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Category: International

  • Kemi Badenoch issues stark Passover warning to UK Jews: “This year is different”

    Kemi Badenoch issues stark Passover warning to UK Jews: “This year is different”

    INTERNATIONAL, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, has extended a goodwill message to British Jews for Passover, but with a sombre warning that this year is unlike any other.

    In her statement on Wednesday, Badenoch noted that recent events — Jews murdered in a UK synagogue, Hatzola ambulances torched in Golders Green, and growing fears about safety — mark a disturbing shift. “This year I can’t write the usual sort of Passover message,” she said, rejecting platitudes in favour of a call to vigilance.

    Reflecting on the meaning of Passover, Badenoch emphasised that freedom is not guaranteed but must be defended in every generation. She warned that antisemitism has eroded basic freedoms, from walking openly in London to worshipping without heavy security.

    The Conservative leader pledged stronger action under her leadership, including banning extremist marches, revoking visas for hate preachers, and adopting a zero-tolerance approach to radicalisation. She insisted that antisemitism is not just prejudice but “Jew hatred” — an existential threat to Jewish life in Britain.

    Badenoch urged British Jews to resist intimidation with visibility and defiance, stressing that Israel cannot be the only sanctuary. “This is your home,” she declared, promising to lead from the front in tackling sectarian hate and defending Jewish rights.

    Her message concluded with a reminder that Passover teaches resilience: “Freedom must be defended, generation after generation. We can and will defeat the scourge of antisemitism.”

  • IDF confirms killing of Hezbollah commander, Hamas operative, and Qods Force engineer in strikes across region

    IDF confirms killing of Hezbollah commander, Hamas operative, and Qods Force engineer in strikes across region

    MIDDLE EAST, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has announced the targeting and killing of Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, in a precision airstrike. According to an IDF statement on Wednesday, Hashem was eliminated by the Israeli Navy in Beirut. He was described as a senior commander with more than 40 years of experience, a central figure in Hezbollah’s leadership, who oversaw its rehabilitation and directed attacks against Israel.

    Within the last 24 hours, the IDF also confirmed the killing of Mahdi Vafaei, Head of the Engineering Branch of the Quds Force’s Lebanon Corps, in the Mahallat area of Iran. Vafaei was accused of advancing underground projects across Lebanon and Syria, leading efforts to establish and manage subterranean terrorist infrastructure for Hezbollah and the Assad regime.

    Additionally, Ibrahim al-Khaldi, identified as a Hamas naval force operative, was killed in Nuseirat. The IDF described al-Khaldi as a source of expertise in maritime operations, responsible for planning and advancing terror attacks against Israeli troops from Gaza.

    Meanwhile, the IDF said it has concluded inquiries into the deaths of two Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. The troops were reported killed by an explosive device in the Bani Haiyyan area. The IDF’s operational review determined that no explosive device was planted by Israeli forces and that no IDF troops were present in the area at the time.

    A statement from the IDF read in part: “The IDF is operating against Hezbollah, and not against UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces, or Lebanese civilians.” 

    The military further urged UNIFIL to avoid presence in combat zones where evacuation warnings have been issued to civilians for their safety.

  • NDLEA, US-DEA forge stronger alliance against drug cartels and terror financing

    NDLEA, US-DEA forge stronger alliance against drug cartels and terror financing

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying joint efforts against drug cartels and disrupting their ability to fund organised crimes, including violent extremism and terrorism.

    The pledge was made by NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) and DEA Country Attaché Daphne Morrison at a bilateral counter-narcotics workshop held on Tuesday at NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.

    Marwa described the workshop as strategic and timely, aimed at aligning Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement leadership on major drug-related threats. He stressed the link between drug trafficking and terrorism, noting that “proceeds from the poison sold on our streets are the same funds used to purchase weapons that destabilise our regions.”

    He warned that Nigeria’s geographic position makes it a growing target for international cartels, especially as enforcement pressure mounts in Latin America. “A significant proportion of illicit drugs entering Nigeria are destined for onward trafficking to Europe, North America, and Asia,” he said, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global action.

