Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Afghan, Pakistani forces trade air, artillery strikes

    Afghan, Pakistani forces trade air, artillery strikes

    The volatile Afghanistan-Pakistan border has descended into open warfare as military forces from both nations engaged in intense aerial and artillery exchanges extending into Sunday. The conflict represents the most severe escalation of violence since October, with fighting now entering its fourth consecutive day along the 2,600-kilometer shared frontier.

    Kabul residents reported explosions reverberating through the capital before dawn, followed by sustained gunfire. Afghan authorities confirmed Pakistani aircraft conducted strikes near the city around 5:40 AM local time, triggering approximately twenty minutes of defensive anti-aircraft fire from Afghan forces. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid assured citizens that defensive measures were underway while urging calm.

    North of Kabul, additional airstrikes targeted the former US air base at Bagram, though provincial officials reported no casualties or significant damage from the attempted bombardment. The latest hostilities follow Pakistan’s intensified military campaign against what it identifies as militant infrastructure and military installations within Afghan territory.

    Islamabad maintains its operations specifically target the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it accuses Afghan authorities of sheltering—an allegation Kabul vehemently denies. Afghanistan has condemned the cross-border strikes as violations of its sovereignty and launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam.

    The rhetoric from both sides has intensified dramatically. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared that “our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us,” while Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani warned the conflict would prove “very costly” for both nations.

    Casualty figures remain heavily disputed, with Pakistani officials claiming over 330 Afghan forces killed and dozens of posts destroyed. Afghan authorities rejected these figures as inaccurate, acknowledging only 13 military deaths while asserting their forces inflicted substantial losses on Pakistani troops.

    Civilian areas in multiple provinces including Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kandahar have reportedly been affected, with Afghan officials alleging dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children. Pakistan maintains it exclusively targets military installations.

    The Torkham border crossing, a critical transit point for Afghans returning from Pakistan, has become an active conflict zone, prompting hundreds of residents to flee the area.

    International diplomatic efforts have intensified with Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, the European Union, and United Nations all urging restraint and advocating for dialogue. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed Beijing has been mediating through backchannel communications to facilitate de-escalation between the neighboring nations.

  • What Aussie travellers need to know about their flight plans after Middle East conflict sparks airline chaos

    What Aussie travellers need to know about their flight plans after Middle East conflict sparks airline chaos

    A severe aviation crisis has emerged across the Middle East following recent military escalations, leaving tens of thousands of Australian travelers stranded globally. The closure of critical airspaces—including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates—has triggered widespread flight cancellations and rerouting, disrupting major transit corridors between Australia and Europe.

    Virgin Australia cancelled six flights on Monday, with services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Doha heavily affected. The airline is offering flexible rebooking options, travel credits, and refunds for passengers scheduled to travel to Doha through March 6. While Qantas reported no immediate impact on its Singapore-London route, it has extended booking flexibility for travelers transiting through UAE, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, and Oman.

    Major international carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa, have suspended operations to and from the region. In response, the UAE government has committed to covering accommodation costs for affected passengers until normal operations resume.

    The Australian government has issued stringent travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid travel to multiple Middle Eastern nations. Smartraveller, Australia’s official travel advisory service, has highlighted significant risks of further regional escalation and sudden border closures. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade specifically advises against travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.

    Travel insurance providers have clarified that most policies exclude coverage for incidents related to armed conflict or civil unrest. The Insurance Council of Australia emphasizes that traveling against official warnings may void insurance coverage entirely. Stranded passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking or refunds.

    Australian citizens and permanent residents in affected regions are encouraged to register with DFAT for direct updates and assistance.

  • Israel hits Lebanon after Hezbollah fire, expanding Iran war

    Israel hits Lebanon after Hezbollah fire, expanding Iran war

    Israeli military forces initiated a significant escalation in hostilities with Hezbollah on Monday, launching targeted strikes across Lebanon, including the capital city of Beirut. This offensive action came in direct response to rocket and drone attacks launched by the Iranian-backed militant group against Israeli territory earlier that day.

