Ecuador's Ministry of Defense reported that the country's military has discovered and seized a 35-meter-long semi-submersible vessel (narco-submarine) in a nature reserve near the border with Colombia. The vessel was carrying 6,000 gallons (22,700 liters) of fuel and was ready for 'a long drug-smuggling voyage,' according to the official statement.
This week, several European countries announced they are sending military assistance to the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. The conflict, which began on February 28 with Operation Epic Fury, escalated for a seventh day on Friday, with attacks continuing in Iran, Israel, and other regional countries.
The US administration has issued a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, a move that comes less than a month after a trade deal in which India agreed to halt such imports. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on social media that this measure is intended to alleviate pressure on the global energy market caused by the situation with Iran, which has driven up prices and disrupted supplies, highlighting India's role as an essential partner.
The Investigative Committee of Russia has reported the detention of former First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov on suspicion of creating a criminal community. According to the investigation, this community was allegedly involved in the embezzlement of state budget funds and their subsequent legalization.
In Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the situation has relatively stabilized, yet Uzbek nationals residing and working in these countries remain in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. Local air defense systems are reported to be capable of intercepting Iranian missiles in the air, and populated areas have not suffered damage, but those on short-term trips fear being stranded due to flight cancellations. The closed airspace over the Persian Gulf region has nearly halted all aviation links, complicating repatriation efforts for compatriots.
The global players' union FIFPRO has urged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA to undertake all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Iran's Women's National Team players. This call comes after an Iranian state television presenter, Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, labelled the team "wartime traitors" following their decision not to sing the national anthem before their Asian Cup opener against South Korea in Australia earlier this week.
Israel's military announced new broad strikes targeting the Iranian capital Tehran, while Beirut was also bombed on the seventh day of the conflict. Israel claims these actions are aimed at Hezbollah sites, but according to Lebanon's Health Ministry, at least 217 people have been killed and 798 wounded. UN estimates indicate that nearly 100,000 civilians have been displaced due to airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon.
The situation in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has somewhat stabilized, but ongoing military strikes in the region are severely impacting citizen safety and repatriation efforts. Local air defense systems have successfully intercepted Iranian missiles mid-air, with no damage to populated areas reported, yet those on short-term trips face the risk of being stranded due to flight cancellations. This highlights how military conflicts are expanding even into countries previously seen as symbols of safe tourism and stability in the Middle East.
Pop star Britney Spears was arrested on Wednesday evening in California on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Officers detained her at around 21:30 local time (05:30 GMT) on US Highway 101, where she was driving southbound in a black BMW 430i.
Over the past two decades, China has quietly surpassed the United States to become the dominant trading partner in parts of Latin America. However, since beginning his second term, US President Donald Trump has pushed to reverse Beijing's advance, including through aggressive maneuvers targeting China's allies in the region. These actions reportedly include stripping officials in Costa Rica, Panama, and Chile of their US visas due to alleged ties to China and threatening to reclaim the Panama Canal over claims of Chinese operational influence.
The body of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James was discovered early on January 19, surrounded by approximately ten dingoes on K'Gari (formerly Fraser Island) off Queensland's eastern coast. The state's coroners court stated on Friday that "Piper died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack," with investigations into her death ongoing. Authorities are examining the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.
New analysis suggests that weight-loss drugs such as semaglutide (sold under the brand names Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for diabetes) could be mass-produced for as little as $3 (about £2.35) per month for the injectable form. This could potentially make the treatment available to millions in poorer countries as patents expire, addressing a critical global health issue where over a billion people live with obesity worldwide.