Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistani security forces have rescued 190 passengers from a hijacked train in the restive Balochistan province, where Baloch insurgents took hundreds of travelers hostage, military sources confirmed on Wednesday.
“So far, 190 passengers have been rescued from terrorists. Thirty insurgents have been killed. Extreme caution is being exercised due to the presence of women and children alongside suicide bombers. The operation to eliminate the remaining terrorists continues,” said sources involved in the rescue operation.
The security forces launched the operation shortly after the Jaffar Express was hijacked on Tuesday afternoon in a remote area of Balochistan. The train, which was en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked around 1:30 p.m. local time while carrying approximately 400 passengers.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that it had killed 30 security personnel and taken 214 hostages. In a statement released Tuesday night, the insurgent group said it had released women, children, and passengers of Baloch origin while detaining dozens of security personnel. The BLA also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists, threatening to execute the hostages if their demands were not met.
However, military sources reported that the insurgents were using women and children as human shields to hinder security operations.
The first group of freed passengers arrived at Mach train station, approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the attack site, late Tuesday night aboard a special train arranged by authorities.
The BLA has been waging an armed insurgency for decades, seeking independence for the Baloch people and frequently targeting Pakistani security forces and Chinese investments in the region.
Security forces remain engaged in the operation to rescue the remaining hostages and eliminate the insurgents.
Quetta, Pakistan – A deadly hijacking of the Jaffar Express passenger train unfolded today in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, leaving the nation and the international community on edge. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with approximately 500 passengers aboard, was ambushed by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in the rugged Bolan district, sparking a violent standoff that has claimed lives and plunged the region into chaos.
What Happened?
The attack began at approximately 9:30 AM local time (1:30 PM +04) when BLA fighters detonated explosives on the railway tracks near a tunnel in the Mashkaf area, forcing the Jaffar Express to a halt. Armed militants then stormed the train, opening fire on security personnel onboard and injuring the train driver, who was critically wounded. According to a statement from provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind, the assault triggered an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security guards stationed on the train.
The BLA, a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, claimed responsibility shortly after, asserting they killed at least 20 Pakistani security personnel—mostly soldiers returning home on leave—and took 182 passengers hostage, including military, paramilitary, and civilian non-Baloch individuals. However, local police and railway officials have disputed these figures, reporting a lower death toll of at least 10, including six security personnel, and suggesting that around 350 passengers were safely evacuated or unaffected, with approximately 35 to 100 still held captive. The discrepancy in numbers remains unverified as communication with the site is limited due to its remote location.
The militants issued a 48-hour ultimatum via a statement, demanding the “immediate and unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners and forcibly disappeared persons” in exchange for the hostages’ safety. They warned that any military intervention would result in the execution of all captives, escalating tensions as Pakistani security forces mobilized to the scene.
The Immediate Aftermath
By 11:23 PM +04 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the situation remains fluid. Pakistani authorities have launched a large-scale counter-operation, with reports of helicopter gunships and ground reinforcements converging on Bolan. A security source told AFP that forces had successfully freed 80 hostages—including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children—by late evening, though efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives. The BLA, however, maintains control over parts of the train, with unconfirmed reports of ongoing skirmishes.
An emergency was declared at a hospital in Sibi, 160 km southeast of Quetta, to treat the wounded, while Quetta Railway Station was shut down indefinitely. A relief train reached Machh Station with evacuated passengers, but the fate of those still onboard remains unclear. The Pakistani military has not officially commented on casualty figures or the operation’s progress, fueling speculation and concern.
Why Balochistan?
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet poorest province, has been a hotbed of insurgency for decades. The BLA, one of several separatist groups, accuses the central government of exploiting the region’s vast natural resources—such as gas and minerals—while neglecting its people. The group has intensified attacks in recent years, including a November 2024 bombing at Quetta’s main railway station that killed 26, including 14 soldiers, and a February 2025 bus attack that claimed seven Punjabi lives. The hijacking marks their deadliest operation this year, reflecting a surge in militancy since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power in neighboring Afghanistan.
What Comes Next?
As the 48-hour deadline looms—set to expire around 9:30 AM local time on March 13—Pakistan faces a critical decision. Analysts suggest three potential paths:
Negotiation: The government could engage the BLA’s demands, though this risks emboldening separatists and is politically untenable given Islamabad’s hardline stance.
