United News of Bangladesh

Afghanistan’s ground forces attacked Pakistani military positions at 16 locations along the southwestern border early Tuesday and opened fire at several points in the northwest, The clashes killed 67 Afghan and one Pakistani soldier, entering their fifth day. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country “successfully repelled these multiple attacks” along the Afghan border. In a post on X, he said Afghan troops launched ground assaults in 16 locations across the southwestern districts of Qilla Saifullah, Nushki and Chaman in Balochistan province. In retaliatory action, Pakistani forces killed 27 Afghan security members, he added. Pakistan srikes Afghan targets, claims 300+ killed in border clashes Tarar also said Afghan forces attacked 25 locations in the border areas of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistani troops killed 40 Afghan personnel. There was no immediate response from Kabul regarding the casualty figures released by Pakistan. Both sides have repeatedly claimed to have inflicted heavy losses since Thursday, when Afghanistan carried out attacks in response to Pakistani airstrikes last Sunday. Since then, Pakistan has continued border operations. On Monday, Tarar said 435 Afghan security members had been killed and 31 positions captured in the fighting. In recent days, Kabul has also claimed that its forces inflicted significant damage on Pakistan’s military. Why are Afghanistan and Pakistan fighting? The latest escalation came a day after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari defended the strikes in Afghanistan, saying Islamabad had exhausted all diplomatic options before targeting militants operating from Afghan soil. He urged Kabul to disarm groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has described its campaign as an “open war” with Afghanistan, raising international concern. The border region remains a base for militant groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Islamabad has linked a recent surge in violence to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it says operates both inside Pakistan and from Afghan territory. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of providing safe havens to the TTP, an allegation Kabul denies. The renewed clashes have ended a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October. Talks held in Istanbul failed to reach a permanent agreement, and Pakistani authorities have said operations will continue until Kabul takes practical and verifiable steps to curb the TTP and other militant groups involved in violence in Pakistan.

The death toll from ongoing Israeli and US strikes on Iran has surged to 787, as attacks continue across multiple fronts, including a strike targeting Iran’s state broadcaster. Israeli forces have also stepped up air raids in Lebanon and launched a fresh ground incursion into the country’s southern region, further widening the conflict. In Saudi Arabia, authorities reported that two drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh, sparking a small fire and causing minor structural damage. Who leads Iran after Khamenei’s death? A senior official of Hezbollah said the latest wave of attacks leaves the group with “no option but to return to resistance.” Mahmoud Qmati declared that Israel had sought an open war and would now face one, adding that “the era of patience has ended.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that a missile equipped with a fragmentation warhead struck Petah Tikva in central Israel. According to Channel 12, the projectile hit the city, while The Times of Israel said fragments from an Iranian missile caused damage in the area. No injuries were immediately reported. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it described as a “treacherous” Iranian attack on the US embassy in Riyadh. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and interests, including responding to acts of aggression. Source: Al Jazeera

Holi, often called the Hindu festival of colors, is a vibrant annual celebration marking the arrival of spring. Observed mainly in India, Nepal and other South Asian nations, as well as among the global Indian diaspora, the festival blends cultural joy with deep religious meaning. It symbolizes love, renewal and the triumph of positivity over negativity. The celebration usually takes place in March, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar month of Falgun. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the exact date changes each year. In 2026, Holi will be observed on March 4. One of the festival’s most recognizable traditions sees participants dressed in white gathering outdoors to toss bright colored powders at one another, transforming streets into a mosaic of hues. Music, dancing and festive foods add to the lively atmosphere. Mythological Roots Holi’s origins lie in Hindu mythology, and many communities light bonfires on the eve of the festival to represent the victory of good over evil. A popular legend tells of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who demanded to be worshipped as a god. When his son Prahlada remained devoted to Vishnu instead, the king plotted to kill him. He enlisted his sister Holika, believed to be immune to fire, to sit with the boy in a blazing pyre. However, Prahlada’s devotion saved him, while Holika perished — a story that underscores faith and righteousness prevailing over evil. In parts of southern India, the festival is linked to the tale of Shiva burning Kamadeva, the god of love, with his third eye. Known as Kama Dahanam, the event signifies overcoming earthly desires in pursuit of spiritual growth. Holi is also associated with Krishna and his playful love for Radha, along with his interactions with the gopikas, who symbolize devotion and unconditional love. Celebrations and Traditions On Holi, towns and neighborhoods come alive as people splash colored powders and water on friends and strangers alike. Water balloons and squirt guns add to the fun, and celebrants often greet one another with shouts of “Holi hai!” meaning “It’s Holi!” Over time, Bollywood films have further popularized the festival’s exuberant spirit. Each color used during Holi carries symbolism: blue reflects Krishna’s complexion, green represents spring and new beginnings, red is linked to marriage and fertility, and red and yellow together denote auspiciousness in Hindu rituals. Special dishes are central to the festivities. A favorite treat is “gujia,” a deep-fried pastry filled with sweetened milk solids, nuts and dried fruits. Another staple is “thandai,” a chilled drink made with milk, sugar, almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds and saffron. Holi in the Diaspora Beyond South Asia, Holi is celebrated with religious observances and community events. In North America and other regions with significant Hindu populations, festivities range from temple ceremonies and Holika Dahan bonfires to cultural programs, parades and Bollywood-themed gatherings. Hindu temples and community centers abroad often organize cricket matches and other social activities around the holiday, helping preserve tradition while bringing communities together in celebration.

Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has formed a three-member transitional council to manage state affairs. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a member of the country’s powerful constitutional watchdog, was appointed on Sunday to the interim council, which also includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Under Article 111 of Iran’s constitution, the council will govern until the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body, selects a new supreme leader. Khamenei’s nearly 37-year rule ended Saturday following a deadly U.S.-Israeli attack, reports Al Jazeera . The constitution mandates that the Assembly of Experts appoint a successor “as soon as possible” while the transitional council oversees the government.

Several US diplomatic missions across the Middle East have suspended operations and issued urgent security advisories following escalating regional tensions and security incidents. The US Embassy in Kuwait announced it has shut down operations “until further notice,” citing ongoing regional tensions. In a statement, the embassy said all regular and emergency consular appointments have been cancelled and that it would inform the public when normal operations resume. The closure follows days of mounting casualties and military incidents in the region. According to the US military, six American troops were killed and three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait in what was described as an apparent friendly fire incident. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Iraq has ordered non-emergency US government employees to leave the country due to security reasons. The mission also updated its travel advisory, prohibiting US government personnel in Baghdad from using the city’s international airport over security risks. A US State Department official earlier urged American citizens to depart immediately from more than a dozen countries due to serious safety risks. The countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. In Saudi Arabia, the US Embassy in Riyadh announced the cancellation of all routine and emergency services following an attack on the facility. The embassy said a shelter-in-place order was in effect at its missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and advised US citizens to avoid embassy premises until further notice. The embassy also urged all American citizens in the Kingdom to maintain a personal safety plan as security concerns continue across the region. #With Inputs from Al Jazeera

A magnitude-4.3 earthquake struck the Gerash region in southern Iran on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, in a shallow seismic event that was felt locally. According to the USGS, the tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Hezbollah claimed it carried out attacks on three Israeli military sites, while the Israel Defense Forces confirmed launching simultaneous strikes on Tehran and Beirut, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. In separate statements posted on Telegram, Hezbollah said it targeted the Nafah base in the Golan Heights with what it described as a large missile salvo. The group also claimed it struck the Meron and Ramat David air bases in northern Israel using drones. Hezbollah said the attacks were conducted “in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese cities and towns.” The Israeli military has not commented on Hezbollah’s claimed attacks. Meanwhile, the IDF said it was conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and the Lebanese capital, Beirut. “The IDF is currently conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in Tehran and Beirut,” the military said in a statement. IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said “a wave of extensive airstrikes” was underway. The strikes came about an hour after the Israeli military issued what it described as an urgent warning to residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs and dozens of villages, urging them to evacuate. The IDF said it was targeting Hezbollah command centres and storage facilities. #With Inputs from BBC

Amazon’s cloud computing arm has said that three of its facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain were damaged by drone strikes following US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend. The incidents took place on Sunday morning. At the time, Amazon Web Services (AWS) said that unidentified “objects” had struck one of its data centres in the UAE, causing sparks and a fire. On the same day, the company also reported power and connectivity problems at one of its facilities in Bahrain. On Monday, AWS confirmed that the disruptions were caused by drone strikes. According to the company, two facilities in the UAE were directly hit. In Bahrain, a drone strike near one of its sites caused physical damage to infrastructure. AWS said the attacks led to structural damage and interrupted power supply to key systems. In some cases, fire suppression efforts were required, which also resulted in additional water damage. The company said it is working to restore services as quickly as possible but cautioned that full recovery may take time due to the extent of the physical damage. AWS also advised customers in the region to back up their data and consider shifting workloads to other AWS facilities worldwide as a precaution. The company warned that the ongoing conflict has made the overall operating environment in the Middle East increasingly uncertain. US President Donald Trump has indicated that the strikes on Iran could continue for four to five weeks, and possibly even longer. In response, Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones targeting US bases and allied locations across the region, including in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.   With inputs from BBC.

The conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran deepened on Tuesday as US and Israeli military operations expanded across the Middle East, including a confirmed strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh and actions that have effectively halted traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Saudi authorities reported that at least two drones struck the US Embassy compound in the Saudi capital, igniting a fire and causing minor damage, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. The kingdom’s defence forces later intercepted several additional drones travelling toward Riyadh and nearby cities. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global shipping artery through which around one‑fifth of the world’s oil supplies typically transit — and would target any vessel attempting to transit the waterway in response to the strikes. The closure has triggered alarm in global markets, with oil prices rising sharply amid fears that prolonged disruption could choke energy supplies. Commercial shipping firms and insurers are reported to be avoiding the strait due to the heightened risk. The escalation follows joint US‑Israeli air and missile strikes on Iranian territory that targeted government and military infrastructure, part of what Washington described as efforts to thwart Tehran’s regional influence. These actions have drawn swift retaliation from Iranian forces, including missile and drone attacks against targets in Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases. The widening confrontation has raised concerns among international leaders about a broader regional conflict with far‑reaching economic and security consequences, underscoring deepening instability in the Middle East. Analysts warn the situation remains highly volatile as diplomatic and military responses continue to unfold.   With inputsa from ALJAZEERA

France will expand its nuclear arsenal and extend its deterrence framework to several European partners, marking what officials describe as the most significant shift in French nuclear doctrine in decades. President Emmanuel Macron announced the changes during a speech to naval officers at the Ile Longue base near Brest in Brittany, warning that the coming decades would be shaped by nuclear risks amid a deteriorating global security environment. Macron said France would increase its current stockpile of roughly 300 nuclear warheads and confirmed plans to launch a new nuclear-armed submarine, to be named “The Invincible,” in 2036. Under a new “advanced deterrence” strategy, eight European countries – the UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark – have agreed to participate in expanded cooperation. These nations may join exercises involving France’s air-based nuclear forces and potentially host air bases for French nuclear-capable aircraft. Macron said dispersing France’s Strategic Air Forces across Europe would complicate any adversary’s military calculations. He also outlined plans for joint development of supporting capabilities, including space-based early warning systems, air defence against drones and missiles, and long-range conventional strike systems. Despite the broader framework, Macron stressed that France’s president would retain sole authority over the decision to use nuclear weapons. There will be no formal nuclear guarantee extended to partner nations, maintaining continuity with the principles established under former president Charles de Gaulle. France and the UK remain the only nuclear-armed states in Europe. Paris already cooperates closely with London on deterrence matters, and British officials recently joined French nuclear air force exercises for the first time. Following Macron’s speech, France and Germany issued a joint statement pledging closer collaboration in nuclear deterrence. The agreement, signed with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said Berlin would take part in French nuclear exercises this year and work with European partners on strengthening conventional military capacities. Both governments emphasized that the initiative would complement, not replace, NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework. Macron also signalled a shift toward greater strategic ambiguity, saying France would no longer publicly disclose the size of its nuclear arsenal. He reiterated that any attack threatening France’s vital interests would come at an “unsustainable price,” while leaving the exact scope of those interests undefined. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the move, saying European countries were strengthening defences together to deter potential aggression. The announcement reflects growing concerns in Europe over global instability and shifting geopolitical alignments, with France positioning itself at the centre of a more coordinated continental defence posture.   With inputs from BBC