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ICE Arrests Columbia University Student After Alleged Misrepresentation to Enter Dormitory

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Federal immigration officers detained a Columbia University student inside a campus residence hall early Thursday after allegedly misrepresenting their purpose to gain access to the building, according to university officials.

Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman said agents from the Department of Homeland Security entered the dormitory at approximately 6:30 a.m. Shipman indicated that federal officers told building personnel they were searching for a “missing person,” a claim the university later suggested was inaccurate.

“Our understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building,” Shipman said in a written statement. She added that the university is seeking additional details, attempting to contact the student’s family and arranging legal assistance.

The student, identified by school officials as neuroscience major Ellie Aghayeva, posted a brief video to Instagram from the back seat of a vehicle shortly after the arrest. In the recording, she wrote, “Dhs illegally arrested me. Please help.”

Aghayeva, originally from Azerbaijan, had her student visa terminated in 2016, according to a statement issued by Homeland Security. Federal officials have not publicly detailed the circumstances leading to Thursday’s detention or clarified whether a judicial warrant was presented at the time of entry.

A spokesperson told The Independent that the building manager and the student’s roommate permitted officers into the apartment. University policy requires that law enforcement obtain a judicial warrant or subpoena to access nonpublic campus areas, including residential facilities. Administrative warrants issued internally by federal agencies are not sufficient for entry into restricted spaces, Shipman reiterated.

“Do not allow them to enter or accept service of a warrant or subpoena,” Shipman wrote in guidance circulated to the campus community, underscoring the institution’s stance on protecting student housing from unauthorized entry.

The arrest marks the latest immigration enforcement action involving Columbia students. In March of last year, graduate student Mahmoud Khalil was taken into custody in the lobby of a university-owned building. His case became a focal point in broader debates over federal efforts to detain and remove international students during President Donald Trump’s administration.

Khalil, a legal permanent resident and student activist critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, was stripped of his green card and detained after Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized his removal. Court filings indicated the government alleged Khalil promoted antisemitism and offered material support to terrorist organizations — claims his attorneys described as unfounded. Khalil spent more than 100 days in immigration detention in Louisiana before being released as federal judges scrutinized what one court described as an “unconstitutional conspiracy” infringing on First Amendment protections.

An immigration judge later ordered Khalil removed to Syria or Algeria based on alleged omissions in his green card application, a ruling his legal team has challenged.

Another Columbia student, Mohsen Mahdawi, was detained during a citizenship interview and later released after an immigration judge dismissed deportation proceedings against him, finding insufficient grounds for removal.

School of General Studies Dean Lisa Rosen-Mestch informed students of Aghayeva’s detention in an email obtained by The Columbia Spectator, calling the development “upsetting and unsettling for our community.” She said administrators were working closely with university leadership to support the student and her family.

New York City Council members were briefed on Thursday’s events. Speaker Julie Menin and Councilman Shaun Abreu issued a joint statement asserting that immigration enforcement activity on college campuses undermines trust and safety.

“ICE has no place in our schools and universities,” they said, adding that such actions foster fear rather than security. Both officials, alumni of Columbia College, said they had contacted university leaders to offer assistance.

The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly addressed the university’s claim that agents misrepresented their purpose when seeking entry.

Thursday’s detention highlights ongoing friction between federal immigration authorities and higher education institutions that serve large populations of international students. Universities across the United States have increasingly formalized policies outlining when and how federal agents may enter campus property, particularly after high-profile enforcement actions involving student activists.

Columbia’s insistence on judicial warrants reflects broader efforts by universities to clarify legal boundaries between federal enforcement powers and institutional autonomy. Legal scholars note that while federal agents possess authority to execute lawful immigration warrants, access to private or restricted property without proper judicial authorization can raise constitutional concerns, particularly under the Fourth Amendment.

The case also unfolds against a politically charged backdrop. Immigration enforcement targeting students has become intertwined with debates over campus activism, academic freedom and foreign policy dissent. Federal courts in prior Columbia-related cases have questioned whether enforcement decisions were influenced by protected speech, intensifying scrutiny of government actions involving international students.

At the same time, immigration officials argue that visa compliance and lawful status enforcement remain within their statutory mandate. The unresolved question in Thursday’s arrest centers not only on Aghayeva’s immigration status but also on whether procedural safeguards were properly observed.

For international students, the incident may deepen uncertainty about campus security and federal oversight. Universities depend heavily on global enrollment both academically and financially, and episodes involving immigration agents can reverberate far beyond a single case.

Columbia officials said they are continuing to gather information. As of Thursday evening, federal authorities had not detailed potential charges or removal proceedings.

The unfolding investigation is likely to draw further legal review and political attention in the coming days, particularly as questions persist about the circumstances under which federal agents gained entry to student housing.

The Independent

American Airlines 737 Found With Suspected Bullet Hole After Landing in Colombia From Miami

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An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 was pulled from service after maintenance crews in Colombia discovered what appeared to be a bullet hole in the aircraft’s wing shortly after it completed a flight from Miami, the airline confirmed.

The jet, operating as Flight 923, landed without incident in Medellín late Sunday. During a post-arrival inspection, ground personnel identified a puncture in the right-hand aileron — a hinged control surface along the trailing edge of the wing used to help steer the aircraft during turns.

Documents reviewed by CBS News indicated the damage consisted of a small, circular entry point on one side of the aileron and a corresponding exit hole on the opposite side, suggesting a projectile may have passed entirely through the structure. Individuals familiar with the matter told CBS that the pattern of damage was consistent with a possible bullet strike.