Military Assault: A full-scale operation could neutralize the threat but endangers hostages, especially given the BLA’s terrain advantage and history of retaliatory killings.
Stalemate: Delaying action might buy time for intelligence gathering, but it could also escalate public unrest and international scrutiny.
Security experts note the military’s disadvantage in Balochistan’s mountainous landscape, where BLA fighters leverage local knowledge against troops largely from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Past crackdowns have often targeted civilians, deepening local alienation—a cycle that analysts warn could worsen if this crisis mishandled.
Global and Regional Reactions
The hijacking has drawn swift international attention. India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over regional stability, while the U.S. State Department condemned the attack and urged a peaceful resolution. Afghan officials remained silent, though the BLA’s cross-border ties are under scrutiny. On X, posts reflect a mix of outrage, fear, and calls for justice, with hashtags like #PakistanTrainHijack trending worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As night falls in Balochistan, the standoff continues to grip the region. With hostages’ lives at stake and a ticking clock, Pakistan’s response will shape not only the immediate outcome but also the broader conflict in Balochistan. The nation holds its breath, awaiting resolution—or escalation—in this deadly chapter of its turbulent history. Stay tuned for updates as events unfold.
Port Louis, Mauritius – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Mauritian counterpart, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, today in Port Louis, marking a significant moment in his two-day state visit to Mauritius. The meeting, held on Tuesday afternoon, focused on deepening the already robust India-Mauritius partnership, with both leaders exploring new avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors.
PM Modi arrived in Mauritius earlier today at 7:06 AM local time (11:06 AM +04), greeted personally by PM Ramgoolam at the airport with a ceremonial welcome. In a post on X, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating, “I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport.
This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration.” The two leaders then traveled together to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, where they planted a sapling as part of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, symbolizing their shared commitment to sustainability.
During their bilateral talks, Modi and Ramgoolam reviewed the historical, cultural, and strategic ties binding their nations. The discussions emphasized maritime security, capacity building, and trade, with several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) expected to be signed. Key among them is an MoU between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’ Financial Crime Commission to combat cross-border financial crimes, alongside a technical agreement on white shipping information exchange between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities.
These pacts aim to enhance intelligence sharing and technical assistance, reflecting a mutual interest in securing the Indian Ocean region.
Indian PM Narendra Modi, FM S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and FS Vikram Misri with Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Mauritius diplomats on March 11, 2025. Photo: @narendramodi
The meeting also set the stage for the joint inauguration of over 20 India-funded projects, including a Civil Services College building constructed at a cost of USD 4.75 million and an Area Health Centre, alongside community infrastructure projects worth approximately INR 7 crores. These initiatives underscore India’s $1.1 billion development aid to Mauritius over the past decade, including credit lines and grants.
PM Modi’s visit, his first to Mauritius since 2015, comes at the invitation of Ramgoolam, who returned to office for his third term in 2024. Ahead of the trip, Modi highlighted Mauritius as “a close maritime neighbor, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African continent,” signaling intent to elevate bilateral ties. Ramgoolam echoed this sentiment, noting, “The visit of PM Narendra Modi is a testimony of the close relations between our two nations.”
The day’s events also included Modi’s meeting with Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool, where he gifted holy Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh in a brass and copper pot, reinforcing cultural ties. Modi later posted on X, “Had a great meeting with His Excellency Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius.
We discussed how to further boost bilateral ties.” He is also slated to address the Indian diaspora and attend Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations as the chief guest on March 12, joined by an Indian military contingent and a Navy warship.
As of 10:55 PM +04 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Modi-Ramgoolam meeting has sparked optimism about a “new and bright chapter” in India-Mauritius relations, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to progress, prosperity, and regional security under India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday morning at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila upon his return from Hong Kong, following the issuance of a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing him of crimes against humanity tied to his brutal “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old ex-leader, visibly frail and defiant, questioned the legal basis for his detention in a video posted to social media by his daughter, Veronica Duterte.
