Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:48am on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
The Trump administration deported 261 Venezuelans to El Salvador, alleging ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, despite a federal judge's order temporarily halting such actions. The administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming national security concerns. Judge James Boasberg questioned the legality of proceeding with deportations after his directive and demanded detailed flight information by Tuesday. The administration argued that once flights departed U.S. airspace, they were beyond the court's jurisdiction. This incident has sparked a constitutional debate over executive authority and judicial oversight, with critics labeling the deportations as arbitrary and lacking due process.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:45am on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
United States President Donald Trump has escalated his stance against Iran, declaring that any Houthi attacks from Yemen will be attributed directly to Tehran. In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, "Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon... as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible." This warning follows a series of Houthi assaults on Israeli and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, actions they claim are in retaliation against Israel's blockade of Gaza. Trump's comments suggest potential military repercussions for Iran, marking a significant intensification in U.S. foreign policy towards the region.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:44am on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Israel has launched extensive airstrikes across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, resulting in over 100 fatalities, including children. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas militants planting explosives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the attacks, citing Hamas's repeated refusal to release Israeli hostages and stalled ceasefire negotiations. The recent escalation threatens the fragile truce established in January, which had temporarily halted a conflict that began in October 2023 after a Hamas cross-border attack. The war has led to significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. International mediators are working to prevent further violence and address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing blockade limiting essential supplies to Gaza.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:54pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
King Charles met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace in a symbolic show of support for Canada amid tensions with Donald Trump. The King, wearing a red tie, engaged in a private 30-minute conversation with Carney, who joked about his broken Order of Canada pin. While the King remains politically neutral, his recent gestures—including honoring Canada’s flag anniversary and wearing Canadian medals—highlight his commitment. Trump’s calls for Canada to become the 51st US state have sparked outrage among Canadians. Though he postponed a Canada visit due to illness, a trip is expected after Canada’s election.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:35pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will hold talks on Tuesday about Ukraine. Trump said they will discuss land, power plants, and dividing assets. Moscow confirmed the call but did not share details. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia is not serious about peace. Former Ukrainian deputy defence minister Alina Frolova said she does not expect much success from the talks. She stressed that any deal must include Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have made military gains in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, though these reports have not been independently verified.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:13pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
A fire at Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 59 people and injured 155. The blaze erupted during a performance by local band DNK, reportedly after fireworks ignited the roof. Many victims were under 18. Authorities arrested 20 people, including the club owner’s son and officials accused of issuing an illegal license. President Gordana Siljanovska vowed justice, while Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski declared seven days of mourning. Survivors described a chaotic escape as the only exit became overcrowded. Investigations into bribery and safety violations are underway, with nationwide inspections of clubs ordered.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:00pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
U.S. President Donald Trump has voided Joe Biden's last-minute pardons, claiming they were signed using an autopen without Biden's direct approval. Trump called the pardons “VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT,” alleging possible criminal misconduct by those involved. Biden had pardoned family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and January 6 committee members. Biden defended the move, stating his family faced partisan attacks. He also commuted 2,500 non-violent drug sentences. Trump's decision raises legal questions about presidential clemency powers.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 11:29am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
Dozens of foreign CEOs are set to attend the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 23-24, aiming to bolster foreign investment amid geopolitical tensions and recent U.S. tariffs. Notable attendees include leaders from FedEx, Siemens, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Qualcomm, AstraZeneca, Nestlé, Saudi Aramco, Citadel, Rio Tinto, Deutsche Bank, McKinsey, Estée Lauder, Standard Chartered, and KPMG. President Xi Jinping is anticipated to meet select executives post-forum to discuss strategies for boosting domestic consumption and achieving China's 5% economic growth target for 2025. The agenda features seminars on medical sector development and enhancing consumption, reflecting China's focus on expanding domestic demand. However, U.S. firms may maintain a low profile due to increased scrutiny from Washington.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:57am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
Ukrainian troops have retreated from Russia's Kursk region following intense Russian counterattacks. The withdrawal led to the abandonment of significant Western-supplied military equipment, including M-1 Abrams tanks and M-2 Bradley infantry vehicles. Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean troops, have reclaimed over 40% of the territory Ukraine seized in August. Ukrainian soldiers report exhaustion, disrupted logistics, and constant drone assaults, hindering effective counterattacks or organized retreats. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the strategic importance of their positions. The conflict's escalation underscores the urgency for renewed diplomatic efforts.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:14am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
The United States has intensified its military campaign against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, launching a series of airstrikes targeting key positions, including in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate. This escalation aims to counter the Houthis' persistent threats to international shipping lanes, which have disrupted global commerce since late 2023. The initial wave of strikes commenced on Saturday, resulting in at least 53 fatalities, including five children and two women, and injuring 98 others, according to Houthi health ministry spokesperson Anees Alsbahi. U.S. officials indicate that these operations may persist for weeks, underscoring a robust stance against the Houthis' actions and signaling heightened pressure on Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations.