Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Iranian warship hit by US torpedo did not carry ammunition, say Indian sources

    Iranian warship hit by US torpedo did not carry ammunition, say Indian sources

    A major international incident has erupted following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a US torpedo strike on Wednesday. The vessel, identified as the frigate IRIS Dena, was reportedly participating as a guest nation in the Milan 2026 multinational naval exercises, hosted by the Indian Navy, when it was targeted in international waters.

    According to former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, the Iranian ship’s presence in the region was directly tied to India’s invitation. ‘The Iranian ship would not be where it was if we had not invited it to take part in our Milan exercise,’ Sibal stated, emphasizing that the vessel was ‘defenceless’ under the rules of the engagement, which prohibited participating ships from carrying live ammunition.

    The attack, confirmed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the first sinking of an enemy vessel by torpedo since World War II, resulted in significant casualties. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath reported approximately 32 survivors were rescued, many with serious injuries. With the ship’s capacity estimated at 180 crew members, a majority are now presumed missing or deceased.

    Indian politician Supriya Shrinate publicly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the incident, noting on social media that the killed Iranian sailors ‘were our guests.’

    The unprovoked strike has drawn fierce condemnation from Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi denounced the action as ‘an atrocity at sea’ committed 2,000 miles from Iran’s shores and warned of impending consequences, stating, ‘Mark my words: the US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set.’

    In a developing aftermath, a second Iranian warship carrying over 100 sailors is currently positioned near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Officers aboard have reportedly requested an urgent port call, fearing a similar attack, though Sri Lankan authorities have not yet granted approval.

  • Ecuadorean troops find 35m-long ‘narco-sub’ hidden in nature reserve

    Ecuadorean troops find 35m-long ‘narco-sub’ hidden in nature reserve

    Ecuadorian military forces have intercepted a sophisticated 35-meter (115-foot) semi-submersible vessel designed for transnational drug trafficking operations. The clandestine craft was discovered concealed within the mangrove swamps of the Cayapas–Mataje Ecological Reserve, located near Ecuador’s volatile border with Colombia.

    According to an official statement from Ecuador’s Defense Ministry, the narco-submarine was fully fueled with approximately 6,000 gallons (22,700 liters) of petroleum, indicating preparations for an extended narcotics smuggling journey. The military operation also uncovered an adjacent encampment functioning as a logistical coordination center for criminal operations, along with six high-speed boats, seven outboard motors, and numerous fuel containers.

    The discovery occurred shortly after President Daniel Noboa declared a ‘new phase’ in Ecuador’s comprehensive campaign against powerful drug cartels. The operation turned hostile when military personnel encountered armed resistance from unidentified individuals, though no casualties were reported. Notably, the defense ministry’s announcement did not reference any narcotics seizures or arrests during this specific intervention.

    Ecuador’s strategic positioning between Colombia and Peru—the world’s primary cocaine producers—has transformed the nation into a critical transit corridor for illicit drugs destined for markets in the United States, Europe, and Australia. This development coincides with strengthened security cooperation between the Noboa administration and United States authorities, including recent high-level discussions between Ecuadorian officials and General Francis Donovan, commander of US Southern Command.

    While US involvement in this particular operation remains unconfirmed, Washington has significantly intensified its counter-narcotics efforts in the region through ‘Operation Southern Spear.’ This initiative, launched in September, has reportedly targeted numerous suspected drug trafficking vessels in Pacific and Caribbean waters, resulting in over 150 fatalities.

  • Mideast war traps 20,000 seafarers, 15,000 cruise passengers in Gulf

    Mideast war traps 20,000 seafarers, 15,000 cruise passengers in Gulf

    The escalating Middle Eastern conflict has created an unprecedented humanitarian and logistical crisis in the Gulf region, leaving approximately 35,000 individuals stranded aboard vessels. According to the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), this includes 20,000 professional seafarers and 15,000 cruise ship passengers whose mobility has been severely restricted.

    The maritime industry has officially escalated the threat level, redesignating the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the broader Gulf as a ‘Warlike Operations Area.’ This critical classification grants maritime workers enhanced protections and reflects the severe deterioration of security in one of the world’s most vital energy transit corridors. Since the outbreak of hostilities, the IMO has documented seven separate maritime incidents, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries.

    IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the violence, stating, ‘Beyond the economic impact of these alarming attacks, it is a humanitarian issue. No attack on innocent seafarers is ever justified.’ He urged all shipping companies to exercise extreme caution while operating in the affected waters.

    The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for approximately one-fifth of global crude oil and significant liquefied natural gas supplies, has been effectively shut down by Iranian Revolutionary Guards, who claim ‘complete control.’ This blockade has triggered a massive operational halt, with shipping behemoths like Maersk suspending all new bookings. Energy intelligence firm Kpler reported a staggering 90% decline in oil tanker transits compared to the previous week.

    The economic repercussions are immediate and severe. Global oil prices surged dramatically, with West Texas Intermediate crude jumping over 5% to $78.88 per barrel—its highest point since last January. The international benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, also rose sharply by 3.6% to $84.34 per barrel.

    In a joint statement, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and maritime employer representatives highlighted the scale of the disruption, noting that ‘hundreds of vessels are stranded.’ ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton described the situation as the most severe he has witnessed in 32 years, citing profound diplomatic uncertainty. He clarified the grim reality for crews, explaining that even with the right to request repatriation, logistical constraints and minimum safe manning requirements make immediate evacuation impossible.

    This region now joins other globally recognized high-threat maritime zones, including parts of the Sea of Azov, the northern Black Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, all classified as Warlike Operations Areas.

  • Panic in Beirut as Israel warns people to evacuate from the city’s southern suburbs

    Panic in Beirut as Israel warns people to evacuate from the city’s southern suburbs

    BEIRUT — Panic engulfed Lebanon’s capital Thursday as unprecedented traffic gridlock paralyzed the city following Israel’s military directive ordering the complete evacuation of all southern Beirut suburbs. The emergency warning advised residents to “save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately” through specified routes toward central Beirut and northern areas.

    This blanket evacuation order for the Dahiyeh district—a known Hezbollah stronghold—signals an anticipated major Israeli bombardment operation. While Israel had previously issued warnings for areas south of the Litani River, this marks the first comprehensive evacuation mandate for Beirut’s southern suburbs since hostilities reignited between Israel and Hezbollah.

    The escalation follows Monday’s missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah into Israel—the first such assault in over a year—which came in response to recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Israeli retaliation has included sustained bombardment of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s outskirts.

    According to updated figures, the conflict has already claimed 102 lives and displaced over 83,000 Lebanese citizens prior to Thursday’s evacuation order. The directive prompted urgent diplomatic intervention, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urgently contacting French counterpart Emmanuel Macron seeking intervention to prevent widespread strikes.

    Macron issued a statement demanding immediate de-escalation, calling for Hezbollah to cease fire toward Israel while urging Israel to refrain from ground interventions or large-scale operations in Lebanese territory. The French president confirmed communications with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lebanese leadership, while announcing Paris would send humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

    Residents expressed both fear and frustration while fleeing. “We don’t put anything past them (Israel), they will strike us no matter where we go,” said Hadi Kaakour, a Dahiyeh resident. Another evacuee, Yousef Nabulsi, lamented: “We got sucked into a mess that we have nothing to do with. People have been displaced and are now staying on the streets, and this is wrong.”

    UNIFIL peacekeepers confirmed the first ground combat observations west of Kfar Kila near the Israeli border, including weapon fire and aerial attacks. This development follows Israel’s Tuesday announcement of additional troops moving into southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have maintained presence since the November 2024 ceasefire.

    The Lebanese army has withdrawn from border areas as Israeli troops advanced, while Hezbollah has published statements and video evidence of attacks on Israeli forces, including missile strikes against tanks. The Israeli army confirmed two soldiers wounded by anti-tank fire in Lebanon on Wednesday.

  • Wary Europeans pledge ‘defensive’ military aid in Mideast war

    Wary Europeans pledge ‘defensive’ military aid in Mideast war

    European powers are cautiously escalating military deployments to the Eastern Mediterranean as the Israel-Iran conflict expands regionally, with multiple nations emphasizing strictly defensive postures while avoiding direct combat involvement. The collective response follows recent attacks on Cyprus and Western interests in the Gulf, creating a complex security challenge for EU members.

    Britain has dispatched HMS Dragon, a warship equipped with rapid-fire Sea Viper missile systems, alongside Wildcat helicopters carrying anti-drone Martlet missiles. This deployment complements four Typhoon fighter jets sent to Qatar, though Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially resisted US requests to utilize British bases for offensive operations, drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump.

