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Romantic Partner’s Location Led Mexican Forces to ‘El Mencho,’ Triggering Deadly Cartel Clash

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Mexican authorities located and fatally wounded one of the country’s most powerful cartel leaders after tracing the movements of a woman described as his romantic partner, officials disclosed Monday, detailing an operation that ignited a wave of violence across multiple states.

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation at a morning news conference, asserting that the country remains “under control” following Sunday’s military action against Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the longtime head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Mexico’s defense secretary, told reporters that intelligence gathered from monitoring the whereabouts of a woman close to Oseguera Cervantes led security forces to a compound in Tapalpa, a mountain town in Jalisco state long associated with the cartel’s operations.

According to Trevilla Trejo, special forces moved in after confirming the target’s presence. A firefight erupted when Oseguera Cervantes attempted to flee the property. He sustained injuries during the exchange and was airlifted toward Mexico City for emergency medical care, but died en route, the defense secretary said.

At least eight suspected cartel members and three Mexican security officials were killed during the raid, Trevilla Trejo said, describing the confrontation as “very violent.” While expressing condolences to the families of the fallen officers, he paused and became visibly emotional during the briefing.

Sheinbaum praised the armed forces, saying, “Mexico should be very proud of our armed forces,” and emphasized that authorities are working to stabilize affected areas.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG, has been identified by Mexican and U.S. officials as a dominant criminal organization involved in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.

Although the operation was carried out by Mexican special forces, U.S. officials confirmed that intelligence support was provided to assist in locating Oseguera Cervantes. The collaboration underscores ongoing bilateral security coordination amid heightened pressure from Washington to confront powerful trafficking groups.

In the hours following confirmation of Oseguera Cervantes’ death, coordinated retaliatory attacks erupted across Mexico. Noticias Telemundo indicated that hundreds of roadblocks were established in 20 states, with the heaviest concentration in Jalisco. Vehicles were set ablaze, highways were obstructed and gunfire was reported in multiple municipalities.

Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s top security official, said during the same briefing that 70 individuals were detained in connection with the unrest. He added that more than 30 suspected cartel members and 27 law enforcement officers responding to the violence were killed in the aftermath.

Attacks also targeted gas stations and banks, García Harfuch said, as authorities worked to dismantle barricades and restore order.

“The most important thing right now is to guarantee peace and security throughout Mexico, and that’s what’s being done,” Sheinbaum said, noting that major blockades had ceased by Monday.

The unrest disrupted daily life in several cities. In Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and Mexico’s second-largest metropolitan area, traffic resumed early Monday after much of the city had shut down a day earlier. The Associated Press noted that more than 1,000 people spent the night at the Guadalajara zoo, sleeping in buses after being unable to leave safely.

Air travel was also affected. Multiple international carriers canceled flights Sunday amid the violence, stranding travelers. A security advisory issued by the U.S. State Department urging American citizens in several Mexican states to “shelter in place” remained active Monday.

The advisory covers Michoacán, Guerrero, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Baja California, Nayarit and Jalisco, including Chapala, Guadalajara and the resort city of Puerto Vallarta. An updated notice extended caution to parts of Colima, Guanajuato, Estado de México, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz and Zacatecas.

Sheinbaum indicated that flight operations, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, are expected to normalize by Tuesday.

The method used to locate Oseguera Cervantes highlights the evolving intelligence tactics employed by Mexican authorities. Rather than relying solely on traditional surveillance of known cartel compounds, investigators appear to have leveraged digital tracking and human network analysis focused on close associates. Targeting the social circle of high-profile criminal figures has increasingly become a strategy for penetrating tightly controlled security environments.

The swift and widespread retaliation underscores the CJNG’s operational reach and its capacity to mobilize coordinated actions across state lines. Roadblocks and arson attacks have long been hallmarks of cartel strategy designed to overwhelm security forces and project strength during leadership transitions.

Oseguera Cervantes’ death could trigger internal competition within the organization. Cartel hierarchies often experience instability following the removal of a central figure, particularly one who maintained personal authority over regional commanders. Such transitions can lead either to fragmentation or to a period of intensified violence as factions jockey for control.

The cooperation between Mexican and U.S. agencies also reflects the geopolitical stakes of the operation. With fentanyl trafficking at the center of bilateral tensions, dismantling a figure as prominent as Oseguera Cervantes carries symbolic and strategic weight. However, past experience suggests that eliminating top leaders does not automatically dismantle trafficking networks, which often adapt quickly.

For now, authorities say the immediate objective is stabilization. Whether the death of “El Mencho” marks a turning point in Mexico’s long-running struggle against organized crime — or the beginning of another volatile chapter — remains uncertain.

Nearly 30 Migrants Feared Dead After Boat Capsizes Off Crete, U.N. Warns of Deadliest Mediterranean Start Since 2014

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Nearly 30 migrants are feared dead after a boat traveling from Libya overturned south of the Greek island of Crete, authorities said Monday, as the United Nations warned that 2026 is already shaping up to be the deadliest year in the Mediterranean since record-keeping began.

Greek officials and the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration confirmed that the vessel, carrying about 50 people, capsized Saturday roughly 20 nautical miles off Kali Limenes, a port near Crete’s southern tip.

Three men were recovered dead on the day of the incident, and the body of a woman was located floating at sea Sunday. No additional survivors or victims have been found since then.

A spokesperson for the Greek coast guard told The Associated Press that passing commercial ships continue to sweep the area in coordination with maritime authorities. High winds were recorded in the region at the time of the accident, complicating rescue efforts.

