The image captures Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan, commander of a Sudanese Army sniper team, observing from a sniper’s nest in a former luxury apartment. His targets, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, are across the Blue Nile, near Sudan’s presidential palace. The room shows signs of conflict, with stained walls and missing light bulbs to avoid detection. Hassan and his team rest deeper in the building, away from gunfire. Once a prime location, the area is now a frontline in the civil war following a military coup.

Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 10:00 am

Foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea emphasized denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and sought collaboration on issues like aging, low birth rates, and cultural exchange amid rising tensions. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya highlighted concerns over North Korea’s nuclear activities and Russia’s actions, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for a mutual regional economy. The meeting aimed to prepare for a trilateral summit, underscoring the importance of cooperation amid global crises and regional challenges.

Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 6:30 am

Bilal Bilici, a Turkish parliament member from the Republican People’s Party, represents Adana. The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, just before his presidential nomination, highlights Turkey’s democratic decline. This move aims to suppress opposition against the ruling Justice and Development Party. The timing aligns with favorable domestic and international conditions, including U.S. President Trump’s return, which emboldens autocratic leaders. Turkey’s strategic importance in Syria further complicates U.S. responses, as Washington prioritizes geopolitical stability over human rights concerns.

Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 6:30 am

Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State under Trump, faces challenges, including being overshadowed by Trump’s confidant, Steve Witkoff. Despite lobbying for the role after losing the VP spot to JD Vance, Rubio finds Witkoff taking a prominent role in foreign policy, notably in the Middle East and Ukraine. Witkoff’s close relationship with Trump grants him significant influence. Meanwhile, Rubio’s diplomatic efforts span Central America, Europe, and Canada, but tensions with administration figures like Elon Musk and awkward moments with Trump raise doubts about his influence.

Ava Sinclair 21/03/2025 11:30 pm

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have made significant advances in Khartoum, reclaiming the presidential palace from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after two years of conflict. This strategic victory marks a shift in control, with the SAF pushing RSF fighters out of key sites. However, RSF units remain scattered, and fighting continues. The outcome could either reset the war’s direction or deepen territorial divisions. Despite setbacks, the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, still controls much of Darfur and parts of southern Sudan.

Ava Sinclair 21/03/2025 11:30 pm

Ukrainian forces attacked the Engels-2 airbase in Russia’s Saratov region, causing significant damage, including fires and ammunition detonations. Satellite images show destruction to ammunition storage areas. This marks Ukraine’s third attack on the base this year, targeting a site used by Russia to launch missile strikes on Ukraine. Despite Russian efforts to protect the base, including relocating bombers and using tires as shields, the attack was described as the “most massive UAV attack” by the region’s governor.

Noah Prescott 21/03/2025 8:00 pm

Hamas is considering a US ceasefire proposal while Israel intensifies its Gaza campaign to pressure hostage release. The truce collapsed as Israel bombarded Gaza, ending two months of calm with hostage exchanges. Hamas insists on a timeline for a lasting truce, but Israel wants to extend the first phase. Accusations of blackmail arise as Israel resumes military operations, causing significant casualties. UNICEF reports a high child death toll, and Israel plans to seize more Gaza territory until hostages are freed.

Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 8:00 pm

The United Nations has declared 2025 the Year of International Glacier Preservation to address the alarming rate of glacier disappearance. Initiatives include the first annual World Day for Glaciers on March 21, 2025, in partnership with UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization. These efforts aim to mobilize governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement climate adaptation strategies. The urgency is underscored by events like the 2022 Marmolada glacier collapse, which resulted in 11 climber deaths, highlighting the increasing dangers of glacier travel due to climate change.

Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 8:00 pm

Turkey’s government warned against opposition-led street protests over Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s detention, which sparked nationwide demonstrations. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported 53 arrests and 16 injured officers. Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan, faces charges of graft and aiding a terrorist group. The opposition CHP condemned the detention as politically motivated, urging lawful protests. European leaders criticized the move as democratic backsliding. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc called for calm, emphasizing legal processes, while Erdogan dismissed opposition criticism as “theatrics.”

Noah Prescott 21/03/2025 8:00 pm

Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza is poised to be more deadly, with fewer constraints and broader aims. The surprise bombardment ended a ceasefire, demanding Hamas release hostages and leave. President Trump supports the offensive, suggesting resettlement for Gaza’s Palestinians. Netanyahu’s coalition is strong, with fewer hostages in Gaza, allowing more military freedom. The Biden administration, while supportive, has tried to limit civilian casualties, urging humanitarian aid and opposing some Israeli actions, but with limited success.

Ava Sinclair 21/03/2025 4:30 pm