International

Houthi rebels vow to intensify attacks after israeli bombardment of Yemen

Israeli warplanes bombed the Presidential Palace in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, on Sunday in a series of retaliatory strikes against Houthi rebels after they launched a cluster-bomb missile toward Israel. At least two people were killed and 35 others injured in the attacks, which also targeted two power plants and a fuel storage facility.

“The Houthi terrorist regime is paying a very high price for its aggression,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallantdeclared from Tel Aviv, standing alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Netanyahu warned: “We will strike anyone who strikes us. Whoever plans to attack us, we will attack.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strikes destroyed the military complex housing the Presidential Palace, as well as the Haziz and Assar power plants and a fuel depot allegedly used for Houthi military operations. According to the IDF, the operation was launched in response to “repeated missile and drone attacks” from Yemen against Israeli territory.

Last Friday, Houthi forces fired, for the first time, a missile equipped with cluster munitions — a weapon banned under international law — which hit a residential home in the Israeli city of Ginaton. Although there were no casualties, security sources confirmed the projectile was only partially intercepted, raising concerns about the Houthis’ growing long-range strike capabilities.

In response, Houthi leaders accused Israel of attempting to “boost the morale of its settlers” through its airstrikes, vowing that their offensive “will continue in support of Gaza.” Hezam al-Asad, a senior member of the Ansar Allah political bureau, warned that operations against Israel “will escalate” and stressed that the movement “will not be intimidated.”

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Houthi officials reported that the strikes destroyed the Haziz power plant, which supplied electricity to hospitals and homes across Sanaa, resulting in a widespread blackout.

“We hold the Zionist enemy and its U.S. partner fully responsible for this heinous crime and for the loss of innocent lives,” the Houthi government said in a statement. They accused Israel of “launching an open war against the Arab and Islamic nations” and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, declaring: “Supporting Palestine is a religious, national, and humanitarian duty.”

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.