Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Indonesia finds bodies of 10 passengers on crashed surveillance plane

    Indonesia finds bodies of 10 passengers on crashed surveillance plane

    Indonesian search teams have confirmed the recovery of all ten victims from the wreckage of a crashed surveillance aircraft in South Sulawesi province. The ATR 42-500 turboprop, operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT), vanished from radar contact last Saturday during a fisheries monitoring mission for the nation’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

    The aircraft carried seven crew members and three ministry personnel when it disappeared near the Maros region approximately 1,500 kilometers northeast of Jakarta. After days of intensive search operations, rescue personnel located the scattered wreckage across the challenging terrain of Mount Bulusaraung.

    Andi Sultan, a visibly emotional official from South Sulawesi’s rescue agency, confirmed in a video statement that the final two victims were recovered early Friday, completing the tragic recovery operation. The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the accident, with examination of the recently recovered black box data underway.

    This incident marks Indonesia’s first fatal crash involving an ATR 42 model in over a decade, recalling the 2015 Trigana Air Service tragedy in Papua that claimed 54 lives. The nation’s aviation safety record has faced increased scrutiny since the 2021 Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737 crash in the Java Sea that resulted in 62 fatalities.

  • Volatile security blocks UN from Syria IS-linked camp

    Volatile security blocks UN from Syria IS-linked camp

    A deteriorating security situation at the Al-Hol displacement camp in northeastern Syria has prevented United Nations personnel from delivering critical humanitarian assistance. This development follows the withdrawal of Kurdish-led security forces and the subsequent deployment of the Syrian national army, creating a volatile power transition.

    According to two former humanitarian workers who spoke with AFP on condition of anonymity, a significant security vacuum occurred between the Kurdish withdrawal and the army’s deployment, enabling an unspecified number of camp residents to escape. During this period, residents reportedly set fire to facilities operated by aid organizations.

    The camp, which previously housed approximately 23,000 individuals including suspected Islamic State family members from multiple nationalities, represents one of the most complex humanitarian challenges stemming from the conflict against ISIS. The population includes Syrian and Iraqi nationals alongside approximately 6,200 foreign women and children from various countries.

    In a parallel development, Kurdish forces completed a withdrawal from the Al-Aqtan prison near Raqa under a negotiated agreement with the Syrian government. This transfer, witnessed by AFP correspondents, involved hundreds of fighters relocating to Kurdish-held areas while ISIS detainees remained under Syrian jurisdiction.

    These security rearrangements follow a broader ceasefire agreement announced January 18th between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, which includes provisions for integrating Kurdish administration into the state apparatus. The United States has concurrently begun transferring ISIS detainees from Syrian to Iraqi facilities, with 150 individuals relocated thus far according to official statements.

  • US braces for ‘extremely dangerous’ winter storm

    US braces for ‘extremely dangerous’ winter storm

    A formidable winter storm system is poised to unleash unprecedented Arctic conditions across the United States, placing over 160 million Americans under severe weather alerts starting Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued grave warnings about this meteorological event originating from the High Plains and Rockies, predicting its eastward trajectory will generate life-threatening wind chills dipping below -50°F (-46°C) in northern regions.

    The storm’s slow-moving nature will deposit substantial snowfall from the Southern Rockies through the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast, with projections exceeding one foot of accumulation from Colorado to Boston. Major metropolitan areas including Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York are anticipated to experience significant snow accumulation and freezing rains.

    Transportation networks face severe disruption as airport authorities nationwide report anticipated cancellations and delays. Multiple airlines have proactively implemented flexible rebooking policies to accommodate travelers. Meteorological experts Rich Otto and Tony Fracasso emphasize that vehicular travel will become ‘nearly impossible’ during the storm’s peak intensity.

    Governors in Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, and both Carolinas have preemptively declared states of emergency, mobilizing National Guard units and emergency response teams. The NWS emphasizes the particular danger of frostbite and hypothermia from even brief skin exposure to the extreme conditions.

    The meteorological phenomenon extends into Canada, where eastern and Atlantic provinces are already experiencing severe freezing temperatures with additional snowfall expected early next week according to Environment Canada meteorologists.

  • US withdraws from the World Health Organisation, sparking financial crisis for WHO

    US withdraws from the World Health Organisation, sparking financial crisis for WHO

    In a landmark decision with profound global health implications, the United States has formally terminated its membership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The withdrawal, effective as of Thursday, culminates a year-long process initiated by an executive order from President Donald Trump on his first day in office in 2025. The administration cites significant failures in the UN agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary catalyst for its departure.