American Airlines said in a statement to The Independent that the aircraft experienced no operational irregularities during the flight and that passengers and crew were not harmed.

“Following a routine inspection, our teams identified a puncture to the exterior of one of our aircraft in Medellín, Colombia,” the airline said. “The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”

It was not immediately clear when or where the damage occurred. The airline did not indicate whether the puncture happened while the aircraft was airborne, during approach, or while on the ground.

Aviation blogger @xJonNYC first drew public attention to the discovery in a post on X, stating that bullet holes had been found on an American Airlines aircraft in Medellín. Subsequent details about the puncture circulated online before being confirmed by news outlets.

Temporary repairs were performed overnight in Colombia. Data from flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed the aircraft returned to Miami on Monday morning and later operated a flight to Dallas. It has not flown since, according to tracking records.

Ailerons play a critical role in aircraft control by moving in opposite directions to create differential lift, allowing the plane to roll left or right. Aviation safety experts note that while localized structural damage does not automatically compromise flight safety, any suspected projectile strike requires thorough inspection to rule out internal or systemic damage.

American Airlines did not provide additional technical details about the extent of structural impact or whether further forensic analysis would determine the object responsible.

Although rare, incidents involving gunfire striking commercial aircraft have occurred in recent years. In 2024, a Southwest Airlines plane preparing for departure from Dallas Love Field Airport sustained a bullet impact near the cockpit area. No injuries were reported in that case, and the aircraft was temporarily sidelined for repairs.

Globally, aviation authorities treat suspected projectile damage with heightened scrutiny, particularly when incidents occur in regions near urban areas or where celebratory gunfire has been documented. Investigators typically examine radar data, flight path altitude, and local law enforcement reports to determine whether gunfire originated from the ground or elsewhere.

The discovery in Medellín also highlights the multilayered safety systems in modern commercial aviation. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, manufactured by Boeing, is equipped with redundant control mechanisms and structural reinforcements designed to tolerate certain levels of impact without catastrophic failure. Even so, airlines adhere to strict maintenance protocols requiring immediate grounding of aircraft until engineers can assess and clear them for return to service.

Colombian aviation authorities have not publicly detailed whether they are conducting a parallel investigation. Coordination between local authorities and the airline is typical in such cases, especially when the origin of damage remains uncertain.

For passengers, the incident underscores how many forms of aircraft damage are detected only after landing through systematic inspections rather than in-flight emergencies. Airlines routinely perform exterior walk-around checks after each flight segment, and more comprehensive inspections occur at designated intervals.

American Airlines has not disclosed how long the aircraft will remain out of rotation. The carrier said it would continue cooperating with relevant authorities as the review proceeds.

While the cause of the puncture remains under examination, officials emphasized that the flight itself was completed safely and without disruption. For now, the focus shifts to determining how the damage occurred and whether any security or environmental factors contributed to the unusual discovery.

The Independent

Kenya Arrests Suspect Accused of Trafficking Recruits to Fight for Russia in Ukraine

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(AP) — Kenyan police have detained a man accused of orchestrating a recruitment scheme that allegedly lured hundreds of Kenyans to Russia with promises of skilled employment, only for many to find themselves deployed to the front lines of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Festus Omwamba was arrested in Moyale, a town in northern Kenya near the Ethiopian border, on suspicion of human trafficking. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed that the suspect would be transferred to Nairobi for further questioning and possible prosecution. Authorities indicated Omwamba had recently returned from Russia and was attempting to evade law enforcement.

Omwamba’s name surfaced in interviews with three Kenyan recruits who spoke to The Associated Press and described how they were drawn into what they believed were legitimate overseas job opportunities. Those recruits said he disappeared from contact after families began raising alarm over the disappearance and reported deaths of relatives fighting in Ukraine.

Kenyan officials disclosed last week that more than 1,000 citizens had been recruited to fight alongside Russian forces. Government figures show at least 89 Kenyans remain on the front lines, 39 are hospitalized, 28 are missing in action, and several have returned home. At least one Kenyan has been confirmed dead.

An intelligence brief presented before Parliament by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah alleged collusion between Kenyan and Russian officials and rogue employment agencies in channeling recruits into combat roles. The report suggested that the scheme exploited economic hardship and high unemployment among Kenyan youth.

The Russian Embassy in Nairobi rejected those claims in a statement issued Thursday, asserting that it had not issued visas to individuals traveling to Russia for the purpose of fighting in Ukraine. The embassy added that while Russia does not prevent foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in its armed forces, it denied facilitating any recruitment drive targeting Kenyans.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi told The Associated Press on Feb. 9 that he planned to travel to Russia to pursue what he described as a diplomatic effort aimed at curbing questionable recruitment practices. Mudavadi said Kenyan authorities were also working to secure the return of citizens detained in Ukraine and repatriate those stranded in Russia.

He recalled that President William Ruto had appealed directly to Ukrainian authorities to consider the circumstances of Kenyans found on the battlefield and to facilitate their return where possible.

Omwamba’s arrest marks the most significant law enforcement action so far in Kenya’s attempt to dismantle what officials characterize as a trafficking pipeline feeding foreign battlefields.

One recruit, John Kamau, who managed to flee the front lines and seek assistance from the Kenyan Embassy in Russia before being processed for return home, told the AP he first encountered Omwamba at a Nairobi residence where prospective recruits were housed while awaiting travel documents.

