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Shark culls brought in after fatal attack cause division and anger in New Caledonia

Shark culls brought in after fatal attack cause division and anger in New Caledonia

Authorities say capture of bull and tiger sharks necessary to protect lives as environmentalists launch urgent legal challenge Some beaches in areas of New Caledonia are closed to swimming and the authorities have begun shark culling off the capital, Nouméa, after a fatal attack in the popular tourist spot – prompting a legal challenge to stop the operation and reigniting debate over public safety and marine conservation. The culling operation began on 23 February, after a man from New Caledonia riding a wing foil in a recreational area was attacked and killed. Preliminary investigations indicate the victim was attacked by a tiger shark that measured at least three metres. Continue reading...

Escape routes overwhelmed - Families rush to flee southern Lebanon as missiles light up skies overhead

Escape routes overwhelmed - Families rush to flee southern Lebanon as missiles light up skies overhead

"Roads in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon were clogged early Monday as families fled north after fighting flared between Israel and Hezbollah. Footage shows heavy traffic inching forward, while missiles - believed to have been launched from Lebanon - streaked across the night sky. The IDF issued urgent evacuation warnings for approximately 55 villages and towns in southern Lebanon, as the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched airstrikes across the country, focusing on the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern regions near Tyre. Israel said it began striking targets in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched a series of drones and rockets targeting the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense site south of Haifa. The IDF said that it intercepted at least one projectile, while others landed in open areas. No casualties have been reported. "Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight, and is fully responsible for any escalation. IDF troops have prepared for such a scenario as part of standard combat preparations for Operation Roaring Lion," stated IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. Hezbollah said the assault was in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and was carried out "in defence of Lebanon and its people." Iranian state television had earlier confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes carried out on Saturday. The Supreme Leader, who had ruled since 1989, held ultimate authority over Iran's political, military and religious institutions. Iranian officials warned that Khamenei's killing would mark a turning point, with the Revolutionary Guard vowing retaliation and declaring that "this great crime will not go unpunished.""

Escape routes overwhelmed - Families rush to flee southern Lebanon as missiles light up skies overhead

Escape routes overwhelmed - Families rush to flee southern Lebanon as missiles light up skies overhead

"Roads in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon were clogged early Monday as families fled north after fighting flared between Israel and Hezbollah. Footage shows heavy traffic inching forward, while missiles - believed to have been launched from Lebanon - streaked across the night sky. The IDF issued urgent evacuation warnings for approximately 55 villages and towns in southern Lebanon, as the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched airstrikes across the country, focusing on the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern regions near Tyre. Israel said it began striking targets in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched a series of drones and rockets targeting the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense site south of Haifa. The IDF said that it intercepted at least one projectile, while others landed in open areas. No casualties have been reported. "Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight, and is fully responsible for any escalation. IDF troops have prepared for such a scenario as part of standard combat preparations for Operation Roaring Lion," stated IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. Hezbollah said the assault was in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and was carried out "in defence of Lebanon and its people." Iranian state television had earlier confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes carried out on Saturday. The Supreme Leader, who had ruled since 1989, held ultimate authority over Iran's political, military and religious institutions. Iranian officials warned that Khamenei's killing would mark a turning point, with the Revolutionary Guard vowing retaliation and declaring that "this great crime will not go unpunished.""

'We defeated them spiritually, politically and militarily' - Machado declares comeback to lead Venezuela's 'transition to democracy'

'We defeated them spiritually, politically and militarily' - Machado declares comeback to lead Venezuela's 'transition to democracy'

"Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado announced on Sunday her return to Venezuela to lead a 'transition to democracy' after spending more than two months outside the country. "I will return to Venezuela in a few weeks," Machado said from the United States in a video shared on social media, adding that the decision reflects the wishes of Venezuelan exiles worldwide. "We will arrive to embrace, to work together, to guarantee an orderly, sustainable, and unstoppable transition to democracy." She referred to her departure from the country about 80 days ago as a mission that included maintaining contact with leaders and international organisations, as well as unleashing the struggle of Venezuelans for the freedom of 'military prisoners'. The opposition leader further recalled a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, to whom she presented her Nobel medal, and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of this transition. She then thanked the US government for its participation in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January, hailing, "President Donald Trump, with vision and courage, put Nicolas Maduro before international justice." Machado's return comes as Venezuela's interim administration, led by acting president Delcy Rodriguez following Maduro's capture, promoted an amnesty law to release political prisoners as part of a reconciliation process. Rodriguez also stated that Machado must answer for her support of US military action and her calls for an economic blockade of Venezuela. "

'We defeated them spiritually, politically and militarily' - Machado declares comeback to lead Venezuela's 'transition to democracy'

'We defeated them spiritually, politically and militarily' - Machado declares comeback to lead Venezuela's 'transition to democracy'

"Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado announced on Sunday her return to Venezuela to lead a 'transition to democracy' after spending more than two months outside the country. "I will return to Venezuela in a few weeks," Machado said from the United States in a video shared on social media, adding that the decision reflects the wishes of Venezuelan exiles worldwide. "We will arrive to embrace, to work together, to guarantee an orderly, sustainable, and unstoppable transition to democracy." She referred to her departure from the country about 80 days ago as a mission that included maintaining contact with leaders and international organisations, as well as unleashing the struggle of Venezuelans for the freedom of 'military prisoners'. The opposition leader further recalled a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, to whom she presented her Nobel medal, and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of this transition. She then thanked the US government for its participation in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January, hailing, "President Donald Trump, with vision and courage, put Nicolas Maduro before international justice." Machado's return comes as Venezuela's interim administration, led by acting president Delcy Rodriguez following Maduro's capture, promoted an amnesty law to release political prisoners as part of a reconciliation process. Rodriguez also stated that Machado must answer for her support of US military action and her calls for an economic blockade of Venezuela. "