News from March 17, 2025 at 2 PM

President Donald Trump announced that the US has launched a 'decisive and powerful' wave of air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing the group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Trump stated that the Iran-funded Houthis have fired missiles at US aircraft and targeted US troops and allies, causing billions of dollars in losses and risking lives. The Houthi-run health ministry reported at least 13 killed and nine injured in the strikes. The Houthis, who began targeting shipping in response to the Israel-Hamas war, vowed to retaliate. They blamed the US and UK for attacking residential areas in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, though the UK was not involved in Saturday's strikes. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks on Red Sea vessels, forcing major shipping companies to reroute. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran, and Trump urged Tehran to cease its support for the Houthis.

On March 16, the US Defense Secretary stated that the United States will continue attacking Yemen's Houthis until they cease attacks on shipping. The airstrikes, which killed at least 53 people, mark the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Trump took office. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi threatened to target US ships in the Red Sea. US officials said the campaign might last for weeks. The Houthis claimed to have attacked the USS Harry S. Truman and its warships with missiles and drones, but provided no evidence. US warplanes shot down 11 Houthi drones. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint to avoid further destabilizing Yemen's dire humanitarian situation.

A January 2025 photo from El Salvador's Counter-Terrorism Confinement Centre shows hundreds of MS-13 and 18 Street gang members detained. The United States plans to pay El Salvador US$6 million to imprison 300 alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang for one year after deportation. A memo from El Salvador’s Foreign Ministry confirms the temporary housing of these individuals. Human rights groups oppose the plan, citing reports of torture and deaths in custody in El Salvador. The Trump administration is pursuing mass deportations and has designated Tren de Aragua as a global terrorist organization. President Trump also invoked an 18th-century wartime law to declare the gang as 'alien enemies.'

The White House denied accusations from rights groups that it flouted due process by defying a judge's order during weekend deportations. A group of 238 alleged Venezuelan gang members and 23 MS-13 gang members were deported from the US to a prison in El Salvador, with some removed under a law unused since World War Two. Despite a temporary block by a judge, the White House argued the order was unlawful and issued post-deportation. Neither the US nor El Salvador identified the detainees or provided details of their alleged crimes. Trump accused Tren de Aragua of threatening US territory, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. 137 deportees were processed under this act. US District Judge James Boasberg ordered a 14-day deportation pause, but planes had already departed. The White House and Justice Department claimed deportees left before the ruling, raising constitutional questions and drawing criticism from rights groups for Trump's use of the law.

US President Donald Trump is set to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. US envoy Steve Witkoff stated on March 16 that Trump is seeking Putin's support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine accepted last week. Despite ongoing heavy aerial strikes over the weekend and Russia's advances in pushing Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, Trump expressed optimism in a March 14 social media post that the bloody conflict could end, while strongly urging Putin not to kill the Ukrainian troops being expelled from Kursk.

US President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to discuss ways to end the three-year war in Ukraine. US envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on March 16 that Trump is trying to secure Putin's support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine last week. Despite ongoing heavy aerial strikes over the weekend and Russia's advance in the Kursk region, Trump expressed optimism on social media about ending the bloody conflict and strongly requested that Putin spare the lives of Ukrainian troops being pushed out of Kursk. Putin agreed to honor Trump's request if the troops surrendered. US officials emphasized that significant challenges remain before Russia agrees to a ceasefire or a final peaceful resolution. Trump warned that without a ceasefire, the conflict could escalate into World War Three.

A fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in at least 59 deaths and over 155 injuries. The blaze occurred around 02:30, with 1,500 people attending a concert by the popular hip-hop duo DNK. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described it as a 'difficult and very sad day' for the country. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski announced arrest warrants for four individuals, with initial reports suggesting the fire was caused by pyrotechnic sparks. Witnesses reported chaos, and hospitals are struggling to identify the deceased, with 18 patients in critical condition. The government pledged a thorough investigation and full mobilization to address the tragedy.

On March 16, a fire broke out at Pulse nightclub in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, killing 51 people and injuring over 100. The incident occurred during a hip-hop concert by the popular duo DNK. Interior Minister Pance Toskovski stated that the fire was likely caused by pyrotechnic devices used for the concert's light effects. The injured were transported to local hospitals in Kocani, as well as to the capital Skopje and the town of Stip. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his condolences on social media, calling it a tragic day for North Macedonia and urging relevant authorities to take urgent measures to assist the injured and support the families of the victims.

On March 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to propose the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to the government. The move follows a public spat between Netanyahu and Bar over reforms to the agency. Netanyahu cited a lack of trust as the reason for the proposed dismissal. The Shin Bet has admitted failing to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in 1,218 Israeli deaths. Bar, who has led the Shin Bet since 2021, has had strained relations with Netanyahu, particularly over proposed judicial reforms. Tensions escalated after the release of an internal Shin Bet report on March 4.

On March 16, the Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital since he began treatment for double pneumonia, showing the 88-year-old pontiff appearing to breathe unaided. The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection and has not been seen in public since. In the photo, the Pope is seated in a chapel at the hospital with his back to the camera, his right hand resting on his lap. The Vatican stated the photo was taken on March 16 when the Pope celebrated Mass with other priests. A medical update on March 15 indicated that Pope Francis was gradually improving and reducing his use of mechanical ventilation at night. Prone to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy and partial lung removal, the Pope has been undergoing respiratory and physical therapy in hospital. He has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain. On March 13, Pope Francis celebrated his 12th anniversary as Pope from the hospital. External doctors suggest a long and challenging recovery ahead. On March 15, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis approved a new three-year process for reforms in the global Catholic Church, signaling his intention to continue his papacy despite health challenges.

On March 16, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at Rome's Gemelli General Hospital, marking his first public appearance since being hospitalized for a severe respiratory infection on February 14. The Vatican released the first photo of the Pope in over a month, showing him sitting in a wheelchair and apparently able to breathe independently. The Pope issued the Angelus prayer text through the Vatican Press Office, thanking believers for their blessings. His condition has steadily improved over the past week, but doctors suggest his recovery may be long and difficult. Last Thursday, the Pope celebrated his 12th anniversary of election in the hospital and approved a three-year plan to reform the global Catholic Church.

In August 2024, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport outside Paris, facing multiple charges related to the messaging app and was banned from leaving the country. After several days of questioning, he was charged with failing to curb extremist and terrorist content and released on €5 million (S$7.2 million) bail. On March 15, Durov was allowed to temporarily leave France for Dubai. An investigating judge authorized his departure for several weeks. Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE passports, is a reclusive billionaire. Initially criticizing his arrest, he later announced steps seemingly bowing to Paris' demands.