Panama Seizes China-Linked Ports Amid Trump-Beijing Dispute

"Panama published a Supreme Court decision, issued in late January, that voided key port

operations held by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The Balboa and Cristobal terminals have become entangled in a legal dispute involving Washington and Beijing. The timing is important, as it comes about a month before President Trump's planned late-March trip to China.
On Monday, the ruling authorized the Panama Maritime Authority to take over the Balboa and Cristobal terminals near the Panama Canal, ending concessions held by Panama Ports Company (PPC), a CK Hutchison subsidiary, for more than two decades.
The ruling stated that the Panama Maritime Authority will occupy both ports for "reasons of urgent social interest" and take control of all cranes, vehicles, computer systems, and software." ZeroHedge

Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez Calls Trump a ‘Friend and Partner’

"“Interim president” of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez, who has run the country since the American arrest of deposed dictator Nicolás

Maduro in January, referred to President Donald Trump as a “friend” and “partner” during an event next to Maduro’s son, lawmaker Nicolás Maduro Guerra.
Rodríguez used the words in the context of President Trump similarly referring to socialist Venezuela as a “new friend” of America’s following Maduro’s capture. Trump has repeatedly referred positively to Rodríguez, a hardline socialist who was among Maduro’s closest confidantes, as someone Washington could work with. He has also implied that Rodríguez is not actually in charge of the country, but carrying out orders from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom polling shows is the most popular politician in Venezuela." 

Breitbart

Trump Declares Ayatollah Is Dead, Vows Bombing To Continue 'Uninterrupted'

"US official confirms to Fox that US believes Khamenei and 5-10 top Iranian leaders killed in initial Israeli strike on compound; agree with Israel’s intelligence assessment.

No U.S. casualties reported, 12 hours after Washington launched Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel, targeting Iran’s security and military infrastructure, CENTCOM says. Al Jazeera reporting over 200 killed in Iran. Likely the death toll will climb.

AFP: Two Israeli TV networks report photo of Khamenei's body shown to Trump:

The United States has launched a major military operation alongside Israeli forces against the Islamist regime in Iran on Saturday, in what is being described as one of the largest regional concentrations of “American military firepower in a generation”.

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “is dead”. Writing on his Truth Social platform, President Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in History.”
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” President Trump wrote.
“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us,” he continued." Breitbart

Iran hit empty US base in Bahrain

"Iran hit an empty quarter of a US military base in Bahrain, Bahraini political analyst Dr. Ahmed Alkhuzaie told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday after Reuters reported smoke billowing from the Juffair area housing on the US Naval base.

The state news agency later reported that Bahrain has successfully 'dealt with' missiles in its airspace.
The US Embassy in Bahrain urged citizens to shelter in place while citing media reports of threats of missiles and drones over Bahraini airspace.
The Bahraini Interior Ministry later confirmed that a warning alarm siren had been activated, with citizens and residents requested to head to the nearest safe place.
Bahrain hosts the US Central Command's 5th Fleet.
Additionally, US Embassy in Qatar implemented shelter-in-place for all personnel, recommending that all of its citizens to do the same until further notice." msn

Iran has launched air strikes on targets in all countries in the Gulf except Oman

"Iran has launched air strikes against targets in all countries in the Gulf region with the exception of Oman.
The US military has thousands of personnel stationed at air and naval bases across the region, and these are believed to be the targets of Iranian missiles." msn

Rare Local Ceasefire In Ukraine At Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant For Urgent Repairs

"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a local ceasefire between

Ukraine and Russia is in effect around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to urgently allow crews to restore the facility's backup power supply.
In a local, mutual agreement along the front lines, the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed both sides agreed to halt fighting in the area to enable work on the damaged line. This is a rare ceasefire moment, even if very localized and brief, which is a positive development that could possibly serve as a model for other such ceasefires along the line of contact." ZH

Ukraine sanctions Russian postal services delivering to occupied territories, Zelensky says