Survivors informed authorities that the boat had departed Thursday from Tobruk, Libya, a known launching point for migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing toward Europe.

Greek officials have detained two Sudanese men, ages 25 and 19, on suspicion of organizing the voyage. They are being investigated as alleged traffickers.

The tragedy adds to an escalating toll across the Mediterranean migration corridor.

In a statement issued Monday, the International Organization for Migration said that at least 606 migrants have been reported dead or missing along the Mediterranean route in the first two months of 2026 alone, citing data from its Missing Migrants Project.

The agency described the figure as the deadliest start to a year in the Mediterranean since it began compiling such records in 2014.

“IOM warns that trafficking and smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants along the Central Mediterranean route, profiting from dangerous crossings in unseaworthy boats while exposing people to severe abuse and protection risks,” the statement said.

The U.N. agency urged governments to strengthen cross-border cooperation and adopt protection-centered strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks while expanding safe and lawful migration pathways.

“Stronger international cooperation and protection-centered responses are key to tackling these criminal networks and expanding safe and regular pathways to reduce risks and save lives,” the organization added.

The Central Mediterranean route, stretching from North Africa to Italy and Greece, remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors. Many boats departing from Libya are overcrowded and poorly equipped, often lacking adequate life jackets, navigation systems or seaworthy hulls.

The incident off Crete underscores a troubling shift in migration patterns. While the majority of crossings traditionally head toward Italy’s southern coast, traffickers appear increasingly willing to attempt longer and riskier routes toward Greece as European patrols intensify in other sectors. The distance from Tobruk to southern Crete is substantial, and in winter conditions, the risks multiply significantly.

The early spike in fatalities in 2026 may reflect several intersecting pressures. Ongoing instability in parts of North Africa, economic hardship and tightened border enforcement across Europe have left migrants with fewer safe options. As legal migration channels remain limited, smugglers continue to fill the vacuum, offering desperate individuals passage on unsafe vessels.

Maritime conditions during winter months also amplify danger. High winds and rough seas can overwhelm small craft within minutes, leaving passengers little chance of survival, particularly if rescue operations are delayed by weather or distance from shore.

The arrests of the two Sudanese suspects may represent an attempt by Greek authorities to disrupt smuggling rings operating out of eastern Libya. However, experts note that dismantling trafficking networks requires sustained international coordination that addresses both supply and demand. Arrests at sea or upon arrival often capture low-level facilitators rather than the transnational organizers who finance and direct operations.

The mounting death toll also renews debate within the European Union about burden-sharing and migration policy. Southern member states such as Greece and Italy have long argued that frontline countries cannot shoulder rescue and reception responsibilities alone.

As search vessels continue scanning the waters south of Crete, the fate of dozens remains uncertain. With no additional survivors located since Sunday, authorities increasingly fear the worst.

The disaster marks another grim chapter in the Mediterranean migration crisis — one that, according to U.N. data, is accelerating rather than receding in 2026.

AP

Mexico Defense Chief Breaks Down as 25 National Guard Members Killed in CJNG Retaliation After El Mencho Raid

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Mexico’s top defense official struggled to contain his emotions Monday as he confirmed that 25 members of the National Guard were killed in coordinated retaliatory attacks carried out by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel following the military operation that left its leader dead.

Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla’s voice cracked and he paused repeatedly as he addressed reporters about what he described as an unprecedented wave of violence targeting Mexican security forces in the western state of Jalisco.

The deadly assaults unfolded after Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a military raid at a property in the state on Sunday. Authorities said Oseguera and six associates died during the operation, setting off a swift and violent backlash from cartel gunmen.

Mexico’s Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said 25 National Guard personnel lost their lives in what he characterized as “27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco.” He added that at least 30 suspected cartel members were also killed during the clashes.

According to García Harfuch, the violence extended beyond direct confrontations with federal forces. A prison guard, an agent from the state prosecutor’s office and a civilian woman were also killed amid the unrest. The attacks included ambushes and armed confrontations directed at military and law enforcement patrols.

Authorities said cartel operatives erected more than 250 roadblocks across at least 20 states, using burning vehicles and debris to obstruct highways and disrupt the movement of security forces. The coordinated nature of the retaliation underscored the operational reach of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, commonly known as CJNG.

The cartel has long been regarded by Mexican and U.S. officials as one of the country’s most powerful and heavily armed criminal organizations, with access to military-grade weapons, rocket launchers, drones and improvised explosive devices.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said federal forces had cleared the roadblocks and regained control in affected areas. She indicated that more than 70 individuals had been detained across seven states as part of a sweeping security response aimed at restoring order.

“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” García Harfuch told journalists, signaling concern that the group could attempt to reorganize or launch additional attacks following the death of its leader.

Foreign governments reacted swiftly to the escalation. The U.S. Embassy urged its personnel in eight cities and in the state of Michoacán to shelter in place and work remotely Monday. Several Mexican states suspended classes as a precaution while security forces intensified patrols.

Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho,” had been a central figure in Mexico’s drug trade for years. Authorities accused him of overseeing the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States. A reward of up to $15 million had been offered for information leading to his capture.

The scale and coordination of the cartel’s retaliation highlight both the entrenched power of organized crime groups in Mexico and the risks associated with high-value targeting operations. While the elimination of a cartel leader can disrupt command structures, history has shown that such actions can also trigger violent fragmentation or reprisal attacks. The killing of 25 National Guard members in a concentrated period represents one of the deadliest retaliatory episodes against Mexican federal forces in recent years.