Another recruit, who requested anonymity citing fears of retaliation, said Omwamba avoided written communication and instead relied on in-person meetings or phone calls. The recruit said he had responded to an offer for plumbing work in Russia but was detained upon arrival, had his passport confiscated, and was transported to a military training facility before deployment to Ukraine.

The recruits said Omwamba supervised their tourist visa applications and coordinated flight bookings. Within two weeks of initial contact, they had received travel documents and departed for Russia.

The revelations come as the war in Ukraine continues to draw foreign nationals into its ranks, whether through formal enlistment, mercenary networks or deceptive recruitment schemes. Russia has faced manpower shortages amid sustained fighting, and reports of foreign fighters joining its forces have surfaced periodically since the invasion began in 2022.

For Kenya, the episode underscores vulnerabilities tied to youth unemployment and labor migration. Thousands of Kenyans seek work abroad each year, particularly in the Gulf and Europe, creating fertile ground for unscrupulous agents promising lucrative placements overseas.

Analysts say the alleged recruitment network may have exploited gaps in oversight of private job agencies and insufficient scrutiny of outbound travel linked to ambiguous employment offers. The intelligence report presented in Parliament suggests the possibility of deeper systemic failures if collusion claims are substantiated.

Diplomatically, the situation places Nairobi in a delicate position. Kenya has maintained formal neutrality regarding the Ukraine conflict while balancing relationships with Western allies and non-Western partners. Allegations of recruitment tied to Russian interests risk complicating those ties and could prompt stronger regulatory frameworks governing foreign labor contracts.

The human toll also raises domestic political pressure. Families of missing or deceased recruits have staged protests demanding accountability and government intervention. The confirmation that dozens of Kenyans remain hospitalized or missing intensifies scrutiny of official responses.

If prosecutors move forward with charges against Omwamba, the case could set a precedent for addressing transnational recruitment schemes tied to foreign conflicts. Legal experts note that successful prosecution would likely hinge on demonstrating intent to deceive and direct involvement in facilitating combat deployment rather than civilian employment.

For the individuals who returned, reintegration poses additional challenges. Many may carry psychological trauma from combat exposure, and some could face legal ambiguity regarding their participation in foreign military service.

Kenyan authorities have pledged continued investigation into the alleged network and have urged citizens to verify overseas job offers through official government channels. As diplomatic engagements unfold and legal proceedings advance, the case highlights the global reach of the Ukraine war and its ripple effects far beyond Europe’s borders.

The arrest in Moyale may represent only the first step in unraveling a complex web of recruitment, deception and international geopolitics — one that has drawn ordinary Kenyans into one of the most consequential conflicts of the 21st century.

Turkish F-16 Crash Kills Pilot Moments After Takeoff From Balıkesir Base

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 A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed shortly after departing a base in western Turkey early Wednesday, killing its pilot, authorities said, prompting both military and judicial investigations into the cause of the accident.

The aircraft took off from the 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesir province at 12:56 a.m. local time (2156 GMT Tuesday), Turkey’s Defense Ministry said in a statement carried by the state-run Anadolu Agency. Communication and radar contact with the jet were lost soon after takeoff.

Search and rescue teams were dispatched immediately and later located the wreckage near the Istanbul-Izmir Highway, where debris was scattered across the area, local media outlets reported.

“Our pilot was martyred. The cause of the accident will be determined following an investigation by the crash examination team,” the ministry said, extending condolences to the pilot’s family.

National Defense Minister Yasar Guler identified the pilot as Air Force Major Ibrahim Bolat, describing him as a “heroic comrade-in-arms” who died in the line of duty on Feb. 25, 2026.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the Balıkesir chief public prosecutor’s office had initiated a formal inquiry. He indicated that senior prosecutors were deployed to the crash site to oversee the judicial dimension of the investigation.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said authorities would conduct a “meticulous” review of the incident through both administrative and legal channels. The Interior Ministry echoed that assessment, noting that technical specialists would examine flight data and wreckage to establish what led to the crash.

NATO Member’s Fighter Fleet Under Scrutiny

Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, operates a fleet of F-16 jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The F-16 has long served as the backbone of Turkey’s air combat capability and is widely used by NATO allies.

The crash in Balıkesir adds to a series of recent F-16 accidents globally. In January, a Taiwanese F-16 plunged into the sea during a routine mission, and its pilot was reported missing after ejecting. In Poland, another F-16 went down during rehearsals for an air show in August, killing its pilot.

Turkey itself has experienced prior aviation incidents. In November, Ankara suspended flights of its C-130 cargo aircraft after one crashed in neighboring Georgia while returning from Azerbaijan, killing all 20 people on board.

Although aviation mishaps are statistically rare given the volume of sorties conducted worldwide, each crash typically triggers intense scrutiny due to the high cost of advanced fighter aircraft and the critical role they play in national defense.

Political Context and Military Exercises

The fatal crash occurred during a week in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s participation in NATO military exercises.

In remarks unrelated to the crash, Erdogan said Turkish forces had taken part in the NATO Steadfast Dart 2026 Exercise, praising the performance of the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle and the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu. He described the exercise as a demonstration of Turkey’s growing defense capabilities and interoperability within the alliance.

The juxtaposition of those statements with news of the F-16 crash underscores the inherent risks associated with high-tempo military aviation operations. While NATO exercises and readiness drills showcase technological prowess and operational coordination, they also demand rigorous maintenance standards and pilot training protocols.

Investigation Focus

Officials have not indicated whether mechanical failure, human error or environmental conditions may have contributed to the crash. The timing — shortly after takeoff — often narrows investigative focus to engine performance, flight control systems or possible bird strikes, though authorities have not publicly suggested any specific cause.

Crash examination teams typically analyze black box flight data recorders, maintenance logs and air traffic communications. Investigators may also assess whether weather conditions or runway factors played a role.

Turkey’s defense establishment has invested heavily in modernizing its air force amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, including tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and ongoing security concerns along its southern borders. Ensuring fleet reliability is central to maintaining deterrence and alliance commitments.

Operational Risks and Strategic Implications

While military aviation accidents do not necessarily signal systemic problems, they can raise broader questions about fleet readiness, maintenance cycles and training standards. The F-16 platform, first introduced in the 1970s, remains in active service globally, often upgraded with modern avionics and weapons systems. Aging airframes, however, can require extensive maintenance oversight.

For Turkey, which has sought to expand indigenous defense production while also negotiating upgrades and potential acquisitions within NATO frameworks, each incident can influence procurement debates and public perception of military preparedness.

The loss of an experienced pilot also represents a significant human and institutional cost. Fighter pilots undergo years of specialized training, and their expertise is not easily replaced.

At a time when Ankara is emphasizing its strategic role within NATO and showcasing advanced platforms like the Bayraktar TB3, the Balıkesir crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in military aviation — even outside combat conditions.

Authorities have pledged transparency in determining the cause of the accident. Until investigators release their findings, questions surrounding the jet’s final moments are likely to persist, both within Turkey and among its NATO partners.

Tribune/TheIndependent

Bill Gates Calls Epstein Ties a ‘Huge Mistake,’ Admits Affairs in Candid Foundation Town Hall

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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates acknowledged during a staff town hall at the Gates Foundation that he had extramarital affairs during his marriage and described his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a “huge mistake,” while insisting he engaged in no illicit conduct.

Gates addressed foundation employees Tuesday in a session that included questions about recently released Epstein-related emails and the potential reputational impact on the organization’s global health mission. A recording of the event was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, which first detailed Gates’ remarks.

“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said, according to the Journal’s account of the meeting. He added that he “never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” referring to individuals abused by Epstein.

Gates conceded that he had two affairs while married to Melinda French Gates, and said Epstein later became aware of them. He maintained that the affairs did not involve any of Epstein’s victims.

“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates said during the town hall. “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”

Emails and Renewed Scrutiny

The renewed scrutiny follows the disclosure of emails from 2013 in which Epstein claimed he was Gates’ “right hand” and suggested he had participated in matters that were “ethically unsound.” Representatives for Gates have dismissed Epstein’s assertions as “absolutely absurd and completely false.

In one July 2013 message cited by news outlets, Epstein wrote to Boris Nikolic, then Gates’ science and technology adviser, naming two women he alleged had affairs with Gates and warning that their identities could become public. Epstein suggested reputational fallout could follow, writing that Gates risked appearing hypocritical and that charitable pledges could be affected.

Nikolic has said the emails were not written on his behalf or at his request.

Gates told foundation staff that he began meeting with Epstein in 2011, several years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates said he was not fully aware of the scope of Epstein’s criminal conduct at the time and that, in hindsight, continuing the relationship was a grave error.

“Knowing what I know makes it a hundred times worse,” Gates said, according to the Journal’s review, referencing both Epstein’s past crimes and what later emerged as ongoing misconduct.

Gates said 2014 was the final year he met with Epstein.

Travel and Association

During the town hall, Gates acknowledged traveling on a private jet with Epstein and meeting him in New York, Washington, Germany and France. He said he never visited Epstein’s private island.

Gates explained that the presence of other high-profile individuals at some meetings contributed to what he described as a false sense of normalcy.

“It made it easier for me to feel like this was a normalized situation,” he said, adding that the association ultimately conflicted with the foundation’s values and mission.

“It definitely is the opposite of the values of the foundation and the goals of the foundation,” Gates said. “Our work is very reputational sensitive. People can choose to work with us or not work with us.”

A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told NBC News that Gates holds town halls twice annually and that he addressed employee-submitted questions about the Epstein files, artificial intelligence initiatives and the future of global health. The spokesperson said Gates “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions.”

Personal and Institutional Fallout

Gates and French Gates divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. French Gates has previously expressed discomfort with her former husband’s ties to Epstein. During Tuesday’s meeting, Gates acknowledged her skepticism.

“To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing,” he said.

Gates has previously characterized his decision to meet with Epstein as “foolish.” In an earlier interview with The Wall Street Journal in 2025, he said he had hoped the relationship would advance philanthropic goals in global health but conceded that it did not.

“I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that. It was just a huge mistake,” he told the newspaper at the time.

Reputation, Accountability and Philanthropy

The town hall remarks illustrate the continuing shadow Epstein’s crimes cast over prominent figures who associated with him, even tangentially. For Gates, whose philanthropic brand centers on global health, poverty reduction and scientific innovation, reputational trust is integral to maintaining partnerships with governments, multilateral organizations and private donors.

The Gates Foundation operates in politically sensitive environments where credibility can determine access and influence. Any perception of ethical lapses at the leadership level risks complicating collaborations and fueling criticism from skeptics of large-scale philanthropy.

At the same time, Gates’ public acknowledgment of personal failings and explicit apology to staff reflect an effort to confront the issue directly rather than allow speculation to linger unaddressed. His insistence that he saw no illicit activity underscores the delicate balance between accepting responsibility for poor judgment and denying criminal wrongdoing.

The episode also highlights broader questions about how influential figures navigate associations in elite networks. Epstein cultivated relationships with academics, financiers and philanthropists long after his 2008 conviction, raising enduring concerns about due diligence and moral responsibility.

