United News of Bangladesh

Al-Shabab continues to pose the most serious immediate threat to peace and stability in Somalia and neighboring countries, particularly Kenya, according to a report released Wednesday by United Nations experts. The panel said that despite sustained pressure from Somali forces and their international partners, the al-Qaida-linked group retains the capability to carry out complex and asymmetric attacks across Somalia. Its operational strength, they noted, has not been significantly reduced. Beyond its ability to strike high-profile targets, including an attempted assassination of Somalia’s president in Mogadishu on March 18, the group also relies on widespread extortion, forced recruitment and a highly effective propaganda network to maintain influence. On Tuesday, the UN Security Council unanimously extended the mandate of the African Union’s support and stabilization mission in Somalia through Dec. 31, 2026. The force comprises 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers. The experts warned that al-Shabab also presents a major security risk to Kenya, carrying out attacks ranging from improvised explosive device strikes on security forces to kidnappings, raids on homes, assaults on infrastructure and cattle theft. According to the report, the group carried out an average of about six attacks per month in Kenya this year, mainly in Mandera and Lamu counties along the border with Somalia. The panel said al-Shabab remains committed to overthrowing Somalia’s government, expelling foreign forces and creating a so-called Greater Somalia that would unite ethnic Somalis across East Africa under strict Islamic rule. The experts also examined the presence of the Islamic State in Somalia, noting that ISIL-Somalia has recruited fighters from various parts of the world, mostly from East Africa. By the end of 2024, the group was estimated to have more than 1,000 fighters, at least 60% of them foreigners. While smaller and less well-funded than al-Shabab, the panel said the Islamic State’s expansion still represents a serious threat to security in Somalia and the wider region.  

Algeria’s parliament has passed a law declaring France’s 130-year rule over the North African nation a crime, while formally demanding restitution for land, archives and other property taken during the colonial era. In a late-night vote on Wednesday, 340 of the 407 members of the National Assembly backed the bill, which seeks to address what lawmakers described as long-standing historical injustices. The move comes weeks after several African states jointly called for recognition and reparations for colonial-era abuses. The law defines the colonial period from the 1830 landing of French forces near Algiers to July 5, 1962, when Algeria gained independence. It calls for the return of Algerian archives and property transferred to France, the handover of detailed maps of French nuclear tests carried out in Algeria between 1960 and 1966, and the repatriation of the remains of Algerian resistance fighters taken to France. It also introduces penalties, including prison terms, for actions or remarks within Algeria that praise French colonialism or insult symbols of the country’s anti-colonial resistance. France reacted sharply, calling the legislation a hostile act that could undermine efforts to improve ties. In a statement to The Associated Press, the French Foreign Ministry said Paris would continue dialogue with Algeria, particularly on security and migration, while pointing to steps taken under President Emmanuel Macron to confront aspects of the colonial past. Macron has previously described parts of France’s history in Algeria as crimes against humanity but has stopped short of issuing a formal state apology. French officials have indicated the restitution demands outlined in the law are unlikely to be met. The parliamentary session approving the bill was highly symbolic. Large Algerian flags decorated the chamber as Speaker Mohamed Boughali described the vote as a historic moment, calling the law a clear political and moral statement. Lawmakers broke into chants from the national anthem and slogans hailing Algeria as the decision was announced. Supporters of the bill say it marks the culmination of years of advocacy. Former lawmaker Mohamed Arezki Ferrad, who first proposed the legislation, said the vote honored the memory of those who fought against colonial rule. The law, comprising five chapters and 27 articles, states that crimes committed during the colonial period are not subject to any statute of limitations.

At least five people were killed and more than 30 others injured when an explosion ripped through a mosque during prayers in Maiduguri, a city in northeastern Nigeria, on Wednesday night, police said, indicating it was likely a suicide bombing. Police reported that 35 worshippers sustained injuries in the blast. Nahum Daso, spokesman for the Borno State police command, said debris believed to be from a suicide vest was recovered from the scene. The attack adds to a long string of violence in Nigeria’s restive north, where security forces are fighting several armed groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province. According to the United Nations, the insurgency that began in 2009 has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions of people to flee their homes. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, suicide bombings have long been associated with Boko Haram, which has carried out numerous similar assaults in the region. Security analysts note that while the group’s use of suicide bombers has declined in recent years, it remains capable of carrying out such operations. In July 2024, coordinated suicide attacks at a wedding in Borno renewed concerns about a possible resurgence of the tactic. 