"President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree enacting sanctions on 10 Russian logistics companies delivering cargo to Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, the President's Office

said.
The Office said that the entities sanctioned include private Russian companies operating in the occupied territories and providing logistical support to the Russian military, which is currently waging offensives on multiple axes of the front.
The sanctions were imposed to restrict supply channels that are delivering microelectronics from Western countries, the President's Office cited Vladislav Vlasiuk, the president's representative on sanctions policy, as saying. The relevant information had been passed on to Western allies, according to Vlasiuk." KI

Major Combat Operations’ Underway to ‘Obliterate’ Iranian Missile Factories Tells Iranian Troops They Will Be Treated Fairly If They Surrender Now

"President Donald Trump told the Iranian armed forces to lay down their arms or face “certain death” and its people to rise up and “seize control of your destiny” as “major” strikes against Tehran commenced.

Joint American-Israeli strikes against Iran took place over night, with U.S. President Donald Trump addressing both the nation and the people of Iran. Announcing the strikes to eliminate “imminent threats from the Iranian regime” which “directly endangers the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world”, Trump said: “A short time ago, the United States Military began major combat operations in Iran”.
Iranian retaliatory strikes have been launched against Israel.
The strikes are intended to destroy Iran’s stockpiles of missiles and to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s missile production industry, the President said. Most importantly, Trump said, was preventing Iranian nuclear-tipped long-range missiles from ever threatening the American mainland or America’s allies in Europe.
The U.S. President called on the armed forces, paramilitary, and police of Iran to lay down their weapons. If they did so they would receive “complete immunity” and be treated fairly, he said, but else would face “certain death”. 

To the Iranian people, he called on them to take this opportunity to rise up against the government, stating “the hour of your freedom is at hand” and that a second opportunity to take control was likely not coming." 

Breitbart

5.4 Earthquake - 138 km south of Kokopo, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

"A strong magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit 138 km (86 mi) away from Kokopo, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, in the afternoon  at 4.23 pm local time (Pacific/Port Moresby GMT +10). The quake had a shallow depth of 41 km (26 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

148 clashes on front lines in past day

"148 combat clashes were recorded between Ukrainian forces and Russian invaders on the front lines.
The Russian army launched guided bomb strikes on Ivanivka, Oleksandrohrad, Kolomiitsi, Pysantsi, Havrylivka, Velykomykhailivka, Levadne, Pokrovske, Huliaipilske, Barvinivka, Kopani, Liubytske, Luhivske, Verkhnia Tersa, Blakytne, Preobrazhenka, Komyshuvakha, Veselianka, Bilenke, and Prydniprovske.
Aircraft, missile forces and artillery of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck two command

posts, eight areas where enemy personnel were concentrated, one area with weapons and military equipment, a logistics depot, and a UAV control post of the Russian invaders.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy carried out 139 shelling attacks, including 17 using MLRS, and launched five strikes using 16 guided aerial bombs.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy attempted twice to break through Ukrainian defensive lines near Vovchansk and Synelnykove.
In the Kupiansk sector, Russian forces launched one attack near Novoplatonivka.
In the Lyman sector, the invaders attacked Ukrainian positions four times, attempting to push forward near Drobysheve and Lyman.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attempts by Russian forces to advance near Dronivka, Siversk, and Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops attacked three times toward Predtechyne, Malynivka, and Chasiv Yar.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 15 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Rusyn Yar, Pleshchiivka, Popiv Yar, and Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 24 assault actions by Russian troops near Dorozhnie, Bilytske, Rodynske, Shevchenko, Pokrovsk, Udachne, Molodetske, Novopidhorodnie, Myrnohrad, and Muravka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russian forces attacked three times near Ternove and Zlahoda.
In the Huliaipole sector, 37 enemy attacks were recorded near Dobropillia, Pryluky, Zaliznychne, Zelene, Varvarivka, Huliaipilske, Staroukrainka, and Olenokostiantynivka." Ukrin

Russia Calls Speedboat Shooting Incident Off Cuba An 'Aggressive US Provocation'

"The deadly US-registered speedboat shooting incident in Cuba carries the potential to ignite a serious conflict between Cuba and the United States, amid an ongoing investigation into exactly what happened overseen by the White House.

