Colombian Military Plane With 110 Soldiers Crashes During Takeoff Near Peru Border

<p>A Colombian military transport aircraft carrying around 110 soldiers was involved in a horrific accident while taking off from a remote airport in the country&rsquo;s southern Amazon region near the border with Peru. Authorities said the aircraft went down shortly after departure, prompting an emergency response, while the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The aircraft had taken off from Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo department, a sparsely populated area deep in Colombia&rsquo;s southern Amazon basin, close to the Peruvian border.</p> <p>Local radio station BluRadio reported that the plane came down roughly 3 kilometres from an urban centre shortly after take-off.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="es">Con profundo dolor informo que un avi&oacute;n H&eacute;rcules de nuestra <a href="https://twitter.com/FuerzaAereaCol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FuerzaAereaCol</a> sufri&oacute; un tr&aacute;gico accidente mientras despegaba de Puerto Legu&iacute;zamo (Putumayo), cuando transportaba tropas de nuestra Fuerza P&uacute;blica. <br /><br />Unidades militares ya se encuentran en el lugar de los hechos; sin&hellip;</p> &mdash; Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez S. Orgullosamente Colombiano (@PedroSanchezCol) <a href="https://twitter.com/PedroSanchezCol/status/2036107815345914099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <h2>Crash In Remote Amazon Region</h2> <p>According to reports, the aircraft was carrying troops from Colombia&rsquo;s public forces at the time of the accident. Emergency teams, military personnel and local authorities were deployed to the crash site, which is located in a difficult-to-access jungle region. Officials said assistance protocols for victims and their families had been activated, and a formal investigation was underway to determine what led to the crash.</p> <h2>President Orders Urgent Military Review</h2> <p>President Gustavo Petro reacted to the incident by calling for urgent modernisation of the country&rsquo;s military equipment, saying bureaucratic delays had slowed planned upgrades to transport aircraft and helicopters.</p> <p>In a statement, Petro said the lives of young soldiers were at stake and insisted that the armed forces must improve mobility and operational capability, particularly in remote regions affected by ageing aircraft and limited transport capacity.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="es">La renovaci&oacute;n del armamento de las fuerzas militares es una decisi&oacute;n de mi presidencia desde hace a&ntilde;os.<br /><br />Las dificultades burocr&aacute;ticas en la administraci&oacute;n militar no han permitido realizar el Conpes/confis desde hace un a&ntilde;o que lo ped&iacute;.<br /><br />Si los funcionarios administrativos&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/w4lXrnvqz8">https://t.co/w4lXrnvqz8</a></p> &mdash; Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) <a href="https://twitter.com/petrogustavo/status/2036114051973935369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p>He added that he hoped there would be no fatalities in what he described as a horrific accident, while urging officials to avoid speculation until confirmed information is released.</p> <p>The Colombian military has not yet issued a final statement on casualties, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing.</p>

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Iran Threatens To Shut Strait Of Hormuz ‘Completely’ If US Hits Energy Sites

<p>As the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its fourth week, tensions have sharply escalated with Tehran issuing its strongest warning yet&mdash;an indefinite shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz if Washington proceeds with threats to attack Iranian energy infrastructure.</p> <p>The warning, reported by CNN and attributed to Iran&rsquo;s Armed Forces headquarters, signals a potential tension, where military escalation could trigger widespread disruption across global energy and trade networks.</p> <h3>Tehran Raises Stakes With Sweeping Warning</h3> <p>Iran&rsquo;s position was reinforced by Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who cautioned the United States against what he described as &ldquo;misadventures.&rdquo; He warned that any strike on Iranian facilities would expand the conflict&rsquo;s scope dramatically.</p> <p>According to Qalibaf, U.S.-linked financial and infrastructure networks in the region could become direct targets if hostilities intensify. He further warned that key oil and energy sites across the Middle East risk being &ldquo;irreversibly destroyed&rdquo; in the event of retaliation.</p> <h3>Military Signals Broad Retaliation Strategy</h3> <p>Iran&rsquo;s Armed Forces outlined an expansive response plan, making clear that any attack on domestic power plants would trigger immediate and far-reaching consequences. &ldquo;Immediately after the power plants and infrastructure in our country are targeted, the critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and oil facilities throughout the region will be considered legitimate targets,&rdquo; the headquarters said, as quoted by ANI.</p> <p>The statement also pointed to potential strikes on Israeli systems and entities across the region with American financial links. Additionally, Iran warned that &ldquo;power plants of regional countries hosting U.S. bases&rdquo; could be targeted, indicating that retaliation may not be limited to direct adversaries.</p> <h3>Trump&rsquo;s 48-Hour Ultimatum Intensifies Crisis</h3> <p>The move follow a stark warning from Donald Trump, who said he would authorize strikes on Iranian infrastructure if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is not restored within 48 hours.</p> <p>The waterway, a critical artery for global oil shipments, has already seen tanker movement severely disrupted amid rising threats and attacks. Trump&rsquo;s ultimatum has amplified fears that the standoff could tip into direct military confrontation, with global repercussions.</p> <h3>Global Energy Flows Hang In Balance</h3> <p>Iran has indicated that if its energy infrastructure is damaged, the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until reconstruction is complete&mdash;a timeline that could stretch for months or even years. Such a scenario would place immense pressure on global energy markets, potentially driving fuel prices sharply higher and disrupting supply chains worldwide.</p>

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Strait Of Hormuz Turns Flashpoint As Iran Floats $2 Million Transit Fee Amid Gulf Tensions