In the video, filmed as he sat in a large chair at a table laden with food and drinks, Duterte demanded clarity: “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed? Show to me now the legal basis for my being here.” He had arrived at 9:20 AM local time (01:20 GMT) from Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning over the weekend ahead of the May 12 midterm election amid swirling rumors of an impending arrest warrant.
“Earlier this morning, Interpol Manila received the official copy of the warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC),” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement. The country’s Prosecutor General served Duterte with the ICC notice for alleged crimes against humanity, and he was taken into custody by Philippine National Police (PNP) officers equipped with body cameras. “The former president and his entourage are in good health and have been examined by government doctors to ensure he is in good condition,” the office added.
Duterte was escorted to Villamor Air Base, where he remains under guard. Late Tuesday evening, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that a plane carrying Duterte departed Manila at 11:03 PM local time, en route to The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is headquartered. “We complied with Interpol’s request, as per our commitments,” Marcos said, emphasizing adherence to legal protocols.
Philippine police are deployed at an airport lobby on the day of arrival of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at Manila International Airport in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 11 March 2025. EFE/EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA
The ICC has been investigating Duterte since 2018 for his anti-drug campaign, which official records claim killed over 6,000 people, though human rights groups estimate a toll as high as 30,000. The probe spans 2011 to 2019, covering his time as Davao City mayor—where he implemented a similar policy—and his 2016-2022 presidency, up until he withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019. The court alleges these extrajudicial killings constitute crimes against humanity.
Airport Arrest and Duterte’s Defiance
The arrest unfolded swiftly. Duterte landed at NAIA and was immediately apprehended. Amid warrant rumors on Sunday in Hong Kong, he had told Filipino workers, “If this is really my fate in life, that’s okay, I will accept it. There’s nothing we can do.” His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, claimed he was “forcibly taken” and called the transfer to The Hague “an affront to our sovereignty.”
Supporters rallied outside Villamor Air Base, where former aide Senator Bong Go arrived with pizza, urging calm: “Let’s just calm down and pray for former president Rodrigo Duterte.” Meanwhile, victims’ families held vigils in Manila, weeping for justice.
A Reckoning Long Awaited
Human rights advocates celebrated the arrest. The Rise Up for Life and for Rights alliance called it “proof that the declaration that Duterte and his accomplices are accountable for the implementation of the war on drugs is justified.” Dahlia Cuartero, mother of a victim, said, “The joy I felt today is incomparable, along with tears because of the joy of Duterte’s arrest.” Jane Lee, a widow of a drug war casualty, expressed “mixed emotions,” adding, “I really want to see Duterte in prison. They should pay for what they did to us.”
Politicians weighed in fiercely. Perci Cendaña of the Akbayan party and a deputy in Congress demanded Duterte “take full responsibility for the thousands of deaths caused by your bloody and morally bankrupt war on drugs,” calling his legacy one of “grave human rights abuses, rampant corruption, and a thirst for power.” Former Senator Leila de Lima, leader of Mamamayang Liberal, hailed the arrest as “the beginning of a much-needed reckoning,” referencing her own persecution under Duterte’s regime.
ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti insisted Duterte be sent to The Hague immediately: “When a person is arrested under a warrant from the ICC, he should be turned over to law enforcement of a member state and flown to The Hague ASAP,” she wrote on X.
Political Fallout and Uncertainty
The arrest marks a seismic shift. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, arguing it lacked jurisdiction, but the court asserts authority over crimes committed during its membership period. The Marcos administration’s cooperation with Interpol reflects a rift with the Duterte dynasty, exacerbated by Sara Duterte’s recent impeachment woes.
As Duterte heads to The Hague to face charges of murder as a crime against humanity, the Philippines grapples with his legacy. If convicted, he could be the first Filipino leader sentenced by an international tribunal—a historic moment for a nation divided between his loyalists and those seeking justice for his bloody tenure.
Washington, USA – Surinamese Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin was elected on Monday as the new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), set to succeed Uruguay’s Luis Almagro in May.
Ramdin’s victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Caribbean leader to assume the role. His candidacy was strongly backed by the 14-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), solidifying regional unity within the organization.
A Call for Unity
In his first remarks as Secretary General-elect, Ramdin emphasized the need for cooperation among member states. “My commitment is to serve all member states of this organization. Our collective strength lies in our ability to work together,” he stated.