Russia has reacted, on Thursday laying quick blame on the US side for a 'deliberate' act of 'provocation' in order to keep up the pressure on Havana and escalate the situation.
The Cuban version of events is that a speedboat out of Florida entered its sovereign waters and that when a Cuban patrol boat approached, people on board opened fire. The Cuban soldiers then fired back, killing four people and wounding six aboard the US vessel.
Notably, Havana has said the commander of the Cuban border patrol boat was injured. The Cuban government described the incident as a "foiled armed infiltration" of the island-nation.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has vowed to quickly get to the bottom of what happened, also as some US politicians have demanded that Cuba be crushed because of the assault.
"What I’m telling you is we’re going to find out exactly what happened and who was involved," Rubio said. "We’re not going to just take what somebody else tells us. I’m very confident we will be able to know the story independently." 

ZeroHedge

Sweden intercepts suspected Russian drone approaching French aircraft carrier

"Sweden's military jammed a suspected Russian drone that was flying toward the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was docked in the port of Malmo.
Charles de Gaulle, the flagship of the French Navy, arrived at Malmo as part of the Lafayette 26 exercise in the North Atlantic. The French military said that the drills are meant to strengthen NATO's deterrent and defensive posture." KI

Blasts rock Kabul as Pakistan and Afghanistan exchange strikes

"Multiple explosions shook the Afghan capital, Kabul, and several other regions early Friday morning as Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged military strikes across their volatile border, accusing each other of escalating the conflict.

Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq (“Wrath of Justice”) hours after Afghan forces conducted cross-border attacks against Pakistani military positions. Residents of the Afghan capital reported hearing at least three blasts, but authorities have not confirmed the precise locations of the explosions.
“The cowardly Pakistani military has carried out airstrikes in certain areas of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia; fortunately, there have been no reported casualties,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on X." RT

5.3 Earthquake - 26 km SE of Tāki, India

"The closest larger town where the quake might have been felt is Kolkata, a city of 4.6 million

people in India, in 81 km (50 mi) distance west of the epicenter. People likely experienced light shaking there. Many smaller towns and villages are located closer to the epicenter and might have experienced stronger shaking. In the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, 191 km (119 mi) away from the epicenter, the earthquake was probably felt as weak shaking. The following table shows some of the places that might have been affected (or not) by the shaking." VD

230 combat engagements on front line

"230 combat clashes took place between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian troops.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk axes, Ukrainian defenders repelled one Russian attack over the past day. The enemy carried out four airstrikes, dropping eleven guided bombs, and conducted 112 shelling attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements, six of them using multiple launch rocket systems.

In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy stormed Ukrainian positions 13 times in the areas of Starytsia, Pishchane, Kruhle, Nesterne, Chuhunivka, and toward Zelene and Okhrimivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, six enemy attacks took place yesterday. The Defense Forces repelled assault actions near Kruhlakivka and toward Kurylivka, Bohuslavka, and Novoplatonivka.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked 14 times, attempting to advance toward Chervonyi Stav, Novoiehorivka, Drobysheve, Stavky, Lyman, and in the areas of Zarichne and Novoselivka.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled eight attempts by the invaders to advance near Yampil and Zakytne and toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces twice attempted to advance toward Ukrainian positions near Orikhovo-Vasylivka and Bondarne.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 24 attacks in the areas of Oleksandro-Shultyne, Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, Rusyn Yar, and toward Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Berestok, Stepanivka, Sofiivka, and Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 50 offensive actions by the aggressor near Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Udachne, Muravka, Filiia, and toward Bilitske, Shevchenko, Hryshyne, Serhiivka, and Novopidhorodne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions ten times near Ternove, Zlahoda, and toward Verbove, Vyshneve, and Oleksandrohrad.
In the Huliaipole sector, the enemy attempted to advance 35 times toward Ukrainian defensive positions near Dobropillia, Huliaipole, and toward Zaliznychne, Staroukrainka, Hirke, Varvarivka, Olenokostiantynivka, Sviatopetrivka, and Charivne." Ukrin

