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Category: International

  • EU parliament endorses talks on regulation for returning illegal immigrants

    EU parliament endorses talks on regulation for returning illegal immigrants

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The European Parliament has endorsed the opening of negotiations with the Council on a new legal framework for the return of people without the right to remain in the European Union.

    With 389 votes in favour, 206 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs agreed to proceed to the next stage of the legislative process for an updated EU common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU.

    According to a statement issued by Polona Tedesko, Press Officer (SI), the vote on Thursday followed three separate requests by the S&D, Greens/EFA, and The Left political groups challenging the 9 March 2026 decisions taken in the Civil Liberties Committee, in line with rule 72 of Parliament’s rules of procedure.

    The statement added that rapporteur Malik Azmani (Renew, NL) will lead Parliament’s negotiating team. Parliament’s negotiating position and a summary of key points are available, with the first round of negotiations with the Cyprus Presidency scheduled to take place shortly.

    If the regulation is eventually adopted, illegal immigrants found without legal grounds to remain in the EU would face formal removal procedures. These would include identification, detention where necessary, and repatriation to their country of origin or transit, with safeguards in place for vulnerable individuals such as minors and asylum seekers.

    The reforms aim to strengthen coordination between member states, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results in managing migration across the Union.

  • BREAKING: Israeli airstrike kills IRGC Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri

    BREAKING: Israeli airstrike kills IRGC Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 26, 2026 — An Israeli official has announced that Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, was killed in a targeted airstrike on the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

    According to reports in the Jerusalem Post, the strike occurred on Thursday. Also, it claimed the lives of several of Tangsiri’s senior aides, who were buried under the rubble of a collapsed building. Israeli defence sources confirmed involvement, though Iran has yet to issue an official statement.

    Admiral Tangsiri, who had led the IRGC Navy since August 2018, had recently adopted a more aggressive posture in the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Just last week, he threatened retaliation against U.S. facilities in the region, warning civilians to avoid oil installations linked to American interests.

    The reported killing of Tangsiri marks a significant escalation in Israel-Iran tensions and raises concerns about potential instability in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.

  • Ukraine’s drone offensive halves Russia’s oil shipments as global oil markets hangs in the balance

    Ukraine’s drone offensive halves Russia’s oil shipments as global oil markets hangs in the balance

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 25, 2026: Russia’s ambitions to cash in on soaring global oil demand amid Middle East turmoil have suffered a devastating setback, as Ukrainian drone attacks cripple nearly half of its export capacity.

    Massive fires erupted at Russia’s Baltic Sea ports, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, forcing the suspension of oil shipments for the second time in a week. The Ust-Luga terminal, which handles about 700,000 barrels of oil daily, was struck overnight, sparking an inferno that continues to rage. The port is a vital hub for petroleum products, coal, and fertilizers.

    Primorsk, Russia’s largest Baltic oil port with a capacity of 1 million barrels per day, was also targeted earlier on March 22. That strike ignited fuel storage tanks, halting operations and compounding the disruption.

    The scale of the damage is staggering: about 2 million barrels per day—roughly 40% of Russia’s export capacity—has been knocked offline. Novorossiysk, another critical port on the Black Sea, has also faced interruptions following a drone attack earlier this month.

    MarineTraffic data shows at least 50 vessels stranded in the Gulf of Finland, awaiting clearance to dock at the paralyzed ports. Local media, including Helsingin Sanomat, report that smoke from Ust-Luga’s burning fuel tanks—33 in total, with capacity exceeding 500 rail tank cars—is visible from Finland’s coastline, stretching for dozens of kilometers.

    Russia’s oil lifeline to global markets now hangs in the balance, as Ukraine’s precision strikes continue to dismantle Moscow’s export infrastructure.

  • Herzog praises Lebanon’s expulsion of Iranian envoy, calls it a bold step

    Herzog praises Lebanon’s expulsion of Iranian envoy, calls it a bold step

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 25, 2026 — Israeli President Isaac Herzog has hailed Lebanon’s decision to expel the Iranian Ambassador, describing it as a bold and historic move. He said the action marks a watershed moment and could signal broader regional changes if the influence of Iran and its proxies is curtailed.

    Herzog made the remarks while visiting the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, which recently hit an affluent part of the city. Addressing the nation, he stressed that missiles “do not distinguish between person and person, and neither do we — the entire nation stands together in this battle.”

    The president praised Israel’s rescue forces and municipal teams for their dedication and professionalism in responding to the attack. He commended the Tel Aviv operations center for its effective management, innovative approaches, and uncompromising commitment to residents’ safety. Herzog emphasised that such resilience demonstrates the unity of Israeli society in the face of external threats.

