Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Chile declares emergency as wildfires kill at least 18

    Chile declares emergency as wildfires kill at least 18

    Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency in the southern regions of Nuble and Biobio following devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 18 lives and displaced more than 50,000 residents. The catastrophic blazes, fueled by strong winds and extreme summer temperatures, have been burning uncontrollably for two days approximately 500 kilometers south of Santiago.

    The most severe human losses have been concentrated in the city of Penco, according to local Mayor Rodrigo Vera. Survivors describe harrowing escapes from fast-moving flames that consumed entire communities overnight. “We had to leave with the shirts on our back. If we had stayed another 20 minutes we would have burned to death,” recounted Matias Cid, a 25-year-old student from Penco.

    The aftermath reveals apocalyptic scenes of charred ruins, destroyed vehicles, and smoldering landscapes where homes once stood. In the port town of Lirquen, residents fled to beaches for safety as fire engulfed residential areas. “There is nothing left standing,” said Alejandro Arredondo, 57, surveying the metal and wood debris that comprised his neighborhood.

    President Boric has mobilized all available resources, including nearly 4,000 firefighters and military personnel, warning that the death toll is likely to rise. The declaration of emergency enables armed forces deployment to assist containment efforts. The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response reports that evacuations have been most extensive in Penco and Lirquen, with a combined population of approximately 60,000 people.

    Weather conditions continue to hinder firefighting operations, with forecasts predicting persistent high temperatures and strong winds. This tragedy marks another chapter in Chile’s growing climate crisis, following February 2024 wildfires near Vina del Mar that killed 138 people. Experts increasingly attribute these extreme weather events to climate change impacts affecting the South American nation.

  • Chile: At least 15 killed, emergency declared due to wildfires

    Chile: At least 15 killed, emergency declared due to wildfires

    Chilean authorities have declared a state of emergency in southern regions as devastating wildfires continue to rage, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and the evacuation of over 50,000 residents. The catastrophic blazes, primarily concentrated in the Nuble and Biobio regions approximately 500 kilometers south of Santiago, have been fueled by intense summer heat and powerful winds characteristic of the Southern Hemisphere’s current season.

    Security Minister Luis Cordero confirmed the death toll Sunday as firefighting crews battled nearly two dozen separate infernos across the affected areas. Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde characterized the situation as ‘complicated,’ emphasizing the severity of the crisis unfolding in the south-central territories.

    President Gabriel Boric activated emergency protocols through a social media announcement, mobilizing all available national resources including military assistance. The declaration enables armed forces deployment to support fire containment and evacuation efforts amid the escalating disaster.

    National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response director Alicia Cebrian reported that the majority of evacuations occurred in the Biobio cities of Penco and Lirquen, with a combined population of approximately 60,000 inhabitants. Local television broadcasts depicted harrowing scenes of streets filled with charred vehicles and neighborhoods engulfed in flames.

    This tragedy echoes previous wildfire catastrophes that have plagued Chile’s south-central regions in recent years. In February 2024, simultaneous fires near Viña del Mar resulted in 138 fatalities and affected approximately 16,000 residents, according to official records from the public prosecutor’s office.

  • Chile declares state of catastrophe in two regions after wildfires kill 16

    Chile declares state of catastrophe in two regions after wildfires kill 16

    Chilean President Gabriel Boric has enacted a state of catastrophe across the Nuble and Biobio regions following devastating wildfires that have resulted in at least 16 fatalities. The emergency declaration, announced Sunday via the president’s official social media channel, mobilizes all available national resources to combat the escalating crisis.

    According to Chile’s National Forestry Corporation, 24 active fires were burning across the country as of Sunday morning, with the most severe concentration in Nuble where nine separate blazes are raging. The most extensive fire has consumed approximately 2,200 hectares in the city of Ranquil within the Nuble region.

    The scale of displacement is substantial, with National Disaster Prevention and Response Service director Alicia Cebrian reporting that approximately 30,000 residents have been evacuated from the severely impacted communities around Penco in Biobio. Comprehensive assessment of residential damage remains ongoing as emergency crews battle the spreading flames.