Russia launches combined overnight missile and drone attack at Ukrainian cities

"Russia launched a combined missile and drone attack across

Ukraine in the early hours 
injuring at least 26 people......Explosions first took place in Ukraine's capital at around 4:00 a.m. local time, according to Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground, as Ukrainian air defense systems engaged incoming targets." KI

5.4 Earthquake - 28 km north of Ishqoshim, Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan

"A strong magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit 28 km (18 mi) away from Ishqoshim, Gorno-
Badakhshan, Tajikistan, in the afternoon at 4.12 pm local time (Asia/Dushanbe GMT +5). The quake had a moderate depth of 104 km (65 mi) and was felt widely in the area." VD

5.7 Earthquake - North Pacific Ocean, 183 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Kamchatka, Russia

"A strong magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean 237 km (147 mi)

from Russia in the early afternoon at 3.59 pm local time (GMT +11). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

235 frontline clashes over past day

"Ukrainian Defense Forces engaged in 235 combat clashes with Russian invaders along the frontlines.
Ukrainian missile and artillery forces struck four clusters of Russian personnel and one UAV control point.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, 12 Russian attacks were repelled; the Russian invaders carried out three airstrikes with nine glide bombs and 103 shelling attacks, including 10 from MLRS.

In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, there were 12 enemy attacks near Pishchane, Starytsia, Rybalkyne, Vovchansk, as well as toward Zelene and Lyman.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy launched eight attacks; Ukrainian forces repelled assaults near Borivska Andriivka, Novoplatonivka, Pishchane, and Kurylivka.
In the Lyman sector, Russian forces carried out 11 attacks attempting to advance toward Novoiehorivka, Drobysheve, Lyman, and Myrne.
In the Sloviansk sector, two enemy attempts were repelled near Yampil and Platonivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian attempted five advances toward Rai-Oleksandrivka, Bondarne, and Minkivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, there were 18 enemy attacks toward Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Berestok, Rusyn Yar, Stepankivka, Novopavlivka, and Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian forces stopped 57 enemy assaults near Rodynske, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Udachne, Novomykolaivka, Muravka, Filiia, and toward Bilytske, Hryshyne, Novopidhorodnie, Novooleksandrivka, Novopavlivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russian forces launched five attacks near Zelenyi Hai, Ternove, Vyshneve, and Kalynivske.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian forces made 36 attempts to advance toward Huliaipole, Bilohiria, Dobropillia, Zaliznychne, Hirke, and Varvarivka.
In the Orikhiv sector, eight Russian attacks were repelled near Stepnohirsk, Mali Shcherbaky, and Stepove.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Ukrainian forces repelled one enemy attack." Ukrin

Russia's Transneft cuts oil intake after Ukrainian strike on Druzhba pipeline hub

"Russia's

state-owned oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has cut crude intake by 250,000 barrels
per day after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a critical pumping station.
Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) launched a drone attack on the Kaleykino oil pumping station — a key oil transportation hub — in Russia's Tatarstan overnight, an agency source told the Kyiv Independent. The station serves the Druzhba pipeline, one of the world's largest crude oil networks, carrying nearly two million barrels per day from Russia through Belarus and Ukraine to Central Europe." KI

5.0 Earthquake - Kermadec Islands

"A strong magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 126 km (78 mi) from Gisborne, New Zealand, in the early morning at 3.51 am local time (GMT +12). The quake had a great depth of 314 km (195 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

164 combat clashes recorded on front lines

"Ukrainian forces engaged in 164 combat clashes with Russian invaders.
Over the past day, missile forces and artillery units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck one concentration area of enemy manpower.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, eight combat engagements were recorded over the past day. The enemy carried out 87 shelling attacks, including nine using multiple launch rocket systems. It also conducted one airstrike using two guided aerial bombs.