Security analysts note that CJNG has cultivated a decentralized yet disciplined network capable of launching synchronized attacks across multiple jurisdictions. The erection of roadblocks in 20 states suggests not only operational planning but also the ability to mobilize resources quickly in response to perceived threats.

For President Sheinbaum’s administration, the confrontation presents both a challenge and a defining moment. A forceful crackdown may reinforce the government’s commitment to confronting cartel violence, but it also risks provoking further bloodshed if splinter factions vie for control or attempt to demonstrate strength.

The emotional response from Defense Minister Trevilla underscored the human toll of the confrontation. Public displays of grief by senior officials are rare in Mexico’s security briefings and may reflect the depth of the losses sustained by federal forces.

In the coming weeks, authorities are likely to focus on dismantling residual CJNG networks and preventing retaliatory cells from regrouping. Whether the death of “El Mencho” weakens the cartel long term or ushers in a new phase of instability remains uncertain. What is clear is that the immediate aftermath has already exacted a heavy price on Mexico’s security forces and intensified concerns about the durability of cartel power across the country.

NYPost

19 More Nigerians Added to US Deportation List as Total Rises to 113 Under DHS Crackdown

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The United States Department of Homeland Security has added 19 more Nigerian nationals to a list of convicted offenders slated for removal, bringing the total number of Nigerians facing deportation to 113, according to figures posted Sunday on the agency’s website.

Photo: NewsGhana

Information published by DHS indicates that the newly identified individuals were convicted of crimes including sexual assault of a minor, fraud, assault, drug trafficking and money laundering. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers took the individuals into custody, and they are expected to be removed from the country once immigration processing is completed.

In a statement accompanying the updated list, the department said it is “highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” The statement added that under the leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS and ICE personnel are carrying out President Donald Trump’s directive to prioritize deportations of noncitizens with serious criminal convictions.

“The hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling Donald Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations — starting with the worst of the worst,” the statement read.

Among the 19 individuals newly added to the deportation roster are Adeolu Solabu, Oladayo Agboola, Chinonso Ochie, Oluchi Jennifer Chimdimma Chime, Samuel Omorodion, Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi and Mkpouto Etukudoh. Others include Marcus Unigwe, Kehinde James, Blessing Uchanma, Victor Adebisi, Richard Ugbah, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Oluwamuyiwa Olawoye, Okechukwu Amadi, Femi Jolayemi, Anthony Asanya, Izuchukwu Okoye and Ebele Agbasiele.

Data available on the DHS website show that the Nigerian deportation tally has risen sharply in recent weeks. In early February 2026, 79 Nigerians appeared on the list following ICE enforcement operations. Within days, that number increased to 97 after additional arrests. With the latest update, the total now stands at 113.

News Ghana also referenced the DHS data in a Sunday report, noting that the expansion reflects a broader enforcement strategy targeting foreign nationals with criminal convictions.

The escalation comes amid an intensified immigration enforcement campaign by the Trump administration, which has pledged to expand removals of undocumented migrants and lawful permanent residents who commit serious crimes. Federal authorities have emphasized that the current phase of deportations focuses on individuals convicted of what officials describe as grave offenses.

Original analysis: The rapid increase in the number of Nigerians listed for deportation highlights the administration’s emphasis on publicizing enforcement actions as part of its broader immigration agenda. By releasing names and framing the list under the “worst of the worst” label, DHS appears to be reinforcing a message that removal efforts are centered on individuals with criminal records rather than on broader categories of undocumented migrants. This messaging strategy may serve both domestic political objectives and international signaling, particularly to governments whose nationals are affected.

For Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, the growing deportation figures could have diplomatic and socioeconomic implications. While deportations of Nigerian nationals from the United States are not unprecedented, the pace and scale of the recent increase — from 79 to 113 within three weeks — may prompt discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities regarding repatriation logistics, reintegration support and bilateral cooperation on law enforcement.

The offenses cited by DHS span a wide range of criminal conduct, from financial crimes to violent offenses and drug-related convictions. Immigration attorneys note that noncitizens convicted of aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude are typically subject to mandatory removal under U.S. immigration law. Once criminal sentences are completed, individuals are transferred to ICE custody for immigration proceedings, which can culminate in deportation if relief from removal is not granted.

At the same time, immigration advocates often caution that deportation proceedings involve legal complexities, including appeals and claims for protection under asylum or other humanitarian grounds. DHS has not detailed the individual procedural status of those listed, beyond stating that deportations will occur after immigration formalities are finalized.

The absence of an official public response from Nigerian authorities as of Sunday leaves open questions about how the receiving country will manage the influx of returnees. In previous deportation waves, Nigerian officials have coordinated with U.S. counterparts to facilitate travel documentation and reception processes at ports of entry.

The updated deportation figures also reflect a broader national trend. Under President Donald Trump, federal immigration agencies have expanded workplace raids, community enforcement actions and data-sharing initiatives with local law enforcement to identify removable noncitizens with criminal convictions. By spotlighting specific nationalities, DHS underscores the international dimension of U.S. immigration enforcement while maintaining that its primary focus is on criminality rather than nationality.

As ICE continues its operations, further updates to the deportation list remain possible. Federal officials have indicated that enforcement efforts are ongoing and that additional names could be added as investigations and immigration proceedings advance.

Punchng/NewsGhana

Gunman Shot Dead by Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago Was Obsessed With Epstein Files, Family Says He Never Used a Gun

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A 21-year-old North Carolina man fatally shot by law enforcement after breaching the perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate early Sunday had recently expressed fixation on the so-called “Epstein files” and urged others to “raise awareness,” according to messages obtained by TMZ and accounts from family members.

Authorities identified the man as Austin Tucker Martin. Law enforcement officials in Florida said Martin was shot and killed after he entered the inner security perimeter of Mar-a-Lago around 1:30 a.m. while carrying a shotgun and a gas canister. Security personnel confronted him, and officers responded after he allegedly raised the weapon into what authorities characterized as a “shooting position.”

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington at the time of the incident.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina indicated that a relative had approached a deputy shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday to report Martin missing. In a statement, the office said that at approximately 1:38 a.m., a family member informed authorities that Martin had disappeared. He was entered into a national missing persons database before North Carolina officials were notified that federal authorities were conducting an active investigation in Florida involving him. At the request of federal investigators, local officials transferred the missing persons case information to them.

Family members expressed shock at the chain of events. Martin’s cousin, Braeden Fields, 19, told The Associated Press that his cousin was “very quiet” and had never shown interest in firearms. Fields emphasized that Martin “doesn’t even know how to use a gun” and had been around weapons during hunting trips without ever firing one beyond a BB gun. In remarks to ABC station WTVD, Fields reiterated that Martin disliked guns, saying they hurt his ears and that he refused to handle them even when given the opportunity.

“He wouldn’t even hurt an ant,” Fields told The Associated Press, describing the behavior alleged by authorities as entirely out of character.

Martin worked at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in North Carolina, roughly 15 miles from his hometown of Cameron, where he lived with his parents. Colleagues cited by TMZ described him as preoccupied in recent weeks with what he believed was government concealment of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In text messages dated Feb. 15 and reviewed by the outlet, Martin wrote to a coworker that “evil is real and unmistakable” and encouraged sharing information about the Epstein files to inform others about what “the government is doing about it.”

The coworker did not respond to the message at the time. On Sunday morning, before news of Martin’s death became public, the coworker sent a follow-up message asking his whereabouts.

Additional coworkers told TMZ that Martin had voiced frustration about economic pressures facing young people and had unsuccessfully attempted to organize a union at his workplace to advocate for higher wages. They also characterized him as a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.

Fields told ABC that the family broadly supports Trump and said Martin rarely engaged in political discussions. “He didn’t want to get into politics,” Fields said, adding that there had been no indication Martin would travel approximately 700 miles to Florida on any political mission.

A website registered to Martin featured watercolor and ink artwork of golf courses and described a mission focused on evoking “the hopeful feeling of being on a golf course.” Fields said Martin often donated portions of his paycheck to charity and had been preparing golf courses for the upcoming season.

Federal and local authorities have not publicly detailed a motive. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have asked residents in South Florida to review security camera footage that might show Martin’s movements before the breach.

The security response unfolded swiftly. Florida authorities said Mar-a-Lago security detected an individual within the inner perimeter and confronted him before law enforcement discharged their weapons. The Secret Service, responsible for protective operations at sites associated with the president, has not released additional specifics about the engagement, citing the continuing inquiry.

The episode marks the latest security scare involving high-profile political properties in the United States, underscoring the challenges facing federal protective services amid a polarized political climate and the proliferation of conspiracy theories online.

Original analysis: While authorities have not established a definitive motive, the intersection of conspiracy-driven narratives and personal grievance appears to form part of the broader context surrounding Martin’s actions. References to the Epstein files — a subject that has generated sustained online speculation and distrust of government institutions — illustrate how unresolved public controversies can become focal points for individuals grappling with frustration or alienation. Experts who study radicalization have noted that fixation on perceived cover-ups, combined with economic dissatisfaction, can contribute to a distorted sense of urgency or mission, even among individuals without prior histories of violence.

At the same time, the stark contrast between Martin’s alleged actions and his family’s depiction of him highlights the complexities investigators often face in reconstructing intent. Relatives and coworkers frequently describe suspects in such cases as quiet or apolitical, a dynamic that can obscure internal turmoil or escalating online engagement. The rapid shift from a missing persons report in North Carolina to a fatal confrontation in Florida within hours underscores how quickly such situations can unfold, leaving families and communities struggling for answers.

As federal investigators continue to examine Martin’s communications, travel history and digital footprint, officials have refrained from drawing conclusions about whether the breach was politically motivated, personally driven or influenced by online content. For now, authorities have emphasized that the protective response was triggered by an armed individual inside a restricted perimeter, and that the matter remains under active review.

NYPost/ABC7

Bus Packed With Dozens Plunges Off Nepal’s Prithvi Highway, Killing 19 and Injuring 25

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 (AP) — A passenger bus carrying dozens of travelers veered off a mountain highway in central Nepal shortly after midnight Monday, tumbling down a steep slope before coming to rest along the banks of the Trishuli River, killing 19 people and injuring at least 25 others, authorities said.

The bus was traveling from the lakeside resort city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu, when it left the Prithvi Highway near Benighat in Dhading district, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Kathmandu, police confirmed. Rescue crews arrived at the crash site soon after the accident and worked through the darkness to pull survivors from the wreckage.

District police identified one of the victims as a 24-year-old British national. Officials said nine of the 19 fatalities had been formally identified by Monday afternoon, while efforts were underway to confirm the identities of the remaining victims.