    The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed they had ‘begun striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization across Lebanon,’ with an AFP journalist documenting multiple powerful explosions resonating through Beirut. Military officials specified that their operations ‘precisely struck’ senior Hezbollah members both in the Beirut metropolitan area and in southern Lebanon, marking the most substantial military engagement since the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

    Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim political and military organization, claimed responsibility for the initial rocket barrage, characterizing it as retaliatory measure for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Tehran over the weekend. The group’s leadership had previously established any attack against Khamenei as an unequivocal ‘red line’ that would necessitate military response.

    The escalation has triggered widespread evacuations throughout southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs, with Israel issuing formal warnings to residents in approximately 50 towns and villages within Hezbollah strongholds. Army spokeswoman Ella Waweya urged civilians to ‘evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 metres away from your village to open areas’ for their safety.

    Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah’s rocket fire as ‘irresponsible,’ asserting that such actions ‘endanger Lebanon’s security and safety, and gives Israel pretexts to continue its attacks.’ His government, which has historically advocated for Hezbollah’s disarmament, announced plans to convene an emergency meeting to address the crisis and implement protective measures for Lebanese citizens.

    The National News Agency of Lebanon reported substantial population displacement from conflict zones, with local media footage showing congested roadways as residents fled targeted areas. This development represents a dangerous expansion of regional tensions that originated with the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent military operations in Gaza.

  • Hopes and fears as US Iranians take to streets after toppling of supreme leader

    Hopes and fears as US Iranians take to streets after toppling of supreme leader

    The Iranian-American community across the United States has responded with complex and divided emotions following the joint U.S.-Israel military operation that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend.

    In Los Angeles, home to the largest concentration of Iranian immigrants in America, police closed streets outside federal buildings to accommodate celebratory demonstrations. The city witnessed emotional scenes as thousands waved flags and danced in celebration. A plane circled overhead displaying a banner reading “THANK U TRUMP,” capturing the sentiment of many exiles who have long opposed the Tehran regime.

    Fatemeh Shams, an Iranian-American in Philadelphia since 2009, expressed the conflicted feelings shared by many: “We all have very mixed feelings about what’s happening. On the one hand, we are extremely happy that our killers… they no longer breathe. The fact that Khamenei was killed in less than a moment, after 38 years of corruption and crime, it kind of feels that we didn’t have any control over the justice we had been fighting for.”

    Hoda Zeaighamnia celebrated with her three children, one of whom was just days old when the family fled Iran. Her daughter Donya Cheshmaghil stated: “My family was forced to flee because we’re not Muslim and they’re very oppressive against anyone that’s not Muslim. We’re hoping this leads to regime change. We’re very grateful for the US for finally intervening.”

    However, not all responses were celebratory. Anti-war protests emerged in several cities, including Los Angeles where actress and activist Jane Fonda, 88, addressed hundreds of demonstrators. “You may wage this war in our name, but not with our consent,” she declared.

    The division was also evident among U.S. Congress members with Iranian heritage. Republican Congresswoman Stephanie Bice called for Iranians to “stand up and take back their nation,” while Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari expressed concerns about potential U.S. involvement in “another endless war in the Middle East.”

    Despite uncertainties about the future, many Iranian-Americans chose to focus on the immediate outcome—the removal of a leader whose regime has been responsible for thousands of deaths during recent protests. As one celebrator in LA expressed: “This is a great day. Our country has been wanting this for a while. It’s beautiful. It really is.”

  • Watch: Iranian Americans celebrate on the streets of Los Angeles

    Watch: Iranian Americans celebrate on the streets of Los Angeles

    The streets of Los Angeles witnessed vibrant celebrations as members of the Iranian American community gathered publicly for the second consecutive day following the outbreak of regional hostilities. Demonstrating a complex geopolitical stance, expatriates and their descendants expressed support for Israel’s defensive measures through spontaneous street gatherings characterized by dancing, singing, and waving Israeli flags.