    Marwa added that the workshop provides a critical opportunity to deepen collaboration, enhance intelligence-driven operations, and build a unified front against criminal networks. He expressed appreciation to the U.S. government for its consistent support, emphasising that the partnership is “operational, practical, and results-oriented.”

    Morrison praised NDLEA’s record-breaking seizures and arrests under Marwa’s leadership, calling the workshop “a declaration of our unified stand against transnational criminal organisations.” She highlighted the importance of strengthening intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training to empower NDLEA operatives.

    She concluded by stressing that “the strength of our partnership lies in shared responsibility and collective action,” urging participants to use the workshop to build a robust and actionable strategy for 2026.

  • FIFA confirms full line-up for 2026 World Cup as Iraq secures final spot

    FIFA confirms full line-up for 2026 World Cup as Iraq secures final spot

    INTERNATIONAL, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has officially released the complete line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iraq claiming the final qualification slot. The expanded tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time in history, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to greater global representation.

    Qualified Teams by Confederation

    Europe (UEFA – 16 teams): England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Türkiye, Czechia.
    Africa (CAF – 9 teams): South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Tunisia, Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana.
    Asia (AFC – 8 teams): Japan, South Korea, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iraq, Uzbekistan.
    North & Central America (CONCACAF – 6 teams): Canada, Mexico, United States (hosts), Costa Rica, Panama, Haiti.
    South America (CONMEBOL – 6 teams): Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile.
    Oceania (OFC – 3 teams): New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea.

    Group Stage Features

    The group stage draw has produced several exciting match-ups, bringing together footballing giants and debutants alike:

    • Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, and Czechia
    • Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
    • Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
    • Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
    • Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
    • Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
    • Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
    • Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
    • Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
    • Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
    • Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia
    • Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

    With Iraq’s qualification, the line-up reflects both traditional powerhouses and emerging football nations, promising a diverse and competitive tournament. The expanded format ensures more opportunities for underrepresented regions, while also intensifying the global spectacle of the World Cup.

  • Amnesty slams government over Plateau massacre, warns of rising impunity

    Amnesty slams government over Plateau massacre, warns of rising impunity

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure adequate protection for the people of Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, following the Palm Sunday massacre in the north-central state. The human rights organisation called for thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into the blood-curdling incident, stressing that accountability is essential to prevent further violence.

    The mass burial of victims held today, Amnesty noted, is yet another tragic reminder of the government’s failure under President Bola Tinubu to safeguard lives.

     In a statement on Tuesday, the rights body presented grim statistics of killings in Plateau State between December 2023 and February 2024, revealing that at least 1,336 people were murdered by terrorist elements. Of those killed, 533 were women, 263 were children, and 540 were men. More than 29,554 people were displaced, including 13,093 children and 16,461 women, underscoring the devastating humanitarian toll.

    Amnesty International further warned that the consistent inability of authorities to bring suspected perpetrators to justice is fuelling impunity and emboldening attackers. It emphasised that unless urgent steps are taken to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute those responsible, the cycle of violence will continue to destabilise communities and erode public trust in government institutions.

  • UN Chief condemns killing of two Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

    UN Chief condemns killing of two Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

    INTERNATIONAL, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the killing of two Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during clashes in southern Lebanon on Monday. The incident occurred amid intensified fighting between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the northern front.

    In a statement issued Tuesday, Guterres confirmed that a third peacekeeper was critically injured and a fourth also sustained wounds. “My deepest condolences to the peacekeepers’ families, friends and colleagues, and to Indonesia. I wish a full and speedy recovery to the injured peacekeepers,” he said.

    The Secretary-General noted that the attack marked the second fatal incident in 24 hours, following the killing of another peacekeeper in a separate incident on Sunday. He stressed that assaults on UN personnel constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and must cease immediately. “No one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace,” he added.

    UNIFIL, in a separate statement on Monday, reiterated the urgent need for all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety of UN personnel and property. It warned that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are violations of Security Council Resolution 1701 and may amount to war crimes.

    “The human cost of this conflict is far too high. The violence, as we have said before, must end,” UNIFIL declared.

