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  • 7 dead as Russia launches massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine

    7 dead as Russia launches massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least seven people were killed and more than ten injured as Russia unleashed waves of ballistic missiles and drone swarms against cities across Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said Saturday.

    The strikes hit multiple regions, including Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi, Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, and Cherkasy. In Kharkiv, a residential building was destroyed by a ballistic missile, leaving several people trapped under rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties in a statement, noting that children were among the injured. “Unfortunately, as of now, 7 people have been killed. More than 10 have been injured, including children. People may still be trapped under the rubble. All necessary services are working at the scene,” he said.

    According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched 29 missiles — nearly half of them ballistic — and 480 drones, most of them Shahed models, targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernivtsi, as well as railway facilities in Zhytomyr. Damage was also reported across several other regions.

    The president urged Ukraine’s international partners to respond to what he described as “savage strikes against life.” He stressed that Russia has not abandoned its attempts to destroy Ukraine’s residential and critical infrastructure, calling for continued support from allies.

    Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing cooperation with the European Union and initiatives such as PURL, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defences. “We count on active work with the European Union to guarantee greater protection for our people. I am grateful to everyone who helps strengthen our protection,” he added.

  • Ukraine welcomes 300 soldiers home after prisoner swap with Russia

    Ukraine welcomes 300 soldiers home after prisoner swap with Russia

    Kyiv, Ukraine (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Ukraine has secured the release of 300 soldiers and two civilians from Russian captivity following a prisoner exchange under the “500-for-500” deal negotiated in Geneva. In return, Russia received 200 of its servicemen held by Ukraine.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement on Friday titled “Another 300 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity,” expressed joy over the development. He confirmed that the freed Ukrainians include members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service, ranging from privates to officers.

    “These are warriors who defended Ukraine in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mariupol. Most of them had been in captivity for more than a year, some since 2022,” Zelenskyy noted.

    The President extended gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the exchange, particularly the United States for its mediation role. “I thank all our warriors who ensure this result by replenishing the exchange fund for Ukraine. I thank the entire team that worked to achieve this result. I am grateful to the United States for their mediation. It is important that the agreements have worked. We remember everyone, and we must bring all our people home,” he said.

  • Azerbaijan warns of retaliation after drone strike blamed on Iran

    Azerbaijan warns of retaliation after drone strike blamed on Iran

    Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5, 2026 (Agency Report) — Azerbaijan said Thursday it is preparing retaliatory measures after four Iranian drones allegedly crossed its border into the Nakhchivan exclave, injuring four people and striking civilian infrastructure. The incident has heightened fears that the Middle East war could spill further into the Caucasus.

    President Ilham Aliyev, addressing his Security Council, condemned the attack as “an unprovoked act of terror and aggression against Azerbaijan.” He ordered the armed forces to prepare a response, warning Tehran: “We are ready to demonstrate our strength against any hostile force — and they should not forget this in Iran.”

    Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the accusation, telling local media: “We do not attack our neighbouring countries.” Azerbaijani officials said investigations are underway to identify the drones, noting that one struck the terminal at Nakhchivan International Airport, another landed near a school, a third was shot down by the army, and a fourth damaged civilian infrastructure.

    The Foreign Ministry has demanded clarification from Tehran and lodged a formal protest with Iran’s ambassador. Officials warned that any threat to Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure — a major supplier to Turkey and Europe via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline — could further drive up global oil prices already rattled by the U.S.–Iran war.

    Relations between Baku and Tehran have long been strained, with Azerbaijan deepening ties to Turkey and Israel. There is a growing fear that the conflict risks igniting violence between the neighbours, particularly given the presence of nearly 20 million ethnic Azerbaijanis inside Iran, the country’s largest minority group.

  • BREAKING: Over 100 Missing After Reported Submarine Strike on Iranian Vessel Near Sri Lanka

    BREAKING: Over 100 Missing After Reported Submarine Strike on Iranian Vessel Near Sri Lanka

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (NPA) — March 4, 2026 — More than 100 people are reported missing and 80 others wounded on Wednesday,  following what officials described as a submarine strike on an Iranian vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to sources within the country’s navy and defence ministry.

    Authorities have not confirmed the country that deployed the submarine, and whether the vessel was carrying personnel linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government.

    Investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected as the situation develops.

  • U.S. Forces Destroy Iran’s Command Facilities, Air Defences, and Launch Sites

    U.S. Forces Destroy Iran’s Command Facilities, Air Defences, and Launch Sites

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Tuesday that American forces, operating under Operation Epic Fury, have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities.

    In a statement, CENTCOM said: “U.S. forces have destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command-and-control facilities, Iranian air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields during sustained operations. We will continue to take decisive action against imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime.”

    The campaign, launched jointly by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, has included targeted strikes against senior Iranian officials, among them Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Employing a “Shock and Awe” strategy, the coalition has focused on precision bombing designed to cripple Iran’s military infrastructure while minimising civilian casualties.

    According to military analysts, the strikes have weakened Iran’s command networks and disrupted its coordination with proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilisation Forces. The offensive has also destabilised Iran’s leadership, creating uncertainty and diminishing its regional influence.

    Despite these gains, Washington faces the daunting challenge of preventing a wider escalation across the Middle East. Experts warn that the conflict could have severe repercussions for regional stability and global security.

  • BREAKING: TRUMP ANNOUNCES DEATH OF IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI

    BREAKING: TRUMP ANNOUNCES DEATH OF IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI

    WASHINGTON D.C. (NPA): United States President Donald Trump has announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the first day of U.S. and Israeli strikes in the Persian Gulf nation.

