Moscow Concert Hall Attack: Over 60 Dead, ISIS Claims Responsibility

 An audacious assault on a concert hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024 resulted in the deaths of at least 60 individuals and left over 145 others wounded. The Islamic State group (ISIS) has asserted responsibility for the attack, although this assertion has not been verified independently.

Armed individuals clad in camouflage attire stormed the Crocus City Hall, situated on the city's outskirts, and began shooting at concert attendees. Witnesses recounted hearing gunshots and explosions before fleeing the premises.

Security forces reacted promptly and engaged in a confrontation with the assailants. Specifics regarding the identities or fate of the attackers remain uncertain.

Russia's health ministry confirmed the significant number of casualties and mentioned that many of the wounded are in critical condition.

The attack has garnered widespread condemnation from the global community. The United Nations Security Council labeled the incident as a "vile and cowardly act of terrorism."

Investigators are currently reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the attack. This is an evolving situation, and additional details are anticipated.

Manga Legend Akira Toriyama Passes Away

 Legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, best known for creating the global phenomenon "Dragon Ball," passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68. The cause of death was reported to be acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding in the brain.

Toriyama's studio, Bird Studio, announced the news, expressing their deep sadness and highlighting his ongoing creative projects. Tributes poured in from fans and fellow creators worldwide, celebrating his lasting impact on the manga and anime industry.

Kensington Palace Provides Update on Kate, Duchess of Cambridge

 Kensington Palace today addressed public inquiries regarding the Duchess of Cambridge's recent absence from public engagements.

The Palace confirmed that Kate Middleton underwent a successful abdominal surgery in January and is currently recovering at home. They reiterated their previous statement that the Duchess is "unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Kensington Palace appreciates the public's well wishes and understanding as the Duchess focuses on her recovery.

British Warship Balik Pilipinas Para Sa Defense Boost

 

(wikipedia)

Ang HMS Spey, isang Royal Navy patrol vessel, ay dumaong sa Maynila noong Pebrero 22 para sa isang linggong pakikipag-ugnayan na naglalayong palakasin ang maritime security sa rehiyon. Ito ang ikalawang pagbisita ni Spey sa Pilipinas nitong mga nakaraang buwan, na itinatampok ang pangako ng UK sa mga regional partnership.

Ang barko ay lalahok sa joint exercises kasama ang Philippine Navy, kabilang ang mga drills at professional exchanges. Nakatuon ang pakikipagtulungang ito sa mga lugar tulad ng pagpapatupad ng batas sa dagat at pagtugon sa sakuna, mahalaga para sa pag-navigate sa mga ibinahaging hamon sa maritime.

Mainit na tinanggap ng Philippine Navy ang pagbabalik ng Spey, na binibigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng internasyonal na kooperasyon sa pag-secure ng rehiyonal na katubigan. Ang pakikipag-ugnayan na ito ay nabuo sa matagumpay na joint exercise na "Sama Sama" noong Oktubre 2023, na nagpapakita ng patuloy na pangako sa isang matatag at maunlad na Indo-Pacific.

Spyplane Ng Russia Pinabagsak ng Ukraine

 

Noong ika-23 ng Pebrero, 2024, inihayag ng militar ng Ukraine na pinabagsak nito ang isang Russian A-50 surveillance aircraft sa Dagat ng Azov. Ito ang ikalawang  A-50 na sinasabing pinabagsak ng Ukraine sa ilang buwan.

Ipinahayag ni Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk sa Telegram, "The A-50 with the call sign 'Bayan' has flown its last!" Pinasalamatan niya sa operasyon ang air force at intelligence directorate.

Wala pang opisyal na pahayag mula sa Russia. Gayunman, kinumpirma ng emergency services sa timog na rehiyon ng Krasnodar ang pagkakatagpo ng mga debris ng eroplano at ang pagsupil ng sunog, ngunit hindi itinukoy kung ano ang uri ng eroplano.

Mahigit 500 Bagong Sanctions Ipinatupad ng US Laban sa Russia

Higit sa 500 bagong sanctions ang ipinatupad ng Estados Unidos laban sa Russia, isang hakbang na kaakibat ng ika-dalawang anibersaryo ng pag-atake ng Russia sa Ukraine. Kasama sa mga tinamaan ng sanctions ang pangunahing sistema ng card payment ng Russia, financial at military institutions, at mga opisyal na kaugnay sa pagkakakulong ni opposition leader Alexei Navalny.Sa kabila nito, nagpahayag din ang European Union ng kanilang sariling mga sanctions, partikular na ang paglimita sa access sa military technology laban sa Russia.