Thursday, March 5, 2026

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Cuba experiences blackout; Ecuador expels Havana’s ambassador and staff

Cuba's Ambassador to Ecuador and diplomatic staff were given 48 hours to leave Quito, as a power outage hit most of Cuba, including Havana. The blackout, caused by a fault at a thermoelectric plant, left two-thirds of the country without electricity. The crisis worsened due to the US cutting off oil shipments to Cuba, leading to fuel scarcity and rationing of key services. Ecuador's expulsion of the Cuban envoy comes amid escalating US pressure on Cuba, with President Trump suggesting a "friendly takeover". Cuba's Foreign Minister condemned Ecuador's decision, citing US aggression and pressure on other countries to align with its policies. Want More Context? 🔎

Venezuela’s President Announces Mining Reform During Visit from US Cabinet Member

United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum met with Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas to discuss reforming Venezuela’s mining laws. Burgum expressed optimism about strengthening economic relations and was accompanied by representatives from companies interested in investing in Venezuela’s oil and minerals. Critics question whether the US is exploiting Venezuela for its resources, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s push for greater access to the country’s natural wealth. Want More Context? 🔎

Deadly Landslide at DRC Coltan Mine: Over 200 Killed

A landslide triggered by heavy rains at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed over 200 people, with 70 children among the victims. Those injured were evacuated to medical facilities in Goma. Rebel group M23 disputes the death toll, claiming only five casualties, while the mine has been temporarily closed for safety reasons following the incident. The site produces 15% of the world's coltan, a valuable metal used in various industries. Want More Context? 🔎

Iran Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 Amid Israel-US Strikes

Israel conducted air strikes targeting security forces in Iran on the fifth day of the US-Israeli assault, escalating the conflict as the death toll surpassed 1,000. The strikes hit Tehran, Qom, western Iran, and Isfahan province, damaging residential units. The attacks targeted buildings associated with the Basij and Iran's internal security command. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported damage near the Isfahan nuclear site, but no risk of nuclear material release. Plans for a funeral ceremony for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were postponed due to logistical issues. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel and US military bases, with some hitting military assets and civilian infrastructure. Senior Iranian officials are working to elect Khamenei's successor, with Mojtaba Khamenei seen as a frontrunner. US President Donald Trump stated that Iranian leadership is in disarray, while the UN reported 100,000 people fleeing Tehran due to the conflict. Iran's Foreign Minister criticized Trump for betraying diplomacy, and the US Senate voted against a resolution to curb Trump's ability to wage war on Iran. Want More Context? 🔎