  • Trump announces King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 2027 state visit to the U.S.

    Trump announces King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 2027 state visit to the U.S.

    NORTH AMERICA, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the United States from 27 to 30 April 2027.

    As part of what the President described as a “historic occasion,” a state banquet will be held at the White House on the evening of 28 April. The visit coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    In a statement released on Tuesday via his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: “Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th, which will include a beautiful Banquet Dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28th. This momentous occasion will be even more special this year, as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our Great Country. I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”

    However, earlier in the day, Trump criticised the United Kingdom and other NATO allies for failing to join U.S. efforts in the ongoing conflict with Iran, particularly in securing the Strait of Hormuz. He accused them of complaining about rising oil prices while refusing to take military action.

    “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” Trump said.

    It remains unclear how the forthcoming state visit will accommodate these political conundrums arising from the war in the Middle East, as Trump has been openly critical of England’s neutral position.

  • Israel declares indefinite security zone occupation in Southern Lebanon

    Israel declares indefinite security zone occupation in Southern Lebanon

    INTERNATIONAL, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday that Israel will establish and maintain a “security zone” in southern Lebanon extending up to the Litani River. The measure would prevent the return of more than 600,000 displaced residents and involve the demolition of villages near the border.

    Following a high-level military assessment, Katz confirmed that Israeli forces will remain permanently deployed in the zone, enforcing strict control measures. He stressed that the initiative is designed to neutralise Hezbollah’s capabilities, sever Lebanon from Iranian influence, and fundamentally reshape the security environment in the region.

    The move follows the inability of Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah, which had been a condition for the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah during the height of the war with Hamas. Israel has declared Hamas militarily defeated, but now faces repeated attacks from Hezbollah, which joined the conflict alongside Iran in the broader confrontation involving Israel and the United States.

    The plan would extend Israeli presence far beyond the UN-demarcated Blue Line, established in 2000 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The Litani River, Lebanon’s longest at roughly 170 kilometres, has long been central to Israeli-Lebanese disputes and security proposals.

    Cross-border hostilities reignited on 2 March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, breaking a ceasefire that had held since November 2024. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon.

    In a related development, the Israeli military reported overnight strikes on weapons production facilities in Tehran, marking the 31st consecutive day of Israeli-U.S. operations targeting Iran.

  • UNIFIL confirms death of two peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

    UNIFIL confirms death of two peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

    INTERNATIONAL, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has announced the killing of two peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Monday.

    According to a statement by UNIFIL, “the two peacekeepers were tragically killed in south Lebanon today, when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt.”

    UNIFIL noted that the incident was the second fatal attack in 24 hours, stressing: “We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace.”

    The body extended its “sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers” and confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.

    The mission reiterated the urgent need for all actors to uphold obligations under international law and ensure the safety of UN personnel and property. It warned that “deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may constitute war crimes.”

    “The human cost of this conflict is far too high. The violence, as we have said before, must end,” the statement added./

  • US Congressman warns Nigeria of severe consequences after Jos attack

    US Congressman warns Nigeria of severe consequences after Jos attack

    INTERNATIONAL, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — US Congressman Riley Moore has warned that Nigeria’s relationship with the United States could face “significant consequences” if there is a repeat of the killings in Jos North, Plateau State, where over a dozen people were massacred on Sunday.

    In a statement on Monday, Moore — who served on a Congressional inquiry into alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria and had previously made recommendations to President Trump on resolving the issue — alleged that “radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on the Christians in Jos before hacking them to pieces with machetes.”

    He described the attack as “sickening and unacceptable,” but added that it was “not surprising,” claiming it followed a regular pattern of assaults.

    The statement read in part: “This tragedy follows a pattern of radical Islamic terrorists massacring Christians on Holy Days. In fact, terrorists have attacked Christians in Nigeria on every single holy day in recent memory, except for last Christmas — when President Trump sent 12 tomahawk cruise missiles to stop them.”

    Moore further warned:“Abuja knows this pattern and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter. If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilise to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”