International
Hezbulá announces a “specific” reprisal to the “Israeli massacre” against its militiamen in Lebanon
The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbulá promised on Wednesday that it will give a “specific” response to the “Israeli massacre” caused among its ranks by the simultaneous and massive explosion of thousands of searchers in the hands of its members in Lebanon and Syria, which caused a dozen deaths and thousands of injuries of varying severity.
In a message issued this morning, the armed formation indicated that despite the attack received, it will continue its support for the “resistance of Gaza and its people” and will continue to defend “Lebanon, its people and its sovereignty.”
The group added that Tuesday’s “massacre” will have a “hard punishment” and “specific accountability.”
“What happened yesterday will fill us with will and insistence on following the path of resistance and struggle and we totally trust in the divine promise with the victory of the faithful patient fighters,” the formation said in the statement.
Hizbulá also expressed his “most sincere blessings and condolences” to the families of those killed and injured “in the treacherous attack.”
Already last night, both Hizbulah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon individually attributed to Israel the massive explosion of the searchers, which they condemned as a “criminal aggression that also targeted civilians and killed several people.”
“This serious and deliberate Israeli escalation coincides with Israeli threats to expand the war against Lebanon and with its uncompromising stance that calls for more bloodshed, destruction and sabotage,” the Lebanese Government denounced in a statement.
Around 15.30 on Tuesday (12.30 GMT), thousands of searchers in the hands of members of Hezbula exploded simultaneously in various parts of Lebanon, mainly in the south of the country and the southern suburbs of Beirut, controlled by the Shiite formation.
The Lebanese Minister of Public Health, Firas Abiad, said on Wednesday that the death toll from the chain explosion increased this Wednesday to twelve, while about 1,800 of the more than 2,800 injured required hospitalization.
According to Abiad, most of the injured were registered in Beirut and its suburbs, while in the south of the country about 750 people were injured and, in the eastern Bekaa Valley, another 150.
“There were more than a hundred hospitals that helped us receive the injured, all hospitals in all areas, including the north. The medical teams stayed all night and even today they are still working in the Eye and Ear units of the Hotel Dieu and the Roum,” he said in statements to the press during a visit to hospitals.
The Lebanese authorities received 15 tons of supplies on Wednesday and also medical personnel provided by Jordan, Iran and Iraq to help treat the victims, while Egypt, Syria or Turkey have also offered their help to Lebanon, according to Abiad.
International
U.S. to invest $700 million in coal plants and mines under Trump initiative
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a $700 million funding package aimed at supporting the American coal industry, marking the latest step in his administration’s efforts to boost the use of the fossil fuel.
According to Trump, the funding will be used to keep 14 coal-fired power plants operating across ten states, maintain 42 coal mines, and support the construction of two new power plants and an export terminal.
The president said the initiative will be financed through the Defense Production Act, a law enacted in 1950 that grants emergency powers to the president to support and direct domestic industries considered critical to national interests.
Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has pursued policies designed to expand domestic energy production and roll back a number of environmental regulations. He has also repeatedly questioned the scientific consensus regarding human-caused climate change.
Coal remains the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions among major energy sources, making it a central focus of debates over climate policy and energy security.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the initiative, describing coal as a critical resource for both electricity generation and industrial production.
The announcement comes as global energy markets continue to evolve. According to an analysis by the Global Energy Monitor, the world added and commissioned more coal-fired power capacity in 2025, although overall coal consumption declined. The report also found that the United States was the only major economy to record a significant increase in coal-fired power generation during that period.
The new funding package underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting traditional energy industries while debate continues over the balance between energy security, economic growth and environmental objectives.
International
Four decapitated bodies found in abandoned vehicle near Guerrero state Congress
Police in Mexico have found four decapitated bodies inside an abandoned vehicle parked near the state Congress building in Guerrero, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The southern state of Guerrero, home to the resort city of Acapulco, has long been affected by violent clashes between criminal organizations competing for control of drug trafficking routes.
According to prosecutors cited by AFP, the bodies were wrapped in black plastic bags and left inside a car parked at one of the rear entrances of the legislative building in the state capital, Chilpancingo.
Authorities say the region has seen intensified conflict between rival drug trafficking groups, including the Sierra Cartel and Los Ardillos, a criminal organization that Indigenous communities have accused of carrying out attacks in the mountainous, impoverished areas of the state.
The ongoing violence highlights the persistent security crisis in Guerrero, where organized crime continues to exert significant influence over large parts of the territory.
International
Foro Penal Reports 404 Political Prisoners Still Held in Venezuela
The Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal, which leads legal defense efforts for political prisoners in the country, reported on Wednesday that 404 people remain imprisoned for political reasons, five fewer than the figure released a week earlier. Among those detained are 39 foreign nationals or individuals with dual citizenship.
According to data published by the organization, the current total includes 369 men and 35 women being held on political grounds. The report also indicates that 225 of the detainees are civilians, including one teenager, while 179 are members of the military.
Foro Penal stated that 167 of the prisoners have been convicted, whereas 237 remain behind bars without a final sentence. The organization also noted that it has documented 19,102 politically motivated detentions in Venezuela since 2014.
The updated figures come amid an ongoing process of prisoner releases announced by Venezuelan authorities. Two weeks ago, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said that approximately 300 detainees would be freed as part of a new round of releases, separate from those granted under an amnesty approved earlier this year.
Days later, acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the number of releases would reach 500 in the coming days. However, relatives of political prisoners and human rights organizations have questioned the pace of the process, arguing that the number of verified releases remains significantly lower than the figures announced by the government.
Foro Penal has reported that dozens of prisoners have been released in recent weeks, but the organization maintains that hundreds of people continue to be detained for political reasons despite the government’s promises and the implementation of the amnesty process.
Families of detainees have continued to demand greater transparency regarding the release process, alleging that many of the promised excarcerations have yet to materialize and calling on authorities to provide clear information about those who remain in custody.
U.S. to invest $700 million in coal plants and mines under Trump initiative
Four decapitated bodies found in abandoned vehicle near Guerrero state Congress
Foro Penal Reports 404 Political Prisoners Still Held in Venezuela
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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