    The exit triggers an immediate financial crisis for the WHO, which has historically relied on Washington for approximately 18% of its total funding. The agency has been compelled to implement severe austerity measures, including reducing its management team by half and planning to shed a quarter of its total staff by mid-year. Budgets for critical programs are being scaled back globally.

    A contentious legal and financial dispute has emerged surrounding the withdrawal. While U.S. law typically requires a one-year notice and the settlement of all outstanding fees—estimated at $260 million for 2024 and 2025—before departure, the State Department contests this obligation. A spokesperson asserted, ‘The American people have paid more than enough,’ indicating the administration’s refusal to pay the outstanding sum. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the cessation of all future funding contributions, with a spokesperson alleging the WHO had ‘cost the U.S. trillions of dollars.’

    The move has been met with widespread concern from global health leaders and philanthropists. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had recently urged a reconsideration. Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, a major WHO funder, expressed disappointment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stating, ‘The world needs the World Health Organisation.’ He acknowledged a short-term return was unlikely but vowed to continue advocacy for reinstatement.

    Health experts warn the withdrawal poses significant risks to international pandemic preparedness. Kelly Henning of Bloomberg Philanthropies noted, ‘The U.S. withdrawal from WHO could weaken the systems and collaborations the world relies on to detect, prevent, and respond to health threats.’ The U.S. government stated it would pursue direct partnerships with individual nations on disease surveillance, forgoing multilateral cooperation through the WHO. The American flag was removed from WHO headquarters in Geneva, symbolizing the formal severance of a 73-year relationship.

  • China Coast Guard rescues 13 Filipino sailors in the South China Sea

    China Coast Guard rescues 13 Filipino sailors in the South China Sea

    In a demonstration of maritime cooperation, China Coast Guard personnel conducted a successful rescue operation early Friday morning, saving all 13 Filipino crew members from a capsized cargo vessel in the South China Sea waters.

    The emergency response was initiated following distress signals received from the Philippine-flagged commercial ship that encountered severe weather conditions approximately 120 nautical miles from the nearest coastline. Chinese maritime authorities immediately deployed rescue vessels and aircraft to coordinate the complex operation amid challenging sea states.

    According to official statements released by China’s maritime safety administration, the rescue team reached the incident location within three hours of receiving the initial alert. Using advanced search-and-rescue equipment and employing specialized maritime rescue protocols, all 13 sailors were safely extracted from the water without serious injuries reported.

    Medical personnel provided immediate first aid and thorough health assessments aboard the rescue vessels before transferring the Filipino mariners to proper medical facilities on Hainan Island for further observation. Philippine diplomatic representatives have been notified and are coordinating with Chinese authorities regarding the repatriation process.

    This incident marks another instance of regional maritime cooperation in emergency situations, highlighting the importance of international maritime safety protocols and joint rescue capabilities in strategically significant waterways. Both Chinese and Philippine authorities have expressed mutual appreciation for the professional execution of the rescue operation and the preservation of human life at sea.

  • Israeli fire strikes journalists and children in Gaza

    Israeli fire strikes journalists and children in Gaza

    In a devastating escalation of violence, Israeli military operations in Gaza on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians, including three journalists, two 13-year-old boys, and several civilians, marking one of the deadliest incidents since the October ceasefire agreement. The attacks occurred across multiple locations in the besieged territory, with hospitals confirming the casualties and sparking international concern.

    The tragedy unfolded as three Palestinian journalists were killed while documenting displacement camp conditions in the Netzarim area. According to Mohamed Mansour, spokesman for the Egyptian government committee managing the camp, the journalists’ vehicle was struck approximately 5 kilometers from Israeli-controlled territory despite being clearly identified as belonging to the humanitarian committee. Footage from the scene showed the complete destruction of their vehicle, which was visibly charred and emitting smoke.

    Among the journalistic casualties was Abdul Raouf Shaat, a frequent contributor to Agence France-Presse. The news agency issued a statement mourning his loss, describing him as ‘much loved’ and ‘kind-hearted,’ while demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death.

    Simultaneously, separate incidents claimed the lives of two adolescents. One 13-year-old boy, along with his father and another young man, fell victim to Israeli drone strikes near the Bureij refugee camp. In another heartbreaking case, Moatsem al-Sharafy was shot by troops in Bani Suheila. His mother, Safaa al-Sharafy, told The Associated Press that her son had merely ventured out to gather firewood for cooking, emphasizing his departure with the poignant words: ‘He went out in the morning, hungry. He told me he’d go quickly and come back.’