    This public display in one of America’s largest Iranian diaspora communities reflects deep-seated opposition to the Tehran regime rather than endorsement of conflict itself. The celebrations, concentrated in West Los Angeles neighborhoods traditionally associated with Persian Jewish populations, represent a political statement against Iran’s current leadership and its proxy networks.

    Community leaders emphasized that the demonstrations symbolize solidarity with democratic values and opposition to authoritarian regimes, highlighting the nuanced perspectives within immigrant communities regarding their nations of origin. The gatherings occurred peacefully without reported incidents, though they present striking visual contrasts to protests occurring simultaneously in other global cities.

    These events underscore how international conflicts frequently trigger transnational responses within diaspora communities, where geopolitical tensions become locally performed through public expression. The demonstrations also reveal the multifaceted nature of immigrant identity politics, where homeland conflicts become reinterpreted through the lens of American civic values and experiences.

  • Deadly strikes hit Israel as Iran promises to avenge Khamenei’s killing

    Deadly strikes hit Israel as Iran promises to avenge Khamenei’s killing

    The Middle East plunged deeper into a widespread military confrontation as Iran, reeling from the assassination of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, announced an interim governing council and vowed severe retaliation against the United States and Israel. For a second consecutive day, the region endured a relentless exchange of missile and drone attacks, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.

    Iranian authorities confirmed the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defence Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, attributing their killings to coordinated strikes by Israel and the U.S. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that 48 Iranian leaders had been eliminated since operations commenced on Saturday.

    Despite these significant losses, Tehran continued its offensive operations. An Iranian missile struck a bomb shelter in the densely populated ultra-Orthodox town of Beit Shemesh, Israel, resulting in at least nine fatalities and raising the Israeli death toll to twelve since the conflict began. Simultaneously, Iranian forces launched attacks across the Gulf, targeting capitals including Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Doha, and Kuwait City, as well as Oman—a nation previously engaged in mediation efforts. Civilian casualties were reported, with three killed in the UAE and one in Kuwait.

    The U.S. military reported three personnel killed and five seriously wounded during ‘Operation Epic Fury.’ In a strategic move with global economic implications, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of the world’s oil supply. Attacks on two vessels in the strait, including an oil tanker reported to be sinking, threatened to trigger a surge in crude prices. The U.S. claimed to have sunk an Iranian warship in the Gulf of Oman, while the IRGC asserted an attack on the USS Abraham Lincoln, a claim promptly denied by the Pentagon.

    In response to the leadership vacuum, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appeared on state television alongside Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and senior religious scholar Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, forming a three-man interim council. President Pezeshkian declared a ‘legitimate duty and right to avenge’ Khamenei’s killing, which he labeled a ‘historic crime.’

    The political atmosphere within Iran was deeply fractured. Organized pro-government rallies demanding ‘severe revenge’ dominated the streets of Tehran, Isfahan, and Qom. Conversely, celebrations erupted in some areas, such as the conservative holy city of Mashhad, where residents distributed sweets and openly flouted hijab laws, highlighting the nation’s internal divisions. The Iranian Red Crescent reported a preliminary toll of at least 201 killed and 747 wounded in airstrikes, with a devastating strike on a girls’ primary school in Minab claiming 153 lives, most of them children aged seven to twelve.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the campaign would intensify, with 100,000 reservists called up and strikes continuing ‘at the heart of Tehran.’ He warned the situation would ‘only escalate in the days ahead,’ signaling no near-term de-escalation despite unverified claims from Trump about potential negotiations and a reported refusal from Tehran for a ceasefire.

  • 17 killed at pro-Iran protests across Pakistan

    17 killed at pro-Iran protests across Pakistan

    Pakistan witnessed violent nationwide demonstrations on Sunday as protests erupted over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and numerous injuries across multiple cities.

    In Karachi, hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters attempted to storm the US consulate, leading to intense clashes with security forces. Medical authorities confirmed at least 10 deaths and over 70 injuries in the city, with hospital records indicating many victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds. AFP journalists witnessed demonstrators scaling the consulate’s main gate, smashing windows before police dispersed crowds with tear gas.

