Turkey’s main opposition, the CHP, has rallied in support of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Ä°mamoÄŸlu, sparking the largest anti-government protests in years. Led by CHP head Özgur Özel, hundreds of thousands gathered, with claims of 2.2 million attendees. Protests have faced police crackdowns, with Human Rights Watch condemning the force used. Since Ä°mamoÄŸlu’s detention, 1,900 people, including journalists, have been arrested. The CHP plans weekly rallies nationwide, with ongoing protests highlighting significant sociopolitical unrest in Turkey. Noah Prescott 29/03/2025 5:00 pm
Suspected U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa, al-Jawf, and Saada, reportedly killing one civilian and wounding four. The strikes, part of a broader campaign under President Trump, appear more extensive than those under Biden, shifting focus from launch sites to personnel and urban areas. Satellite images reveal a new airstrip near Yemen, potentially for B-2 bombers. The full damage and casualties remain unclear, with Houthi media possibly underreporting fatalities. Noah Prescott 29/03/2025 5:00 pm
Russian forces are preparing a new offensive to pressure Ukraine and strengthen Russia’s position in ceasefire talks, according to Ukrainian officials. With spring approaching, Russia plans a multi-pronged push along the 1,000-km front line, targeting Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claims Russia is stalling talks to gain territorial advantage. Russia rejected a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and Kremlin conditions complicate a Black Sea ceasefire. Putin emphasizes Russian strategic control along the front line. Noah Prescott 29/03/2025 5:00 pm
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has killed over 1,000 people, with the toll expected to rise. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but limited by a lack of heavy machinery. Survivors share harrowing stories, including family members trapped under rubble. Foreign aid has begun arriving in the politically isolated country, which struggles with disaster response due to ongoing civil conflict since 2021. The US Geological Survey warns the death toll could exceed 10,000. Penelope Kingsley 29/03/2025 5:00 pm
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has killed over 1,000 people, with 2,376 injured and 30 missing. Tremors affected China and Thailand, where Bangkok reported six deaths and 26 injuries. Both countries declared a state of emergency. A high-rise collapse in Bangkok added to the chaos. The US, despite plans to close USAID, pledged assistance, with disaster experts ready to provide aid. The quake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. Penelope Kingsley 29/03/2025 1:30 pm
During a press conference in Manila, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced efforts to strengthen military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific with the Philippines. Following meetings with Philippine leaders, a four-part plan was unveiled, building on a $500 million U.S. commitment to modernize the Philippine military. The plan includes deploying advanced military capabilities, bilateral training for high-end operations, prioritizing defense industrial cooperation, and launching a cyber campaign. The U.S. will provide the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System for Exercise Balikatan. Penelope Kingsley 29/03/2025 6:30 am
U.S. and Lithuanian troops are working to recover four missing American soldiers after their armored vehicle was found submerged in a swamp in Lithuania. Efforts to drain the area and retrieve the M88 Hercules have been challenging due to the marshy terrain. Cranes, pumps, and gravel are being used, but progress is slow due to groundwater seepage. The soldiers, from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing during a mission to recover another vehicle. The operation is expected to be lengthy. Noah Prescott 29/03/2025 6:30 am
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing nearly 700 deaths and injuring around 1,700, primarily in the Mandalay region. The quake, followed by a 6.7 aftershock, destroyed buildings and infrastructure. In Bangkok, a high-rise collapse killed about 10, with up to 100 workers missing. Rescuers are working urgently amid disrupted communications, and the death toll is expected to rise. Bangkok authorities are inspecting buildings for safety after extensive damage reports. Penelope Kingsley 29/03/2025 6:30 am
France and the UK proposed a “reassurance force” in Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression, despite lacking full EU support. This initiative follows ongoing Russian airstrikes, including a recent drone attack on Kharkiv injuring 15. Meanwhile, North Korea reportedly sent 3,000 troops to Russia. Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the US for considering easing sanctions on Russia, emphasizing that peace is not yet achieved. Noah Prescott 29/03/2025 6:30 am
A U.S. Navy dive crew and Polish engineers are heading to Lithuania to assist in recovering four U.S. soldiers missing since Tuesday. Their M88 Hercules armored vehicle was found 15 feet underwater in a swamp near Pabrade. Thick mud and soft ground are hindering access and complicating the recovery. Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor described the operation as “long and difficult,” with the marshy terrain unable to support the necessary equipment without engineering improvements. Noah Prescott 29/03/2025 3:00 am
