Africa
Chad closes border with Sudan
Chad is closing its eastern border with Sudan until further notice to try to stop repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups. Recently, heavy fighting took place in a border town between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and local fighters who are loyal to the Sudanese army. Sudan has been in a civil war since 2023, and almost a million Sudanese people have crossed the border into Chad since then.
Tunisian lawmaker jailed
A court in Tunisia sentenced lawmaker Ahmed Saidani to eight months in prison over social media posts mocking President Kais Saied. Saidani posted on social media about Saied’s visit to flooded areas, calling him the supreme commander of sanitation and rainwater drainage. He was found guilty on charges of insulting others via communication networks.
Asia
Pakistan launches air strikes on Afghanistan
Pakistan launched multiple overnight air strikes on Afghanistan, killing at least 18 people, the Taliban said. Officials said the strikes were launched because of recent suicide bombings in Pakistan. Afghanistan said the strikes hit civilian homes and a religious schools while Pakistan said it carried out selective targeting of terrorist camps and hideouts.
Mother/baby burned in India
Authorities in the Indian state of Jharkhand arrested four people who are accused of burning to death a woman and her baby on suspicion of practicing witchcraft. Cases of witchcraft are typically reported from areas home to disadvantaged tribal communities. Between 2000 and 2016, more than 2,500 people were killed in India on suspicion of witchcraft, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
Europe
Netherlands swears in youngest prime minister
Rob Jetten became the youngest and first openly gay prime minister to be sworn into position in the Netherlands. Jetten is 38 and narrowly defeated Islam populist Geert Wilders in an October election. He succeeds Dick Schoof as prime minister and was formally sworn in by King Willem-Alexander.
Ukraine explosion kills one person, injures dozens
A 23-year-old police officer was killed in Ukraine from an explosion. At least 25 others were injured as well. The incident occurred in the city of Lviv. Police said two homemade explosive devices were planted in waste bins, and officials confirmed that a suspect has been detained. Police said the suspect made the explosives on the “instruction” of an agent of Russia’s special services.
Latin America
Peru names new president
Officials in Peru have elected Jose Maria Balcazar to serve as the country’s president on an interim basis until the end of July when a new president will be chosen in an election. Peru recently removed former president Jose Jeri from his position over allegations of influence peddling. Balcazar is 83 and said he would guarantee a peaceful and transparent democratic and electoral transition.
Mexico drug lord killed
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, was killed during a security operation. He was Mexico’s most wanted man and was known as “El Mencho.” Cervantes’ cartel trafficked large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. Officials had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
North America
Man killed after entering Trump’s residence
The Secret Service said a man was shot and killed after entering President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The man, 21-year-old Austin T Martin, was carrying a shotgun and fuel, officials said. Police noted that Martin had no record of prior history and was shot after refusing orders to drop his weapon.
Nasa delays moon mission
Nasa will delay its March 6 launch day for its moon mission after issues were found during routine checks that would prevent lift off. The setbacks will require further maintenance before the mission can start. Nasa is preparing to send four astronauts on a 10-day trip to the far side of the moon and back. If successful, it would be the furthest humanity has ever went into space.