    Trump made the announcement on January 28, 2026, in a post on his Truth Social account. He wrote:

    “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. He was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.”

    In his statement, Trump urged Iranians to seize the opportunity to reclaim their country amid what he described as a power vacuum. He added:

    “We are hearing that many of their IRGC, military, and other security and police forces no longer want to fight, and are looking for immunity from us. As I said last night, ‘Now they can have immunity, later they only get death!’ Hopefully, the IRGC and police will peacefully merge with the Iranian patriots and work together as a unit to bring back the country to the greatness it deserves.”

    Trump further warned that the bombing campaign would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week, or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world.”

    As of the time of filing this report, Iranian authorities have not confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader.

  • White House Press Secretary Leavitt Highlights Trump Administration’s First-Year Achievements

    White House Press Secretary Leavitt Highlights Trump Administration’s First-Year Achievements

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA)–White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has praised the performance of U.S. President Donald Trump, describing his first year in office as marked by “undeniable results.”

    In a statement posted on X on Friday, Leavitt asserted that the United States now has “the most secure border in history,” citing the removal of tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes. She noted that this has contributed to the murder rate reaching “the lowest level in recorded history.”

    Leavitt also pointed to economic indicators, clarifying that gas prices had fallen below $3 per gallon nationwide, mortgage rates dropped to four-year lows, and inflationary pressures were easing. “Mortgage rates fell below 6% this week for the first time in more than three years, welcome news for house hunters heading into the busy spring home-buying season,” she said.

    Additional measures highlighted included tax reforms, such as exemptions on tips, overtime, and Social Security contributions, as well as lower prescription drug costs under the “Trump Rx” initiative. According to Leavitt, these policies have led to “a nearly $1,500 increase in real wages” and positioned American patients to pay “the lowest prices for prescription drugs anywhere in the world.”

    On financial markets, she emphasized that “the stock market [is] breaking record after record” with “trillions of dollars in investments secured.”

    Leavitt further claimed progress in foreign and social policy, stating that “eight global conflicts ended,” women’s and girls’ sports were “protected,” religious liberty was “respected once again,” and new trade deals were revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.

    She criticized media outlets for allegedly failing to report these developments, framing it as part of a broader dispute between the administration and press organizations.

    Independent data also points to several measurable outcomes during Trump’s second term. U.S. border apprehensions reportedly declined by more than 90%, while refugee admissions fell by nearly 98% compared to previous years. Crime statistics indicated a reduction in homicide rates. Economically, real weekly earnings for private-sector workers rose by 1.4%, outpacing inflation, while GDP grew at an estimated 1.8%. Growth was supported by increased domestic energy production, reinforcing U.S. energy independence.

    In trade and investment, trillions of dollars in capital were reshored to the U.S., accompanied by new trade agreements aimed at strengthening manufacturing. These measures were associated with moderating inflation.

    On foreign policy, the administration engaged in Middle East conflict resolution, including those involving Israel and Hamas, and sought to restrict Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, the Iran issue remains unresolved, with diplomacy at times strained and edging toward military confrontation.

  • Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Meeting with U.S. and Russia in March to End War

    Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Meeting with U.S. and Russia in March to End War

    KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States and Russia aimed at ending the war.

    Zelenskyy made the remarks following a meeting with Jared Kushner and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ukrainian leader said preparations were underway for discussions at the highest level.

    “We need to finalize everything achieved so far to secure real security guarantees and prepare a meeting at the leaders’ level,” Zelenskyy said. “There is already greater readiness for the next trilateral format. We expect the format to take place in early March.”

    He added that such a meeting could address key issues directly, noting that leadership-level engagement is particularly important when dealing with Russia.

    “At the end of the day, leaders decide key issues, and when it comes to Russia — such a personalist regime — this is even more relevant than in other countries,” he said.

    Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued commitment to finding a path toward peace.

    Earlier, the Ukrainian president met with representatives of the international business community. Discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience and preparations for the coming winter season.

    “On March 1, all our local authorities will present an energy development plan for next winter,” Zelenskyy said. “It is important to do as much as possible over the next six months before the start of the heating season. The role of the private sector is key, and we are counting on joint projects.”

    He said broader investment opportunities and private sector involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction — including in the defense industry — were also discussed.

    “Even during the war, after such a winter, our country continues to live,” Zelenskyy said. “We are open to partnership, to joint projects, and to investments that will support our people and our security. Thank you to everyone who invests in Ukraine’s resilience.”

  • Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Israel for bilateral talks and to strengthen defense cooperation, on Thursday visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

    In a statement posted on his official X account, Modi expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying him during the visit. “I placed a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I am grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit,” he wrote.

    Modi also toured the Hall of Names, a solemn memorial space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the experience, he stated: “The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.”

    Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, serves as Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The center is dedicated to preserving their memory, honoring survivors, and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.

  • Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the enduring relationship between Israel and India, describing both nations as “two ancient civilizations, from the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley.” He made the remarks during a special session of the Knesset in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Israel.

    Netanyahu, in a statement posted Wednesday on X, said: “Our alliance multiplies our strengths — in spirit, in action, and in innovation. Together, we will take the friendship between our peoples to unprecedented heights.”

    Addressing the Knesset, Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and the goodwill of the Indian people toward Israel. He was awarded the Medal of the Knesset, which he described as “not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”

    Following the session, both leaders toured an exhibition showcasing Israeli technological innovations. Modi praised the pioneering work of Israeli youth in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, healthcare, cybersecurity, water management, and agriculture. He encouraged Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with Indian talent.

    Modi’s visit, taking place from February 25–26, 2026, includes bilateral talks with Netanyahu aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture, water resources, and trade.