A drone attack targeted a joint French-Kurdish base in northern Iraq, resulting in the death of one French soldier and injuries to others. The attack is part of ongoing assaults carried out by Iran-aligned armed groups in the area.
Key Facts
A drone attack occurred at a French-Kurdish military base in northern Iraq.
One French soldier was killed in the attack.
Several other soldiers were injured.
Iran-aligned armed groups are responsible for these types of attacks.
The attacks have been targeting both U.S. and coalition forces in the region.
Israel has carried out multiple military strikes in Lebanon, targeting areas in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The attacks resulted in numerous casualties and displaced many people. The ongoing conflict involves tensions between Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, and is connected to broader hostilities with Iran.
Key Facts
Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed at least 16 people in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
An Israeli strike on a car in Beirut's Jnah neighborhood killed one person.
A total of 687 people have died in less than two weeks due to the conflict.
More than 800,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Lebanon.
Israeli forces targeted areas believed to house Hezbollah resources.
Israeli attacks hit multiple towns, resulting in civilian casualties, including children.
Qatar and UN experts condemned the attacks, calling them violations of international law.
Israel has cautioned the Lebanese government to act against Hezbollah or face further military action.
A U.S. military plane crashed in western Iraq during a mission called Operation Epic Fury. The crash involved two planes, but only one crashed while the other landed safely. The crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire, and efforts to rescue involved personnel are ongoing.
Key Facts
A U.S. military plane crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
The crash involved two planes; one crashed, and the other landed safely.
The incident occurred over friendly airspace.
The crash was not caused by enemy or friendly fire.
Rescue operations are currently happening.
The aircraft involved is a KC-135 Stratotanker, used for refueling other military planes.
The Air Force states this plane requires at least three crew members: a pilot, a co-pilot, and a boom operator.
Details about the crew members have not yet been made public.
The Republic of Congo, rich in oil, faces significant economic challenges with many people living in poverty. Despite the country's natural resources, young Congolese struggle to find stable jobs. As elections approach, economic issues and employment are major concerns for voters.
Key Facts
The Republic of Congo is a major oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Oil makes up about 70% of the country's exports and 40% of its GDP.
Despite this wealth, over 40% of Congolese people live below the poverty line.
High unemployment rates affect young people, even those with university degrees.
President Denis Sassou Nguesso, 82, is seeking another term in the upcoming election.
The government has limited ability to provide jobs in the civil service.
President Nguesso has encouraged self-employment for young people.
The economy’s dependence on oil affects broader economic development.
A US military refueling plane, a KC-135 Stratotanker, crashed in western Iraq. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the cause of the crash did not involve any direct attacks. The crew's condition is not yet clear.
Key Facts
A US KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashed in western Iraq.
The crash did not involve hostile or friendly fire.
The aircraft was involved in US military operations in the region.
The KC-135 can refuel planes midair, extending their mission range.
It typically has a crew of 3-5 people.
The crew's safety status is currently unknown.
The US military has lost at least four aircraft in the recent Middle East conflict.
The KC-135 was built by Boeing and has been used since the 1950s and 60s.
Gulf countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have stopped gas exports by declaring force majeure due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route that's been affected, causing oil prices to rise and impacting global energy markets.
Key Facts
Gulf countries have declared force majeure on gas exports amid a conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Force majeure is a legal clause that lets parties suspend contract duties due to uncontrollable events.
QatarEnergy halted gas production on March 2, affecting global energy markets.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and Bahrain’s Bapco Energies also stopped production.
Oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel due to the situation.
Iran’s statements about closing the Strait of Hormuz have further escalated tensions.
Global gas markets face potential shortages, impacting LNG and oil prices.
Ukrainian fields, especially known for their wheat production, have been heavily polluted by the ongoing conflict with Russia. Experts from the Royal Agricultural University and Sumy National Agrarian University are studying the long-term effects of toxic elements and heavy metals that have contaminated the soil, which could impact crops and food security for years.
Key Facts
Ukrainian wheatfields have been affected by ongoing war with Russia.
Soil contamination includes toxic metals like cadmium, cobalt, copper, zinc, and nickel.
Farming experts from the UK and Ukraine are analyzing these impacts.
More than 8,000 soil samples have been collected for study.
Ukraine was a major exporter of grains, crucial to its economy.
Over 800 square kilometers of land have been reportedly contaminated.
Ukrainian soil is vital to the country's economy, as stated by a deputy minister.
Researchers identify safe and contaminated farming areas using soil samples.
A man in Derbyshire went to the hospital with blue skin, which turned out to be dye from his new bed sheets. Medical staff initially treated the situation seriously, but discovered the cause when a swab wiped his arm, changing color.
Key Facts
A man's skin turned blue after sleeping on new navy-colored bed sheets.
The man, named Tommy Lynch, lives in Derbyshire.
A friend urged him to go to the hospital due to his unusual skin color.
Hospital staff initially treated him with oxygen.