    The northern city of Gilgit experienced similarly deadly confrontations, where rescue official Zaheer Shah reported at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries during protests. In the capital Islamabad, thousands gathered bearing images of the deceased Iranian leader, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and audible gunfire to control crowds near US diplomatic compounds.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Khamenei’s killing as a ‘violation of international law,’ stating on social media platform X that ‘Heads of State/Government should not be targeted.’ While expressing solidarity with Iran, Sharif’s statements notably characterized the offensive as an Israeli operation, omitting significant US involvement.

    The protests revealed deep anti-American sentiment among demonstrators. ‘We don’t need anything in Pakistan that is linked with the US,’ protester Sabir Hussain told AFP. Another participant, Zahra Mumtaz, accused Pakistani leadership of being ‘stooges of the Americans’ while demanding the right to grieve openly.

    The violence extended to international organizations as protesters in Skardu stormed and set fire to a United Nations office, with nearby vehicles completely burned according to AFP correspondents. The US and British embassies subsequently issued security alerts urging citizens to exercise extreme caution throughout Pakistan.

  • Kidnapping of foreigners soars in Africa’s lawless Sahel region

    Kidnapping of foreigners soars in Africa’s lawless Sahel region

    The West African Sahel region has witnessed a dramatic escalation in high-profile kidnappings of foreign nationals throughout 2025, with Islamist militants employing abduction as both economic strategy and political weapon. This alarming trend represents a strategic shift by al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has transformed kidnapping into a sophisticated revenue stream while simultaneously undermining regional governments.

    Marin Petrović’s harrowing experience exemplifies this crisis. The Bosnian mountain rescue expert documented his 55-day captivity after JNIM militants intercepted his vehicle en route to Mopti’s historic mosque. His Instagram testimony reveals brutal conditions: sleeping on bare ground, drinking contaminated water, and surviving on minimal rations while surrounded by wildlife and armed guards. Despite his ordeal, Petrović observed unexpected humanity among some captors, noting that ‘many of them have a heart’ beneath their militant exterior.

    Statistical analysis reveals disturbing patterns. According to ACLED conflict monitoring data, 30 separate kidnapping events targeted foreigners by November 2025, with final numbers expected to surpass previous years significantly. Chinese nationals constitute the largest demographic among abducted foreigners, representing 38 of 89 documented cases—primarily workers in Mali’s gold mining regions where Chinese corporations have expanded operations amid soaring gold prices.

    The economic dimensions are staggering. Ransom payments allegedly contribute up to 40% of JNIM’s annual revenue, with one UAE royal family member’s release reportedly commanding $50 million. This financial incentive combines with strategic objectives: by targeting foreign workers, JNIM destabilizes Mali’s economy and strains international partnerships, particularly China’s significant mining investments.

    Analyst Héni Nsaibia of ACLED explains this dual motivation: ‘Ransom provides obvious incentive, but kidnapping primarily serves broader economic warfare with direct ramifications for bilateral relations.’ The group’s recent avoidance of Western targets suggests calculated public relations efforts to build international credibility, contrasting with their continued targeting of Chinese nationals who receive less diplomatic protection.

    While Petrović eventually gained freedom without ransom payment, others remain captive. Austrian humanitarian worker Eva Greztmacher, now 74, has endured over a year in desert conditions with temperatures reaching 50°C (122°F). Her son Christoph maintains cautious optimism while coordinating discreet efforts for her release, acknowledging the delicate balance between media attention and negotiation tactics.

    The crisis continues evolving. Recent Chinese embassy warnings against ‘illegal gold mining’ and personnel evacuations signal growing governmental concern, though official intervention remains limited. As JNIM refines its kidnapping calculus—weighing financial gains against political consequences—foreign workers and travelers throughout the Sahel face increasingly perilous conditions with no comprehensive solution in sight.

  • Iranian missiles kill nine in Israel, with UAE, Oman and Kuwait also targeted

    Iranian missiles kill nine in Israel, with UAE, Oman and Kuwait also targeted

    A significant escalation in Middle Eastern hostilities occurred on Sunday as Iranian ballistic missiles struck the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, resulting in substantial casualties and structural damage. According to the Magen David Adom emergency service, the attack killed nine individuals and wounded at least 28 others, with two victims reported in serious condition.

    Israeli authorities confirmed a direct impact on a residential building located approximately 30 kilometers from Jerusalem. Emergency response teams, including search and rescue units and medical evacuation helicopters, were immediately deployed to the area. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that officials are thoroughly investigating the precise circumstances of the ballistic missile impact.

    Paramedic Yehuda Shlomo described the aftermath to AFP, recounting ‘a terrible scene’ with severe structural damage, widespread smoke, and numerous traumatized casualties emerging from damaged structures. This attack represents the most lethal strike on Israeli territory since the current conflict initiated.

    The Iranian offensive, reportedly in retaliation for earlier Israeli and American operations, extended beyond Israel’s borders throughout the Gulf region. United Arab Emirates authorities reported three fatalities and 58 injuries from the attacks, with victims identified as Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals. The UAE Defense Ministry disclosed intercepting 152 of 165 detected ballistic missiles and neutralizing 506 of 541 Iranian drones.

    Kuwait’s health ministry confirmed one death and 32 injuries, while Oman experienced its first direct involvement in the conflict when two drones targeted the port of Duqm. One strike injured a foreign worker at mobile accommodations, while the other landed near fuel tanks without causing additional damage. Subsequent reports indicated an oil tanker attack off Oman’s coast that injured four crew members.

    Bahrain’s capital Manama saw drone strikes targeting its airport and the Crowne Plaza hotel, prompting the US embassy to advise citizens to avoid area hotels. Social media footage revealed smoke and flames emanating from high-rise residential buildings struck by drone debris.

    Qatar, host to the region’s largest US military base, reported intercepting most of the 65 missiles and 12 drones launched toward its territory, though eight people sustained injuries with one in critical condition. Witnesses reported visible smoke near US military installations in Abu Dhabi, Manama, and Kuwait as American bases throughout the region came under fire.

  • Which senior Iranian figures have been killed by US-Israeli attacks?

    Which senior Iranian figures have been killed by US-Israeli attacks?

    A coordinated military offensive by the United States and Israel has resulted in a catastrophic decapitation of Iran’s political and military hierarchy, with casualties estimated in the hundreds. The most significant loss confirmed by Iranian state media is the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had governed the Islamic Republic since 1989. A state television broadcaster, visibly emotional, announced that the 86-year-old cleric “achieved his long-cherished wish of martyrdom in the holy month of Ramadan.” Several members of his immediate family, including his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, were also reported killed.

    The assault extended far beyond the supreme leader, systematically eliminating the upper echelons of Iran’s security apparatus. Among the high-profile casualties is Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Defence Council and a key nuclear negotiator; and Amir Nasirzadeh, the nation’s Defence Minister. Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, was also killed, continuing a pattern of targeting military successors.

    Israeli military spokespersons claimed responsibility for eliminating a wider circle of senior officials, though these reports await independent verification. According to intelligence sources cited by major news outlets, the operation was based on meticulously gathered intelligence. The New York Times reported that the CIA had been monitoring Khamenei’s movements for months and recently identified a high-level meeting at a leadership compound in Tehran. This intelligence was subsequently shared with Israeli forces, who launched a simultaneous multi-target strike. CBS News, citing intelligence sources, placed the death toll among officials at approximately 40.

    The list of presumed deceased includes Mojtaba Khamenei (a son and potential successor to the supreme leader), Esmail Qaani (head of the IRGC’s Quds Force), and several heads of military intelligence and research agencies. In the wake of this power vacuum, Iranian state media announced that interim governance would be transferred to a three-member council consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and jurist Alireza Arafi. The scale and precision of the strikes mark an unprecedented escalation in the ongoing shadow conflict between the powers, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.