Pakistan’s military claimed that more than 80 militants were killed and several others injured in overnight airstrikes across Afghanistan’s border regions. The strikes, conducted early Sunday, targeted militant bases in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, according to a military source quoted by AFP. Islamabad said the operation was carried out in response to recent suicide attacks inside Pakistan.

Security officials stated that the death toll could rise further as assessments continue. The strikes reportedly destroyed seven hideouts linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and killed members of a group identified as ‘Fitna al-Khawarij.’ Among the destroyed sites were several centers in Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. AFP noted that the exact number of casualties in Afghanistan could not be independently verified.

Authorities said the operation was based on credible intelligence about militant activity in the border areas and that a full damage assessment and intelligence review would be released later.

Nearly four years after President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict—officially termed a “special military operation”—has deeply altered Russian society. Verified data from the BBC and MediaZona show more than 186,000 Russian combat deaths, far exceeding Soviet losses in Afghanistan. While western border regions like Kursk and Belgorod endure shelling and drone attacks, major cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg remain largely insulated, with sanctions causing inconvenience rather than collapse.

Interviews conducted by Al Jazeera reveal a divided nation. Some Russians, like photographer Kirill from St Petersburg, lament Western sanctions and government censorship that blocks social media and punishes “fake news.” Others, such as Vladislav from Saratov, have come to support the war, citing patriotic motives. Meanwhile, soldiers like Alexander Medvedev, after witnessing combat in Ukraine, have deserted and fled abroad, disillusioned by the war’s toll. Millions have emigrated since 2022, though some have returned due to difficulties abroad.

Despite economic adaptation and official claims of public support, many citizens remain apathetic or fearful of expressing dissent. The war’s continuation has entrenched censorship, reshaped daily life, and deepened both loyalty and fatigue across Russian society.

Greenland has declined former US President Donald Trump’s proposal to send a hospital ship to the Arctic island, following his repeated statements about potentially seizing the Danish autonomous territory for national security reasons. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook that the offer had been noted but emphasized that Greenland’s public healthcare system provides free treatment for citizens. He added that Greenland remains open to dialogue and cooperation but urged Trump to engage directly rather than through social media.

The move comes as relations between Denmark and the United States have been strained by Trump’s renewed interest in taking control of Greenland, a mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic territory. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Greenland’s population already receives adequate healthcare either locally or in Denmark, dismissing the need for foreign medical intervention. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also highlighted the country’s universal healthcare system as a point of pride.

Tensions over Greenland’s sovereignty have eased somewhat since Trump reached a framework agreement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in January to expand US influence in the region.

Iran has temporarily closed sections of the Strait of Hormuz and conducted live-fire military drills amid escalating tensions with the United States. The move coincides with the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford to the Gulf, marking one of the largest US military build-ups in the region since 2003. The strait, through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies and a fifth of global LNG shipments pass, is the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. Tehran’s actions served as a warning of the potential economic fallout if Washington proceeds with threats to strike Iran.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, roughly 20 million barrels of oil worth nearly $500bn transit the strait daily, with 84 percent of crude and 83 percent of LNG bound for Asia. Analysts told Al Jazeera that any closure would cause a major spike in oil prices, as 70 percent of OPEC+ spare capacity lies in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other exporters have limited alternative routes, while Asian economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea depend heavily on uninterrupted flows.

Experts warned that a prolonged disruption could trigger global inflation, raise production costs, and unsettle Gulf investment and development projects.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that recent nuclear talks with the United States had produced “encouraging signals,” while warning that Tehran remains prepared for any outcome ahead of a new round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. His remarks came as fears of military confrontation grew, with the US expanding its military presence in the Gulf and President Donald Trump warning of “really bad things” if no deal is reached. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed that the third round of indirect talks between the two sides will take place in Switzerland.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed that Tehran’s nuclear programme is a matter of national pride and that the country will not abandon it while it remains under international safeguards. He said Iran is ready to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency and emphasized its right to peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment. Araqchi added that Iran is preparing a draft proposal aimed at accommodating both sides’ interests and achieving a “fast deal.”

