International
4 Colombian soldiers killed in latest ambush by drug gang
AFP
Four soldiers were killed Sunday in an ambush in northwestern Colombia that the army attributed to the Gulf Clan, the country’s largest drug trafficking gang.
The attack was the latest in a series of deadly clashes between authorities and the group since its leader, known as Otoniel, was captured last month.
Sunday’s ambush “perpetrated by criminals of the Gulf Clan” killed a captain, a corporal and two army soldiers “who were protecting the community” in the department of Antioquia, regional commander General Juvenal Diaz wrote on Twitter.
The attack was the third against members of the armed forces in the last two weeks, with at least seven soldiers killed.
All the attacks occurred in Antioquia, where Otoniel, whose real name is Dario Antonio Usuga, was arrested on October 23 in an operation involving 500 police and military personnel.
Authorities have portrayed the raids as retaliation for the arrest of Usuga, whom Colombia intends to extradite to the United States where he is wanted for drug trafficking.
In Colombia, he faces 26 arrest warrants for homicide, terrorism, child recruitment and kidnapping, among other crimes.
International
Israel plans to seize security zone in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that it will take control of a broad “security zone” in southern Lebanon, extending to the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border, while continuing airstrikes across the country.
The announcement echoes the events of 1982, when Israel invaded the same area during the Lebanese civil war to repel Palestinian armed groups.
Israeli forces previously maintained a buffer zone between 10 and 20 kilometers deep until their full withdrawal in 2000, under pressure from Hezbollah. The two sides are once again in conflict, now within the broader regional tensions involving Iran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli troops are “operating inside Lebanese territory to establish an advanced defensive line” up to the Litani River.
He added that hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return south of the river until security is guaranteed for residents in northern Israel.
France, which maintains an active diplomatic role in Lebanon, urged Israel to refrain from implementing the plan. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that such a move could have “serious humanitarian consequences” and worsen the country’s already critical situation.
Since Hezbollah, backed by Iran, entered the regional conflict, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Lebanon, leaving more than 1,000 people dead and over one million displaced, according to local authorities.
“The battle against Hezbollah has only just begun,” said Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya on Monday.
Early Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes killed five people in southern Lebanon and three others in a residential area near Beirut.
International
IEA warns Middle East conflict could spark worst energy crisis in decades
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could trigger the worst energy crisis in decades, warned Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who described the situation as “very serious.”
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Birol compared the current scenario to the oil crises of the 1970s, noting that during those events the world lost around five million barrels of oil per day in each crisis.
“Today, we have lost 11 million barrels per day—more than the two major oil shocks combined,” he said.
The Turkish economist referred to the conflict that began on February 28, following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have significantly disrupted global energy markets and driven oil prices higher.
Birol warned that the global economy is facing a “very, very serious threat” and expressed hope that the crisis will be resolved soon.
“No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues in this direction. Global efforts are urgently needed,” he emphasized.
International
Colombian Air Force Hercules plane crashes during takeoff with troops onboard
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Colombian Air Force was involved in a “tragic accident” while taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, in the Putumayo department of southern Colombia, as it was transporting troops, Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez reported on Monday.
The minister stated on social media that the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined. He also extended his condolences to the families affected and urged the public to avoid speculation until official information is confirmed.
“This is a deeply painful event for the country. Our prayers are with the victims and their families,” Sánchez said, adding that emergency protocols have been activated and an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that there would be no fatalities in what he described as a “horrific accident that should not have happened.”
Petro also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s air fleet and reiterated the need to acquire new helicopters and transport aircraft to strengthen military mobility, particularly in remote regions.
According to local media reports, approximately 110 soldiers were on board the aircraft. So far, at least 20 injured military personnel have been rescued.
Israel plans to seize security zone in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict
Panama seizes over 1,200 drug packages in container bound for Lithuania
IEA warns Middle East conflict could spark worst energy crisis in decades
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Sin categoría24 hours agoTehran engulfed in toxic cloud after strikes on fuel facilities
-
Central America4 days agoGuatemala narrows emergency measures to hardest-hit gang violence areas
-
International4 days agoUS panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy
-
International24 hours agoIEA warns Middle East conflict could spark worst energy crisis in decades
-
Central America24 hours agoPanama seizes over 1,200 drug packages in container bound for Lithuania
-
International4 days agoFed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict
-
International2 days agoNetanyahu vows to target Iran’s leadership after missile strikes in southern Israel
-
International24 hours agoColombian Air Force Hercules plane crashes during takeoff with troops onboard
-
International2 days agoParis prosecutors alert U.S. over alleged deepfake strategy linked to Elon Musk
-
International8 minutes agoIsrael plans to seize security zone in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict