The head of ISIS in Iraq, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” was killed in a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province. The operation involved Iraqi intelligence and U.S.-led coalition forces. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the victory over terrorism. President Trump acknowledged the operation on Truth Social, emphasizing collaboration with Iraqi and Kurdish forces. CENTCOM confirmed the strike, which also killed a second ISIS operative, and released aerial footage of the event.

Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 6:30 am

The U.S. and Israel have approached Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about relocating Palestinians from Gaza under Trump’s postwar plan. This proposal, widely condemned for its legal and moral implications, suggests resettling over 2 million Palestinians in these regions, despite their poverty and violence. Sudan rejected the idea, while Somalia and Somaliland were unaware of any discussions. Trump’s plan involves the U.S. taking control of Gaza, cleaning it up, and developing it as real estate, a concept previously seen as fringe.

Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 6:30 am

At the G7 meeting in Quebec, diplomats neared consensus on a final communique despite tensions over U.S. policies. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly highlighted unity within the group, supporting a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted common positions on Ukraine, the Middle East, African conflicts, and Chinese activities in the South China Sea, emphasizing the group’s unity.

Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 6:30 am

American influencer Sam Jones left Australia after her visa was reviewed due to a controversial video showing her snatching a baby wombat from its mother. Widely condemned, Jones made her Instagram private. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed her voluntary departure, criticizing her actions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the act, suggesting she try handling more dangerous animals. Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, closed her social media to messages and couldn’t be reached for comment. The wombat involved is a common, or bare-nosed, wombat.

Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 6:30 am

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared via videoconference before the International Criminal Court judges, following his arrest in Manila on murder charges related to his “war on drugs.” His lawyer criticized the arrest as “kidnapping” and politically motivated. Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc scheduled a pretrial hearing for September 23 to assess the prosecution’s evidence. Duterte, 79, participated remotely due to health issues and a recent long flight. If tried and convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Death toll estimates during his presidency range from over 6,000 to 30,000.

Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 3:00 am

A US hunting influencer, Sam Jones, apologized for grabbing a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, claiming she was ensuring its safety by removing it from a road. Facing outrage and potential visa issues, she posted a statement on Instagram, expressing regret and clarifying her intentions were not for social media content. Jones emphasized her concern for the wombat’s safety and denied any harm or intent to exploit the situation for entertainment. She acknowledged her actions were misguided and expressed remorse for the distress caused.

Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 3:00 am

Pakistan accused India of masterminding the Jaffar Express train hijacking, claiming “terrorists” communicated with handlers in Afghanistan. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry alleged Indian media used misleading BLA videos. Operation Green Bolan rescued 354 passengers after a 36-hour standoff, with 26 killed, including 18 security personnel. The BLA used explosives and took hostages. Pakistan’s military employed drones and aerial units for reconnaissance.

Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 3:00 am

Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Ukrainian troops were surrounded by Russian forces, but this was refuted by Ukrainian sources. Around 10,000 Ukrainian troops evacuated from Kursk Oblast after a Russian drone offensive disrupted their supply lines. Despite losing some equipment, the Ukrainians managed to withdraw without being encircled, preserving thousands of lives. The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk aimed to create leverage for potential territorial negotiations with Russia.

Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 3:00 am

At a G-7 meeting in La Malbaie, Canada, diplomats set aside disagreements with President Trump over tariffs and territorial claims to issue a joint statement on shared priorities, such as pressuring Russia for a Ukraine ceasefire and addressing China’s military buildup. Despite tensions, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized unity, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced criticism over Trump’s rhetoric. The joint statement supported a Ukraine ceasefire and expressed concern over China’s nuclear arsenal, urging arms control talks. Trust-building activities were planned, though Rubio skipped some due to travel fatigue.

Noah Prescott 14/03/2025 11:30 pm

China and Russia supported Iran against U.S. demands for nuclear talks, insisting on “mutual respect” and lifting all sanctions. They welcomed Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear use and emphasized respecting Tehran’s rights. The 2015 nuclear deal, abandoned by Trump in 2018, originally lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear program. China, Russia, and Iran urged addressing the root causes of tensions and ending unilateral sanctions, following Tehran’s rejection of U.S. demands to resume dialogue.

Ava Sinclair 14/03/2025 8:00 pm