International
Israel continues to shank the ranks of Hizbula as it counterattacks the Houthis in Yemen
Israel continued to bomb southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, in addition to expanding the range of combat with a new bombing against the Yemeni port city of Al Hodeida, causing the death of at least four people and injuries to 40 others, according to a preliminary assessment.
“The Army carried out a precise attack in the Dahye area of Beirut,” a military statement said on Sunday. In this same area, and in the same way, yesterday Saturday, Israel killed Nabil Qaouk, commander of the Hezbulah Preventive Security Unit and in the last week, most of its military top.
As announced today by the Army, in addition to the top leader of Hizbulah, Hassan Nasrala, and its commander of the southern front, Ali Karaki, more than twenty members “of various ranks” died with them in Friday’s massive bombing in the suburbs of Beirut.
“These deaths do not mean the end of Hezbollah because it is deeply rooted in Lebanese society, but it does allow us to push them to the north of Lebanon and thus be able to create the conditions for the evacuated residents to return to their homes,” the military spokesman, Roni Kaplan, explained to EFE today.
Similarly, Miri Eisin, who served more than 20 years in Israeli military intelligence and heads Israel’s International Counterterrorism Institute, said today that despite being “very effective” attacks, they cannot yet be described as a “mate checkmate” against the Lebanese Shiite group.
“Israel still has immediate additional military threats to continue to deal with, despite the death of Nasralá, such as the arsenal and weapons of Hezbulah as well as all the tunnels” near the border, he added.
That is why, according to the Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, pointed out yesterday, the military corps is studying an “expansion of the activities” of the armed forces on the northern front, which could take the form of a land invasion, according to the Hebrew press, although of a very limited nature.
Karaki had already survived another air attack against the Dahye a few days earlier, when Hizbulah came out to deny information about his death that emerged from Israel and to affirm that his high command had “moved to a safe place” after the failed bombing.
At least part of the missiles fired that day fell in the area without exploding, according to Lebanese media.
Security sources cited by the Israeli press already described him then as the head of the group’s military activity in southern Lebanon and assured that he was also a member of the Jihad Council, the movement’s body in charge of security plans.
In the last ten days, Israel has launched several bombings against alleged targets of Hizbula in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the most serious the one that last Friday ended the lives of Karaki, Nasrala and other high-ranking officials not yet announced by the formation.
Israel attacks South Beirut again
Israel launched an air strike again this Sunday against the southern suburbs of Beirut, just 24 hours after confirming the death of the leader of the Shiite group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrala, in a bombing on Friday against the Lebanese capital.
“The Army carried out a precise attack in the Dahye area of Beirut. More details will follow,” Israeli forces said in a brief statement.
This morning, the country announced the death of another senior official of the Shiite group, Nabil Qaouk, who was hit last night in an attack on the Dahye, a bastion of Hizbula and subjected to almost daily Israeli bombing since the beginning of the week.
International
Sheinbaum highlights anti-drug gains after U.S. says challenges remain
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday highlighted her government’s achievements in the fight against drug trafficking, after the United States said challenges remain in combating organized crime.
On Thursday, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente held talks with his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following the meeting, the U.S. State Department said in a statement that “despite progress, challenges still exist” in addressing organized crime.
“There are very strong results from joint cooperation and from the work Mexico is doing: first, a 50% reduction in fentanyl seizures at the U.S. border,” Sheinbaum said during her regular morning press conference.
The president also said that authorities have seized nearly 320 tons of drugs and that there has been a “40% decrease in intentional homicides in Mexico” since the start of her administration on October 1, 2024.
Sheinbaum added that the United States should implement campaigns to reduce drug consumption within its territory and curb the flow of weapons into Mexico.
“There are many results and there will be more, but there must be mutual respect and shared responsibility, as well as respect for our sovereignties,” she said.
On Monday, Sheinbaum held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss security issues. She said she once again ruled out the presence of U.S. troops in Mexico to fight drug cartels.
Security has been a recurring issue used by Trump to threaten tariffs on Mexico and to pressure negotiations over the USMCA (T-MEC) free trade agreement, which are scheduled for 2026.
The agreement is crucial for Mexico’s economy, as about 80% of the country’s exports are destined for the United States.
International
Canada accuses Iran of killing its citizen during anti-government unrest
A Canadian citizen has died “at the hands of Iranian authorities,” the Canadian government said on Thursday, amid ongoing protests against the government in Tehran.
“I have just learned that a Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of Iranian authorities,” Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, said, without providing further details. She added that Tehran’s response to what she described as “peaceful protests” has “led the regime to show a blatant disregard for human life.”
On Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions on Iranian security officials and individuals linked to the country’s banking networks, accusing them of orchestrating a violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations and laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measures following what were described as the largest anti-government protests in the history of the Islamic Republic, although demonstrations have reportedly eased in recent days amid heavy repression and a near week-long internet shutdown.
“The United States stands firmly with the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom and justice,” Bessent said in a statement, adding that the sanctions were imposed at the direction of President Donald Trump.
Those sanctioned include Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, whom Washington accused of coordinating the repression and the use of force against protesters.
International
Ukraine declares nationwide energy emergency amid russian attacks and extreme cold
The Ukrainian government on Wednesday declared a nationwide energy state of emergency amid continued Russian military attacks and extreme winter weather, with nighttime temperatures dropping as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius.
“The consequences of Russian attacks and worsening weather conditions are severe (…) Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraine’s energy sector,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement posted on social media following a meeting with senior officials.
Zelensky announced the creation of a “permanent coordination headquarters” to manage the crisis in the capital, Kyiv, and tasked former defence minister and current energy chief Denys Shmyhal with overseeing support efforts for affected individuals and communities, including addressing power outages, heating shortages and other “practical issues.”
“There are many problems that require urgent solutions,” the president said, noting that repair crews, energy companies, municipal services and the State Emergency Service are working “around the clock” to restore electricity supplies. Kyiv has been particularly affected after Russian strikes last Friday disabled key parts of the power grid, as daytime temperatures hover around minus 12 degrees Celsius and plunge to minus 18 at night.
Zelensky added that public authorities will “maximize efforts with partners to obtain the necessary equipment and additional support,” while the government will ensure “maximum deregulation of all processes” to speed up the connection of backup power equipment to the grid. He also confirmed that work is underway to significantly increase electricity imports into Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader further instructed his Cabinet to review curfew regulations in light of the extreme cold, arguing that citizens must have the greatest possible access to assistance centers, while businesses should be given flexibility to plan their operations according to the state of the energy system.
Sheinbaum highlights anti-drug gains after U.S. says challenges remain
Canada accuses Iran of killing its citizen during anti-government unrest
Ukraine declares nationwide energy emergency amid russian attacks and extreme cold
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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