The dye was discovered after a medic rubbed his arm with a swab.
The bed sheets, which caused the dye issue, were a £40 gift.
It took several baths for Lynch to remove the dye completely.
Lynch advises washing new bed sheets before using them to avoid similar issues.
Israeli military strikes have hit Tehran, while Iran and its allies launch attacks in the Gulf region. The conflict has led to a rise in global oil prices and civilian casualties. Tensions are also growing in Washington as the situation escalates.
Key Facts
Israeli airstrikes have targeted Tehran, Iran's capital.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warns of continued attacks unless US bases in the region are closed.
The Strait of Hormuz is closed, causing oil prices to rise above $100 per barrel.
At least 1,348 civilians have died in the conflict, according to Iran's UN ambassador.
Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have intercepted multiple Iranian drones and missiles.
The UAE reported Iranian strikes on Dubai International Airport and other sites.
President Donald Trump stated the conflict is progressing quickly but did not address Iran's leader's comments.
Over 250 US organizations are calling for Congress to stop funding the war, citing domestic spending needs.
Kaye Adams, a Scottish broadcaster, was removed from her BBC Radio Scotland show following a complaint about her behavior. She denied allegations about her using inappropriate language and is upset by what she calls "malicious stories" about her departure. The BBC has confirmed she won't return to her role but won't discuss the details publicly.
Key Facts
Kaye Adams was removed from BBC Radio Scotland in October after a complaint.
She denies allegations of using a misogynistic slur and mistreating an intern.
The BBC confirmed she will not return to her role but won't comment on specifics.
Adams stated she is upset by false stories circulating about her.
She thanked colleagues for their support during this time.
Adams has been with BBC Scotland since 2010 and also appears on ITV's "Loose Women".
The BBC recently started a "Call it Out" scheme to address workplace behavior issues.
The organization takes reports of misconduct seriously and investigates as needed.
Lauren Macpherson discovered she had terminal brain cancer after a suitcase fell on her head during a train ride home. A CT scan, done to check for injuries from the suitcase incident, revealed a brain tumor. Doctors later diagnosed her with glioblastoma, a fast-growing type of brain cancer.
Key Facts
Lauren Macpherson found out about her brain tumor after a suitcase fell on her head on a train.
The incident occurred while returning home from a London music festival.
A CT scan was performed to check for spine injuries; it revealed a shadow on her brain.
The tumor was later diagnosed as glioblastoma, a type of fast-growing brain cancer.
Lauren experienced symptoms like fatigue and emotional changes before the diagnosis.
She underwent surgery after moving to private healthcare for quicker treatment.
Doctors told Lauren she might expect to live about 10 to 12 years with her condition.
The mayor of London is thinking about charging large SUVs for entering the city due to safety concerns. This idea is part of a plan to reduce accidents and make roads safer. Research indicates that SUVs are more hazardous than smaller cars in collisions.
Key Facts
London’s mayor is considering a fee for large SUVs entering the city.
Transport for London found that SUVs present increased safety risks.
The plan is part of Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate serious road injuries by 2041.
SuVs are more likely to cause fatal injuries to pedestrians compared to smaller cars.
The number of SUVs in London grew from 80,000 in 2002 to 800,000 in 2023.
Large SUVs can block visibility and make crossing roads more dangerous.
The plan includes 43 actions to improve road safety, like adding pedestrian crossings and using AI to detect dangerous drivers.
Campaigners are concerned about SUVs due to their size and the risk they pose to children.
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has led to an energy crisis affecting global oil and gas supplies. This has caused rising energy costs, with significant impacts on countries like India, which relies heavily on the Middle East for energy and remittances. The Strait of Hormuz's closure has intensified these challenges.
Key Facts
The conflict has led to a near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil and gas transport.
About 20-30% of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices have increased, reaching around $100 a barrel, affecting global markets.
India, heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil, faces energy shortages and rising costs.
Approximately 9.1 million Indians work in the Gulf region, sending about $50 billion in remittances annually.
The closure of the strait affects shipping routes, leading to canceled insurance coverage for tankers.
Iran's actions are in retaliation against US-Israeli attacks, using the strait to gain leverage.
The IEA released 400 million barrels of crude oil to stabilize prices, but costs remain high.
The U.S. Navy plans to start escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz soon, which is important for global oil supplies. This decision comes amid concerns about shipping safety due to the conflict with Iran, which affects the world oil market. Officials say they will begin escorts as soon as it is safe, but current military efforts focus on degrading Iran's military capabilities.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for about 20% of the world's oil supply.
The U.S. Navy will escort ships through this area when it is safe to do so, possibly with help from other countries.
The global oil market is facing significant disruption because of the conflict with Iran.
The U.S. has spent $11 billion related to this conflict, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the naval escorts might begin by the end of the month but cannot start immediately.
Iran and some Chinese tankers have moved through the strait without evidence of mines being laid.
