The Pentagon is reportedly increasing contingency planning for a possible U.S. military operation in Cuba, pending authorization from President Donald Trump. The preparations follow rising tensions that began in January when the U.S. restricted oil shipments to Cuba to apply pressure for political change. Officials say the military routinely prepares for various scenarios and is ready to act if ordered. The situation has drawn attention … Continue reading Pentagon ramps up planning for possible military ops in Cuba

The United States plans to deploy more than 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East by the end of April to increase pressure on Iran. About 6,000 troops will arrive aboard the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group, while another 4,200 will come with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. This buildup would raise the number of US aircraft … Continue reading US sending 10,000 more troops to Middle East despite Iran ceasefire

Russia has issued a warning for ships and aircraft to avoid parts of the Barents Sea off northern Norway until April 30 due to a planned space launch. The restricted zones are designated as “missile impact areas,” though this refers to falling rocket debris rather than weapons. The alert is tied to a Soyuz-2-1b launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, expected around April 23. During the … Continue reading Russia mysteriously closes off Arctic waters for ‘missile landing zone’ near NATO border

Begoña Gómez, the wife of Pedro Sánchez, has been formally charged with multiple offenses including embezzlement, corruption, and influence peddling after a two-year investigation. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado alleges she used her position to gain advantages at Complutense University of Madrid and advance private interests. Gómez, along with her assistant Cristina Álvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés, denies all wrongdoing. The case stems from a … Continue reading Spanish prime minister’s wife charged with corruption

An 18-year-old former student carried out a shooting at a high school in southeastern Turkey, wounding at least 16 people before killing himself. The attacker opened fire randomly inside a vocational school in Siverek and later died by suicide after being cornered by police. Those injured included students, teachers, a canteen worker, and a police officer, with several in serious condition. The motive remains unclear, … Continue reading Teenage gunman opens fire at a school in Turkey, wounding 16 before killing himself

Spain’s government, led by Pedro Sánchez, has approved a plan to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants. The proposal offers one-year renewable residence permits to eligible migrants who meet residency and background requirements, aiming to integrate them into the workforce. Sánchez described the move as both a moral decision and an economic necessity, citing Spain’s aging population and labor needs. The opposition People’s … Continue reading Spain approves plan to give around 500,000 migrants legal status

Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans with Germany to jointly produce advanced drones and other defense systems to strengthen Kyiv’s war effort against Russia. Zelenskyy said both sides are beginning concrete work on a broad defense deal covering drones, missiles, and software, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s strong support. Ukraine aims to expand its military production but lacks sufficient funding, making a delayed €90 … Continue reading Ukraine agrees defense deal with Germany to help in fight against Russia

Twin explosions in Blida, near Algeria’s capital, occurred Monday as Pope Leo XIV began a historic visit to the country. Two suicide bombers carried out the attacks and were killed, according to a source, though Algerian authorities have not officially confirmed the incident. Verified video footage showed two bodies in the street, but the timing of the recordings remains unclear. No link has been established … Continue reading Algeria hit by two suicide attacks during Pope Leo XIV’s visit

A Nigerian Air Force strike hit a market in northeastern Nigeria, killing more than 100 civilians and injuring many others, according to rights groups and local reports. Authorities confirmed a misfire but said the strike was aimed at jihadi militants operating in the area. The region is a long-standing conflict zone where Boko Haram and other armed groups are active, and such airstrike errors have … Continue reading At least 100 dead after military airstrike hits wrong target in Nigeria

The U.S. military said it killed two people in a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, raising the total death toll to at least 170 since operations began last September. U.S. Southern Command stated the vessel was identified through intelligence as part of narco-trafficking routes, though specific evidence has not been publicly disclosed. Recent strikes have also left survivors in some … Continue reading U.S. military kills 2 men in another alleged drug boat strike in eastern Pacific

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest storm of 2026 so far, is approaching the Northern Mariana Islands with powerful winds and heavy rain. Although it may weaken slightly, it is still expected to bring dangerous conditions, including flooding and potential power outages. Guam is likely to avoid a direct hit but will still experience strong winds, rough seas, and ongoing storm conditions. The storm previously caused … Continue reading Super Typhoon Sinlaku bears down on Northern Mariana Islands, Guam

Colombia has approved a plan to euthanize up to 80 invasive hippos introduced decades ago by drug lord Pablo Escobar. The population has grown rapidly to around 170 animals, spreading far beyond their original location. Authorities say the hippos threaten local ecosystems, compete with native species, and pose risks to people. Previous efforts like sterilization and relocation failed due to cost and limited effectiveness, Al-Jazeera … Continue reading Colombia to cull up to 80 hippos linked to drug lord Pablo Escobar

North Korea tested strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from its destroyer Choe Hyon to evaluate its weapons systems and crew readiness. Leader Kim Jong Un observed the launches, which reportedly hit targets with high precision. The tests are part of broader efforts to strengthen naval capabilities and improve missile performance. North Korea is also planning additional destroyers, signaling an expansion of its naval fleet, Reuters … Continue reading North Korea tests cruise and anti-ship missiles from naval destroyer

