Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Sudan’s RSF trying to cover up mass killings in el-Fasher, researchers say

    Sudan’s RSF trying to cover up mass killings in el-Fasher, researchers say

    A groundbreaking investigation by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has exposed the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) systematic campaign to conceal evidence of mass atrocities in the captured city of el-Fasher. Satellite imagery analysis reveals the RSF has been disposing of tens of thousands of bodies through coordinated burial and burning operations following their October seizure of the strategic Darfur stronghold.

    The RSF’s capture of el-Fasher after an 18-month siege marked a pivotal military victory, driving Sudan’s regular army from its final foothold in the vast western region. However, this triumph came amid widespread reports of executions and crimes against humanity that drew international condemnation. The HRL report details how the paramilitary group ‘engaged in a systematic multi-week campaign to destroy evidence of its widespread mass killings,’ with satellite evidence showing continuing patterns of body disposal and destruction.

    The conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s regular army, erupting in April 2023 from a power struggle, has created what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. Satellite evidence from November indicates severely limited civilian activity in el-Fasher since its capture, while imagery analysis identifies over 80 body clusters outside city limits—evidence that the RSF targeted civilians attempting to flee.

    Despite RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announcing an investigation into alleged violations by his forces, the group continues to deny widespread allegations of ethnically motivated killings targeting non-Arab populations. Humanitarian agencies report alarmingly low numbers of successfully evacuated civilians, with approximately 250,000 people believed trapped in the city and fewer than half reaching displacement camps.

    The RSF has utilized its el-Fasher victory to consolidate power in western Sudan, establishing a parallel government in Darfur’s city of Nyala while the regular army maintains control over most of the country. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 13 million people since April 2023, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises of modern times.

  • Ukraine struggling to keep lights on under Russian attack, says energy boss

    Ukraine struggling to keep lights on under Russian attack, says energy boss

    Ukraine’s energy infrastructure faces a state of perpetual crisis as systematic Russian attacks cripple the national power grid, leaving millions in darkness during freezing winter conditions. DTEK, the country’s largest energy provider serving 5.6 million Ukrainians, struggles to maintain basic electricity delivery amid relentless assaults that target critical energy facilities with drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons.

    The situation has become so severe that nationwide electricity rationing has been implemented, with most households receiving only a few hours of power daily. The southern city of Odesa experienced a three-day complete blackout this week following coordinated Russian strikes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as temperatures continue to drop.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Dutch parliament, emphasizing that Russia has weaponized winter cold as a dangerous tactical advantage. ‘Every night Ukrainian parents hold their children in basements and shelters hoping our air defense will hold,’ he stated, highlighting the dire circumstances facing civilians.

    The energy crisis has spawned remarkable community resilience. In Odesa, resident Yana, who maintains limited power, has opened her home to neighbors needing to charge phones and access washing facilities. Across Ukraine, the constant hum of generators has become more prevalent than air raid sirens, with citizens relying on power banks as essential survival tools.

    Kyiv resident Tetiana describes the new daily routine: ‘The first thing I do in the morning is check my phone to find out the daily schedule for when my power will be switched on.’ Like many Ukrainians, she has invested in multiple power banks that must be constantly charged during brief electricity windows.

    Approximately 50% of Ukraine’s energy comes from three nuclear facilities in central and western regions, but the transmission network has sustained catastrophic damage. DTEK, operating about ten primarily coal-fired power stations, reports that some facilities are attacked every three to four days. CEO Maxim Timchenko acknowledges, ‘I don’t remember a single day when I had no reports about some damage to our grid.’

    The company faces monumental challenges in sourcing replacement parts, now requiring European-wide searches for equipment previously available domestically. Repair costs have skyrocketed to $166 million this year alone for damaged thermal plants and coal facilities. Despite these obstacles, Timchenko remains resolute: ‘We will not give up. We have a responsibility to millions of mothers to have power and heat.’

    The human cost continues to mount, with eight DTEK engineers killed while attempting to maintain power in the fiercely contested Donbas region, where employees ‘risk their lives daily’ to provide essential services.

  • JetBlue flight avoids mid-air collision with US Air Force jet

    JetBlue flight avoids mid-air collision with US Air Force jet

    A potentially catastrophic mid-air collision was narrowly averted on Friday when a JetBlue Airways commercial flight took emergency evasive maneuvers to avoid a US Air Force tanker aircraft near Venezuelan airspace. The incident occurred approximately 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela as JetBlue Flight 1112, an Airbus A320 en route from Curaçao to New York, encountered the military aircraft flying at identical altitude without an activated transponder.