    The Israeli military stated that its actions targeted suspects operating drones that posed threats to troops, though details remain contested. These developments occur against the backdrop of strained ceasefire arrangements between Hamas and Israel, with the United States attempting to advance the peace process’s challenging second phase.

    In a related regional escalation, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon injured 19 people, including eight journalists, despite the US and France-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that took effect in November 2024. Israel has continued periodic strikes in Lebanon, citing ongoing security concerns.

  • Icebreakers, the key tech to unlock Greenland, are only made by either US allies or adversaries

    Icebreakers, the key tech to unlock Greenland, are only made by either US allies or adversaries

    The United States’ strategic ambitions in Greenland and the broader Arctic region face a formidable natural barrier: immense ice formations that choke harbors, entomb mineral resources, and transform shorelines into navigational minefields year-round. This challenging environment necessitates specialized icebreaking vessels with reinforced hulls and powerful engines capable of cleaving through frozen seas.

    Despite former President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in securing Greenland for both security and economic reasons—including countering Russian and Chinese influence and accessing rare earth minerals—the U.S. possesses only three functional icebreakers, with one nearly inoperable. This deficiency creates a significant operational gap, leaving the nation unable to reliably access Arctic territories for extended periods.

    Icebreaker construction requires highly specialized expertise predominantly found in northern nations with Arctic experience. Finland has designed approximately 60% of the world’s fleet of over 240 icebreakers and built the same percentage, while Russia maintains the largest fleet with about 100 vessels, including nuclear-powered ships. Canada ranks second and plans to double its fleet to approximately 50 icebreakers.

    The U.S. has entered agreements through the Ice PACT with Finland and Canada to obtain 11 new icebreakers. Four will be constructed in Finnish shipyards, while seven will be built in U.S. facilities under Canadian ownership and utilizing Finnish designs. This international cooperation highlights America’s current dependence on allied nations for Arctic capabilities.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this technological interdependence at the World Economic Forum, noting that Finland’s sale of icebreakers to the U.S. demonstrates European Arctic readiness. She stressed that Arctic security ultimately requires multinational cooperation, a sentiment echoed by Danish leadership which conditionally supports increased U.S. involvement provided territorial integrity is respected.

    Even with adequate icebreaking capability, establishing mining operations or defensive installations like the proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense network would entail enormous costs and technical challenges in Greenland’s extreme environment, with investments potentially requiring decades to yield returns.

  • Chinese Coast Guard says 8 missing and 13 rescued after boat capsizes near disputed shoal

    Chinese Coast Guard says 8 missing and 13 rescued after boat capsizes near disputed shoal

    Chinese maritime authorities reported a significant search and rescue operation in the South China Sea on Friday after a vessel carrying Filipino nationals capsized in highly contested waters. According to an official statement from China’s Coast Guard, the incident occurred approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Scarborough Shoal, a region known for its geopolitical tensions.

    The maritime accident left eight individuals missing while emergency responders successfully rescued thirteen people from the water. Rescue operations continued throughout the day as multiple vessels participated in the search effort.

    The location of the capsizing represents one of the most politically sensitive areas in the South China Sea, where territorial claims overlap between multiple nations. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all maintain competing sovereignty claims over Scarborough Shoal and surrounding waters.

    This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing maritime confrontations in the region. Just two months prior, in August, a Chinese naval vessel accidentally collided with a Chinese Coast Guard ship during operations to block a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the same shoal. The frequency of such encounters has raised concerns among international observers about potential escalation in the strategically vital waterway.

  • Ukraine is battling to keep the lights on, this nuclear plant is vital in the fight

    Ukraine is battling to keep the lights on, this nuclear plant is vital in the fight

    Deep within the control room of Ukraine’s Khmelnytsky nuclear facility, a team of technicians maintains vigilant watch over a wall of monitoring systems. This western Ukrainian plant has emerged as a crucial bastion for national energy security amid relentless Russian assaults on critical infrastructure.

    With conventional power stations severely damaged by targeted airstrikes, nuclear energy now supplies approximately 60% of Ukraine’s electricity through three operational plants. Pavlo Kovtonyuk, director of Ukraine’s National Nuclear Energy Company Energoatom, confirms these installations face constant threat of attack. “Russia systematically targets substations connecting nuclear plants to the grid in acts of nuclear terrorism,” Kovtonyuk states, emphasizing that disrupting these connections jeopardizes safe reactor operation.