Venezuela’s parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes a wide range of activities that disrupt navigation and commerce, including the seizure of oil tankers, in a move seen as a response to U.S. actions against the country. The bill, debated and approved within two days in the National Assembly, follows this month’s U.S. seizures of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters, part of President Donald Trump’s four-month campaign to pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has said the vessels are part of a fleet used by Venezuela to bypass economic sanctions. Although the National Assembly, controlled by Maduro’s party, did not immediately publish the full text, the measure provides fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who “promotes, requests, supports, finances or participates in acts of piracy, blockades or other international illegal acts” against commercial entities doing business with Venezuela. The bill, awaiting Maduro’s signature, also directs the executive branch to develop “incentives and mechanisms for economic, commercial and other protections” for national or foreign entities affected by piracy, maritime blockades, or other unlawful acts. Venezuela’s political opposition, including Nobel Peace laureate María Corina Machado, has expressed support for U.S. measures, saying Maduro’s days in power are numbered. Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a Panama-flagged tanker, Centuries, and, with Navy support, another vessel, Skipper, alleging they were transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. Following the first seizure, Trump announced a “blockade” of Venezuela and demanded the return of assets previously seized from U.S. oil companies. At a U.N. Security Council meeting called by Venezuela, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz described sanctioned tankers as Maduro’s primary economic lifeline, funding “narco-terrorist activities” and the Cartel de los Soles. Maduro was indicted in 2020 in the U.S. on narcoterrorism charges linked to the cartel, a network of high-ranking Venezuelan officials involved in drug and fuel trafficking. Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the U.S. of acting outside international and domestic law, calling the seizures a “military act” aimed at crippling the country’s economy and social cohesion. The move has raised concerns globally over potential violations of international maritime law, with most U.N. member states stressing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, though a few countries, including Panama and Argentina, have supported U.S. actions.

President Donald Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland said Tuesday the U.S. is seeking dialogue with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, and is not aiming to seize or control the strategically important Arctic island. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, stressed that the administration will not “go in there trying to conquer anybody” or take over another country. Landry’s remarks appeared to contrast with Trump’s repeated statements advocating U.S. control over Greenland for security reasons, including the possibility of military involvement to secure the mineral-rich island. “We should be talking to the Greenlanders directly,” Landry said on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.” “What are they looking for? What opportunities have they not received? Why haven’t they gotten the protection they deserve?” Trump’s appointment of Landry has again raised concerns in Denmark and across Europe. Danish officials said they would summon the U.S. ambassador to discuss the issue. “National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement Monday. “You cannot annex another country, even under the guise of international security.” Trump had previously called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland during his presidential transition and early second term. Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base on the island in March, criticizing Denmark for under-investment. The issue resurfaced in August after Danish officials reported covert influence operations in Greenland linked to Trump associates. Danish authorities said the U.S. administration gave no advance notice of Landry’s appointment, and Congress has yet to receive details. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the timing of the move. “Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” she said. “Denmark is a critical NATO ally that has stood side by side with the U.S.”  

The United States and Ukraine have reached agreement on most elements of a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the nearly four-year war, but sharp differences remain over territorial control in eastern Ukraine and the future management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy said a 20-point draft plan, prepared after lengthy talks in Florida, has been shared by the US with Russian negotiators. Moscow is expected to respond on Wednesday. Briefing reporters, the Ukrainian leader said the proposal largely reflects Kyiv’s positions and combines political and economic measures to ensure security while supporting post-war recovery. However, he described disputes over Donetsk territory and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as the most difficult issues, to be decided at the leaders’ level. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine give up remaining parts of the Donbas region it does not control, a demand Kyiv has rejected. Moscow currently occupies most of Luhansk and about 70 percent of Donetsk. To bridge differences, the US has suggested turning contested areas into free economic zones. Ukraine insists any such arrangement must be approved through a referendum, along with demilitarization of the area and deployment of international forces to maintain stability. Zelenskyy said no consensus has yet been reached with Washington on Donetsk or the Zaporizhzhia plant, though agreement has been found on most other points. Under the draft, the current contact line across five regions would be frozen once an agreement is signed. Ukraine proposes a 60-day ceasefire period to allow time for a referendum on any free economic zone. The plan also calls for Russian troops to withdraw from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, with international forces stationed along the contact line to monitor compliance. The Zaporizhzhia plant remains another major sticking point. The US has proposed joint operation involving Ukraine, the US and Russia, each with equal shares. Kyiv has countered with a joint venture with the US, allowing Washington to decide how its share would be distributed. Zelenskyy said billions of dollars would be needed to restore the plant and related infrastructure. The draft also includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5, to be detailed in a separate bilateral agreement with the US. Monitoring mechanisms would rely on satellite and early warning systems. Other provisions include maintaining Ukraine’s armed forces at 800,000 in peacetime, fixing a timeline for EU accession, accelerating a US-Ukraine free trade agreement, and launching a large reconstruction and development package aimed at mobilising up to $800 billion. The proposal also envisages elections in Ukraine after the agreement is signed, as well as the release of all prisoners held since 2014 and the return of civilian detainees and children to Ukraine.  