Among the injured were a Chinese national receiving treatment at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu and a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand who sustained minor injuries and was being treated at a nearby hospital. China’s official Xinhua News Agency, citing the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, indicated earlier that another Chinese national had been reported missing.

Government administrator Mohan Prasad Neupane said emergency responders transported the injured to area hospitals after extracting them from the damaged vehicle. Police have launched an investigation to determine what caused the bus to leave the roadway.

The Prithvi Highway, a critical link between Kathmandu and Pokhara, winds through steep hills and narrow corridors carved into mountainous terrain. Accidents along the route are not uncommon, particularly during nighttime travel when visibility is reduced and fatigue may be a factor. Officials have not yet indicated whether weather, road conditions, mechanical failure or driver error contributed to Monday’s crash.

Nepal’s rugged topography poses persistent challenges for transportation. Much of the Himalayan nation is defined by sharp gradients, tight curves and roads that cling to cliffsides above fast-moving rivers. Infrastructure constraints, aging vehicles and inconsistent enforcement of safety standards have compounded risks for travelers.

The crash site near the Trishuli River carries painful resonance. In 2024, two buses carrying 65 people plunged into the same river during separate incidents, leaving most of those aboard dead or missing. The wreckage of one of those vehicles was discovered only this year, buried beneath deep sand deposits along the riverbank.

Authorities have not released the total number of passengers on Monday’s bus but described it as heavily occupied. Survivors were treated for fractures, lacerations and internal injuries, hospital officials said, though they declined to provide further details pending family notification.

Nepal has struggled for years to reduce its rate of road fatalities. Government data show that traffic accidents claim hundreds of lives annually, with buses frequently involved because they remain the primary mode of long-distance transport for many residents and tourists alike.

Pokhara, the departure point of the ill-fated bus, is one of Nepal’s most visited destinations, known for its lakes, trekking routes and proximity to the Annapurna mountain range. The highway connecting it to Kathmandu is a lifeline for commerce and tourism, but it is also notorious for congestion and hazardous conditions.

Police said forensic teams were examining the wreckage to determine whether mechanical malfunction played a role. Investigators are also reviewing the driver’s background and travel logs.

While authorities focus on determining the immediate cause of the crash, the broader safety concerns facing Nepal’s transportation system are again in the spotlight.

Road infrastructure development in the country has lagged behind growing demand. As tourism rebounds and domestic travel increases, highways such as the Prithvi corridor are seeing heavier traffic volumes. Yet many sections remain narrow, uneven and vulnerable to landslides, especially during the monsoon season. Although Monday’s accident occurred outside the peak rainy period, geological instability and aging guardrails remain ongoing hazards.

Enforcement of vehicle maintenance standards has also been inconsistent. Transport unions and safety advocates have long called for stricter inspections of commercial buses, citing worn brake systems and overloading as recurring issues. Previous crash investigations have highlighted similar factors.

International visitors are often among those affected. Nepal’s adventure tourism sector attracts travelers from Europe, Asia and Oceania, and bus travel is frequently the most accessible way to move between cities. Fatalities involving foreign nationals can carry diplomatic sensitivities, prompting embassies to coordinate closely with local authorities.

The Trishuli River tragedies in 2024 prompted renewed pledges from officials to strengthen oversight, including proposals to install more protective barriers along high-risk stretches and introduce digital monitoring of bus routes. However, implementation has been gradual.

Transportation analysts note that mountainous countries face inherent constraints, but policy measures — including improved driver training, regulated driving hours and enhanced roadside emergency response systems — can significantly reduce fatalities.

Monday’s crash may intensify pressure on policymakers to accelerate reforms. Public frustration often spikes after high-casualty incidents, though momentum for long-term structural change has historically waned over time.

For families awaiting identification of victims, immediate concerns are more personal. Officials in Dhading district said support services were being coordinated for relatives, and foreign embassies were notified regarding their citizens.

As investigations proceed, authorities have urged motorists traveling the Prithvi Highway to exercise caution and comply with traffic advisories. The government has not yet announced whether additional inspections or temporary restrictions will be imposed along the corridor.

The accident stands as another stark reminder of the risks inherent in navigating Nepal’s dramatic terrain — a landscape that draws visitors from around the world, yet demands sustained investment to ensure safer passage for those who travel its winding roads.

Barcelona Reclaims La Liga Summit with 3-0 Victory After Real Madrid Slip

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MADRID (BN24) — FC Barcelona responded to rival Real Madrid’s weekend setback by cruising to a 3-0 victory over Levante UD on Sunday, climbing back to the top of La Liga.

Goals from Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López at Camp Nou halted Barcelona’s two-match skid and lifted the Catalan club one point above Madrid, which fell 2-1 at Osasuna a day earlier.

Madrid had entered the weekend on an eight-game league winning streak before its stumble. Barcelona, meanwhile, had been searching for stability after a 2-1 league loss to Girona and a 4-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

“We know it isn’t easy to start winning again after two defeats, but the team gave a very good response,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said afterward.

The result restored momentum for a side that had managed only one clean sheet in its previous six matches across all competitions.

Barcelona wasted little time asserting control. Bernal, the 18-year-old midfielder, struck from close range in the fourth minute, capitalizing on early pressure to settle the hosts.

Levante had threatened briefly in the opening moments, but Bernal’s finish shifted the rhythm decisively. “They had an early chance but my goal helped us settle and gain some confidence,” Bernal said.

The teenager’s goal followed his first senior-team strike two rounds earlier in a victory over Mallorca, underscoring his growing influence in Flick’s rotation.