A Consensus Candidate
Ramdin was elected unopposed after Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, who had U.S. backing under President Donald Trump, withdrew due to insufficient support. His election was confirmed by acclamation in a session chaired by Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, with participation from multiple regional diplomats.
View of the special session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) to elect the Secretary General at the OAS headquarters in Washington, US, 10 March 2025. EFE/ Lenin Nolly
This rare consensus follows years of deep divisions under Almagro, who faced criticism from left-leaning governments for his close alignment with Washington, the OAS’ largest financial contributor.
Ramdin secured broad support, initially gaining backing from progressive governments in Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay, followed by Mexico. He also received endorsements from centrist and center-right administrations in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.
Paraguay and the U.S. Step Back
Paraguay withdrew its candidate but expressed frustration over Brazil and Uruguay’s sudden withdrawal of support. Paraguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Víctor Verdún remarked that his country had presented a candidate “free from ideological polarization” and reiterated Paraguay’s commitment to the OAS despite the outcome.
While the Trump administration has been largely disengaged from multilateral organizations, it did not oppose Suriname’s bid. During the session, U.S. State Department official Michael Kozak urged Ramdin to “prioritize the defense of democracy” and criticized Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua for “robbing their people of basic rights.” He also issued a caution against “external adversaries seeking to expand their influence” in the region, indirectly referencing China.
Transition in May
Ramdin will officially assume office in May for the 2025-2030 term, facing pressing challenges such as the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, escalating violence in Haiti, regional migration issues, and trade disputes between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada under the Trump administration.
A seasoned diplomat, Ramdin previously served as the OAS’ Assistant Secretary General from 2005 to 2015 under Chilean Secretary General José Miguel Insulza. Since 2020, he has held the role of Suriname’s Foreign Minister.
He replaces Almagro, whose tenure since 2015 was marked by a strong focus on democracy and human rights, particularly through his firm stance on Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Washington, USA – Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under the Donald Trump administration, will soon arrive in India as part of a multi-nation tour of the Indo-Pacific. The visit, her first to India since assuming office, underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with key regional partners amid shifting global dynamics.
Sharing details of her visit, Gabbard said the trip aims to strengthen relationships and foster open communication to advance President Trump’s goals of peace and freedom. “I am wheels up on a multi-nation trip to the Indo-Pacific, a region I know very well having grown up as a child of the Pacific. I’ll be going to Japan, Thailand, and India, with a brief stop in France enroute back to DC,” Gabbard tweeted on Monday, March 10, 2025. This marks her first international engagement as the first female combat veteran to hold the DNI position in Trump’s second administration, which began on January 20, 2025.
Gabbard’s tour kicked off today in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she is meeting with intelligence community partners, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) leaders, and American troops involved in training exercises. Her itinerary reflects a strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to U.S. interests. As of 10:26 PM +04 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, her plane has departed Honolulu, setting the stage for high-stakes diplomatic engagements.
The India leg of the tour follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in February 2025, during which he met Gabbard in Washington, DC. She was the first U.S. official to greet Modi at Blair House, a significant gesture highlighting her role in bilateral relations. PM Modi tweeted about the encounter, saying, “Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary.” Modi’s warm remarks came after Gabbard’s Senate confirmation as DNI in a 52-48 vote, cementing her place in Trump’s cabinet.
In February, the two leaders reportedly discussed deepening intelligence cooperation, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and regional security concerns like the foiled murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Gabbard’s upcoming visit to India is expected to build on these talks. U.S. media speculate she will attend the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi next week—a prestigious security conference—where she was invited by Modi to speak and hold bilateral meetings with Indian officials.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared a photo on X as she stepped onto the ladder for her ongoing Indo-Pacific trip. Photo: Tulsi Gabbard’s X
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii (2013-2021) who joined the Republican Party in 2024, brings a unique perspective to her role. Raised in the Pacific and a veteran of the Iraq War, she has emphasized the importance of “building strong relationships, understanding, and open lines of communication” to achieve Trump’s objectives of “peace, freedom, and prosperity,” as noted in her X post.
This is the first visit to India by a senior Trump administration official since his second term began, signaling a renewed push to bolster the India-U.S. partnership forged during his first presidency. Gabbard’s prior international outing—attending the Munich Security Conference in February 2025—earned praise for its focus on counterterrorism, setting expectations high for her India engagements.
Reactions are already pouring in. Supporters see the visit as a bold move to counter regional challenges, while analysts highlight its alignment with the growing strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi. Further details of her India schedule are pending, but her tour could shape U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific for the remainder of Trump’s term. Stay tuned as this story develops.
Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Sunday that 1,311 people, including 830 civilians, have been killed in the last 72 hours in Syria’s Mediterranean provinces.
“The total number of dead and martyrs, both civilians and military, has risen to 1,311, during the security operation that came in response to the attacks of Alawite militants on security forces on Thursday,” the organization said.
The United Kingdom-based war monitor, which has a network of partners on the ground, broke down the total death toll, reporting 830 civilians, 231 members of the security forces and the Ministry of Defense, and 250 fighters loyal to the former regime.
The Observatory issued an “urgent” call to the authorities in Damascus to “hold accountable the security and defense personnel involved in the field executions” against the Alawite minority, a branch of Shiite professed by former President Bashar Al-Assad.
“Impunity encourages the repetition of crimes in the future threatens political and societal stability in Syria,” it added.
The vast majority of civilians were killed in the provinces of Latakia (519) and Tartous (220) as a result of what the NGO called a “liquidation operation,” the casualties also included non-Alawite civilians.
“These crimes come in the context of widespread revenge operations targeting members of the Alawite sect, amidst the ongoing mass killing, burning of homes, and forced displacement, in the absence of any international intervention to stop these massacres,” the Observatory said.
Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced Sunday the formation of an “independent” committee to investigate “violations against civilians” and find out who is responsible for the violence.
The committee will have 30 days to send the report to the presidency, explaining the “causes, circumstances and conditions that led to the occurrence of these events” and identify those responsible to refer them to justice.
Dubai, UAE – The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final. The decision, made under clear skies and on a pitch expected to favor batsmen early, adds an extra layer of anticipation to what promises to be a fiercely contested match between two cricketing powerhouses.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, enter the final as the tournament’s only unbeaten team, having dispatched Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand (in the group stage), and Australia in the semifinal—all on this very ground. New Zealand, meanwhile, secured their spot with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in Lahore, powered by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. The Black Caps now face the daunting task of toppling an in-form Indian side that has dominated them in recent knockout encounters.
India’s Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra. Photo : Satish Kumar/Reuters
Speaking at the toss, Santner expressed confidence in his team’s batting lineup. “It looks like a good wicket, similar to what we saw here last week against India. We’ll try to put runs on the board and see what happens,” he said. The decision to bat first reflects New Zealand’s strategy to set a challenging target and leverage their spin-heavy attack—featuring Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips—on a pitch expected to assist slow bowlers as the game progresses.
Rohit Sharma, visibly unfazed by losing his 15th consecutive toss in one-day internationals, shrugged off the setback. “We’ve batted first, bowled first here plenty of times. I don’t mind chasing—it’s a good pitch, and we’ve done it comfortably before,” he said. India’s confidence stems from their depth, with spinners Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel proving lethal throughout the tournament, alongside the ever-reliable pace of Mohammed Shami.
The Black Caps suffered a blow with pacer Matt Henry ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained in the semifinal. All-rounder Nathan Smith steps into the XI as his replacement, marking the only change for New Zealand. India, sticking to their winning formula, named an unchanged side from their semifinal triumph over Australia.
The Dubai pitch, previously used for the India-Pakistan group-stage clash on February 23, is dry and likely to slow down later, potentially favoring the team batting second. However, with temperatures soaring in the UAE this week, evening dew—a factor that could aid the chasing side—appears unlikely, tilting the contest toward a battle of batting prowess and spin mastery.
New Zealand’s top order, led by Ravindra, Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell, will look to build a substantial total against India’s formidable bowling attack. India, meanwhile, will rely on their star-studded batting lineup—featuring Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer—to chase down whatever target is set, a task they’ve executed with precision throughout the tournament.