Iran and the United States reiterated their commitment to diplomacy during a tense U.N. Security Council meeting Tuesday, yet major differences over a nuclear agreement persist. Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran remains committed to “principled diplomacy” and called on France, Britain, and the U.S. to take concrete steps to rebuild trust. He reaffirmed Iran’s adherence to the 2015 nuclear deal, which limits its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. U.S. Mission counselor Morgan Ortagus stressed that Washington is open to talks but only if Iran engages in direct, meaningful negotiations. She warned against Iran’s uranium enrichment, a key sticking point. Irvani criticized U.S. demands for zero enrichment as unfair, saying continued support from France and Britain could “effectively destroy diplomacy.” Meanwhile, Iran has accelerated uranium enrichment to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels, prompting the three Western powers to reinstate sanctions under a “snapback” mechanism. Tensions drew sharp exchanges at the council, with Russia accusing France of failing in past diplomatic efforts. Source: AP 

A light aircraft operated by the Mexican Navy crashed near Galveston, Texas, on Monday while transporting a child for medical care, killing at least five people and prompting a search in nearby coastal waters, authorities said. The plane was carrying eight people in total—four Mexican Navy officers and four civilians, including a child—according to Mexico’s Navy. U.S. officials did not immediately specify which passengers were among the confirmed fatalities. Two of those on board were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Mexican children suffering from severe burns. The crash occurred Monday afternoon near the base of a causeway close to Galveston, roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston. Officials said the cause of the incident has not yet been determined. In a statement, Mexico’s Navy said the aircraft was conducting a medical mission when it was involved in an accident. The Navy said it would investigate the incident and is cooperating with U.S. authorities in search-and-rescue efforts. Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board responded to the scene, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. An NTSB spokesperson confirmed the agency is aware of the crash and is collecting information. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said multiple units—including dive teams, patrol officers, drones, and crime scene investigators—were deployed. Authorities asked the public to stay clear of the area so emergency crews could operate safely. Officials have not confirmed whether weather played a role, though the region has experienced fog in recent days. A National Weather Service meteorologist said visibility dropped to about half a mile around the time of the crash.