In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy attempted five times to break through Ukrainian defensive lines near the settlements of Vilcha, Synelnykove, Mala Vovcha, and Zelene.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy launched nine attacks near Hlushkivka, Pishchane, Kurylivka, Borysivska Andriivka, and Kupiansk.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy launched seven attacks, attempting to break into Ukrainian defenses near Shyikivka, Drobysheve, Stavky, Novoserhiivka, and Stepove.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled nine attempts by Russian forces to advance near Yampil, Dronivka, Rai-Oleksandrivka, and Zakitne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions near Novodmytrivka and Kostiantynivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 16 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Sofiivka, Pleshchiivka, Berestok, Illinivka, and Stepanivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 27 assault actions by the aggressor near Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Filiia, Hryshyne, Novooleksandrivka, and Udachne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked four times near Ternove, Nove Zaporizhzhia, and Zlahoda.
In the Huliaipole sector, 19 attacks by Russian forces were recorded near Zaliznychne, Zahirne, Sviatopetrivka, Krynychne, and Huliaipole.
In the Orikhiv sector, the aggressor attempted once to improve its position near Stepnohirsk, Stepove, and Plavni." Ukrin

Belarus helping Russia adjust Shahed drone strikes on Ukraine, Zelensky says

"President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 23 in an interview with Belarusian independent outlet Dzerkalo that Russia has deployed Shahed drone repeaters in Belarus to help coordinate attacks on Ukraine, saying Minsk can no longer deny responsibility.

"Now Belarus knows exactly what is happening on its territory," Zelensky said. "It is no longer possible to say… that ‘the missiles were launched, and they had been here for a long time, and we do not control this.’"
He said the repeaters represent new technology used to adjust drone strikes targeting Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.
"The repeaters of modern Shahed drones are a new technology that has appeared on the territory of Belarus and helps to strike our people and energy facilities," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine has acted to remove several of them. "We did everything we could to ensure that three or four of them were no longer there."
Zelensky stressed that Russian drones are not only flying through Belarusian airspace but are also receiving technical support from its territory, arguing that responsibility now lies directly with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
"Now it definitely depends on (Lukashenko)," he said, warning Belarusians must understand the risks of deeper involvement in the war." KI

5.5 Earthquake - South Papua, 30 km south of Sarmi, Kabupaten Sarmi, Provinsi Papua, Indonesia

"A strong magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit 30 km (19 mi) away from Sarmi, Provinsi Papua, Indonesia, in the afternoon at 4.46 pm local time (Asia/Jayapura GMT +9). The quake had a very shallow depth of 10.6 km (7 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

116 clashes on front line

"116 combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops.
Ukrainian defenders repelled two Russian attacks in the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors. The enemy launched one air strike, dropping one guided bomb, and carried out 107 shelling attacks, 16 of them with MLRS.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the Russians twice stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the direction of Hrafske and Kutkivka.

Two enemy attacks took place in the Kupiansk sector. Defense Forces repelled the invaders' assault in the Pishchane area.
In the Lyman sector, the Russians attacked seven times, attempting to advance toward Drobysheve and toward Novoserhiivka, Shyikivka, and Lyman.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled six Russian attempts to advance in the areas of Platonivka and Zakitne.
No enemy offensive actions were recorded in the Kramatorsk sector, the General Staff emphasized.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian troops carried out 17 attacks in the areas of Kleban-Byk, Shcherbynivka, Ivanopillia, Sofiivka, Berestok, and toward Kostiantynivka and Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces stopped 22 assaults and offensive actions by Russian troops in the areas of Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Udachne, Molodetske, Shakhove, and toward Shevchenko.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions 11 times in the Ternove area and toward Vyshneve and Nove Zaporizhzhia.
In the Huliaipole sector, the Russians attempted 14 times to advance on the positions of the Defense Forces in the areas of Huliaipole and toward Varvarivka and Zaliznychne.
No enemy offensive actions were recorded in the Orikhiv sector.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the Defense Forces repelled one Russian attack.." Ukrin

Russia attacks Ukraine with missile and 126 drones: air defence intercepts 105 UAVs, 20 locations hit

"Russian forces attacked Ukraine using an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 Shahed,

Gerbera, Italmas and other types of drones.
Ukrainian air defence forces had destroyed or jammed 105 Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and other types of drones in the country's north, south and east.
Hits by a ballistic missile and 20 UAVs were recorded at 11 locations and the fall of downed aerial assets (debris) at one location.
Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare assets, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups from Ukraine's defence forces were involved in repelling the attack.
The attack is ongoing, as several Russian drones are still in Ukrainian airspace." Pravada

Cartel violence sweeps Mexico following death of drug lord

"Battles between cartels and security officials have broken out in multiple cities across Mexico after a top drug kingpin was killed by the military.