    The situation grows increasingly precarious at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility currently under Russian military control since March 2022. While in dormant mode, its reactors require continuous cooling and maintenance to prevent catastrophic failure. Ukrainian officials report concerning negligence in maintenance protocols and dangerously depleted cooling reservoirs under Russian management.

    Personal accounts from displaced plant workers reveal the human cost of the occupation. Technician Dariia Zhurba and engineer husband Ihor described their terrifying escape from Zaporizhzhia after weeks working under Russian control. “They scrutinized everything—our phones, social media, even ‘likes’—and interrogated us about military relatives,” Dariia recounted from their new modular home near Khmelnytskyi.

    International Atomic Energy Agency teams periodically inspect the occupied facility during temporary ceasefires, supervising critical repairs to damaged power lines and cooling systems. However, Ukrainian authorities warn that Zaporizhzhia’s American-designed fuel systems remain incompatible with Russian technical expertise, creating additional safety complications.

    The potential consequences transcend national borders. Energoatom director Kovtonyuk warns that any incident causing core meltdown could surpass the Chernobyl disaster in contamination scope, though potentially developing more gradually without explosive characteristics.

    As diplomatic discussions continue regarding the plant’s future operational status, evidence suggests Russia is already constructing power lines toward occupied territories, potentially redirecting Zaporizhzhia’s output should reactors restart under Moscow’s control—a scenario Ukrainian leaders vow to prevent given the facility’s vital role in national energy infrastructure and global safety concerns.

  • Firefighters face attacks, drones and arsonists while battling deadly blazes in Chile

    Firefighters face attacks, drones and arsonists while battling deadly blazes in Chile

    FLORIDA, Chile — Chilean emergency crews combating the nation’s most devastating wildfires in recent history are confronting unprecedented challenges beyond the flames themselves—including armed attacks and unauthorized drone operations that threaten aerial firefighting operations.

    The catastrophic blazes have claimed at least 21 lives and scorched approximately 45,700 hectares (176 square miles) of forestland and residential areas, according to Thursday’s report from Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF). The scale of destruction has already surpassed April’s Valparaíso and Viña del Mar inferno that consumed 8,500 hectares and killed 131 people.

    The human toll continues to mount with 305 injured and 2,359 homes destroyed, leaving hundreds displaced in makeshift shelters. Charred landscapes reveal haunting scenes of burned vehicles and wildlife while search teams recover skeletal remains for forensic identification. Authorities acknowledge the casualty count will likely rise as assessment teams document the full extent of the tragedy.

    President Gabriel Boric declared two days of national mourning while visiting the devastated Biobío region, stating on social media platform X: ‘Amid the profound sorrow caused by the forest fires in the south-central region of our country, I have decided to decree two days of national mourning.’

    Firefighters facing dual threats

    The nearly 8,500 firefighters battling the blazes since Sunday have encountered deliberate hostility alongside natural dangers. Official reports confirm at least two attacks on fire crews, including one incident involving gunfire. President Boric condemned these aggressions as ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and promised full legal consequences for perpetrators.

    Simultaneously, unauthorized drone operations by journalists and hobbyists seeking aerial footage have forced temporary suspensions of critical airborne firefighting missions around the town of Florida, where wildfires remain uncontrolled. These civilian drones risk catastrophic mid-air collisions with water-dropping aircraft and distract ground crews.

    CONAF emphasized that drone use during firefighting operations is strictly prohibited, noting: ‘The use of unmanned aircraft can endanger the lives of helicopter and airplane pilots working to control these fires.’

    Authorities have arrested approximately 70 individuals this fire season for arson-related activities, including one suspect detained Thursday for allegedly starting a blaze in Punta de Parra near the epicenter of destruction.

    International solidarity emerges

    Global support has mobilized to assist Chile’s crisis response. Mexico deployed 145 firefighters who arrived Thursday at Concepción airport to work alongside local crews. Uruguay is providing approximately 30 professionals and air force aircraft, while the United States has delivered specialized firefighting equipment directly to Chilean authorities.

    Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren confirmed ongoing discussions with United Nations agencies and the European Union’s humanitarian aid office for additional support, noting that government planning already extends beyond fire containment to future reconstruction efforts.