Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of the world’s most-wanted drug traffickers, was killed in a Mexican military operation on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The raid, supported by information from U.S. authorities, resulted in Oseguera and two others dying from injuries sustained during the mission. Four cartel members were killed at the scene, and three Mexican soldiers were injured. The U.S. State Department urged American tourists in affected areas to shelter in place as violence erupted across multiple states.

Following the operation, suspected cartel members torched buses, blocked roads, and attacked businesses in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were canceled, leaving travelers stranded, though airports later resumed operations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military’s coordination and said most of the country remained calm. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called Oseguera’s death a major development for both nations.

The operation marks a significant security milestone for Mexico amid pressure from the Trump administration to curb drug trafficking, though Sheinbaum has previously warned that targeting cartel leaders can trigger further violence.

Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been quietly developing military options for potential strikes on Iran while seeking to avoid direct conflict with President Donald Trump. According to multiple officials, Caine has expressed concerns about the scale and risks of a major operation against Iran, even as Trump has pressed for aggressive plans ranging from targeting missile sites to regime change. Caine has convened secret meetings with senior military leaders outside the Pentagon’s usual secure rooms to prevent leaks and maintain discretion.

Caine’s approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Gen. Mark Milley, who often clashed with Trump. Determined to maintain influence, Caine has adopted a reserved posture, offering professional advice without overtly challenging the president. Despite his caution, he has overseen the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the Iraq invasion. Pentagon and White House spokespeople have defended Caine’s conduct, describing him as a disciplined officer who provides unbiased military counsel.

Caine’s balancing act reflects his effort to preserve military nonpartisanship while navigating Trump’s politicized leadership style. His discretion has earned him Trump’s trust but also raised questions among officers about his assertiveness.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that Israel killed at least 84 journalists and media workers in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record for the global news media. The watchdog’s annual report, released Wednesday, found that a total of 129 media workers were killed worldwide, with Israel responsible for more than two-thirds of the deaths. Most of those killed by Israel were Palestinian, though Israeli air strikes also killed 31 staff members at Yemeni newspaper offices.

The CPJ said Israel carried out 38 of 47 targeted killings globally, which the group classifies as murders, and noted a “persistent culture of impunity” within Israel’s military regarding attacks on the press. The organization warned that the actual number of journalists killed could be higher due to press restrictions and destroyed evidence during Israel’s war on Gaza. Five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al-Sharif and Hossam Shabat, were listed among those killed.

According to monitoring site Shireen.ps, Israel has killed nearly 300 journalists since the start of the war. The CPJ also recorded journalist deaths in Sudan, Mexico, and Ukraine in 2025.

Polish prosecutors have filed criminal charges against two former intelligence chiefs for using Israeli-made Pegasus spyware in their official duties, alleging the act endangered sensitive state information. The National Prosecutors’ Office announced on Wednesday that Piotr P, former head of the ABW internal security agency, and Maciej Materka, former head of the SKW military counterintelligence service, lacked the required IT security accreditation to operate the software. Both face up to three years in prison for alleged dereliction of duty. Prosecutors said the men denied the accusations and refused to provide explanations during questioning.

Materka publicly identified himself and condemned the charges, asserting that all operations under his leadership were legally authorized and that he had served Poland with an impeccable record. The case forms part of a broader investigation into the use of Pegasus spyware by Polish officials.

Former Justice Minister and Attorney General Zbigniew Ziobro also faces separate charges, including abuse of power and misuse of funds intended for crime victims to purchase Pegasus, allegedly to monitor political opponents.

Iran and the United States are set to begin a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Wednesday and met Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi ahead of Thursday’s session. Both sides have expressed a preference for diplomacy, though Washington has imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran’s oil sales and weapons programs. The talks come as the US expands its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, destroyers, and fighter jets.

The negotiations follow earlier rounds in Oman and Geneva, where only a tentative understanding on broad principles was reached. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have accused Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program and developing long-range missiles, while Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear technology and rejects US allegations. Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would trigger retaliation across the region.

Analysts note that major gaps remain over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief, leaving uncertainty about whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran.

The United States Treasury Department announced new sanctions related to Iran just hours after President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, in which he supported possible military action. The sanctions, issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target more than 30 individuals, various entities, and ships accused of involvement in illegal Iranian petroleum sales and assistance in developing Iran’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons programs.

According to the announcement, OFAC also targeted several networks that allegedly help Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics procure raw materials and equipment necessary for producing ballistic missiles and other weapons. The move reflects continued U.S. efforts to restrict Iran’s defense and energy sectors.

The sanctions are expected to further tighten financial and logistical constraints on Iran’s military and industrial networks, though the immediate impact on regional dynamics remains unclear.

The United Kingdom has begun enforcing new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) rules for travelers from 85 countries, effective from February 25, 2026. The system applies to visitors who previously could travel visa-free, including those from the United States, Australia, and several other nations. The UK government stated that the ETA will enhance the efficiency and security of its immigration process. Travelers must apply online or through a mobile app, providing passport details, contact information, and a photo. The ETA costs £16 and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires.

The new system allows multiple entries for short-term visits such as tourism, business, or short courses, but it does not guarantee entry, as travelers must still pass immigration checks. British and Irish citizens, as well as those with permanent residency or certain exemptions, do not require an ETA. Dual citizens, however, face complications if they lack a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, which could prevent re-entry into the UK.