At least 30 people were killed and dozens injured in a crowd crush at the Citadelle Laferrière fortress, a popular tourist site in northern Haiti. The incident reportedly occurred during a large gathering of mostly young visitors, with panic breaking out near a single entrance, possibly worsened by rumors and social media promotion. Emergency services and officials confirmed multiple deaths and said rescue operations were … Continue reading At least 30 killed in crush at historic fortress in Haiti

Irish police removed and arrested protesters on Saturday to reopen Ireland’s only oil refinery after days of fuel-related demonstrations disrupted supply. The protests, involving truckers, farmers, and transport workers, began over rising fuel prices linked to global shortages caused by conflict in the Middle East. Authorities warned the blockades were severely affecting fuel distribution, with over a third of service stations running dry. Government officials … Continue reading Irish police clear demonstrators to reopen refinery as fuel protest causes chaos

Ukraine and Russia accused each other of repeatedly violating a short Orthodox Easter truce, despite agreeing to a temporary ceasefire. Both sides reported thousands of breaches, including shelling, drone strikes, and attempted assaults along the front line. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the truce would not be extended unless Ukraine accepted Moscow’s terms, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a longer halt to fighting. Despite the violations, some areas experienced reduced intensity, with … Continue reading Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of breaching Easter ceasefire

U.S. intelligence suggests China may have considered or possibly sent shoulder-fired missiles (MANPADS) to Iran, though there is no confirmed evidence they’ve been used in the conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Reports also indicate China has quietly supported Iran by allowing shipments of dual-use materials like fuel and components for military production. At the same time, Russia is believed to have provided satellite intelligence to assist Iranian targeting. China officially denies supplying weapons and continues … Continue reading U.S. Intelligence Shows China Taking a More Active Role in Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a limited naval blockade targeting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire talks with Iran in Pakistan failed. The blockade will still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports, easing earlier fears of a full shutdown of the vital oil route. Rising tensions pushed global oil prices sharply higher, reflecting concerns about energy supply disruptions. Iran responded by warning it would confront military vessels while keeping … Continue reading US military says it will blockade Iranian ports after ceasefire talks ended without agreement

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply criticized Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of being driven by violence and even threatening potential military action against Israel. The tensions escalated after Turkey indicted 35 senior Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu, on charges of crimes against humanity. In response, Benjamin Netanyahu accused Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of oppressing Kurdish citizens, while Israeli defense minister Israel Katz dismissed Erdoğan as politically extreme. The dispute comes amid broader regional tensions, … Continue reading Turkey brands Netanyahu ‘Hitler of our time’ as Erdogan threatens to invade Israel

The Philippines opened a new coast guard base on Thitu Island to strengthen its presence in the disputed South China Sea. Officials said the base will help defend sovereignty, protect fishermen, and support patrol and rescue operations. The island is also claimed by China, as well as Vietnam and Taiwan, and has seen frequent tensions between Chinese and Filipino vessels. China continues to assert broad claims over the sea despite a 2016 South China Sea … Continue reading Philippines opens key coast guard base in the disputed South China Sea

At least four migrants died while trying to board an inflatable “taxi-boat” off the northern coast of France for a crossing to the United Kingdom, with dozens more rescued. Authorities said strong currents swept people away as they attempted to reach the boat from the beach. The incident occurred near Equihen Beach, an area often used by migrants waiting for safe conditions to depart. Recent days have seen a … Continue reading 4 dead, 38 rescued during attempted sea crossing from France to U.K.

Vladimir Putin announced a 32-hour ceasefire in Ukraine over Orthodox Easter, set to run from Saturday evening through Sunday. The move follows a proposal by Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pause attacks on energy infrastructure during the holiday. Kyiv had not immediately responded to the announcement. Previous short-term ceasefires have largely failed, with both sides accusing each other of violations, CBS News has reported. Meanwhile, United States-mediated peace talks have stalled as the … Continue reading Putin declares 32-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Easter

United Kingdom deployed naval forces to monitor and deter Russian submarines suspected of targeting undersea cables and pipelines near its waters. Defence Secretary John Healey said the vessels were tracked for over a month with support from allies like Norway. He stated the operation aimed to send a warning to Vladimir Putin that such covert activity had been detected and would not be tolerated. Russia denied the accusations, calling them unproven and insisting … Continue reading U.K. military deployed to deter threat to undersea cables amid Russian sub presence

Israel’s prime minister said attacks on Hezbollah will continue despite a United States-Iran ceasefire, while also agreeing to begin direct peace talks with Lebanon. The U.S. State Department confirmed it will host these negotiations next week. Ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon are straining the fragile ceasefire and complicating broader efforts to end the regional conflict involving Iran. Meanwhile, a message attributed to Iran’s leadership claimed victory in the war and called for compensation for damages and … Continue reading Israel vows to continue fighting Hezbollah but agrees to talks with Lebanon

Israel launched its heaviest strikes yet on Lebanon, killing hundreds and escalating regional tensions despite a recently announced ceasefire. Iran warned that continued attacks make peace talks with the United States unlikely, with officials calling negotiations “unreasonable.” Both Israel and the United States said the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuvowed military operations would continue. Disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program remain a major obstacle, with both sides presenting conflicting claims about … Continue reading Iran says peace talks would be ‘unreasonable’ following Israeli strikes