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  • U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    ANTALYA, Turkey (NPA) — The United States Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has met with Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya.

    The meeting, held at the NEST Congress and Fair Center in Belek, focused on ongoing efforts to stabilise and unify Libya following years of political division. Boulos noted that both parties underscored the significance of the recent signing of a unified national budget on 11 April, as well as the launch of Exercise Flintlock on 14 April, which involved joint participation by eastern and western Libyan special forces.

    According to the U.S. envoy, the developments represent key steps toward national reconciliation and institutional unity after prolonged tensions among rival political factions and armed groups. He said both sides explored ways to build on the progress made through economic and military integration.

    Discussions also centred on how the United States can support Libya’s path toward the unification of state institutions, culminating in the conduct of credible national elections aimed at restoring stability and governance in the country.

    Boulos reiterated Washington’s position in favour of a peaceful, stable, and unified Libya, capable of driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for its citizens and international partners.

  • UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is severely damaging global trade, stressing that restoring freedom of navigation is vital to easing cost-of-living pressures worldwide.

    Speaking on Monday, Starmer said the United Kingdom has convened more than 40 nations committed to restoring safe passage through the strait, which has become the epicenter of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He emphasized that securing international shipping lanes is critical to stabilizing global markets.

    Looking ahead, Starmer revealed that the UK and France will co-host a summit this week to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping once the conflict subsides. “Getting global shipping moving again is essential to protect households and economies from further shocks,” he said.

    As of press time, it remains unclear whether the United States is among the 40 nations convened, given Washington’s unilateral actions in the strait. President Donald Trump recently announced a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ordering the Navy to intercept vessels paying tolls to Iran.

  • U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has announced that it carried out precision strikes on two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations, in an operation described as “applying total systemic friction on the cartels.”

    According to SOUTHCOM, the strikes were conducted on April 11 under the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. The first strike killed two male narco-terrorists, while one survived. The second strike killed three male narco-terrorists.

    In its statement, SOUTHCOM said: “On April 11, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted two lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed, and one narco-terrorist survived the first strike. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during the second strike.”

    Following the engagements, SOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. The Command confirmed that no U.S. military forces were harmed during the operation.

  • Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Former U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the victory of Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, over incumbent Viktor Orbán, ending his 16-year rule. Obama described the outcome as “a victory for democracy.” 

    Early results on Sunday showed Tisza securing a majority in the 199-seat parliament, with projections giving the party 138 seats compared to Fidesz’s 55. Orbán has since conceded defeat, marking a dramatic shift in Hungary’s political landscape.

    In a statement, Obama said: “The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.” 

    Magyar’s campaign focused on rebuilding ties with the European Union, restoring democratic checks and balances, and reducing Hungary’s dependence on Moscow. He pledged to strengthen judicial independence, protect media freedom, and implement anti-corruption measures to ensure transparent governance. 

    The victory signals a new era in Hungarian politics, with voters backing a platform centered on democratic renewal, international cooperation, and economic accountability.

  • US praises Nigeria over large-scale terrorism convictions

    US praises Nigeria over large-scale terrorism convictions

    INTERNATIONAL, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Fares Boulos, has commended the Nigerian government for securing recent convictions of terrorism suspects, describing the move as a strong demonstration of commitment to justice and accountability.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, Boulos said the United States welcomed the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in Nigerian courts. “We commend the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice,” he noted.

    He stressed that Washington believes timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. “Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country,” the statement concluded.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 cases in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects. The Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed the development last Friday, noting that of the 508 defendants brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, two were acquitted while eight were discharged.

    Fagbemi further clarified that another batch of 112 suspects, whose cases could not be heard, will be arraigned alongside others in the next phase of the mass trial scheduled for 15–18 June. He stressed that the convictions send a clear message that Nigeria has zero tolerance for terrorism and related crimes.

    The United States’ endorsement of Nigeria’s judicial efforts signals support for the country’s fight against extremism, and the strengthening of national and regional security.

  • US terminates residency of family linked to 1979 Tehran hostage crisis

    US terminates residency of family linked to 1979 Tehran hostage crisis

    INTERNATIONAL, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the termination of permanent resident status for Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son, pending their removal from the country.

    In a statement today, Rubio referenced Masoumeh Ebtekar — also known as “Screaming Mary” — who served as spokeswoman for the militants that stormed the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days and subjecting them to beatings, starvation, and mock executions.

    Rubio noted that in 2014, the Obama Administration granted visas to Ebtekar’s son and his family, and in 2016, they were given lawful permanent resident status through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme.

    “This week, I terminated their lawful permanent resident status. Today, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son are in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending removal from our country,” Rubio said.