This final marks a rematch of sorts, echoing the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy final in Nairobi, where New Zealand defeated India to claim their only limited-overs ICC title. For India, a victory would cap an unbeaten campaign and add a third Champions Trophy to their cabinet, following triumphs in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
As fans flood the stadium, waving flags and chanting anthems, the cricketing world holds its breath for what could be a classic. Will New Zealand’s bold call at the toss pay off, or will India’s relentless form prove too much? The answer unfolds today under the Dubai lights.
Kyiv, Ukraine – Russian special forces infiltrated a gas pipeline to strike Ukrainian units from the rear in the Kursk region, Ukraine’s military and Russian war bloggers reported, as Moscow intensifies efforts to reclaim territory lost to Kyiv’s surprise cross-border offensive.
Ukraine launched a daring incursion into Kursk in August, marking the largest attack on Russian soil since World War II. Within days, Ukrainian forces seized 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of territory, including the strategic border town of Sudzha, and captured hundreds of Russian prisoners of war. Kyiv described the operation as an attempt to gain leverage in potential peace talks and to force Russia to redeploy troops from the eastern front.
However, months after the initial success, Ukrainian troops in Kursk are now under severe pressure, facing relentless Russian assaults by over 50,000 troops, including reinforcements from North Korea. Open-source battlefield maps indicate that tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers risk being encircled.
According to pro-Kremlin blogger Yuri Podolyaka, Russian operatives traveled approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) inside a gas pipeline that was previously used to export Russian natural gas to Europe. Some of these troops reportedly remained inside the pipeline for several days before launching a surprise attack on Ukrainian positions near Sudzha.
Another war blogger, known as Two Majors, reported fierce fighting in Sudzha and confirmed that Russian forces had entered the town using the pipeline. Russian Telegram channels shared images of special forces operatives wearing gas masks and navigating what appeared to be the interior of a large pipe.
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed on Saturday evening that Russian “sabotage and assault groups” had attempted to use the pipeline to establish a foothold outside Sudzha. In a Telegram post, it stated that Russian forces were “detected in a timely manner,” and that Ukraine responded with rockets and artillery.
“At present, Russian special forces are being detected, blocked, and destroyed. The enemy’s losses in Sudzha are very high,” Ukraine’s military said.
The Associated Press has not independently verified these claims, and Russian officials have yet to comment.
Meanwhile, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Sunday that France will allocate 195 million euros ($211 million) in additional military aid to Ukraine, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Lecornu confirmed that the new package will include 155-mm artillery shells and glide bombs for Mirage 2000 fighter jets previously supplied to Kyiv.
Damascus, Syria – At least 540 people, including 340 Alawite civilians, have been killed, many executed by security forces, during clashes between Syria’s new regime troops and insurgents loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad, a UK-based war monitor reported Saturday.
“In the largest act of collective revenge, 340 civilians were murdered in cold blood on the coast and in the mountains of Latakia,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement.
It added that more than 200 fighters from both sides have been killed since Thursday, bringing the total death toll to over 540.
The Alawite minority, a branch of Shia Islam followed by the Assad family, makes up about 10 percent of Syria’s population.
The community is concentrated in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, former strongholds of the deposed president, and has historically held key positions in institutions such as the military.
Syrian security forces with heavy weapons take part in an operation following attacks carried out against Syrian security forces, in Latakia, Syria, 07 March 2025. EFE-EPA/BILAL AL HAMMOU
The Observatory accused Syria’s new authorities and allied groups of committing these “crimes” in a manner similar to operations once carried out by Assad’s security forces.
According to the NGO, the “massacres” occurred in the town of Baniyas in Tartus province, as well as in rural areas of Latakia, including Al Qardaha and Jableh, where violence erupted Thursday.
At least 89 members of Syria’s Interior and Defense Ministries have been killed in direct clashes, while pro-Assad insurgents have suffered 120 casualties so far, the group reported.
The fighting broke out when Alawite insurgents attacked security forces in Jableh, triggering Syria’s deadliest wave of violence since Assad was overthrown on December 8.
Syrian security forces are now carrying out raids and searches in areas where Assad loyalists are believed to be hiding, the Observatory said, adding that “street battles” are ongoing in Latakia and Tartus.
The new regime’s forces are primarily composed of former fighters from the now-dissolved Islamist alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a leading role in Assad’s ouster and has roots in the Al Nusra Front, Al Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate.