    France has committed its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, carrying 20 Rafale fighter jets and advanced radar aircraft, to the region. Additional air defense units are being deployed to Cyprus, building on previous successful engagements by frigate Languedoc against Huthi rebel drones in the Red Sea. Paris has permitted US support aircraft to use Istres air base with strict guarantees against offensive operations.

    Greece has contributed two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus while allowing US access to its Souda Bay base in Crete. Italy plans to send naval assets alongside France, the Netherlands and Spain, plus anti-drone and missile defense systems to Gulf partners. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that US aircraft using Italian bases would be limited to logistical support under existing agreements.

    Portugal authorized conditional use of its Lajes base in the Azores for defensive or retaliatory operations exclusively targeting military objectives. Spain, despite Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s vocal opposition to the conflict and refusal to permit US base access, will deploy its advanced frigate Cristobal Colon to provide aerial defense and potential civilian evacuation support around Cyprus.

    The coordinated but carefully constrained European response reflects balancing act between supporting allies and avoiding direct entry into the escalating Middle East conflict, with all participating nations explicitly characterizing their contributions as defensive measures.

  • Two more candidates nominated for next UN secretary-general

    Two more candidates nominated for next UN secretary-general

    The campaign for the next United Nations Secretary-General has gained significant momentum with the formal nomination of two additional high-profile candidates. Official documents published on the website of the UN General Assembly President confirmed the new entrants to what is becoming a competitive international leadership contest.

    Burundi, representing the African Union in its current chair capacity, has nominated Macky Sall, the former President of Senegal. Simultaneously, Costa Rica has presented Rebeca Grynspan, an accomplished economist and former Vice President of the Central American nation, as its candidate for the prestigious position.

    These nominations expand the field to four declared candidates seeking to succeed the current Secretary-General. The previously announced contenders include Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile nominated jointly by Chile, Brazil and Mexico, and Rafael Grossi, the sitting Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who received Argentina’s endorsement.

    In a significant development, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock has circulated a detailed communication to member states outlining the procedural framework for candidate assessments. The interactive dialogues with aspiring candidates are scheduled for the week of April 20, 2026, according to the official correspondence.

    The evaluation process will be structured around the three foundational pillars of the United Nations: international peace and security, human rights protection, and sustainable development. Each candidate will present their strategic vision for the organization’s future direction, followed by an extensive question-and-answer session with representatives from member states.

    The presidential letter additionally established a firm nomination deadline, requiring all candidacies to be formally submitted before the interactive dialogues commence, with April 1, 2026 serving as the absolute cutoff for eligibility participation in the evaluation process.

  • ‘We got home!’ – Relief for Dubai passengers

    ‘We got home!’ – Relief for Dubai passengers

    Commercial air travel between Dubai and European destinations resumed operations Wednesday evening as Emirates flight EK0161 touched down at Dublin Airport. This arrival marked the first scheduled service from the UAE to Ireland following a multi-day suspension of flights due to regional security concerns.

    The flight suspension period coincided with heightened military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Aviation authorities had implemented temporary airspace restrictions over several Middle Eastern countries as a precautionary measure following targeted strikes against Iranian military installations.

    Passengers aboard the arriving aircraft expressed visible relief upon disembarking in Dublin. Travel documentation checks proceeded with standard security protocols, though airport officials reported no exceptional security measures beyond enhanced vigilance.

    Aviation experts confirm that the resumption of Dubai-Dublin service indicates a gradual normalization of air traffic patterns across the region. Airlines are currently implementing contingency plans to accommodate passengers affected by previous flight cancellations, with additional aircraft being deployed to clear backlogged routes.

    The International Air Transport Association issued a statement acknowledging the challenges faced by carriers during the disruption while emphasizing the industry’s commitment to passenger safety as the paramount concern in operational decisions.

  • Families of Kenyan recruits duped into fighting in Russia’s war on Ukraine demand their sons return

    Families of Kenyan recruits duped into fighting in Russia’s war on Ukraine demand their sons return

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Distraught Kenyan families delivered an emotional appeal to their nation’s parliament on Thursday, demanding an immediate ban on the recruitment of citizens for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The demonstration came after revelations that hundreds of Kenyans were deceived with employment promises only to find themselves deployed to active combat zones.