De Jong doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, finishing from inside the area after a fluid passing sequence. Barcelona dictated possession and tempo, limiting Levante’s opportunities to counter.

López capped the afternoon with an emphatic long-range effort in the 81st minute. His shot ricocheted off the post before crossing the line, extinguishing any lingering doubt about the outcome.

Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan prevented the scoreline from widening further. Ryan produced back-to-back saves in the closing minutes first denying Raphinha with a header, then blocking López’s close-range rebound attempt.

For Levante, the defeat marked a fourth consecutive loss and deepened relegation concerns. The club sits 19th in the standings, one point above last-place Oviedo, which has a game in hand. Levante has secured just one victory in its past eight league matches.

The visitors’ defensive organization faltered under Barcelona’s sustained pressure, and their limited attacking threat rarely troubled the hosts after the opening minutes.

The match also featured a landmark moment for Lamine Yamal, who recorded his 100th official win with Barcelona, becoming the youngest player in club history to reach that total.

The 18-year-old winger has amassed 139 appearances for the club, compiling 16 draws and 23 defeats alongside his century of victories. Flick dismissed suggestions that Yamal appeared frustrated when substituted late in the game, framing the change as routine squad management.

Pedri returned to action in the 66th minute, marking his first appearance in nearly a month following injury. His reintroduction offers an additional boost as Barcelona prepares for a demanding stretch that includes a league meeting with Villarreal.

Elsewhere in the league, Villarreal Barcelona’s next opponent rallied to defeat Valencia 2-1 at home, maintaining a three-point cushion over Atletico Madrid in the race for Champions League places. Atletico had beaten Espanyol 4-2 on Saturday.

Celta Vigo overcame Mallorca 2-0 with veteran forward Iago Aspas scoring twice late, while Sevilla edged Getafe 1-0 despite playing against 10 men for much of the match following Djene Dakonam’s early red card.

Barcelona’s resurgence arrives at a pivotal juncture in the title race. With Madrid demonstrating vulnerability after its defeat at Osasuna, the margin for error narrows for both sides. The psychological dimension may prove as decisive as tactical execution.

Flick’s team had appeared unsettled in recent weeks, particularly in defense. Sunday’s clean sheet, though against a struggling opponent, could serve as a stabilizing force. Bernal’s emergence offers depth and youthful energy, while De Jong’s composure in midfield restored balance.

Equally significant is the return of Pedri, whose creativity and control often shape Barcelona’s tempo in high-pressure fixtures. If he regains full fitness, Barcelona’s attacking patterns could regain the fluidity that characterized its strongest performances earlier in the campaign.

For Madrid, the challenge will be responding swiftly to prevent momentum from shifting. Eight consecutive wins had built a cushion; one defeat has now reignited the contest.

Levante’s outlook, by contrast, appears increasingly precarious. Defensive lapses and inconsistent finishing have undermined efforts to climb clear of the bottom three. Without an immediate turnaround, relegation looms.

Barcelona’s ability to convert opportunity into advantage reflects a broader theme of elite competition: championships are frequently decided not only by brilliance, but by resilience after setbacks. Sunday’s display suggested a team determined to steady itself at a crucial stage.

As the season enters its final stretch, the battle for La Liga supremacy promises heightened intensity. For now, Barcelona stands alone at the summit once more its response timely, its ambitions intact.

EPL: Mac Allister’s Stoppage-Time Strike Lifts Liverpool to 1-0 Win Over Nottingham Forest

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NOTTINGHAM, England (BN24) — Alexis Mac Allister struck deep into stoppage time to hand Liverpool FC a dramatic 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, rescuing a performance that had lacked fluency for much of the afternoon.

The Argentina international reacted quickest in the 97th minute after a downward header from Virgil van Dijk was parried by Forest’s goalkeeper. Mac Allister forced the rebound over the line from close range, igniting celebrations among the traveling supporters.

Moments earlier, another Liverpool effort had been disallowed, heightening tension inside the stadium. According to BBC Sport, fans first erupted, then paused amid a video review, before celebrating again when the goal stood.

The breakthrough arrived in a match defined more by physical duels and fragmented passages of play than sustained attacking quality.

Liverpool’s preparations were unsettled even before kickoff. Florian Wirtz sustained an injury during the warm-up and was withdrawn from the starting lineup, watching from the bench in visible frustration.

The late change prompted manager Arne Slot to reshuffle his side. Curtis Jones was drafted into the XI, while Dominik Szoboszlai initially slotted in at right-back before roles were adjusted again later in the contest.

The alterations contributed to a lack of cohesion. Liverpool struggled to maintain possession or establish consistent links between midfield and attack. Clear-cut opportunities were scarce, and the tempo often felt disjointed.

Forest appeared the sharper side for extended stretches, winning second balls and unsettling Liverpool’s build-up. If asked which team had benefited from a full week’s rest, observers might have pointed to the home side.

Liverpool’s attacking threats were muted. Mohamed Salah was replaced in the second half, departing with a wry smile and shake of the head after a quiet outing. Cody Gakpo likewise found limited space to operate.

Teenager Rio Ngumoha provided a brief spark off the bench, injecting urgency that had been missing for much of the match.

Liverpool’s bench lacked proven game-changers in a fixture crying out for invention. The absence of attacking sharpness underscored how reliant the team can be on moments of individual quality when collective rhythm falters.

Mac Allister, 27, supplied that decisive touch. Beyond his winning goal, he contributed defensively, recording six recoveries and two successful tackles — a statistical reflection of the match’s scrappy character rather than controlled dominance.