    “I wish to thank Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and his team, and I wish to strengthen the citizens of Israel from north to south. Together we will stand and prevail,” Herzog concluded, underscoring his message of solidarity and determination.

  • Russian hacker sentenced to over six years in U.S. prison, returns $9.1M

    Russian hacker sentenced to over six years in U.S. prison, returns $9.1M

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — A court in the Southern District of Indiana has sentenced Russian citizen Aleksei Volkov to 81 months in prison for assisting major cybercrime groups, including the Yanluowang ransomware gang, in attacks against U.S. companies and organisations.

    Volkov, 26, of St. Petersburg, Russia, acted as an “initial access broker,” specialising in breaking into corporate computer networks and selling that access to ransomware operators. His activities facilitated dozens of attacks across the United States, causing more than $9 million in actual losses and $24 million in intended losses. He was indicted in both Indiana and Pennsylvania, arrested in Rome, Italy, and extradited to the U.S., where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

    Court documents show Volkov exploited vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, which his co‑conspirators then used to deploy ransomware. Victims’ data was encrypted, business operations disrupted, and ransom demands made in cryptocurrency — sometimes in the tens of millions of dollars. In some cases, victims paid, while in others their stolen data was leaked online. Volkov received a share of the ransom proceeds.

    On November 25, 2025, Volkov pleaded guilty to six counts, including identity theft, trafficking in access information, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and money laundering. He admitted to hacking networks, stealing data, and dividing ransom payments with co‑conspirators. He agreed to pay restitution of at least $9.1 million and forfeit equipment used in his crimes.

    The case was prosecuted by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the Southern District of Indiana, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with support from the FBI and international partners. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs coordinated with Italian authorities to secure Volkov’s arrest and extradition.

  • Ex-US Mayor, Mike Arnold accuses Britain of silence over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

    Ex-US Mayor, Mike Arnold accuses Britain of silence over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Mike Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, has accused Britain of deliberate silence over the imprisonment of British citizen Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

    Arnold, a vocal critic of Christian persecution in Nigeria, on Tuesday, published a lengthy piece titled “Great Britain’s Dirtiest Secret.” He described Kanu, a British passport holder and founder of IPOB — the Indigenous People of Biafra — as a peaceful advocate for Igbo rights and independence. Broadcasting legally from London, he alleged that Kanu’s movement was declared a terrorist organisation in 2017 by then‑President Muhammadu Buhari without trial or evidence. Though courts later dismissed the designation, damages were awarded, and IPOB’s activities continued.

    Arnold condemned Kanu’s abduction from Kenya in 2021 without extradition proceedings, his conviction in November 2025 under what he alleged was a repealed law, and his transfer to Sokoto prison, far from family and legal counsel. He questioned Britain’s silence in all these, noting no statement, briefing, or sanctions, despite similar actions against Russia, Myanmar, and China.

    The release emphasised the vitality of the Igbo people, describing them as dynamic and entrepreneurial, yet marginalised for decades. 

    Arnold further accused Britain of allegedly prioritising oil and Shell’s pipelines over millions of lives during the Nigeria-Biafra War, insisting that reparations and autonomy are overdue. He argued that Biafra represents justice, not instability, and warned that Washington’s reluctance to address it stems from fear.

    He broadened the critique to Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups — Yoruba, Tiv, Berom, Kanuri, and others — all deserving freedom and self‑determination. 

    According to him, Britain’s 1970 victory left the Igbo dispossessed, with systematic marginalisation continuing: no Igbo president, underrepresentation in federal institutions, and environmental devastation in the oil‑rich southeast,’ he wrote further.

    Arnold contrasted the poverty in the Igbo homeland with the success of the Igbos in diaspora, whom he highlighted as reputable doctors, engineers, and professionals thriving in America and Britain. He concluded that the problem with Nigeria lies not with the people but with a system designed to suppress them, comparing Nigeria’s tribal divisions to America’s racial ones — both tools to keep the oppressed divided.

    Recently, Arnold and his former associate, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, publicly clashed over widespread allegations of Christian killings in Nigeria — a controversy that ultimately drew the attention of a U.S. congressional inquiry.

  • Nigeria-NNPC’s Ojulari shines as global energy leaders gather in Houston for CERAWeek 2026

    Nigeria-NNPC’s Ojulari shines as global energy leaders gather in Houston for CERAWeek 2026

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, has been spotlighted at the ongoing CERAWeek 2026 in Houston, themed “Convergence and Competition: Energy, Technology and Geopolitics.”

    CERAWeek 2026, organised by S&P Global, is the world’s premier energy conference, drawing more than 10,000 participants from 89 countries, including top executives, ministers, and innovators. The five‑day event focuses on energy security, the transition to cleaner fuels, and the role of technology in reshaping global markets.

    Other key speakers include Amin Nasser of Aramco, Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies, and Vicki Hollub of Occidental, alongside senior U.S. officials. Discussions highlight the impact of Middle East instability on oil supplies, the growing importance of renewables, and the integration of artificial intelligence into energy systems. The Innovation Agora segment showcases emerging technologies and startups driving the energy transition.

    Widely regarded as the “Davos of energy,” CERAWeek sets the agenda for investment, policy, and innovation at a time when global fuel markets face unprecedented volatility.

    In his presentation, Ojulari reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic direction, stressing that the government’s approach is deliberate and grounded—anchored on realism, strengthened by partnerships, and driven by disciplined execution.

    “With the policy clarity and commercial autonomy provided under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, NNPC Limited is firmly positioned to pursue long‑term, value‑driven solutions,” he said. Ojulari emphasised that Nigeria today stands as a credible, competitive, and dependable destination for the energy investment the world requires.

  • Strait of Hormuz blockade forces Australia to lower diesel standards amid deepening fuel shortages

    Strait of Hormuz blockade forces Australia to lower diesel standards amid deepening fuel shortages

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Australia has temporarily lowered its diesel standards for six months in a bid to ease nationwide fuel shortages, as hundreds of petrol stations report running out of key fuel types.

    Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that the “flashpoint” for diesel has been reduced from 61.5 to 60.5 degrees Celsius, a move designed to expand supply options from international refiners in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He stressed that the adjustment would have no impact on engines or emissions, while giving Australian refineries greater flexibility to meet demand.

    The decision comes amid mounting pressure on fuel reserves following instability in global energy markets linked to the war in the Middle East. Bowen revealed that 20 per cent of the country’s fuel reserve has already been released, but six scheduled shipments for April were cancelled, forcing reliance on alternate sources.

    Latest figures show widespread shortages: in New South Wales, 164 stations are without diesel and 289 without at least one fuel type; Queensland has 55 stations without diesel and 35 without unleaded; Victoria reports 162 stations with outages; South Australia has 46 affected, while Western Australia and Tasmania report smaller disruptions. The Northern Territory and ACT remain unaffected, though flooding has impacted supply in some areas.

    Reports of informal rationing have emerged, with service stations limiting purchases or restricting jerry can refills. The government has urged Australians to buy only the fuel they need, while the opposition has launched a website, nofuelhere.com.au, to collect community reports of shortages.

    Shadow ministers have called for biofuels to be prioritised as a backup supply, while truck drivers are set to receive new protections under amendments to the Fair Work Act to shield them from rising costs.

  • UAE intercepts latest incoming Iranian missiles and drones 

    UAE intercepts latest incoming Iranian missiles and drones 

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that its air defence systems intercepted waves of Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones fired at the country on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

    According to official figures, the latest assault involved 17 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and five ballistic missiles. Cumulatively, the UAE has faced 1,806 UAVs, 15 cruise missiles, and 357 ballistic missiles launched against it. Despite successful interceptions, several critical civilian and oil infrastructures were hit, including fuel storage facilities, power distribution lines, and sections of port installations, causing temporary disruptions in energy supply and trade operations in the Gulf nation.

    Over the weekend, Gulf countries convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating attacks. In a joint communiqué, member states strongly condemned Iran’s actions, describing them as violations of international law and direct threats to regional stability. The statement emphasised solidarity with the UAE, called for restraint, and urged the international community to take decisive steps to prevent further aggression.

    The communiqué also highlighted the broader implications of the strikes, warning that continued targeting of energy and civilian infrastructures could destabilise global oil markets and exacerbate humanitarian challenges across the region.

  • Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have deployed vessels to safeguard Filipino fishermen following continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard ships in the Bajo de Masinloc area. The move comes after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reported intimidation last weekend.

    In response, two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol boats were dispatched to the area, providing protection and logistical support such as fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend fishing operations and ease rising fuel costs.

    PCG Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Concerns, Jay Tarriela, confirmed the deployment, noting that PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight. The aerial patrol documented six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship operating nearby.

    Significantly, the PCG recorded a China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intent to conduct a “clearing operation” within coordinates spanning 15°05’N, 118°10’E to 14°14’N, 118°25’E.

    The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to defend Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea, pledging to uphold international law and protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen against external threats.