For Gates, the reputational consequences appear likely to persist, even as he emphasizes the foundation’s mission. Whether his candid remarks to staff help restore confidence or further inflame scrutiny may depend on what additional disclosures, if any, emerge from ongoing document releases.

What is clear is that Gates’ acknowledgment — both of personal misconduct and of the gravity of his association with Epstein — marks one of his most direct public reckonings with a controversy that has lingered for years.

TheIndependent/NBC

Cuba Says Border Troops Killed 4 on Florida-Registered Speedboat After Armed Clash Near Island’s Coast

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(NBC/Reuters) — Cuban authorities said Wednesday that border guard troops fatally shot four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speedboat after the vessel entered Cuban territorial waters and initiated gunfire near the island’s northern coast, an episode unfolding against a backdrop of strained relations between Havana and Washington.

Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior said the confrontation occurred about one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel near Falcones Cay, roughly 200 kilometers (120 miles) east of Havana. According to a ministry statement posted on Facebook and carried by multiple news outlets, five members of a Cuban border patrol unit approached the vessel to identify it when the crew of the speedboat opened fire.

The exchange left the commander of the Cuban patrol boat wounded, the ministry said. Cuban forces returned fire, killing four people aboard the speedboat. Six others on the vessel were injured and evacuated for medical treatment, authorities said. The ministry added that the incident remains under investigation to determine the precise sequence of events.

Cuban officials identified the vessel as registered in Florida under number FL7726SH but did not release the names or nationalities of those killed or wounded.

NBC News cited Cuban officials as saying the Florida-registered boat violated territorial waters, triggering the armed confrontation with border guard troops. The ministry’s statement said the firefight erupted after Cuban personnel attempted to conduct an identification procedure.

“Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters,” the ministry said, describing national defense as a central pillar of sovereignty and regional stability.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters and NBC News.

Florida Officials Demand Investigation

In Florida, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that he had directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to begin its own inquiry in coordination with federal, state and local partners.

“I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation,” Uthmeier wrote in a post on X. “The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., whose district includes the southern tip of Florida, also urged a federal review. In a statement, Gimenez called the episode a “massacre” and pressed U.S. authorities to determine whether any of the victims were American citizens or lawful permanent residents.

“United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred,” Gimenez said, asserting that serious concerns had been raised about the use of lethal force against a U.S.-registered vessel. He did not provide evidence to support his characterization of the incident.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday for meetings with Caribbean leaders. His office did not immediately issue a public statement addressing the confrontation.

Heightened Bilateral Tensions

The clash unfolded during a period of renewed friction between the United States and Cuba. The Trump administration has curtailed most oil shipments to the island, intensifying economic pressure on the Communist-led government. U.S. officials have also tightened restrictions on energy flows from Venezuela, a longtime ally of Havana.

At the same time, the United States announced Wednesday that it would permit limited sales to Cuba’s private sector, a move seen as a targeted adjustment within broader sanctions policy.

The broader geopolitical climate has grown more volatile following Washington’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Jan. 3, an action that removed a key Cuban partner from power and further complicated regional dynamics.

Against that backdrop, even a single maritime confrontation carries outsized diplomatic implications.

Cuba maintains that the speedboat penetrated its territorial waters and initiated the exchange of gunfire. International maritime law generally recognizes a nation’s sovereignty within 12 nautical miles of its coastline. If Cuban forces acted within that zone and responded to gunfire, Havana could argue its actions were consistent with self-defense.

However, U.S. officials and Cuban-American lawmakers have cast doubt on Havana’s narrative, calling for independent verification of the facts. The absence of publicly released identities and the lack of immediate U.S. confirmation leave key details unresolved.

The incident also underscores the longstanding volatility of maritime crossings between Florida and Cuba. Over decades, speedboats have been used for migration, smuggling and political activism, often drawing swift response from Cuban authorities.

What distinguishes this episode is the reported exchange of gunfire and the fatal outcome, an escalation that risks inflaming an already fragile bilateral relationship.

While the facts remain under investigation, the confrontation highlights how quickly tensions between Havana and Washington can spill into open crisis. Maritime encounters are inherently sensitive, particularly when they involve U.S.-registered vessels and loss of life.

For Florida officials, the political stakes are high. Cuban-American communities wield significant influence in state and national elections, and allegations of excessive force by Cuban authorities resonate deeply among voters with personal ties to the island.

For Cuba, projecting control over its territorial waters serves both strategic and symbolic purposes. Amid economic strain and diplomatic isolation, Havana may view firm enforcement actions as demonstrations of sovereignty.

Yet such incidents also risk unintended escalation. If any of the deceased are confirmed to be U.S. citizens or residents, pressure could mount on Washington to respond more forcefully. Conversely, if evidence substantiates Cuba’s account of an armed provocation, U.S. authorities may face complex legal and diplomatic calculations.

With investigations now underway in both Havana and Florida, the coming days are likely to determine whether this episode remains an isolated maritime clash or becomes another flashpoint in a long history of mistrust between the two nations.

Rep. Al Green Ejected From Trump’s State of the Union After Displaying Protest Sign Referencing Racist Video

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Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas was escorted from the House chamber moments after President Donald Trump began delivering his State of the Union address Tuesday night, after the congressman raised a protest sign referencing a recently circulated racist video.

Green stood in the center aisle as the president opened his speech, holding a sign that read, “Black people aren’t apes!” The message alluded to a video Trump had previously shared — and later deleted — that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle. CNN disclosed that Trump had shared and then removed the video earlier this month.