On Sunday, Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense announced that its special forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Cervantes died from his wounds as a result of a military operation to capture in Tapalpa.
The cartel responded by blocking roads and attacking patrol vehicles. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a state of emergency. The violence has quickly spread to the states of Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Colima, and Oaxaca." RT

Missile strikes reported across Russia as Belgorod faces blackouts and major oil pipeline hub in Tatarstan damaged

"Explosions were reported overnight in Russia’s Belgorod, where officials said a large-scale missile strike caused significant damage to local infrastructure, as reports also emerged of attacks targeting energy and oil infrastructure elsewhere in Russia.
Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the city is reportedly facing disruptions to electricity, water supply, and heating after damage to energy facilities.

Footage circulating on public channels showed blasts across the city, while witnesses said large parts of Belgorod were left in darkness, with light coming mainly from vehicle headlights.
Gladkov said emergency services were working at impacted sites and that the scale of the damage would be assessed later, adding that apartment buildings, a social facility, and several private homes were damaged in the attacks.
Regional authorities also reported drone strikes that damaged equipment at an industrial enterprise and injured a civilian woman in a nearby village, who was hospitalized with blast and shrapnel wounds.
Aside from Belgorod, residents in the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels also reported hearing multiple explosions overnight, according to independent Russian Telegram news channel Astra. Separately, residents in Tatarstan's Almetyevsk reported further blasts and a fire in the city, though officials have not yet released detailed information about the incidents." KI

7.1 Earthquake - South China Sea, 62 km west of Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

"A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in the South China Sea near the coast of Malaysia in the early morning at 12.57 am local time (Asia/Kuching GMT +8). The quake had a great depth of 620 km (385 mi) and was felt over a large region." VD

Very strong mag. 6.5 Earthquake - 58 km southeast of Loei, Changwat Loei, Thailand

"A very strong magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit 58 km (36 mi) away from Loei, Changwat Loei,

Thailand, shortly after midnight at 12.07 am local time (Asia/Bangkok GMT +7). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.

The quake was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

6.0 Earthquake - South Pacific Ocean, 295 km south of Matuku Island, Eastern, Fiji

"A very strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 290 km (180 mi) from Fiji in the late afternoon at 7.43 pm local time (GMT +12). The quake had a great depth of 654 km (406 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

112 clashes on frontline

"Ukrainian Defense Forces engaged in 112 clashes with Russian forces.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, 1 clash occurred; the enemy carried out 68 attacks on settlements and Ukrainian positions, including six using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy launched one attack near Dvorichanske; the engagement is ongoing.

In the Kupiansk sector, one enemy attack was repelled toward Hlushkivka.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian forces stopped six enemy attacks near Drobysheve, Novoserhiivka, Oleksandrivka, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, four enemy attempts were repelled near Platonivka and Zakitne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, no enemy advances were recorded.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 13 assaults near Pleshchiivka, Sofiivka, and toward Illinivka, Kostiantynivka, Stepankivka; one engagement is currently ongoing.
In the Pokrovsk sector, there were 22 attacks; Ukrainian troops killed 22 enemy soldiers and wounded 19, destroyed 77 drones, one artillery system, one electronic warfare station, two vehicles, four special equipment units, and damaged one artillery system, one EW station, seven vehicles, and 12 enemy personnel shelters.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, six attacks were repelled near Stepove, Kalynivske, Ternove, and toward Nove Zaporizhzhia; airstrikes hit Pokrovske and Prosiana.
In the Huliaipole sector, there were 24 enemy attacks near Huliaipole and toward Zelene, Zaliznychne, Huliaipilske; airstrikes hit Rizdvianka, Kopani, Dolynka, Tersianka, Zirnytsia, Vozdvizhivka, Huliaipilske, Charivne, Novomykolaivka, Samiilivka, Liubytske.
In the Orikhiv sector, Russian forces carried out two attacks on Ukrainian positions near Prymorske and Stepove; airstrikes targeted Tavriiske, Komyshuvakha, and Veselianka." Ukrin