    He added that the family should never have been allowed to benefit from the privilege of living in the United States. “America can never become home for anti‑American terrorists or their families — and under the Trump Administration, it never will,” he concluded.

  • US begins clearing mines from Strait of Hormuz as warships cross waterway

    US begins clearing mines from Strait of Hormuz as warships cross waterway

    INTERNATIONAL, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced that the US has begun the process of clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz to allow the full resumption of marine navigation. He said the move was being undertaken as a favour to countries across the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany and others.

    In a post on Truth Social, President Trump criticised what he described as “The Fake News Media”, accusing them of lacking credibility and of portraying Iran as “winning” despite what he claimed was the opposite. He asserted that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, including its navy, air force, radar systems, missile and drone factories, and leadership.

    Trump noted that the only remaining threat was the possibility of ships striking sea mines, but added that all 28 of Iran’s mine‑laying boats had been destroyed. He said the US was now beginning mine‑clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for international shipping.

    He also lampooned countries that had declined to participate in securing the strait during the conflict, saying they lacked the courage or will to act. He pointed out that empty oil tankers from many nations were now heading to the United States to load crude oil.

    “Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he concluded.

    Earlier, Axios reported that several US warships crossed the Strait of Hormuz today for the first time since the war began, in a move not coordinated with Iran.

  • US delegation arrives in Islamabad for ceasefire talks with Iran

    US delegation arrives in Islamabad for ceasefire talks with Iran

    INTERNATIONAL, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — A high‑level United States delegation has arrived in Islamabad ahead of the planned ceasefire talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran, known as the Islamabad Talks.

    The delegation is led by US Vice President H.E. J.D. Vance, accompanied by Special Envoy Mr Steve Witkoff and Mr Jared Kushner. Their arrival marks Washington’s formal participation in the negotiations aimed at easing tensions and advancing dialogue between the two countries.

    Upon arrival in the Pakistani capital, the delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

    The talks in Islamabad are expected to focus on de‑escalation measures and frameworks for peace, with Pakistan playing host to facilitate dialogue between the parties.

  • U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States has authorised the departure of non‑emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, warning of a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

    The Department of State cited widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and roadside banditry. It noted that kidnappings for ransom are common, often targeting dual nationals and Americans perceived as wealthy.

    The advisory also highlighted the risk of terrorist attacks, warning that militants continue to plot assaults in Nigeria, sometimes in collaboration with local gangs. Potential targets include shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, schools, government buildings, and transport hubs.

    Civil unrest and armed gangs remain active in southern regions, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, where kidnappings and assaults on security forces are frequent. Violence between farming and herding communities in rural areas has also contributed to instability.

    The State Department further cautioned that healthcare in Nigeria is unreliable, with hospitals often requiring immediate cash payments and lacking adequate equipment, medicines, and emergency services. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient medication, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and secure medical evacuation insurance.

    Americans are strongly urged not to travel to several states, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, northern Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (except Port Harcourt), due to terrorism, crime, and unrest.

    The advisory recommends U.S. citizens in Nigeria enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain a low profile, avoid demonstrations, and prepare evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

  • ICE detains relatives of late Iranian General Soleimani in Los Angeles after Ali Larijani’s daughter

    ICE detains relatives of late Iranian General Soleimani in Los Angeles after Ali Larijani’s daughter

    INTERNATIONAL, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained two relatives of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, intensifying a broader crackdown on families of senior Iranian officials residing in America.

    The individuals were identified as Soleimani’s niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny. According to officials, both women were taken into custody after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their Lawful Permanent Resident status. They are currently being held while awaiting deportation proceedings.

    Authorities allege that the pair lived a lavish lifestyle in the United States while simultaneously using social media platforms to promote propaganda supportive of Iran’s Islamic regime. Investigators also accuse them of celebrating attacks against American soldiers online, raising concerns about their activities while enjoying residency privileges.

    This latest action forms part of a wider U.S. initiative targeting relatives of high-ranking Iranian officials who have settled in the country. The campaign has already led to the termination of legal status for several individuals, including the daughter of former Iranian security chief Ali Larijani.

    Officials say the crackdown is intended to send a clear message that the United States will not provide safe haven to family members of foreign leaders or officials who are accused of undermining American interests while benefiting from residency in the country.

    ICE emphasized that the arrests reflect a growing determination to confront foreign influence operations and ensure that U.S. immigration laws are applied consistently, particularly in cases involving individuals linked to hostile regimes.

    The detention underscores the continuing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran, and immigration enforcement as a tool of foreign policy.