House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green removed, and Capitol staff escorted the congressman from the chamber as he continued holding the sign aloft. Several Republican lawmakers attempted to block the sign from camera view or reached toward it as Green exited. Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas, approached Green during the exchange, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin also moved toward him before staff intervened.

As Green departed, some Republicans chanted “USA! USA!” His seat remained empty for the remainder of the address, marked only by a handwritten cardboard sign bearing his name.

The removal marked the second consecutive year Green has been escorted from a presidential address. During last year’s speech, he was directed out after verbally interrupting the president.

Speaking with reporters outside the chamber Tuesday night, Green dismissed the removal as insignificant. He maintained that he felt compelled to act. “You have to take a stand,” Green said, still holding the sign for photographers. “I am just a person who has done it — but there are many others, I believe, who would.”

Green has long positioned himself among Trump’s most outspoken critics. He was the first member of Congress to initiate impeachment proceedings against Trump in 2017. Representing a predominantly African American district in Texas, Green has frequently focused his legislative efforts on civil rights issues.

The confrontation unfolded as dozens of Democratic lawmakers declined to attend the speech altogether. Those who remained largely sat in silence as Republican members repeatedly rose to applaud the president.

Several Democrats left before the address concluded. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia wrote on the social media platform Bluesky that he could not remain for what he described as “an hour of Trump’s lies,” departing during the president’s remarks about economic achievements. Rep. Bill Foster of Illinois announced on X that he would exit after hearing what he counted as five “bald-faced lies,” stating he reached that threshold less than an hour into the speech.

During Trump’s discussion of immigration enforcement, Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan shouted comments referencing the killing of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents. “They saw the videos, Mr. President,” Tlaib called out. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota also directed remarks toward the president, telling him, “You should be ashamed,” before leaving the chamber alongside Tlaib.

Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, offered sustained applause throughout the address and remained seated in unified support of the president.

The episode underscores deepening partisan divisions as President Donald Trump begins another election year facing heightened scrutiny and mounting political polarization. Green’s protest, though brief, spotlighted racial tensions tied to the viral video controversy and amplified ongoing debates over political rhetoric and its consequences.

While the State of the Union is traditionally a moment of national unity, recent years have seen it transform into a stage for overt partisan demonstrations. Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly used the televised platform to signal dissent, whether through coordinated attire, silent gestures or direct interruptions.

Green’s silent protest reflects a strategic shift from verbal disruption to symbolic messaging. Unlike last year’s vocal outburst, this year’s action relied on visual impact — a sign crafted to address what he and other critics view as racially inflammatory content associated with the president.

The reaction from Republicans — including attempts to obscure the sign and audible chants as Green exited — illustrated how quickly symbolic gestures can escalate into confrontational exchanges inside the chamber.

Political analysts note that such moments often resonate beyond the Capitol. Images from presidential addresses circulate widely across television and social media, potentially shaping public perception more than policy proposals delivered in the speech itself. In that sense, Green’s removal may amplify attention to the controversy surrounding the video in ways a quiet boycott might not have achieved.

At the same time, repeated ejections risk reinforcing perceptions of dysfunction within Congress. With partisan hostility intensifying ahead of key legislative battles, including immigration funding and economic policy debates, Tuesday’s incident may further entrench divisions rather than foster dialogue.

Green’s actions also reflect ongoing tensions surrounding race and representation in American politics. As one of the most vocal Black lawmakers in Congress, his protest drew attention to concerns among civil rights advocates about the normalization of racially charged imagery in political discourse.

The State of the Union, constitutionally mandated as a report on the nation’s condition, has evolved into a high-stakes political spectacle. Tuesday night’s events made clear that, in today’s polarized environment, even moments designed to project institutional continuity can quickly become flashpoints.

Whether Green’s protest alters the broader political conversation remains uncertain. But the episode added another vivid chapter to the contentious relationship between President Donald Trump and his Democratic critics — a dynamic that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape.

The Guardian

RSF Assault on North Darfur Town Leaves at Least 28 Dead, Medical Network Says

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Members of army walks near a destroyed military vehicle and bombed buildings, as Sudan's army retakes ground and some displaced residents return to ravaged capital in the state of Khartoum Sudan March 26, 2025. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig

(AFP) — Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces launched a sweeping assault on a town in North Darfur, killing at least 28 people and injuring dozens more, a medical monitoring group said, in the latest surge of violence in a region already scarred by genocide allegations and deepening tribal rivalries.

The Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks casualties in the nearly three-year conflict between Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the regular army, said fighters stormed the town of Misteriha, leaving 39 others wounded, including 10 women. The group indicated that the attack destroyed the community’s only health center and targeted medical personnel. One health worker was detained and remains unaccounted for, the network said.

“These attacks constitute a fully fledged crime and a blatant violation of all humanitarian and international laws that criminalise attacks against civilians,” the Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement describing the aftermath of the assault.

Emergency Lawyers, an independent organization documenting abuses in Sudan, said RSF fighters set fire to homes across Misteriha, prompting residents to flee toward nearby villages. The group characterized the raid as part of a broader campaign to cement RSF authority in Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces did not immediately issue a public statement addressing the allegations.

Misteriha holds symbolic and strategic significance. The town is home to Musa Hilal, an Arab tribal leader historically linked to the Janjaweed militias that ravaged Darfur in the early 2000s. Although Hilal hails from the Arab Rizeigat community — the tribal base from which the RSF draws substantial support — he has in recent years aligned himself with Sudan’s military-led government.