    Protesters marched through Nairobi’s streets carrying photographs of missing, wounded, or killed relatives, chanting slogans urging authorities to secure their loved ones’ return. Their visible anguish was underscored by a massive white banner bearing the stark declaration in bold red letters: ‘KENYANS AND FAMILIES DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THEIR SONS RECRUITED INTO RUSSIA MILITARY.’

    Official government data confirms alarming statistics: over 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with at least 89 currently stationed on front lines. The human cost includes one confirmed death, 39 hospitalized casualties, 28 missing in action, and an unknown number returnees bearing physical and psychological wounds.

    Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi previously announced plans for diplomatic engagement with Moscow, vowing to ‘rein in’ those exploiting Kenyan citizens through what he termed a ‘misadventure.’ Concurrent efforts focus on securing the release of Kenyans held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

    Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, acknowledged one Kenyan currently held as POW, noting that standard protocol under the Geneva Conventions typically mandates prisoner releases upon conflict resolution. However, both Kyiv and Moscow have conducted multiple prisoner exchanges throughout the four-year war.

    An intelligence report presented to parliament last month alleged collusion between Kenyan and Russian government officials with recruitment agencies, systematically luring citizens to combat roles under false pretenses. Families are now demanding prosecution of those responsible for human trafficking, forced recruitment, and violations of international humanitarian and labor laws. Two Kenyan nationals have already been charged with human trafficking in connection with the scheme.

  • Perspective on the two sessions

    Perspective on the two sessions

    Amid growing global economic fragmentation, the strategic partnership between China and Australia is emerging as a crucial stabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor at Australia’s Queensland University of Technology, this bilateral relationship possesses unique capabilities to counteract the disruptive effects of trade wars and economic decoupling trends.

    The symbiotic economic relationship offers substantial mutual benefits that extend beyond conventional trade parameters. China provides Australian industries with unprecedented market access opportunities, cutting-edge technological expertise, and substantial investment capital. Conversely, Australia delivers premium raw materials, maintains a predictable regulatory framework, and contributes advanced agricultural innovations to the partnership.

    Professor Powell emphasized that this collaboration is particularly vital in developing resilient, diversified supply chains within critical future industries. The clean energy and biotechnology sectors stand to benefit significantly from the complementary strengths of both nations’ economies. This strategic alignment comes at a pivotal moment when global supply networks face unprecedented pressures and reorganization.

    The China-Australia economic partnership represents more than mere bilateral trade—it serves as a structural foundation for regional economic stability and technological advancement. As nations worldwide grapple with supply chain vulnerabilities, this collaboration offers a model for how major economies can create mutually reinforcing economic ecosystems that withstand global market disruptions.

  • DR Congo government says 200 killed after landslide at rebel-held mine

    DR Congo government says 200 killed after landslide at rebel-held mine

    A catastrophic landslide at the Rubaya coltan mining complex in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in more than 200 fatalities, including 70 children, according to official government statements. The tragedy occurred Tuesday following torrential rains in this rebel-controlled territory that holds approximately 15% of global coltan reserves.

    The Congolese mines ministry issued a formal statement attributing the disaster to M23 rebel forces, accusing them of permitting extensive illegal mining operations without implementing basic safety protocols or maintenance standards. The ministry emphasized that the lack of official oversight had left miners completely vulnerable to such catastrophes.

    Contradicting the government’s account, local sources within Rubaya told BBC that the collapse resulted from government military attacks against rebel positions, claiming only six fatalities. The government has not responded to these counter-allegations.

    Rescue operations faced significant obstacles due to dangerous terrain and restrictions allegedly imposed by rebel forces on civilian movement. Many injured survivors have been evacuated to medical facilities in Goma, located approximately 70 kilometers east of the disaster site.

    The Rubaya mine represents a crucial node in the global electronics supply chain, as coltan ore contains tantalum—a vital component in manufacturing high-performance capacitors for smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices.

    This tragedy marks the second major collapse at the site within months, following a similar incident in late January that also claimed over 200 lives. When BBC journalists visited the area in July 2025, they documented perilous mining conditions with workers extracting the valuable mineral through manual digging methods amid dangerously unstable pits.

    The geopolitical context adds complexity to the disaster, as UN experts and the US government have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels—allegations Rwanda denies. This week, the US imposed sanctions on the Rwandan army and four senior commanders. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that the Congolese government has included Rubaya on a shortlist of assets offered to the US under a minerals cooperation framework.