The second half unfolded in a stop-start fashion, punctuated by fouls and interruptions. Clear chances were rare, and tension mounted as the clock ticked toward full time.

Then came the chaos.

Van Dijk’s header forced a reflex save, and Mac Allister capitalized instantly, bundling the ball home amid a crowded six-yard box. The strike marked one of the final actions of the game and shifted the narrative from frustration to relief.

The victory moves Liverpool level on points with teams clustered around the Champions League qualification places, tightening an already congested race.

While the performance may not linger in memory, the result could carry significant weight in the season’s final reckoning. Matches decided in narrow, late fashion often prove pivotal in campaigns defined by fine margins.

From a broader perspective, Liverpool’s display exposed vulnerabilities. The side struggled to dictate tempo and appeared fatigued despite its squad depth. Tactical reshuffles disrupted structure, and the absence of a clear attacking focal point was evident.

Yet elite teams often separate themselves through resilience rather than artistry. Mac Allister’s intervention illustrated how opportunism can compensate for an otherwise uneven showing.

Forest, meanwhile, may draw encouragement from its competitiveness. The home side matched Liverpool physically and limited clear chances, though it ultimately lacked the cutting edge to secure a point.

For Slot, the match reinforces both concern and confidence. Concern, because rhythm and balance were elusive; confidence, because his side found a way to prevail under pressure.

As the Premier League season advances, the distinction between stylish victories and grinding wins becomes less significant than accumulation of points. Liverpool’s latest triumph belonged firmly to the latter category.

It was not a performance that will headline highlight reels for years to come. But if Liverpool secures a return to Europe’s top competition, the 97th-minute touch from Mac Allister at the City Ground may be remembered as one of the moments that shaped the journey.

Cartel Gunmen Attack Guadalajara International Airport After CJNG Leader’s Death

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Armed members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel launched coordinated attacks around Guadalajara International Airport and across parts of western Mexico on Sunday, unleashing panic among travelers and prompting shelter-in-place warnings after security forces killed the cartel’s leader in a military operation.

Videos shared on social media showed passengers running through terminals at Guadalajara’s Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport as reports of gunfire and nearby violence spread. Some travelers were seen crouching behind counters while others fled with luggage in hand.

The violence erupted hours after Mexican forces fatally wounded Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a raid in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state. Mexico’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement on X that Oseguera Cervantes was injured during the operation and died while being transported by air to Mexico City.

The Pacific Airport Group, which operates the Guadalajara airport, said the Mexican National Guard had been deployed to the facility but that no confirmed violent incidents had occurred inside the terminal. The company attributed online reports of chaos within the airport to “panic among passengers,” emphasizing that there was no direct threat inside the facilities.

Still, authorities acknowledged that cartel members had set vehicles ablaze and blocked roadways throughout Jalisco in an apparent effort to disrupt federal security operations following the death of their leader.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro wrote on X that federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa that led to armed confrontations. He said individuals retaliating against the crackdown ignited vehicles and erected roadblocks in multiple areas of the state “with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.” The governor described conditions in much of Jalisco as a “code red” and urged residents to remain indoors.

The unrest extended beyond Guadalajara. In the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta, hotels advised guests to shelter in place as smoke rose from burning barricades. Travelers reported being confined to hotels while local authorities worked to restore order.

Mexican officials said the flare-up followed the military’s confrontation with CJNG members in Tapalpa. In a statement, defense authorities said troops were attacked during the operation and responded in self-defense. Four alleged cartel members were killed at the scene, and three others, including Oseguera Cervantes, later died of their injuries while being transported.

Spanish-language outlets including El Universal and Milenio detailed scenes of burning vehicles and gunfire across the region. Footage circulating online showed a gas station engulfed in flames in Tala, Jalisco, underscoring the scale of the retaliation.

Air Canada announced it had suspended flights into Puerto Vallarta “due to an ongoing security situation,” advising passengers not to travel to the airport. Merchants in Jalisco and neighboring states shuttered businesses as smoke drifted over highways and city streets.

International governments issued advisories as the situation unfolded. The U.S. State Department urged Americans in several Mexican states — including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León — to shelter in place because of ongoing security operations, road blockages and criminal activity.

Australia updated its travel guidance, warning that serious security incidents had been reported across Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and advising visitors to stay alert and follow local authorities’ instructions. Canada likewise cautioned its citizens about roadblocks involving burning vehicles, shootouts with security forces and explosions in southwestern Mexico.

President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm, writing on X that there was coordination among federal and state governments and urging citizens to remain informed and composed.

Oseguera Cervantes, 53, rose from relative obscurity to become one of Mexico’s most feared cartel leaders after the arrest and conviction of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Under his leadership, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, expanded rapidly and developed a reputation for confronting security forces with military-style tactics.

The U.S. government had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. He faced multiple indictments in Washington, D.C., tied to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. President Donald Trump designated the cartel a foreign terrorist organization last year, intensifying bilateral pressure to dismantle its operations.

Sunday’s attacks underscored the cartel’s capacity to mount swift and disruptive retaliation. Analysts say such coordinated actions — particularly near critical infrastructure like airports and major tourist destinations — are designed to demonstrate strength and challenge state authority.

Guadalajara’s airport is Mexico’s third-busiest, handling nearly 19 million passengers annually. Puerto Vallarta ranks among the country’s top tourist destinations, making the unrest particularly disruptive during peak travel periods.