The UK Home Office emphasized that airlines and transport operators will verify ETA status before boarding, and applications should be submitted at least three working days in advance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the attack on Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, when Masud was visiting areas affected by post-election violence in Hatiya upazila. According to Jamaat’s statement, armed groups allegedly linked to the BNP and Awami League carried out a planned assault on Masud’s motorcade, injuring 15 to 20 people including the MP.

In a press release, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair described the attack as a violation of democratic norms and political tolerance, saying it reflected a deterioration of law and order. He urged law enforcement agencies to act more responsibly to prevent political violence and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. Zubair also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and called on the administration to ensure public safety through impartial and effective measures.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign ended in the Super Eight stage after a 61-run defeat to New Zealand at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. Despite starting the tournament with three consecutive wins at home, the hosts suffered their third straight loss, becoming the first team to exit the Super Eight. New Zealand, batting first, scored 168 for seven, led by a 47-ball 84-run partnership between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 107 in reply.

Mahish Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera each took three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Rachin Ravindra claimed four for 27 for New Zealand and was named player of the match. Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) offered brief resistance for the hosts but could not prevent a heavy defeat.

With three points from two matches, New Zealand strengthened their position in the semifinal race, while Sri Lanka’s elimination also made Pakistan’s qualification path more difficult.

Ukraine announced that its chief negotiator Rustem Umerov will meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday. The meeting is being held ahead of a possible trilateral discussion involving Russia in early March. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he will also meet Witkoff and Jared Kushner to prepare for the upcoming talks, which are expected to focus on key issues related to the ongoing conflict.

An adviser to Umerov confirmed that the Geneva meeting follows earlier discussions this month among Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials. The initiative is part of the latest diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump, though no significant progress has yet been achieved in ending Russia’s four-year aggression against Ukraine.

Zelensky stated that the agenda will include prisoner exchanges and a prosperity package aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction. Witkoff confirmed earlier in the week that the dialogue seeks pathways toward a potential peace agreement.

Bill Gates acknowledged having relationships with two Russian women and accepted responsibility for his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The admission came during an internal meeting with Gates Foundation employees, according to a spokesperson’s written statement to Reuters. The spokesperson’s comments followed a Wall Street Journal report detailing Gates’s remarks to staff.

The Gates Foundation previously stated it never funded or employed Epstein. Gates canceled his planned keynote at India’s ‘AI Impact Summit’ shortly before the event. During the internal meeting, Gates described his interactions with Epstein and bringing foundation officials to meet him as a “huge mistake.” He apologized to employees affected by his actions, emphasizing that he had done nothing illegal and had not witnessed any illegal acts.

Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice showed Gates met Epstein multiple times after Epstein’s conviction to discuss philanthropic work. Gates clarified that photos showing him with women were taken at Epstein’s request after meetings and that he never spent time with victims or women associated with Epstein.

A confidential directive from the Rajshahi Range DIG office has instructed police superintendents in eight districts to take strict measures against Awami League leaders and activists who are released on bail. The letter, signed on February 24, 2026, calls for re-arresting or showing 'shown arrest' in old or new cases if there is concern that influential or organizationally active individuals may resume political activities after release.

The directive emphasizes heightened vigilance toward active members of the Awami League and any banned or suspended organizations, while noting that those lacking organizational capacity or field-level influence need not be re-arrested for now. The letter, signed by DIG Mohammad Shahjahan, PPM (Bar), PhD, describes the matter as highly sensitive and urgent, instructing immediate implementation across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, and Joypurhat.

According to the document, the measure aims to maintain law and order and prevent potential political unrest. It also reiterates strict adherence to existing laws and regulations in providing VIP protocol and security.

Md. Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that activists from both the BNP and Awami League jointly attacked the motorcade of Abdul Hannan Masud, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the Chandandi Union’s Prokolpo Bazar area of Hatiya upazila, where Masud had gone to visit residents affected by post-election violence. Nahid made the allegation in a verified Facebook post on Wednesday night.

According to Nahid, local BNP activists initiated the attack, later joined by a group of Awami League-backed assailants, leaving several NCP members injured. He condemned the assault on an elected MP and criticized law enforcement officers present at the scene for failing to intervene effectively. Nahid described the incident as a sign of deteriorating law and order and said it undermined the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

He further demanded investigations into all post-election attacks in Hatiya and the immediate arrest of those involved in the violence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will present the country's highest civilian honor, the Ekushey Padak 2026, to distinguished citizens at a ceremony in Dhaka. The event is scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Cabinet members, senior military and civil officials, and invited dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony.

The Ekushey Padak recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various important sectors of national life. It is one of the most prestigious state awards in Bangladesh, symbolizing national pride and recognition of excellence.

After the award ceremony, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the annual Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the country's largest cultural gathering, at the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises later in the afternoon.

Police have arrested Zahidul Alam Jahangir, the suspended president of the Mithamain Upazila unit of the BNP, in connection with a case over cutting trees planted on an embankment in Kamalpur area of Kishoreganj’s Mithamain upazila. The arrest took place on Wednesday evening in the district town, confirmed by Kishoreganj Superintendent of Police Dr. S M Farhad Hossain.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Upazila Engineer Faizur Razzak filed a case with Mithamain Police Station over the incident. Following the filing of the case, the BNP central committee suspended Jahangir’s primary membership and all organizational posts. According to the report, Jahangir had been cutting down trees since August 5 to make access to his home easier, removing about 20 trees planted to prevent river erosion.

Local residents said the trees were cut in phases, with the last batch of 10 to 12 trees felled on February 21 using an electric saw. Each tree was estimated to be worth between Tk 20,000 and Tk 25,000.