YEMEN
The death toll of U.S. raids on Yemen has risen to 53, including five children and two women. A “decisive and powerful” wave as Washington calls it against Houthi targets launched March 15 to counter rebel attacks on boats in the Red Sea. In response, between yesterday and today pro-Iranian militias claimed assaults on a US aircraft carrier.
RUSSIA - UNITED STATES
Several oil companies in Moscow are using cryptocurrencies to trade oil with India and China to circumvent international sanctions and convert yuan and rupees into rubles, according to Reuters reports. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Ukraine tomorrow, in which they will touch on several issues including “land and power plants.”
MYANMAR
Soldiers of Myanmar's ruling coup military junta (Sac, State Administration Council) set fire to and destroyed St. Patrick's Cathedral in Bhamo, northern Kachin State. The burning occurred yesterday around 4 p.m. local time, on the eve of the feast day dedicated to the patron saint. The priest's house, the three-story building housing the diocesan offices and the high school had already been set on fire on Feb. 26.
TAIWAN - CHINA
A Chinese influencer living in Taiwan must leave the island by March 24 or she will be deported. This is reported by authorities in Taipei, who accuse Liu (only last name known) of disseminating pro-reunification videos in accordance with Beijing's sights. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) says his “behavior supports the elimination of Taiwan's sovereignty and is not tolerated.”
INDONESIA - SAUDI A.
Jakarta is set to sign an agreement to lift a decades-long moratorium on sending citizens to Saudi Arabia as domestic workers and employees, following Riyadh's guarantees of labor and personal protections. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed by ministers of both by the end of the month. More than 25,000 undocumented migrants still enter the kingdom illegally each year.
NORTH KOREA
Starving North Korean soldiers sell military equipment to buy food, while officials have launched surprise inspections to make sure the military has their equipment available. Items provided to the military are generally better than those provided to civilians, so they are more palatable. These include tents, food boxes and waterproof containers.
AFGHANISTAN
In Afghanistan, a woman dies in childbirth every two hours, with a staggering maternal mortality rate that is among the highest in the world. A situation that, under the Taliban's rule in power since August 2022, has been worsening. According to 2024 data from the United Nations, at least 638 mothers died for every 100,000 births, but the real number could be much higher.
TAJIKISTAN - QATAR
The Migration Service of Tajikistan's Ministry of Labor has invited Tajik citizens between the ages of 20 and 45 to go to work in Qatar, with average salaries of $700 in the livestock, hotel chain and trade sectors. This opportunity is the result of agreements with employers who provide airfare, room and board and medical insurance.