Hilal once commanded the Janjaweed, the militia widely accused of orchestrating atrocities during the Darfur conflict. The United Nations sanctioned him over alleged ethnic crimes committed during that period. The RSF later evolved from those militias, becoming a powerful paramilitary force under the command of Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.

According to accounts from rights monitors, RSF fighters targeted Hilal’s guesthouse with a drone strike over the weekend before mounting the ground offensive. The move underscores the increasingly complex web of alliances and rivalries shaping the war in Darfur, where loyalties often shift along tribal and political lines.

The assault on Misteriha unfolded amid rising tensions across western Sudan. A United Nations investigation released last week concluded that RSF forces committed acts of genocide against non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur. UN-backed experts said patterns of killings and forced displacement bore “the hallmarks of genocide,” intensifying international scrutiny of the paramilitary group.

Monday’s attack followed the RSF’s capture of el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, four months ago after an 18-month siege. During a concentrated burst of violence between Oct. 25 and 27, more than 6,000 people were killed in the city, authorities and rights monitors have said. The RSF’s advance into el-Fasher marked a decisive moment in the struggle for dominance in Darfur.

Darfur, a vast region roughly the size of France, has long been fractured by ethnic divisions and armed movements. Some factions have sided with the RSF, others with Sudan’s military, while several armed groups have attempted to maintain neutrality through informal agreements to safeguard their territories. The latest assault threatens to unravel those precarious arrangements.

The war between the RSF and Sudan’s army erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the country’s top generals. What began as a contest for control in the capital, Khartoum, rapidly expanded into a nationwide conflict, with Darfur emerging as one of the hardest-hit regions.

Since the fighting began, tens of thousands of people have been killed, and approximately 11 million have been displaced, according to international humanitarian agencies. Aid organizations describe Sudan as the epicenter of the world’s largest displacement and hunger crisis.

The attack on Misteriha may further entrench RSF control over North Darfur, analysts say, but it also risks inflaming tribal tensions in a region where grievances run deep. Hilal’s complex relationship with both Arab militias and Sudan’s central authorities makes the town a flashpoint. By targeting an area associated with a former Janjaweed commander who now backs the government, the RSF appears to be signaling intolerance for dissent within its own traditional base.

Humanitarian groups warn that the destruction of Misteriha’s only health facility will have long-term consequences. With infrastructure across Darfur already devastated, the loss of medical services compounds the suffering of civilians caught between warring factions. Health workers have increasingly become targets, despite protections under international humanitarian law.

The broader trajectory of the war suggests little immediate relief. The RSF has consolidated significant territory in Darfur, while Sudan’s army retains pockets of resistance. Diplomatic initiatives aimed at brokering a ceasefire have repeatedly faltered, and regional actors remain divided in their support.

As the conflict drags on, the social fabric of Darfur continues to fray. The latest violence in Misteriha highlights how personal rivalries, tribal politics and national power struggles intersect in ways that magnify civilian harm. With international attention often diverted elsewhere, aid groups caution that Sudan’s crisis risks deepening further, leaving millions vulnerable to famine, disease and displacement.

For residents of Misteriha and surrounding communities, the immediate concern is survival. Smoke from torched homes and the absence of medical care signal another chapter in a war that has reshaped Darfur yet again — and shows few signs of abating.

2 Women Detained in Northern Uganda Over Public Kiss as 2023 Anti-Gay Law Draws Fresh Scrutiny

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 Two women in their 20s were arrested in northern Uganda after neighbors accused them of engaging in same-sex conduct, police confirmed Tuesday, in a case unfolding under the country’s sweeping 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act.

Josephine Angucia, a regional police spokesperson, told Agence France-Presse that officers detained the pair in the northwestern city of Arua, roughly 450 kilometers (280 miles) from the capital, Kampala, following complaints from residents.

“Neighbours contacted police complaining the two were practicing homosexuality and were seen kissing each other in public,” Angucia said, adding that some residents photographed the women and submitted the images to authorities.

Angucia further indicated that neighbors alleged that multiple women had been seen entering the pair’s one-room rental home and staying overnight, raising suspicions of same-sex relations. The police spokesperson said the file had been forwarded to state prosecutors for review and potential court proceedings.

The two women have remained in detention since Feb. 18 and, as of Tuesday, had not secured legal representation, according to the information provided by police to AFP.

Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, among the most stringent anti-LGBTQ statutes globally, prescribes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations. The legislation also introduced the offense of “aggravated homosexuality,” which carries a potential death sentence under certain circumstances defined in the statute.

The law has drawn sustained international condemnation since its passage. The United Nations and several Western governments denounced the measure as a severe violation of human rights. The World Bank suspended new financing to Uganda shortly after the act was enacted, citing concerns over discrimination and exclusion. Funding resumed in mid-2025 after discussions with Ugandan authorities regarding mitigation measures.

Uganda is a predominantly Christian and socially conservative nation in East Africa, where political leaders have frequently framed the law as a defense of traditional values. Supporters argue it reflects the will of the electorate and safeguards cultural norms. Critics counter that it has intensified fear, vigilantism and abuse.

Frank Mugisha, a prominent Ugandan human rights advocate, condemned the arrests in a post on X, asserting that the case illustrates the precarious conditions faced by LGBTQ individuals since the law took effect.

“It has fuelled a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion,” Mugisha wrote. “Criminals are now using this law as a weapon to prey on the LGBTQ+ community, knowing their victims are too terrified to seek protection.”