    According to air traffic control recordings obtained by liveatc.net, the JetBlue pilot expressed extreme concern regarding the proximity and lack of electronic identification from the Air Force tanker. ‘They passed directly in our flight path… They don’t have their transponder turned on. It’s outrageous,’ the pilot reported during the incident.

    The event has drawn immediate attention from US lawmakers, with Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz highlighting disturbing parallels to the January 29 collision between an Army helicopter and American Airlines flight near Reagan Washington National Airport that resulted in 67 fatalities. Senator Maria Cantwell, the committee’s top Democrat, emphasized the unacceptable nature of the incident, stating, ‘You don’t have corridors where military aircraft and commercial planes are flying and then not letting each other know that they are in that space.’

    Both senators are currently advocating for the removal of a provision from the annual defense bill that would permit military aircraft to operate in Washington, DC airspace without transmitting ADS-B information, an advanced tracking technology considered critical for collision avoidance.

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened US military activity in the Caribbean region as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued warnings to airlines about potentially hazardous conditions when flying over Venezuela, with numerous carriers suspending operations as tensions escalate.

    JetBlue confirmed the incident through an official statement, noting that safety remains their top priority and that the matter has been reported to federal authorities for investigation. US Southern Command acknowledged awareness of the incident and stated they are reviewing the matter through appropriate channels.

  • Suspected militants kill 2, including a police officer guarding polio team in northwestern Pakistan

    Suspected militants kill 2, including a police officer guarding polio team in northwestern Pakistan

    In a brazen assault on a public health initiative, unidentified gunmen targeted a polio vaccination team in Pakistan’s volatile northwestern region on Tuesday. The attack resulted in the fatal shooting of a police officer assigned to protect the health workers and an innocent bystander, according to local law enforcement authorities.

    The incident unfolded in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a strategically sensitive area bordering Afghanistan. Local Police Chief Samad Khan confirmed that while the security personnel and civilian were killed, all members of the polio vaccination team emerged unharmed from the assault.

    Although no militant organization has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, authorities suspect involvement by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and other extremist factions. These groups have been repeatedly implicated in similar assaults targeting health initiatives in the region.

    This violence coincides with the launch of Pakistan’s ambitious week-long national immunization drive, which aims to vaccinate approximately 45 million children against the debilitating disease. The World Health Organization recognizes Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan as the final two countries where polio remains endemic, presenting a persistent global health challenge.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued an official statement condemning the attack and promising decisive action against the perpetrators. The government’s Polio Eradication Initiative reports notable progress, with documented cases dropping from 74 to 30 in year-over-year comparisons for the January period.

    This incident reflects a persistent pattern of violence against health workers in Pakistan, where militants propagate conspiracy theories alleging vaccination campaigns serve as Western plots to sterilize Muslim children. Health and security officials estimate that more than 200 polio workers and their security escorts have been killed in such attacks since the 1990s.

  • Pakistan hit by 4.8-magnitude earthquake, fifth tremor in less than a month

    Pakistan hit by 4.8-magnitude earthquake, fifth tremor in less than a month

    Pakistan’s seismic vulnerability was underscored once again in the early hours of Tuesday when a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region, marking the fifth such tremor recorded within the country’s borders in less than thirty days. According to precise data released by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the latest event occurred at 1:21 AM IST with its epicenter positioned at coordinates 25.48 degrees North and 66.69 degrees East. A critically important detail noted by seismologists was the earthquake’s exceptionally shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, a characteristic that significantly amplifies ground shaking and elevates potential risks to infrastructure and populations.

    This recent seismic activity forms part of a concerning pattern of earth movements throughout November and December 2025. Preceding events include a 3.6-magnitude quake on December 5th at 40 kilometers depth, a 4.3-magnitude tremor on November 25th at 120 kilometers depth, and a more substantial 5.2-magnitude event on November 21st occurring 135 kilometers beneath the surface. Particularly noteworthy was a November 20th earthquake measuring 3.9 in magnitude that similarly featured a shallow 10-kilometer depth, raising concerns among geologists about potential aftershock sequences and continued instability.