Russians strike energy facilities in Odesa Oblast: large-scale fires break out

"Russian forces attacked energy infrastructure facilities in Odesa Oblast in the night.
Emergency workers reported that the strikes caused "significant damage and large-scale fires"." Pravada

15 injured, police officer killed as explosions rock western Ukraine's Lviv in terrorist attack

"Explosions as a result of a terrorist attack shook Lviv, injuring 15 and killing a police officer,

authorities reported overnight.
"This was a terrorist attack. At present, 14 victims have been hospitalized," Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi reported. Afterwards, he said that 15 people were injured in the explosion.
The blasts took place near Lviv's historic Old Town and shattered windows in the area.
"It has been preliminarily established that a 23-year-old policewoman was killed. A patrol car and a civilian vehicle were damaged," Lviv Oblast's Prosecutor's Office said." KI

Explosions heard in Kyiv: Enemy attacks with ballistic missiles and drones

"Explosions were heard in the capital during an air raid alert.
In addition, an air raid alert was declared in the Kyiv region and several other regions due to the threat of enemy drones." Ukrin

6.0 Earthquake - 110 km SSE of Kirakira, Solomon Islands

"A very strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the Coral Sea near the coast of Solomon Islands in the early morning at 3.42 am local time (GMT +11). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.
The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

Is a new civil war on the horizon?

"Since the end of 2025, the security situation in South Sudan, the youngest country in Africa, has sharply deteriorated, raising fears of a new civil war. Jonglei State, located near the Ethiopian border, has been particularly hard-hit by violence. The renewed fighting threatens to undermine the 2018 peace agreement between the government and opposition forces.
Intense clashes have erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the opposition factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) across Jonglei State, Upper Nile State, and Unity State, as well as in parts of Equatoria.

In late December 2025 and early January 2026, SPLM/A-IO, alongside allied forces primarily composed of Nuer militias known as the White Army, seized several key cities and government positions in northern Jonglei State, forcing the SSPDF to retreat. Shortly thereafter, the opposition called for a march on Juba. On January 25, the SSPDF announced the launch of Operation Enduring Peace and ordered the evacuation of civilians and UN Mission in South Sudan personnel from Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties, designating them as combat zones.
The main clashes erupted on January 26 on the outskirts of the heavily populated city of Yuai in eastern Jonglei State. While the SSPDF managed to capture some villages, the opposition has retained control over the city. By early February, the SSPDF had claimed “victory” and recaptured certain positions; however, the SPLM/A-IO described this as a “tactical withdrawal” to regroup.
Both sides employed heavy weaponry, including tanks, during these confrontations; during the course of combat, huts were burned and weapons seized.
This latest surge of violence comes amid preparations for the country’s first-ever general parliamentary elections, planned for December 2026. It was preceded by a series of contentious decisions by South Sudan President Salva Kiir, including the arrest of South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar in March 2025 on charges of treason and involvement in killings linked to the takeover of an SSPDF base by the White Army, as well as the dismissal of Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny, from her post as Minister of Interior in early 2026.
Machar’s supporters view these developments as a blatant violation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), particularly its provisions regarding power-sharing.
The conflict flared up in the capital, Juba, and rapidly spread to other regions. Soon, it evolved into an ethnic conflict: the Dinka people, loyal to Kiir, clashed with the Nuer people, who supported Machar. Both groups belong to the Nilotic ethnic group and make up the largest segments of South Sudan’s population (the Dinka comprise about 35% and the Nuer around 15% of the country’s population)." RT

5.6 Earthquake - Balleny Islands Region

"A strong magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 494 km (307 mi) from Antarctica at 17:01 GMT. The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.

The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD