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US embassy in Iraq hit as Mideast war enters third week

Explosions rocked cities across the Middle East on Saturday as the United States embassy in Baghdad was hit by a drone strike and Tehran warned Emiratis to stay away from ports as it targets the world's energy supply lines. Washington's embassy in Iraq was hit for the second time since February 28, when the US and Israel attacked Iran and plunged the Gulf into a conflict that has sent shockwaves through the global economy. Waves of drone, missile and aerial bombing have displaced millions in the region and reportedly killed more than 1,200 people in Iran. Clouds of dark black smoke were seen rising from Fujairah, home to a major Emirati port and home to oil storage and export terminal. Shortly beforehand, the Iranian military had issued a warning for Emirati civilians to avoid port areas exposed to drone and missile strikes. Despite facing superior US and Israeli firepower, Iran appears determined to fight on, launching missile and drone attacks against at least 10 of its neigh...
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India frees Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk after 6 months in jail

India on Saturday ended the preventive detention of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, freeing him six months after he was arrested over protests in India-held Ladakh. The Buddhist-Muslim enclave was deprived of its autonomy in 2019 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government carved it out of occupied Kashmir, placing the region under New Delhi’s direct control. Wangchuk, 59, an environmental advocate who became a key figure in Ladakh’s movement for greater autonomy, was held in September and later charged under India’s National Security Act (NSA) following protests that left four people dead and dozens wounded. New Delhi had blamed the violence on “provocative speeches” by Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike demanding either full federal statehood for India-held Ladakh or constitutional protections for its tribal communities, land and fragile environment. Supporters take part in a candlelight vigil protesting against the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on September 26, 2025. PHOTO: AFP Authorities in the sparsely populated, high-altitude region bordering China and Pakistan at the time said the order, issued by the district magistrate of Leh, was needed to “maintain public order”. Under the stringent NSA, a suspect can be detained for up to 12 months without being formally charged. The home ministry said in a statement on Saturday it had decided to end Wangchuk’s detention “with immediate effect” after “due consideration”. The government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. In furtherance of this objective, and after due consideration, the Government/MHA decides to… — PIB - Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 14, 2026 It is not clear if the charges against Wangchuk were dropped. Mustafa Haji, a lawyer for the Leh Apex Body — which spearheaded last year’s protests — said Wangchuk was released from jail in the western city of Jodhpur soon after. The home ministry said it remained “committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh” and having “meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders”. The decision also comes as the Supreme Court continues to hear a petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging the legality of his detention. The fate of that case remains unclear now that Wangchuk has been released. A statement posted on Wangchuk’s X account on March 12 read: “I have not stepped away from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. “But activism must serve a larger purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. It will require clarity, unity, and sincere dialogue.” Read More: Indian activist's hunger strike for Ladakh autonomy draws thousands of supporters He affirmed, “Our struggle has always been for Ladakh’s protection, dignity, and long-term well-being and shall continue to be!!” I have not stepped away from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. But activism must serve a larger purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. It will require clarity, unity, and sincere dialogue. Our struggle has always been for Ladakh’s protection, dignity, and… https://t.co/2A32pGIceN — Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) March 12, 2026 An engineer by training, Wangchuk is best known for pioneering water conservation projects in the Himalayas. He received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his environmental work and contributions to reforming local schooling in Ladakh. His life and work are said to have inspired a character played by Bollywood star Aamir Khan in the hugely popular movie 'Three Idiots'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government split Ladakh off from occupied Kashmir in 2019, imposing direct rule on both. Since its autonomy was revoked in 2019, Ladakh has called upon New Delhi to include it in the “Sixth Schedule” of India’s constitution and have its own local legislature to make its laws and policies. India’s army maintains a large presence in Ladakh, which includes disputed border areas with China. Troops from the two countries clashed there in 2020, killing at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.  

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At least 32 miners dead after bridge fails at cobalt site in southeast DR Congo

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US, Philippines kick off joint military drills in South China Sea with 16,000 troops

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Indian devotees splurge on jets, gold idols as Hindu temple opens

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