President Trump announced the escort plan after the conflict increased threat levels in the area.
An international emergency release of oil reserves has been coordinated to help with supply issues.
Afghanistan's Taliban government has accused Pakistan of air attacks on civilian homes in Kabul and Kandahar. The fighting between the two countries has intensified, leading to civilian deaths and displacement. The United Nations reported many people killed or forced to leave their homes due to the conflict.
Key Facts
Afghanistan's Taliban government says Pakistan's airstrikes targeted civilian homes in Kabul and Kandahar.
Women and children are reportedly among the casualties from these attacks.
The Taliban claims four civilians from the same family died from Pakistani artillery fire.
Fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been ongoing since February 26.
The United Nations reports 56 Afghan civilians killed, including 24 children, between February 26 and March 5.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering fighters responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
About 115,000 people have reportedly been displaced due to the conflict.
There was no immediate response from Pakistan's government or military regarding the accusations.
The United States is reportedly moving parts of its Thaad missile defense system from South Korea to the Middle East. This action is linked to ongoing conflicts involving Iran and is meant to strengthen U.S. defense operations in the region. South Korea has expressed concerns about the potential impact on their security.
Key Facts
The U.S. is relocating parts of the Thaad missile defense system from South Korea to the Middle East.
This move comes amid tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
Thaad was first deployed to South Korea in 2017 to protect against threats from North Korea.
The system can intercept high-altitude missiles and has been important for South Korea's defense.
South Korea has expressed opposition to the redeployment.
Iran has reportedly launched more than 500 ballistic missiles, leading to high demand for defense systems like Thaad.
The U.S. operates eight Thaad systems worldwide, and the cost of one system is approximately $1 billion.
A French soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, was killed in an attack in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the attack and stated that several other soldiers were injured. French forces have been in the region since 2015 as part of a coalition against ISIS.
Key Facts
A French soldier died in an attack in northern Iraq's Kurdish region.
President Macron confirmed the soldier's death and condemned the attack as "unacceptable."
The attack injured several other French soldiers, though Macron did not specify the number.
French forces have been in Iraq since 2015 to fight ISIS with an international coalition.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group including Iran-aligned armed groups, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Iraq is considered a "second battlefield" in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
A pro-Iranian group threatened French interests in Iraq and the region.
A separate drone attack injured six soldiers at a military base in Iraq, though it was unclear if these were the same soldiers mentioned by Macron.
In East Jerusalem, Palestinian families, like Basema Dabash's, are being forced to demolish their own homes due to Israeli demolition orders. This happens because the residents want to avoid high demolition fees charged by the municipality. The situation has a large emotional and financial impact on the affected families.
Key Facts
Basema Dabash was forced to demolish her own home in Sur Baher, East Jerusalem.
Israeli authorities issued a demolition order in 2014, with an eviction notice following in January 2023.
The family started demolishing their home on February 12 to avoid a fee from the municipality.
The Dabash family completed the demolition of two houses, home to eight people including three children.
Despite self-demolishing, they must pay a fine of around $14,600 until 2029.
The choice between self-demolition and paying the municipal fee leaves many Palestinians with limited options.
Dabash’s family tried to get a building permit but was repeatedly denied by Israeli authorities.
The situation causes significant emotional distress and financial strain on the affected families.
Balendra Shah's party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), won a majority in Nepal's general election. The election was held on March 5, and RSP's victory is the first time in decades a single party achieved such success in Nepal. Shah, a former Kathmandu mayor, may become the youngest prime minister in Nepal's history if confirmed.
Key Facts
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won 182 out of 275 seats in Nepal's parliament.
The Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal UML followed with 38 and 25 seats, respectively.
The election was a snap election held after the government was toppled in September 2025 following youth protests.
The election results were announced in seven days, faster than the previous election in 2022, which took nearly two weeks.
Nepal's challenging terrain makes organizing elections difficult, with ballot boxes sometimes needing to be airlifted.
Nearly 19 million people registered to vote, with around 60% participation.
The election uses a mixed voting system: first-past-the-post for 165 seats and proportional representation for 110 seats.
Balendra Shah is the prime ministerial candidate for the RSP and defeated former Prime Minister Sharma KP Oli in his constituency.
Oil prices are above $100 per barrel because of disruptions in the global energy supply caused by a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iran's threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil route, have significantly reduced the number of ships passing through. The situation has led to increased tension in energy markets.
Key Facts
Oil prices recently went over $100 per barrel due to disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world's oil, and its traffic is currently limited.
Iran's Supreme Leader has confirmed threats to ships in the Strait as a strategy.
President Trump underscored the priority of stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Since the conflict began, only a few ships pass through the Strait each day, compared to an average of 138 before.
At least 16 commercial vessels have been attacked in the region since the conflict started.
The International Energy Agency plans to release 400 million barrels from emergency stockpiles.
The US Navy may begin escorting commercial ships through the Strait by the month's end.
