the SDF continues withdrawing from strategic territories under pressure from Damascus. Recent days have witnessed Kurdish forces relinquishing significant areas and consolidating their presence primarily in Hasakeh province in northeast Syria. Concurrently, Kurdish combatants have been systematically transferred from the prison complex to the Kurdish-controlled city of Ain al-Arab (also known as Kobane) in Aleppo province near the Turkish border.

    Army representatives quoted in state media characterized the prison transfer as ‘the initial phase in executing the January 18 agreement,’ through which Syria’s interior ministry will assume full administrative control of the detention facility. The SDF has not issued immediate commentary regarding these developments.

  • Winter storm grips US as millions face power outages and disruption

    Winter storm grips US as millions face power outages and disruption

    A severe Arctic weather system has plunged vast portions of the United States into a deep freeze, unleashing a cascade of disruptive conditions. The powerful winter storm, characterized by blizzard-like snowfall, significant ice accumulation, and perilously frigid temperatures, has created hazardous circumstances for millions of citizens. Critical infrastructure has been severely tested, resulting in widespread electricity failures that have left households without heating amidst the extreme cold. Transportation networks are experiencing profound paralysis, with countless flight cancellations, treacherous road conditions prompting official warnings against travel, and significant delays in rail services. Emergency management agencies have been activated in numerous states, coordinating response efforts to address the immediate dangers of exposure and the mounting challenges to public safety. The storm’s wide-ranging path has impacted communities from the Northern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast, making it a coast-to-coast meteorological event. Utility companies are reporting immense strain on power grids as demand for heating surges, complicating restoration efforts for crews battling the very elements causing the outages. Local authorities are urging residents to prioritize safety, conserve energy where possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the severe conditions persist.

  • China hands over 17 Filipino sailors from shipwreck to Philippines

    China hands over 17 Filipino sailors from shipwreck to Philippines

    In a significant humanitarian operation, China has formally transferred 17 Filipino sailors to Philippine authorities following the capsizing of a Singapore-registered cargo vessel near Huangyan Island. The handover ceremony occurred on Sunday in the waters where the maritime incident originally transpired.

    The crisis began on Friday when the commercial ship, en route from the Philippines to China, lost communication and subsequently foundered in the contested waters. Chinese Coast Guard vessels immediately initiated search and rescue operations upon receiving distress signals.

    Of the 21 crew members originally aboard the stricken vessel, two Filipino sailors were confirmed deceased despite rescue efforts. Four additional crew members remain unaccounted for as search operations continue. The China Coast Guard has committed substantial resources to ongoing recovery missions in the area.

    The formal transfer occurred at 2:43 PM local time on Sunday when Chinese maritime authorities coordinated with their Philippine counterparts to ensure the safe return of the surviving sailors. This diplomatic exchange demonstrates bilateral cooperation in maritime emergency response despite ongoing territorial discussions in the South China Sea region.

    China’s Coast Guard emphasized its commitment to humanitarian principles in maritime emergencies, noting that such operations reflect international obligations to assist vessels in distress regardless of geopolitical considerations. The incident highlights the practical cooperation that occurs between neighboring nations even amid complex diplomatic relationships.

  • Look: Massive winter storm blankets parts of US, disrupting lives of more than 200 million

    Look: Massive winter storm blankets parts of US, disrupting lives of more than 200 million

    A colossal winter storm system has engulfed significant portions of the United States, unleashing a cascade of severe weather conditions that have severely disrupted daily life for more than 200 million citizens. The extreme weather event, characterized by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures, has triggered widespread travel chaos, power outages, and emergency declarations across multiple states.

    Meteorological reports indicate the storm’s immense scale, stretching from the Midwest through the Northeast and down into traditionally warmer southern regions unaccustomed to such winter severity. Transportation networks have borne the brunt of the impact, with thousands of flights canceled nationwide and major highway systems becoming treacherous or impassable. Emergency management agencies have issued stern warnings against unnecessary travel, citing whiteout conditions and rapidly deteriorating road surfaces.

    The storm’s timing during late January has amplified its disruptive potential, affecting commercial operations, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. Utility companies report escalating power disruptions as ice accumulation threatens power lines and energy demand spikes due to extreme cold. Local governments have activated emergency response protocols, opening warming centers and deploying snow removal assets in round-the-clock operations.

    This weather event represents one of the most extensive winter storm impacts in recent years, testing the preparedness of municipal authorities and the resilience of community infrastructure. The National Weather Service continues to update forecasts with warnings that conditions may persist for several days, prolonging the operational challenges for recovery efforts and public safety agencies.

  • France detains captain of suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker seized in Mediterranean

    France detains captain of suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker seized in Mediterranean

    French judicial authorities have taken into custody the Indian captain of an oil tanker intercepted by naval forces in the Mediterranean Sea amid allegations of violating international sanctions against Russia. The vessel ‘Grinch,’ which originated from Murmansk in northwestern Russia, has been identified as a potential member of Russia’s sanctioned ‘shadow fleet’ operating to circumvent economic restrictions related to the Ukraine conflict.

    According to statements from the Marseille prosecutor’s office obtained by French media outlets, the captain was transferred to judicial authorities after the tanker was diverted to anchorage in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer. The entire Indian-nationality crew remains confined aboard the vessel while investigators conduct a preliminary inquiry into maritime regulation violations, including failure to properly display national flags.

    The interception operation, documented through military-released footage, involved French naval personnel boarding the ship via helicopter earlier this week. This action represents the latest in a series of enforcement measures targeting Russia’s estimated 400-vessel shadow fleet, which predominantly consists of aging tankers owned by opaque entities registered in non-sanctioning countries.

    This incident echoes a similar September interception off France’s Atlantic coast, which Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned as ‘piracy.’ The captain from that previous seizure faces trial in February regarding allegations of non-cooperation with authorities. France and allied nations have intensified maritime surveillance and enforcement operations to disrupt Russia’s oil transportation networks amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

  • Captain of suspected Russian shadow tanker in French custody

    Captain of suspected Russian shadow tanker in French custody

    In a significant maritime enforcement operation, French naval forces intercepted the oil tanker ‘Grinch’ on Thursday as it transited through the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, was seized following orders from President Emmanuel Macron who declared the tanker was “subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.

    The interception occurred while the Grinch was en route from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk. The vessel is currently secured under guard at a southern French port near Marseille while investigations continue.

    French authorities have taken the Indian captain, 58, into custody while the remaining crew members—all Indian nationals—remain confined aboard the vessel. The Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed an ongoing investigation to “verify the validity of the flag used by the tanker,” with French media reporting the vessel was sailing under a Comoros Islands registry.

    President Macron emphasized that such shadow fleet operations directly “finance Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.” The French government has established nautical and air exclusion zones around the anchorage site as security measures.

    This action represents the latest in a series of Western enforcement measures against Russian energy sanctions implemented following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Earlier in January, British armed forces supported a U.S. operation to seize a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic for sanctions violations.

    Shadow fleets have become increasingly prevalent with Venezuela, Iran, and Russia all accused of utilizing them to circumvent oil sanctions. According to financial intelligence firm S&P Global, approximately one in five oil tankers worldwide are now used to transport oil from sanctioned nations.

    The operation follows France’s October interception of another sanctioned tanker, the Boracay, which was released after several days of investigation.

  • Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt to open soon, Palestinian official says

    Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt to open soon, Palestinian official says

    In a significant development for Gaza’s humanitarian situation, Palestinian authorities have confirmed the imminent reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The announcement came during a high-profile event in Davos hosted by former President Donald Trump, where Palestinian technocrat leader Ali Shaath revealed via video link that the critical passage would resume operations next week.

    The Rafah crossing, described by Shaath as “more than a gate—it is a lifeline and symbol of opportunity,” has remained largely closed throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict. Its reopening represents a key implementation of the October ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump, which had previously left this crucial element unfulfilled.

    The announcement occurred during the formal launch of Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, which initially focuses on cementing Gaza’s fragile ceasefire. Shaath emphasized that “opening Rafah signals that Gaza is no longer closed to the future and to the war,” highlighting the crossing’s symbolic and practical importance for Palestinian mobility and access.

    Notably absent was immediate commentary from Israeli authorities, who have maintained control over the Rafah crossing since 2024. The current ceasefire arrangement leaves Israel in control of more than half of Gaza territory, including the area adjacent to the border crossing, while Hamas retains control over the remaining enclave sections.

    The reopening promises to restore Gaza’s primary gateway to the outside world, enabling the movement of Palestinians in both directions after prolonged restrictions during the conflict period.

  • WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

    WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

    In a striking rebuttal to Washington’s official position, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has publicly challenged the United States’ stated justification for withdrawing from the UN health agency, characterizing the reasoning as fundamentally inaccurate. The diplomatic confrontation emerged following Thursday’s formal announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that America would terminate its WHO membership.

    The WHO leadership issued a comprehensive response on multiple platforms, including an official statement and social media postings on X (formerly Twitter), directly countering the U.S. administration’s claims. The organization emphasized that it has consistently operated with full respect for national sovereignty while facilitating international cooperation during health emergencies.

    The American withdrawal notification, which follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump one year ago, cites alleged failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and actions purportedly taken against U.S. interests. Specifically, U.S. officials accused the WHO of obstructing timely information sharing and concealing operational shortcomings that potentially cost American lives.

    WHO’s rebuttal systematically addressed each criticism, noting that the organization ‘acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence’ throughout the pandemic. The agency clarified that while it recommended protective measures including masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, it never mandated specific implementations, leaving those decisions to sovereign governments.

    Complicating the withdrawal process are outstanding financial obligations totaling approximately $260 million in unpaid dues for 2024 and 2025. The WHO has indicated that the withdrawal notification ‘raises issues’ that will require examination during upcoming Executive Board meetings in February and the World Health Assembly in May. Despite the diplomatic rupture, Dr. Tedros expressed hope for America’s eventual return to active participation in global health governance while reaffirming WHO’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of achieving the highest attainable health standard for all people.