Observers remain cautious, noting that despite positive rhetoric, major differences persist. Analysts warned that US expectations shaped by Israeli influence could hinder progress even if Iran offers significant concessions.

At least 17 people were killed and 24 others injured when a passenger bus fell into the Trishuli River in Nepal’s Dhading district on Sunday. The bus was traveling from Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu, when it lost control and plunged into the river. According to police, a large number of security personnel joined the rescue operation at the site. The injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, and authorities are working to identify the deceased. The cause of the accident remains unclear.

Road accidents are frequent in Nepal, a mountainous country where weak infrastructure, old vehicles, and challenging terrain contribute to recurring transportation disasters. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on Nepal’s intercity routes, particularly those connecting major cities through hilly regions.

Authorities have not yet determined the specific reason for the crash, and investigations are underway to establish the cause and confirm the identities of the victims.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sent a letter to the United Arab Emirates’ National Security Adviser Tahnoon bin Zayed, expressing concerns about Abu Dhabi’s policies in Yemen and Sudan. The letter, sent several weeks ago, raised allegations regarding the UAE’s activities in both conflict zones, according to Middle East Eye citing multiple U.S. and Western officials.

In the message, the Saudi Crown Prince reportedly described Riyadh’s military involvement in Yemen as necessary for national security and indicated that Saudi Arabia views Yemen as part of its sphere of influence. The letter also proposed mediation through Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi defense minister and brother of the Crown Prince.

Neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates has publicly commented on the report, which was first published by Middle East Monitor.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a floating hospital ship will be sent to Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. In a social media post on February 21, Trump said the mission would be carried out with the help of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and shared a photo of the U.S. Navy hospital ship USS Mercy. He claimed the initiative aims to provide medical care to people in Greenland who are not receiving adequate treatment.

The announcement has caused surprise and confusion in diplomatic circles, as Greenland and Denmark already have advanced, publicly funded healthcare systems offering free medical services to citizens. Neither the Danish government nor Greenland’s parliament has issued an immediate response. Trump had previously appointed Landry as a special envoy for Greenland affairs in December, and Landry described the plan as significant.

Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland’s strategic importance and past discussions about potential agreements with NATO leaders have raised concerns among European allies. Observers are debating whether the hospital mission represents humanitarian aid or a move to expand U.S. strategic influence in the Arctic region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has conducted the first test of the Sayyad-3G air defense missile in the Strait of Hormuz. The missile, with a range of 150 kilometers, was launched as part of a naval exercise. Iranian authorities stated that the new system will enhance regional air defense capabilities. The IRGC released footage of the launch on Saturday, showcasing the naval version of the previously land-based Sayyad-3G system.

According to the report, Iran had earlier tested the long-range, land-based Sayyad-3 missile on December 28, 2016. That version had a range of 120 kilometers, a length of six meters, and a weight of 900 kilograms. The recent test took place during the “Smart Control” exercise, which began on February 16 and lasted three days.

The development marks Iran’s continued effort to expand its air defense technology and adapt existing systems for naval use, as reported by Middle East Monitor.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has claimed that, according to the Bible, Israel holds rightful authority over the entire Middle East. His remarks, made during an interview with host Tucker Carlson, included references to territories such as Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The statement has triggered widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.

A joint declaration issued by the United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Ministry and signed by the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, denounced Huckabee’s comments. The statement said the remarks undermine the UN Charter and efforts to end the Gaza war. Iran accused the United States of supporting Israel’s expansionist policies.

Saudi Arabia called the comments extremist and unacceptable, demanding clarification from the US State Department. Jordan described them as an attack on regional sovereignty, while Kuwait, Oman, and Egypt labeled them violations of international law and threats to peace and stability. The Arab League warned that such baseless claims could inflame religious and national sentiments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that 32,000 people were killed in recent protests in Iran. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged Washington to present concrete evidence supporting the claim, according to Al Jazeera. Araghchi stated that if there is any doubt about the figures, the United States should make its proof public.

