分类： world

French counterterrorism authorities have apprehended two brothers in connection with a foiled terrorist scheme described as both lethal and antisemitic in nature. The suspects, identified as Elyasse H, 22, and Moad H, 20, were taken into custody near a prison facility in Longuenesse, a town in northern France, following an extensive investigation.

According to the National Anti-Terror Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT), the individuals—holding Italian and Moroccan citizenship—were intercepted while traveling in a vehicle containing alarming evidence. Law enforcement officials discovered an arsenal that included a semi-automatic firearm, hydrochloric acid, aluminum foil, and an Islamic State group flag prominently displayed on the driver’s headrest.

During interrogation, both brothers reportedly confessed to actively planning a terrorist attack on French soil, expressing their aspiration for martyrdom in the process. Investigators determined the pair had undergone significant radicalization over approximately two years, consuming substantial jihadist propaganda that influenced their deadly intentions.

The investigation revealed the brothers had abandoned plans to travel to conflict zones in Syria or Palestine, instead opting to target locations within France. Evidence included a recently recorded video by Moad H. pledging allegiance to the Islamic State extremist organization. Additionally, encrypted messaging communications indicated active attempts to procure handguns and assault rifles, suggesting their plot was nearing execution phase.

The siblings, who arrived in France with their family in 2017, maintained connections with other radicalized individuals, including some already under investigation or convicted for terrorism-related offenses. French prosecutors have formally requested terrorism charges and pre-trial detention for both suspects as the judicial process continues.

ROME, Italy—A military base in Kuwait hosting international coalition forces, including Italian and American troops, was targeted by a drone assault on Sunday, according to an official statement from Italy’s defense authorities. The attack resulted in the destruction of an Italian remotely piloted aircraft but caused no casualties among personnel.

General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Defence General Staff, confirmed through the military’s official X account that the Ali Al Salem airbase had been struck. The drone attack specifically damaged a shelter containing operational assets of the Italian Task Force Air (TFA), completely destroying the unmanned aerial vehicle stationed there.

The Italian Armed Forces emphasized that all personnel remained unharmed during the incident. In response to escalating regional tensions, the military had already implemented precautionary measures by reducing staff numbers at the base in recent days. Those remaining were described as essential personnel maintaining critical mission operations.

This incident follows a similar attack last week against an Italian military installation in Iraqi Kurdistan, which also involved drone hostilities. Although no injuries occurred in that previous incident, Rome responded by temporarily withdrawing nearly 300 personnel who had been training local security forces in Erbil as part of an international coalition effort.

The destroyed aircraft represented a significant operational asset for Italian forces in the region, having been maintained at the Kuwaiti base to ensure continuity of surveillance and security operations. Military officials indicated that the evolving security situation in the Middle East has prompted increased vigilance and adaptive deployment strategies among coalition partners.

VATICAN CITY — In a powerful address delivered during his pastoral visit to a Roman suburb on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV issued a renewed and impassioned plea for peace in the Middle East, delivering a stark condemnation of those who exploit religious doctrine to justify armed conflict. The Pontiff characterized warfare as an “absurd” solution to resolving human differences and explicitly stated that “God cannot be enlisted by darkness.

The 70-year-old leader of the Catholic Church expressed profound sorrow for the immense suffering endured by countless individuals caught in the crossfire of violent hostilities. He extended his spiritual solidarity to all families who have lost loved ones, particularly highlighting the tragic consequences of attacks on civilian infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.

Earlier that day, during his traditional weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope had already set a somber tone, praying for the victims of what he described as “atrocious violence of war” and fervently advocating for the immediate resumption of diplomatic dialogue as the only viable path forward.

With specific concern, Pope Leo highlighted the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon, voicing the anxieties of Middle Eastern Christian communities and all people of goodwill. He directly appealed to those in positions of power and influence over the conflict, demanding an unequivocal and immediate cessation of hostilities. “Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened!” he implored, asserting that violence is incapable of delivering the justice, stability, and peace that populations desperately seek and deserve.

TEHRAN—Iran delivered a forceful admonition to regional neighbors and global powers on Sunday, cautioning against involvement in its ongoing military confrontation with the United States and Israel. The warning coincided with reports of a drone strike targeting a Kuwaiti airbase hosting American and Italian military personnel, highlighting the expanding regional dimensions of the conflict.

Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi utilized social media platform X to articulate Tehran’s position, asserting that U.S. military presence in the region served as an invitation for conflict rather than deterrence. “We urge neighboring nations to expel foreign aggressors,” Araghchi declared, emphasizing that Iran possessed “substantial evidence” regarding the use of regional bases for attacks against Iranian interests.

The diplomatic offensive followed President Donald Trump’s appeal for international collaboration to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint whose closure has triggered global energy market disruptions. Araghchi specified that hostilities would cease only when Iran received guarantees against future attacks and appropriate reparations.

Regional military engagements intensified as Italian authorities confirmed a drone attack destroyed unmanned aircraft at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem airbase, while rocket fire wounded five individuals at Baghdad International Airport. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani characterized the incident as non-representative of broader hostilities, stating “We are not at war with anyone.”

Global energy markets continue experiencing significant volatility, with oil prices surging approximately 40% since Iran initiated restrictions on Hormuz transit. The International Energy Agency announced immediate stock releases from Asian-Oceanic reserves, with American and European reserves to follow in subsequent weeks.

International responses to Trump’s naval coalition proposal remained measured. British officials discussed “options to ensure shipping security” while emphasizing de-escalation priorities. Japanese and South Korean representatives similarly expressed caution regarding military deployment commitments.

Despite sustained military operations—with Pentagon reports indicating over 15,000 targets struck and Iranian authorities claiming 1,200 casualties—Tehran exhibited signs of normalization. Commercial activity resumed in many districts ahead of Nowruz celebrations, though banking operations and internet connectivity experienced ongoing disruptions.

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories — An Israeli airstrike targeted a police vehicle in central Gaza on Sunday, resulting in nine officer fatalities according to the Hamas-run interior ministry. The attack eliminated Colonel Iyad Abu Yousef, police chief for the central governorate, along with eight other personnel in the town of Zawaida.

The strike occurred as Hamas representatives convened with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss ceasefire implementation. Earlier that day, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported four additional fatalities from an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Israeli military officials stated they were ‘looking into the reports’ when questioned about both incidents by international media. The Hamas-led interior ministry condemned the attack as a ‘heinous crime’ that demonstrates Israel’s ‘treacherous face’ regarding the ceasefire agreement.

Despite a truce that took effect on October 10, violence has continued throughout the Palestinian territory. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem characterized the bombings as ‘blatant violations’ of the ceasefire agreement.

The developments unfolded amid diplomatic movements in Cairo, where a Hamas delegation headed by official Nizar Rayyan met with Bulgarian politician Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the U.S. Board of Peace. The delegation demanded immediate cessation of hostilities and implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase, including opening Gaza crossings.

In a related development, Israel announced the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt beginning March 18, while the Kerem Shalom crossing had previously reopened for humanitarian aid delivery. The Gaza health ministry reports at least 663 Palestinian fatalities since the truce began, while Israeli military authorities acknowledge five soldier deaths during the same period. Independent verification of casualty figures remains challenging due to media restrictions in the conflict zone.