President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday as the United States increased pressure on Caracas, with the Coast Guard stepping up efforts to intercept oil tankers in the Caribbean. Flanked by senior national security officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump indicated he is prepared to further ramp up a campaign against Maduro that began four months ago. While initially framed as an effort to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela, the strategy has since broadened in scope. “If he decides to push back or act tough, that would be the last time,” Trump said during a pause in his Florida vacation, where he also announced plans for the Navy to construct a new large warship. Trump’s remarks came as the Coast Guard continued pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker for a second straight day. U.S. officials say the vessel is part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions, operating under a false flag and subject to a U.S. seizure order. “It’s on the move, and we’ll eventually take it,” Trump said. This marks the third tanker targeted by U.S. authorities. On Saturday, the Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged Centuries, which officials also linked to Venezuela’s covert oil transport network. Earlier this month, another sanctioned tanker, Skipper, was intercepted with Navy assistance. Following the first seizure, Trump declared that the U.S. would effectively impose a “blockade” on Venezuela and reiterated his view that Maduro’s grip on power is weakening. Last week, he also demanded the return of assets previously taken from U.S. oil companies, again citing the tanker blockade as justification. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the tanker interceptions are meant to send a global message that the Maduro government’s actions will not be tolerated and that Washington intends to protect its interests. Russian diplomatic families leave Venezuela At the same time, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has begun removing diplomats’ families from Venezuela, according to a European intelligence official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter. The evacuations reportedly began Friday and include women and children, with Russian officials reportedly viewing the situation in Venezuela as increasingly serious. Russia denied evacuating its embassy but did not directly address questions about diplomats’ families. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil said he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who voiced Moscow’s support for Caracas against the U.S. campaign targeting oil tankers. Gil accused Washington of violating international law through what he described as attacks on vessels and acts of “piracy” in the Caribbean. Everyday life near Venezuela’s refineries Despite the tension at sea, a tanker believed to be part of the shadow fleet was seen moving between Venezuelan refineries over the weekend, including one near El Palito, west of Caracas. The vessel remained docked as families gathered at nearby beaches, enjoying music and the school holiday break. Longtime local resident Manuel Salazar said the scene contrasts sharply with earlier years, when Venezuela’s oil industry was stronger and multiple tankers lined the bay. “Back then, you’d see nine or ten ships waiting. Now there’s just one,” Salazar said, noting rising prices and worsening economic conditions. Transparency watchdog group Transparencia Venezuela has identified the El Palito tanker as part of the shadow fleet. Residents also recalled past New Year’s celebrations, when tankers sounded horns and fireworks lit the sky—traditions that have faded with the country’s economic decline. On Monday, Venezuela’s pro-government National Assembly gave preliminary approval to legislation that would criminalize activities linked to tanker seizures. The bill would impose heavy fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years for those accused of supporting or participating in what the government calls acts of piracy or illegal blockades. Meanwhile, under Trump’s direction, the Defense Department continues operations against small vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that U.S. officials say are involved in drug trafficking. Since early September, at least 104 people have died in 28 such strikes, prompting criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups who question the evidence behind the operations and warn of possible extrajudicial killings.

A car bomb killed a Russian general on Monday, the third such killing of a senior military officer in just over a year. Investigators said Ukraine may be behind the attack. Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, died from his injuries, said Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, the nation's top criminal investigation agency. He was 56. “Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of inquiry regarding the murder. One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services,” Petrenko said. Since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine nearly four years ago, Russian authorities have blamed Kyiv for several assassinations of military officers and public figures in Russia. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for some of them. It has not yet commented on Monday’s death. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin had been immediately informed about the killing of Sarvarov, who fought in Chechnya and had taken part in Moscow's military campaign in Syria. Russia has blamed a series of other apparent assassinations on Ukraine. Just over a year ago, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces, was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building. Kirillov's assistant also died. Ukraine’s security service claimed responsibility for the attack. An Uzbek man was quickly arrested and charged with killing Kirillov on behalf of the Ukrainian security service. Putin described Kirillov’s killing as a “major blunder” by Russia’s security agencies, noting they should learn from it and improve their efficiency. In April, another senior Russian military officer, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff, was killed by an explosive device placed in his car parked near his apartment building just outside Moscow. A suspected perpetrator was quickly arrested. Days after Moskalik's killing, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he received a report from the head of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence agency on the “liquidation” of top Russian military figures, adding that “justice inevitably comes" although he didn't mention Moskalik's name. Ukraine, which is outnumbered by Russia’s larger, better equipped military, has frequently tried to change the course of the conflict by attacking in unexpected ways. In August last year, Ukrainian forces staged a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region even as they struggled to stem Russian offensives on many parts of the front line. Moscow's troops eventually drove them out, but the incursion distracted the Russian military resources from other areas and raised Ukrainian morale. Ukraine has also launched repeated attacks on the Russian navy in the Black Sea with sea drones and missiles, forcing it to relocate its warships and limit the scale of its operations. And in June, swarms of drones launched from trucks targeted bomber bases across Russia. Ukraine said over 40 long-range bombers were damaged or destroyed, although Moscow said only several planes were struck. Meanwhile, Western officials have accused Russia of staging a campaign away from the battlefield, accusing it of orchestrating dozens of incidents of disruption and sabotage across Europe as part of an effort to sap support for Ukraine. Moscow has denied the claims.