Human rights organizations have long cautioned that beyond formal prosecutions, the law may embolden private citizens to report or harass individuals suspected of same-sex conduct. Legal analysts note that the broad language of the statute can leave room for expansive interpretation, increasing the risk of arbitrary enforcement.

Authorities have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against the two women. Angucia indicated that prosecutors would determine the next steps, including whether to present the matter in court.

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of Uganda’s application of the 2023 law. While official conviction figures remain limited, activists maintain that detentions, evictions and informal coercion have risen sharply. In some communities, landlords have reportedly removed tenants over suspicions of homosexuality, and individuals have described being threatened with exposure or police referral.

The Ugandan government has defended the law as a sovereign matter, resisting external pressure to amend or repeal it. Officials argue that international criticism constitutes interference in domestic affairs.

At the same time, Uganda’s reliance on foreign aid and development financing has complicated the diplomatic landscape. The temporary suspension of World Bank funding underscored the potential economic consequences of rights-related disputes. Observers say the partial restoration of support in 2025 reflected a pragmatic recalibration by both Kampala and international lenders, though tensions remain.

Legal experts suggest the Arua case could test how aggressively local authorities pursue allegations rooted primarily in neighbor complaints. Under Ugandan law, evidence standards and prosecutorial discretion will determine whether the matter proceeds to trial.

For LGBTQ Ugandans and advocacy groups, the episode reinforces broader concerns about privacy, due process and access to counsel. Without legal representation, detainees may face prolonged custody or limited ability to challenge accusations.

As the file moves to prosecutors, the case highlights the continued domestic and international debate over Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act — a law that has reshaped the legal landscape for sexual minorities in the country and placed Kampala at the center of a global human rights dispute.

4 Killed in Stabbing Near Tacoma; Suspect Shot Dead by Deputy, Authorities Say

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A man fatally stabbed four people outside a home on Washington’s Key Peninsula on Tuesday before he was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy, authorities said, in an attack that unfolded as law enforcement moved to serve him with a court order.

Deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office first received a call shortly before 8:50 a.m. regarding a 32-year-old man allegedly violating a no-contact order at a residence in a cul-de-sac northwest of Tacoma. Officers later determined the order had not yet been formally served, rendering it unenforceable at that time, officials said.

As deputies headed to the address to deliver a copy of the order, emergency dispatchers relayed additional information that the man was stabbing people outside the home, the sheriff’s office said.

A single deputy arrived within minutes. Gunfire erupted at approximately 9:33 a.m., and the suspect was shot, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three stabbing victims were found dead outside the home. A fourth victim was transported to a hospital but later died from injuries, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators have not publicly identified the victims or the suspect.

Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, told reporters that officials were working to confirm the identities of all involved and notify family members. The Force Investigation Team has assumed control of the inquiry into the deputy-involved shooting, standard procedure in such cases.

The connection between the suspect and the victims was not immediately disclosed.

Court records reviewed by The Associated Press indicate that a woman residing at the address obtained a one-year protection order last May against her 32-year-old son. In her filing, she alleged that he struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues, had previously pushed her and had made threats, including telling her that her “grave has been already dug up.”

She also accused him of verbal and emotional abuse, damaging personal property and harming her cat. The woman described herself as elderly and disabled and expressed fear for her safety.

The court documents show that the son received notice of a hearing on the protection order but did not attend. The order barred him from possessing dangerous weapons, required him to remain 1,000 feet away from his mother and her residence and directed him to comply with a prescribed mental health treatment plan, including medication.

Authorities said it was unclear why the protection order had not been formally served. In Washington state, petitioners may request that law enforcement deliver such orders, or they may hire a private process server. Delays can occur if the subject’s whereabouts are uncertain.

Boyd explained that for a violation of a no-contact order to be enforceable, the individual must have been formally served and informed of the court’s restrictions. Deputies had obtained a copy of the order and were preparing to provide it to the suspect when the violence erupted, she said.

The stabbings took place in a quiet residential area on the Key Peninsula, a largely wooded region west of Tacoma. Residents described the scene as chaotic and deeply unsettling.

Chris Cardenas, who lives a short drive from the address, said he was washing his truck when he heard a rapid succession of gunshots echoing through the trees.

“All of a sudden I just heard like a series of gunshots,” Cardenas said. “You could really hear it echoing.”

Sirens followed and continued for roughly 40 minutes, he said. When he approached the perimeter later, he saw ambulances, numerous patrol vehicles and a mobile forensics unit.

“I immediately knew something was up because I’ve never heard gunshots out here,” he said, adding that the scale of the tragedy stunned him.

The sheriff’s office characterized the scene as “very active” throughout the morning, with investigators canvassing the area and collecting evidence.

Deputies have not detailed what prompted the initial 8:47 a.m. call or identified the caller. Boyd said she was uncertain who first contacted authorities but suggested it was likely someone aware of the existence of the protection order.

The killings add to growing scrutiny nationwide over enforcement of protective orders and the risks posed when individuals with alleged histories of threats or instability are not promptly served with court directives. Legal experts note that while protection orders can offer important safeguards, their effectiveness depends heavily on timely service and compliance.

In this case, investigators are expected to examine whether procedural gaps contributed to the timing of the confrontation. Officials have not indicated whether additional charges would have been pursued had the suspect survived.

As the community processes the violence, residents described the Key Peninsula as a generally quiet area unaccustomed to such incidents.

Authorities urged anyone with additional information to contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

The Washington State Patrol and other agencies are assisting in reviewing the deputy’s use of force, a standard independent process intended to ensure transparency.

No further details were immediately released Tuesday afternoon.

AP/NBC

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