    This tragedy evokes memories of Chile’s devastating 2024 wildfire season, when infernos swept through the central Valparaiso region claiming 138 lives and destroying tens of thousands of homes. The current emergency declaration enables military deployment and unlocks federal emergency funding to support firefighting operations and victim assistance.

    Photographic evidence from affected areas shows residents surveying the charred remnants of their communities, with buildings reduced to rubble and landscapes transformed into ash-covered wastelands. The declaration of catastrophe status reflects the severity of what officials are describing as one of Chile’s most significant wildfire events in recent years.

  • Gang members in Guatemala kill seven police after prison crackdown: minister

    Gang members in Guatemala kill seven police after prison crackdown: minister

    In a brutal wave of retaliatory violence, Guatemalan gang members killed seven National Civil Police officers and wounded ten others on Sunday. The attacks came in direct response to the government’s firm stance against transferring imprisoned gang leaders to lower-security facilities.

    The deadly assaults occurred throughout Guatemala City and surrounding regions, just one day after gang-affiliated inmates seized 46 hostages across three correctional facilities. According to Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda, the coordinated attacks represented ‘cowardly acts by terrorists’ targeting state security forces.

    President Bernardo Arevalo convened an emergency cabinet meeting Sunday, pledging to make ‘decisive decisions to maintain security’ amid escalating tensions. The crisis began Saturday when inmates took prison staff hostage to protest the transfer of gang leaders to maximum-security institutions.

    In a dawn operation Sunday, Guatemalan security forces supported by military units stormed the Renovación I maximum-security prison in Escuintla, approximately 75 kilometers south of the capital. Utilizing armored vehicles and tear gas, authorities regained control within 15 minutes and successfully rescued nine hostages without casualties.

    During the operation, security forces captured Aldo Dupie, alias ‘El Lobo’ (The Wolf), identified as the Guatemalan leader of the notorious Barrio 18 criminal organization. The Interior Ministry released footage showing Dupie in bloodstained clothing being led away in handcuffs.

    The violence highlights the ongoing struggle against Barrio 18 and its rival MS-13, both designated terrorist organizations by the United States. These groups maintain significant influence within Guatemala’s prison system and are responsible for much of the drug trafficking and criminal violence plaguing the Central American nation.

    As of Sunday, gang members continued holding 37 additional hostages at two other facilities: Fraijanes II prison east of the capital and Preventivo prison on the city’s outskirts. While Interior Minister Villeda acknowledged ongoing negotiations for their release, he emphatically stated that the state ‘will not bow down to these criminals.’

    Defense Minister Major General Henry Saenz confirmed the army would maintain its presence on the streets to continue ‘dismantling’ criminal networks. The current crisis continues a pattern of prison unrest dating to mid-2025, with gangs repeatedly staging uprisings to demand improved conditions for their leadership.

    The situation underscores Guatemala’s severe security challenges, with the country recording a homicide rate of 16.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous year—more than double the global average.

  • Five dead after high-speed trains collide in Spain

    Five dead after high-speed trains collide in Spain

    A catastrophic rail collision involving two high-speed trains near the Andalusian town of Adamuz has resulted in significant casualties, with at least five fatalities and dozens injured. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a Malaga-to-Madrid service derailed and collided with an opposing Madrid-to-Huelva train, according to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif.

    Emergency response teams mobilized rapidly to the scene following the derailment, which took place approximately ten minutes after the Malaga train’s 18:40 local time departure. Andalusia’s emergency services reported at least 25 individuals sustained serious injuries, with numerous others suffering minor harm. The private rail operator Iryo confirmed approximately 300 passengers were aboard the Malaga-Madrid service at the time of the accident.

    Eyewitness Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with RTVE who was traveling in the first carriage, described the experience as resembling an earthquake. ‘They immediately called to see if there were healthcare professionals who could assist,’ Jimenez recounted. ‘They used hammers to break windows and eventually evacuated us.’

    In response to the tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced government coordination with emergency services to support affected individuals. Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno similarly expressed profound concern and solidarity with victims and their families. All rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended indefinitely as investigation into the cause of the derailment continues.

  • Iran considers ‘gradually’ restoring internet after shutdown

    Iran considers ‘gradually’ restoring internet after shutdown

    Iranian authorities have signaled intentions to progressively reinstate internet connectivity after implementing a comprehensive communications blackout lasting ten days. This digital shutdown, described by human rights organizations as a veil for violent suppression of protests, coincided with demonstrations initially triggered by economic grievances in late December.

    The Tasnim news agency disclosed Saturday that relevant authorities planned to gradually restore internet access, though specific timelines remain undisclosed. According to an anonymous informed source, local messaging applications would soon be reactivated on Iran’s domestic intranet network. As of Sunday, limited internet connectivity had been observed in Tehran, though most providers and mobile internet services remained suspended.

    The communication restrictions, initiated on January 8 as protests intensified, severely disrupted text messaging, international phone communications, and periodically affected local calling capabilities. Outgoing international calls resumed Tuesday, with text messaging services restored Saturday morning. Throughout the blackout period, Iran maintained operation of its national intranet system, supporting essential services including local media platforms, ride-hailing applications, delivery services, and banking operations.

    Human rights organizations report the communication blockade masked extensive violence against protesters. Amnesty International verified numerous videos and accounts indicating security forces systematically fired upon demonstrators from street level and elevated positions. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) has documented 3,428 protestor fatalities through verification from within Iran’s medical system, eyewitness accounts, and independent sources, though actual numbers may significantly exceed confirmed cases.

    Judicial authorities have warned of swift trials for detained protesters, with judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir stating Sunday that those instigating violence could face charges equivalent to ‘waging war against God’—a capital offense under Iranian law. The government maintains that initial peaceful demonstrations transformed into riots fueled by foreign interference, specifically attributing blame to the United States and Israel.

    International concern mounts regarding potential mass executions, despite claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran suspended hundreds of planned executions. Regional analysts caution that Iranian leadership historically views executions as effective deterrents against civil unrest, prioritizing long-term domestic security over international condemnation.

  • Saudi Arabia sentences 3 men to death over terrorism charges

    Saudi Arabia sentences 3 men to death over terrorism charges

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior confirmed on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, the implementation of capital punishment against three individuals convicted of severe terrorism offenses. The executed men—identified as Hussein bin Salem bin Mohammed Al-Amri, Saud bin Huleil bin Saud Al-Enazi, and Bassam Mohsen Maran Al-Subaie—were found guilty by a specialized court on multiple charges.

    The convictions stemmed from their involvement with a foreign terrorist organization and a series of direct attacks on state security. The ministry’s detailed statement outlined that their crimes included the deliberate planting of explosive devices in security vehicles with the explicit intent to kill members of the security forces. Furthermore, they were convicted of providing shelter and support to other militants, facilitating further terrorist activities.

    The judicial process began after security authorities apprehended the suspects following extensive investigations. The case was tried in a specialized court, which issued discretionary death sentences permissible under Saudi law. These sentences underwent a mandatory review process, where they were upheld by the nation’s higher judicial authorities. The final rulings received royal approval, a procedural step in accordance with the Kingdom’s Sharia law framework.

    The executions were carried out in the capital city of Riyadh. In its official communication, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that this decisive action underscores the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to preserving national security and stability. The statement served as a stern warning, asserting that the government will relentlessly pursue and apply the full force of the law against any individuals who engage in acts of violence or terrorism that threaten public safety.

  • Syrian army gains ground as Kurdish forces withdraw from key oil field

    Syrian army gains ground as Kurdish forces withdraw from key oil field

    In a significant shift of territorial control, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from Syria’s largest oil field on Sunday amid expanding government military operations across northern and eastern regions. The al-Omar oil field, previously housing the largest US military base in Syria, was evacuated by SDF units at dawn according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

    The government offensive has reclaimed numerous strategic locations including two neighborhoods in Aleppo following recent clashes, along with territories east of the city and the Tabqa area in Raqqa province. This advance marks the government’s most substantial gain in predominantly Arab territories that had been under Kurdish control since the campaign against Islamic State.

    The withdrawal follows the collapse of a negotiated agreement for Kurdish forces to retreat to areas east of the Euphrates River. Both sides reported casualties and exchanged accusations regarding which party violated the arrangement. The Kurdish administration claimed government forces launched attacks across multiple fronts, while the Syrian army asserted that SDF fighters failed to honor their commitment to completely withdraw east of the river.

    In response to the escalating situation, Kurdish authorities implemented a curfew in Raqqa province after the army designated the southwestern Euphrates region as a “closed military zone.

    Concurrently, President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree granting official recognition to Kurdish rights, interpreted as a goodwill gesture amid the government’s push to reassert authority nationwide. However, the Kurdish autonomous administration, which controls substantial territory in northeast Syria, dismissed the announcement as insufficient, noting that implementation of agreements to integrate Kurdish forces into the state structure has remained stalled for months.

  • Iranian official says verified deaths in Iran protests reach at least 5,000

    Iranian official says verified deaths in Iran protests reach at least 5,000

    An unnamed Iranian official has disclosed that government-verified fatalities from recent civil unrest have reached approximately 5,000 casualties, according to a Sunday statement to Reuters. The official indicated that security personnel accounted for roughly 500 of these deaths, while attributing the remaining civilian casualties to what authorities describe as “terrorists and armed rioters.”

    The northwestern Kurdish regions experienced the most severe violence, with the official noting these areas witnessed both the most intense clashes and highest concentration of fatalities. This region has historical significance as a center of Kurdish separatist activity and has consistently been the epicenter of violent confrontations during previous periods of civil unrest.

    While the official suggested the final death toll would not increase substantially, the statement contradicted reports from international monitoring organizations. The US-based HRANA rights group documented 3,308 confirmed fatalities with an additional 4,382 cases undergoing verification, alongside more than 24,000 confirmed arrests.

    The Iranian government maintains its longstanding position that foreign adversaries have instigated the unrest. The official specifically cited Israel and overseas armed groups as providing support and equipment to protesters. This accusation aligns with Tehran’s frequent attribution of domestic opposition to external forces, particularly its regional arch-rival Israel, which conducted military strikes against Iranian targets in June.

    Norwegian-based Hengaw, an Iranian Kurdish rights organization, corroborated reports of particularly violent clashes in northwestern Kurdish areas since protests initially erupted in late December. The disclosure comes amid increasing international diplomatic pressure, with several nations including New Zealand and Slovakia temporarily closing their Iranian diplomatic missions.

  • Indonesia finds one body from surveillance plane wreckage; passenger count revised to 10

    Indonesia finds one body from surveillance plane wreckage; passenger count revised to 10

    Indonesian rescue authorities confirmed on Sunday the discovery of wreckage from a fisheries surveillance aircraft that crashed into a mountainside in South Sulawesi province, recovering one victim’s body from the devastating scene. The ATR 42-500 turboprop, operated by Indonesia Air Transport and chartered by the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, had vanished from radar contact Saturday afternoon during its surveillance mission.

    Search and rescue operations involving approximately 1,200 personnel successfully located the fragmented remains of the aircraft scattered across the rugged terrain of Mount Bulusaraung near the Maros region. Initial helicopter reconnaissance teams spotted critical components including aircraft windows at 7:46 AM local time, followed by identification of the main fuselage and tail section minutes later.

    Officials revised the passenger manifest downward from initial reports, confirming three fisheries ministry staff members and seven crew members aboard the ill-fated flight. The aircraft had been conducting aerial surveillance operations over fisheries before its scheduled arrival in Makassar, South Sulawesi’s capital.

    Rescue efforts faced significant challenges due to persistently thick fog and the mountain’s treacherous topography. The recovered victim was located in a ravine approximately 200 meters from the mountain’s peak, while the condition of the remaining nine individuals remains unknown.

    Soerjanto Tjahjono, head of Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), characterized the incident as ‘controlled flight into terrain,’ indicating the pilot maintained aircraft control until impact. Aviation investigators have not yet determined the precise causal factors behind the crash, though experts note most aviation accidents result from multiple contributing elements.

    The tragedy marks Indonesia’s first fatal ATR 42 accident since 2015, when another turboprop crashed in Papua province claiming 54 lives. Flight tracking data indicated the surveillance aircraft had been operating at low altitude over ocean waters prior to losing signal approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Makassar airport.