    Pakistan’s heightened susceptibility to seismic events stems from its unique geological positioning astride the volatile convergence zone where the massive Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This tectonic boundary creates enormous pressure that regularly releases through earthquakes, with regions including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan experiencing particular vulnerability due to their proximity to major fault lines. Even the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, situated along the northwestern periphery of the Indian Plate, remain subject to significant seismic risk despite their distance from the primary collision zone.

    The National Centre for Seismology has actively disseminated information through its official social media channels and dedicated mobile applications, providing both real-time alerts and educational resources to help communities better understand and prepare for seismic hazards. This ongoing communication effort reflects growing regional recognition of the persistent earthquake threat facing the South Asian subcontinent.

  • French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

    French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

    In a landmark ruling demonstrating the reach of universal jurisdiction, a Paris court has convicted former Congolese rebel commander and politician Roger Lumbala to three decades imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity. The 67-year-old, apprehended in France nearly five years ago, was found culpable for atrocities perpetrated during the Second Congo War (1998-2003).

    Presiding judges determined Lumbala, who led the Uganda-backed Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists (RCD-N), ordered or facilitated torture, summary executions, sexual slavery, systematic rape, forced labor, and widespread theft. These violations characterized the brutal ‘Erase the Slate’ campaign targeting Nande and Bambuti communities in northeastern DR Congo during 2002-2003, whom Lumbala’s forces accused of supporting rival militias.

    Despite his detention in France, Lumbala refused to recognize the court’s authority and abstained from the trial proceedings, though he was present for Monday’s verdict delivery. His political career included roles as a minister in Congo’s transitional government (2003-2005) and later as a parliamentarian before an arrest warrant alleging support for the active M23 rebel group prompted his flight to France.

    The case—prosecuted under France’s universal jurisdiction laws enabling trials for severe international crimes committed abroad—relied heavily on testimony from 65 survivors, witnesses, and experts. NGOs including Trial International and the Clooney Foundation for Justice provided critical support for victim testimony and expert analysis.

    Survivors David Karamay Kasereka and Pisco Sirikivuya Paluku, in a joint statement, expressed that ‘the truth matters’ despite their fear, noting they wished to have confronted Lumbala directly but viewed the verdict as reclaiming parts of themselves taken by violence. Their accounts detailed neighbors and relatives tortured and killed, personal injuries, and sexual violence against loved ones.

    While prosecutors sought life imprisonment, Lumbala’s defense decried the 30-year sentence as excessive and retains the right to appeal within ten days. Human rights advocates hailed the decision as a historic step toward accountability in a conflict that claimed millions of lives and has seen numerous militia leaders tried by the International Criminal Court.

  • Bondi Beach shooting: Police probing gunmen’s visit to Philippines before deadly attack

    Bondi Beach shooting: Police probing gunmen’s visit to Philippines before deadly attack

    Australian law enforcement officials have launched an international investigation into the activities of two gunmen prior to the deadly Bondi Beach shooting incident that shocked the nation. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed Tuesday that authorities are examining the father and son’s travel to the Philippines approximately one month before they carried out the mass shooting.

    Commissioner Lanyon stated during a press briefing that the precise motives behind their Philippine journey remain unclear and constitute a critical component of the ongoing investigation. “The reasons why the father and son went to the Philippines—including their specific purpose and destinations—are under active investigation at this time,” Lanyon told reporters.

    The investigation seeks to determine whether the Philippines trip involved weapons acquisition, training activities, or other preparations that might have facilitated the subsequent attack. Australian authorities are coordinating with international counterparts, including Philippine law enforcement agencies, to trace the suspects’ movements and contacts during their overseas visit.

    This development adds an international dimension to the tragedy that unfolded at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, raising questions about cross-border security cooperation and the monitoring of potential threats. The investigation represents one of the most complex multinational law enforcement operations Australia has undertaken in recent years regarding domestic security incidents.

    Forensic teams continue to examine evidence from the shooting scene while behavioral analysis units work to reconstruct the perpetrators’ activities and motivations in the weeks leading up to the attack. The timing of the Philippines visit—approximately 30 days before the shooting—suggests potential premeditation and planning that authorities are urgently working to understand.

  • 8 killed in US military strikes on three vessels in eastern Pacific

    8 killed in US military strikes on three vessels in eastern Pacific

    In a significant escalation of anti-narcotics operations, the United States Southern Command confirmed conducting military strikes on three vessels in international waters of the Eastern Pacific on Monday, resulting in eight fatalities. According to military authorities, intelligence assessments indicated the targeted vessels were traversing established narco-trafficking corridors and actively participating in illicit drug transportation.