While airport authorities insisted no confirmed violence occurred inside the terminal, the fear alone proved enough to halt operations temporarily and send travelers scrambling. The psychological impact of visible smoke, gunfire reports and viral footage can reverberate far beyond the immediate scene, affecting tourism, investment and public confidence.

Security forces remained deployed across Jalisco late Sunday as roadblocks smoldered and authorities worked to reopen highways. Schools in parts of the state were ordered closed Monday as a precaution.

The long-term implications of Oseguera Cervantes’ death remain uncertain. CJNG’s decentralized structure could allow regional commanders to continue operations, and leadership transitions in criminal organizations often spark further violence as factions jockey for control.

For now, the airport and surrounding communities remain on heightened alert, a stark reminder of the volatile aftermath that can follow the takedown of a powerful cartel figure.

NYPost/NBC

St. Francis of Assisi’s Remains Unveiled to Public in Rare Display Marking 800 Years Since His Death

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ASSISI, Italy (BN24) — The skeletal remains of St Francis of Assisi have been placed on public display in central Italy in a rare exhibition marking eight centuries since the death of one of Christianity’s most revered figures.

Church authorities in Italy indicated that roughly 400,000 pilgrims and visitors from across the globe have secured reservations to view the remains in Assisi, the saint’s birthplace. The display opened Sunday in the lower church of the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi and will continue through March 22.

The unveiling offers an extraordinary opportunity for the faithful. According to church officials, the remains have been publicly exhibited only once before for a single day in 1978, when access was restricted to a limited number of viewers.

Born in Assisi in either 1181 or 1182, Francis became known for abandoning his family’s wealth to embrace a life of poverty and service. He went on to establish the Franciscan religious order, emphasizing humility, compassion and devotion to the marginalized. Over the centuries, he has been recognized as the patron saint of animals and the environment, a reflection of his teachings about the interconnectedness of all creation.

The Catholic Church commemorates the Feast of St. Francis each year on Oct. 4, the anniversary of his death in 1226.

The display of his remains is unfolding at a moment of renewed interest in the saint’s legacy. The late Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a decade before his death last year, chose his papal name in tribute to the 13th-century saint. Vatican observers often noted that the pontiff sought to mirror Francis’ radical humility and concern for the poor.

Church representatives have framed the exhibition as both a spiritual milestone and a cultural event of global resonance. Pilgrims have traveled from Europe, Latin America, Asia and the United States, underscoring the enduring appeal of a figure whose message continues to shape Catholic identity.

Security and crowd-control measures have been heightened in Assisi to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors. Local authorities are coordinating with church officials to manage reservations and ensure orderly access to the basilica’s lower church, where the remains are housed.

The basilica itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has long been a focal point of devotion. Constructed shortly after Francis’ canonization in 1228, it contains frescoes and artworks chronicling his life and spiritual journey. The current exhibition centers on the saint’s bones, presented in a manner intended to balance reverence with historical context.

For many of the faithful, the opportunity to witness the remains is viewed as a rare spiritual encounter. Pilgrims interviewed by Italian media described feelings of gratitude and solemn reflection as they prepared to enter the basilica.

Enduring Legacy in a Modern World

While the exhibition marks a historical anniversary, it also arrives at a time when Francis’ teachings appear particularly relevant. His embrace of poverty and his critique of material excess resonate in an era marked by economic inequality and environmental strain.

Francis’ writings and example have increasingly been invoked in discussions about climate change and ecological responsibility. His reverence for nature inspired the naming of Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’,” after the saint’s canticle praising creation. Though separated by centuries, the themes of humility and stewardship remain intertwined.

Scholars note that public displays of saints’ relics have historically served to reinforce communal identity within the Catholic tradition. Such events often draw believers seeking spiritual renewal, while also attracting historians and cultural tourists interested in medieval religious history.

The exhibition may also carry economic implications for Assisi and the surrounding Umbria region. With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected over the coming weeks, local businesses from hotels to restaurants stand to benefit from the influx of pilgrims. Religious tourism has long been a pillar of the town’s economy, and this milestone anniversary could provide a measurable boost.

At the same time, church leaders have emphasized that the commemoration is intended to foster reflection rather than spectacle. In homilies and public remarks, clergy have encouraged visitors to contemplate Francis’ message of peace and simplicity.

A Rare Glimpse into History

The limited prior public viewing in 1978 heightened anticipation for the current exhibition. That earlier display was brief and accessible to only a small audience, making this year’s extended viewing period highly unusual.

Historians observe that relic veneration dates back to early Christianity, when the physical remains of saints were believed to connect the faithful to sacred history. Over time, many relics were concealed or safeguarded to prevent damage or theft. The decision to unveil Francis’ remains reflects careful deliberation by church authorities, balancing preservation concerns with pastoral outreach.

As the exhibition continues, Assisi has once again become a focal point for global Catholicism. For some visitors, the journey is deeply personal a pilgrimage undertaken after years of devotion. For others, it is an opportunity to witness a piece of medieval history rarely accessible to the public.

Eight centuries after his death, Francis’ influence shows little sign of fading. His life story that of a merchant’s son who relinquished privilege to serve the destitute remains embedded in Christian teaching and cultural memory.

The public display of his bones, though temporary, underscores the enduring power of that narrative. As pilgrims file quietly through the basilica’s lower church, they participate in a tradition that links the present with the distant past a testament to the lasting imprint of a saint whose message continues to echo far beyond the stone walls of Assisi.

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