The Iranian minister asserted that his government has maintained full transparency by releasing a comprehensive list of those affected. According to data provided by Tehran, the list includes 3,117 civilians and 200 security personnel. The Iranian government’s figures sharply contrast with Trump’s claim, highlighting a significant discrepancy between the two sides.

Meanwhile, for the first time since last month’s deadly crackdown, large-scale anti-government demonstrations have resumed in Iran. University students across several campuses in Tehran held protests and sit-ins on Saturday, signaling renewed unrest in the capital.

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Saturday that it had captured the border town of Al-Tina near Chad. The RSF, which has been fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023, shared a video on social media showing its fighters celebrating under a banner reading “Al-Tina District.” The town was previously believed to be under the control of army-aligned joint forces. The army has not yet issued any immediate comment on the claim.

Darfur’s army-aligned governor, Minni Minnawi, condemned the RSF, accusing it of repeatedly committing crimes against innocent civilians. The conflict, which began as a civil war, has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced 11 million people, according to the United Nations, which describes Sudan’s situation as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

A recent UN fact-finding mission reported that an RSF attack in El-Fasher last October showed signs of genocide. Since the fall of El-Fasher, the RSF has conducted several operations near the Chad border, where two Chadian soldiers were killed late last year.

The Taliban government of Afghanistan has warned of retaliation following Pakistani airstrikes that killed at least 17 people in Afghan territory. The strikes, conducted on Saturday night, targeted areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, hitting a religious school and residential homes. Pakistan claimed the attacks were aimed at militant hideouts, while Kabul accused Islamabad of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the Afghan government said it reserves the right to respond and that the timing and nature of any counterattack will be determined by Taliban leadership, though alternative options remain open. Taliban leaders held an emergency meeting to discuss possible responses and informed mediating countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey about the incident.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense condemned the strikes on Sunday, describing civilian casualties that included women and children. The situation has heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Kabul asserting its right to defend national sovereignty.

Pakistan carried out air and drone strikes across several areas of Afghanistan early Sunday, reportedly killing around 17 people. Following the attacks in border regions, senior officials of Afghanistan’s Taliban government convened an emergency meeting to discuss possible retaliatory measures against Pakistan. In a statement, the Afghan government accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and asserted Kabul’s right to respond, though the timing of any counterattack would be determined by Taliban leaders.

According to The Week, Afghan authorities believe Pakistan’s new strikes breached an existing ceasefire agreement. They have informed mediator countries Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey about the situation. Pakistan claimed the strikes were precision operations based on intelligence targeting militant hideouts, while Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated on X that Pakistani forces attacked civilians, causing dozens of deaths.

The report noted that heavy border clashes occurred between the two nations last year before a ceasefire was brokered. Pakistan’s latest actions followed a rise in terrorist attacks inside its territory, which it blamed on Afghanistan.

The Islamic State (IS) on Saturday called on its members to fight against the government of Ahmed al-Shara in Syria. The appeal came through an audio message from IS spokesperson Abu Huzaifa al-Ansari, marking his first public statement in nearly two years. In the pre-recorded message released online, al-Ansari urged IS fighters to prioritize combat against the new Syrian administration, its secular government, and the National Army.

Al-Ansari’s previous message was released in January 2024, when he had called for attacks in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Gaza. The current Syrian interim government took power in December 2024 after the ouster of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad. Ahmed al-Shara, who previously had ties with al-Qaeda, has since sought to project a more moderate image.

The report also noted that Syrian forces recently advanced against Kurdish fighters, raising questions about the fate of IS detainees held in Kurdish-controlled areas. Amid this uncertainty, the United States transferred more than 5,700 IS prisoners from Syria to Iraqi prisons.