    This operation forms part of a broader military campaign initiated by the Trump administration against drug smuggling networks originating from the Venezuela region. To date, U.S. forces have targeted over 20 vessels across both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in approximately 90 suspected drug traffickers killed during these engagements.

    The tactical approach represents a substantial departure from traditional U.S. counter-narcotics protocols, which typically emphasized law enforcement cooperation and judicial processes rather than direct military engagement. This shift has prompted scrutiny from legal experts who question the operations’ compliance with international law, with some characterizing the actions as extrajudicial killings.

    Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson recently defended the legality of these operations, stating, ‘Our operations in the Southcom region are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict.’

    Analysts view these maritime strikes as potentially preceding more extensive ground operations against Venezuela, which President Trump has indicated may commence imminently. The developments mark a notable intensification in the administration’s approach to combating drug trafficking networks in the Western Hemisphere.

  • Shanghai, New York deepen partnership at river-themed dialogue

    Shanghai, New York deepen partnership at river-themed dialogue

    Shanghai hosted a significant bilateral forum on Monday, December 16, 2025, centered around river-themed cooperation between global metropolitan centers and international organizations. The event marked the second edition of the river dialogue between Shanghai and New York, drawing inspiration from both cities’ iconic waterways—the Huangpu and Hudson rivers respectively.

    The forum brought together representatives from United Nations agencies, business leaders, and cross-cultural experts from both nations to explore collaborative opportunities across economic, trade, and cultural dimensions. Sha Hailin, President of the Shanghai Public Relations Association, emphasized the historical transformation of both rivers from industrial arteries to urban landmarks, noting that sustained civilian bonds between the cities provide essential stability for China-US relations.

    Jeffrey Lehman, Executive Vice Chancellor of NYU Shanghai and Chair of the AmCham Shanghai board of governors, highlighted the parallel roles both cities play as global connection points. “Both rivers anchor their respective cities and serve as vital connection points while defining urban identity,” Lehman observed. “New York connects the United States to the world economically, culturally and politically, while people in China look outward from Shanghai to connect to the rest of the world.”

    Noah Fraser, Senior Vice President of China Operations at the US-China Business Council, underscored Shanghai’s strategic importance to American businesses, with over 6,000 US companies maintaining operations in the city. Fraser identified three priority areas: maintaining competitive business environments, deepening market openness, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

    The event was jointly organized by the Shanghai Public Relations Association, the Shanghai Institute of American Studies, and the Shanghai UN Research Association, signaling institutional commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through multilateral engagement frameworks.

  • Thousands flock to a Tokyo zoo to see the last 2 pandas in Japan before their return to China

    Thousands flock to a Tokyo zoo to see the last 2 pandas in Japan before their return to China

    Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens is witnessing emotional farewells as thousands of visitors queue for hours to bid farewell to giant panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei before their scheduled return to China in late January. The four-year-old siblings, born at the zoo in June 2021, will make their final public appearance on January 25th, marking the end of an era as Japan faces its first panda-free period in over fifty years.

    The departure coincides with significantly deteriorated diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Tensions escalated sharply in early November when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested potential military involvement should China impose naval blockades against Taiwan. Subsequent Chinese restrictions on tourism to Japan and cancellation of cultural exchanges have been followed by recent military provocations, including Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southern Japan and radar-locking incidents targeting Japanese aircraft.

    Panda diplomacy, a longstanding symbol of Sino-Japanese relations since the first pandas arrived in 1972 to commemorate normalized diplomatic ties, now faces uncertainty. While Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expressed hope for continued panda exchange programs, zoo officials acknowledge the challenging prospects for replacement pandas given current political realities.

    Visitors like Yuki Imai from Kanagawa prefecture expressed shock at the sudden departure announcement, while Kazuhiro Yamamoto and his wife Hiroko waited over two hours for their one-minute viewing window, speculating about the connection between diplomatic tensions and the accelerated return timeline.

    The zoo has implemented new viewing restrictions, limiting access to 4,800 pre-registered visitors weekly for one-minute slots. Curator Hitoshi Suzuki acknowledged the challenges of raising the twins but emphasized the “great delight” they brought to visitors. The zoo will maintain panda facilities in anticipation of future arrivals while promoting other animals during the interim period.