Canadian authorities seized $83 million worth of cocaine linked to Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation cartel, marking Toronto’s largest cocaine bust. Over 835 kilograms were found in a truck and stash houses during “Project Castillo,” an investigation into a transnational drug operation from Mexico. Six suspects, including two Mexican nationals, were arrested, with warrants issued for three others. Police said the cocaine was intended for distribution … Continue reading Record haul of cocaine linked to notorious cartel seized in Toronto

During a surprise offensive in northwest Syria late last year, insurgents overran key areas, forcing Syrian leader Bashar Assad to flee. Despite a Dec. 7 meeting in Qatar where officials from Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Arab countries agreed on halting advances and pursuing talks with Assad, insurgents from the south pushed into Damascus. Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged as Syria’s de facto rulers after coordinating … Continue reading Southern rebels loom large as Syria’s new rulers try to form a national army

Osama Najim, head of Libya’s judicial police and director of Tripoli’s Mitiga detention center, was arrested in Turin, Italy, on Sunday following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes. Former detainees have reported widespread torture and abuse in Libyan detention centers, with the UN citing “serious rights violations” in 2022. Najim’s arrest, aided by Interpol, followed years of ICC investigations and victim testimonies. … Continue reading Libyan police chief arrested in Italy for alleged war crimes

The Colombian border village of Tres Bocas has emptied as residents flee escalating violence in the Catatumbo region, leaving at least 80 dead and displacing over 18,000 people, with 1,000 seeking refuge in Venezuela. Fighting has intensified between the ELN and FARC-EMC, rival groups vying for control of the region’s drug routes. Recent ELN attacks on civilians led Colombian President Gustavo Petro to suspend peace … Continue reading Colombians flee to Venezuela as clashes between rebel groups escalate in coca-rich border region

At least 12 passengers were killed and six injured in western India after jumping from a stopped train to escape a rumored fire and being hit by another train on an adjacent track, PTI reported. The incident occurred near Pardhade station in Maharashtra, 255 miles from Mumbai. Passengers on the Pushpak Express panicked due to sparks caused by a mechanical issue, pulled the emergency chain, … Continue reading At least 12 passengers dead after jumping onto tracks over train fire alert in India

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck southern Taiwan near Chiayi, causing minor damage and power outages in some villages. TSMC evacuated staff from its factories, reporting no injuries. Buildings in Taipei shook, and a few people were trapped in damaged structures in Tainan, though most were rescued. No major casualties were reported, NBC News has reported. Taiwan, located on a tectonic plate junction, frequently experiences earthquakes, … Continue reading Southern Taiwan is hit by 6.4 magnitude quake; no reports of major casualties

Researchers in Vietnam have discovered a new “supergiant” sea bug species, Bathynomus vaderi, named after Darth Vader due to its helmet-like head. Found in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, this deep-sea crustacean measures about 30 cm, much larger than typical isopods. It is only the second supergiant species identified in the region, CBS News has reported. The discovery, published in ZooKeys, highlights the species’ … Continue reading “Supergiant” sea bug named after Darth Vader found in South China Sea

Israeli forces killed eight Palestinians and injured 35 in a major operation in Jenin, West Bank, involving airstrikes, drones, and armored bulldozers, according to Palestinian health officials. The operation, dubbed “Iron Wall,” aimed to dismantle armed groups, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing efforts to bolster security. The raid follows heightened tensions in the region, including attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in Qalqilya villages. … Continue reading Eight Palestinians killed as Israeli forces launch major operation in Jenin

A predawn fire at the Grand Kartal hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort killed at least 76 people and injured 51, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The fire, which began around 3:27 a.m., likely caused most fatalities due to suffocation, including children. The 12-story hotel housed 238 registered guests at the time, ABC News has reported. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced administrative and … Continue reading At least 76 dead in Turkish ski resort hotel fire

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi announced he would resign on March 6, cutting his term short by 10 months. He cited accountability for the October 7, 2023, failure when Hamas invaded southern Israel. Halevi called for a state inquiry into national security issues beyond IDF control and highlighted IDF achievements during his tenure, including significant operations against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other threats. He … Continue reading IDF Chief resigns; Cites military failure on Oct 7