<p>Iran has signaled a dramatic shift in how it may control maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with a senior lawmaker suggesting that merchant vessels could be charged up to $2 million for passage. The remarks, delivered by Alaeddin Boroujerdi during a televised appearance and later amplified by state media, come amid intensifying geopolitical friction in the Gulf.</p> <h3>Tehran Signals &lsquo;Cost Of War&rsquo; Through Transit Charges</h3> <p>Boroujerdi framed the proposed fees as both a financial necessity and a symbol of national authority over one of the world&rsquo;s most critical shipping corridors. &ldquo;Because war has costs, naturally we must take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,&rdquo; he reportedly said. He also described the move as reflective of Iran&rsquo;s &ldquo;strength&rdquo; and its capacity to regulate access through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international markets, as per a report on India Today.</p> <p>The suggestion underscores Tehran&rsquo;s attempt to leverage geography at a time of heightened confrontation, using economic tools alongside military posturing.</p> <h3>Global Shipping &amp; Energy Markets On Edge</h3> <p>The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of the world&rsquo;s oil shipments, making any disruption a matter of global concern. Even the prospect of steep transit fees could unsettle shipping operators already grappling with conflict-related risks in the region.</p> <p>For international firms, the implications extend beyond higher costs. Payments routed to Iranian authorities could potentially violate existing sanctions, exposing companies to legal challenges and financial penalties. This adds another layer of complexity to navigating one of the busiest &mdash; and now most volatile &mdash; maritime chokepoints, reported NDTV.</p> <h3>War Of Words Intensifies Between Washington &amp; Tehran</h3> <p>The comments come against the backdrop of sharp rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that Washington could target Iran&rsquo;s energy infrastructure if maritime access is curtailed. Trump stated that the United States would destroy Iran&rsquo;s &ldquo;various power plants, starting with the biggest one first&rdquo; if restrictions persist.</p> <p>Boroujerdi responded with a stark counterwarning, asserting that Israel&rsquo;s energy infrastructure could be destroyed &ldquo;within a day&rdquo; if Iran retaliates. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that while the strait remains operational, access may not be uniformly granted, suggesting a selective approach based on geopolitical alignments.</p> <h3>Strait Of Hormuz Emerges As High-Stakes Battleground</h3> <p>Tehran has also warned of a complete shutdown of the strait if its facilities come under attack, heightening fears of a direct confrontation. Although Iranian officials claim neutral vessels are being allowed safe passage, recent incidents involving ships have already disrupted tanker movement.</p> <p>As tensions deepen, the Strait of Hormuz is fast becoming both a strategic lever and a potential flashpoint. Any escalation here could ripple across global energy markets and trade networks, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the unfolding standoff.</p>

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US President Trump Signals Plan To Wind Down Military Operations Against Iran

<p><strong>Donald Trump West Asia Crisis</strong>: US President Donald Trump has indicated via a social media post that Washington may soon reduce its military campaign against Iran, even as steps are being taken to stabilise global energy markets amid rising concerns over supply shortages. The remarks come as tensions in the Middle East remain high, with ongoing military exchanges and economic measures shaping the broader geopolitical landscape.</p> <h2>Trump Hints At 'Winding Down' Military Action</h2> <p>In a post on Truth Social, President Trump suggested that the United States could be nearing the end of its current military objectives.</p> <p>"Getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East."</p> <p>This marks the clearest indication yet that the administration is considering de-escalation following hostilities that began on February 28. The statement has sparked speculation about a possible shift in US strategy in the region.</p> <h3>White House Highlights Progress Of Operations</h3> <p>Shortly after Trump&rsquo;s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided further context on the timeline and progress of the mission.</p> <p>"the President and the Pentagon predicted it would take approximately 4-6 weeks to achieve this mission."</p> <p>"Tomorrow marks week 3 and the US Armed Forces are doing an exceptional job," Leavitt continued. "Day by day, the Iranian Regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened."</p> <p>Her comments underscored the administration&rsquo;s view that military operations have been effective so far.</p> <h3>Iran Responds With Fresh Attacks</h3> <p>Meanwhile, Iran has continued its offensive actions, launching a new wave of drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia and Israel. The escalation followed claims by supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who said the country had delivered a "dizzying blow" to its adversaries.</p> <p>The developments indicate that despite signals of a potential US drawdown, tensions on the ground remain volatile.</p> <h3>US Moves To Ease Oil Supply Pressure</h3> <p>Alongside military considerations, the United States has taken steps to address growing concerns over global oil availability. The US Treasury announced a temporary relaxation of sanctions on Iranian oil shipments already in transit.</p> <p>The measure permits the sale and delivery of crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels before March 20, with the authorisation valid until April 19.</p>

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Iran’s 4,000-km Missile Missed US Base Diego Garcia, But the Message Hit Hard

<p>Iran&rsquo;s failed strike on the Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean this week has drawn attention for what it signals about Tehran&rsquo;s military reach rather than the outcome itself.</p> <p>Tehran reportedly launched two ballistic missiles at the joint UK-US base, marking the first known instance in the current conflict where it appears to have used weapons with a range exceeding 2,000 km.</p> <p>According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, one missile failed mid-flight, while the second prompted a response from a US warship, which launched an SM-3 interceptor. It remains unclear whether the interception was successful.</p> <h2><strong>Strategic Significance Beyond Impact</strong></h2> <p>Despite the strike failing to hit its target, Diego Garcia remains a critical hub for US military operations, hosting heavy bombers and surveillance aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers.</p> <p>The episode has raised questions about defence preparedness. If the SM-3 interceptor did not neutralise the missile, it could point to gaps in advanced defence systems. If it did, analysts note that Iran still achieved a strategic objective by forcing the deployment of high-end interception systems in response to a limited strike.</p> <h2><strong>Analysts Flag Possible Experimental System</strong></h2> <p>William Alberque, a Europe-based Senior Fellow at the Pacific Forum, told Bloomberg, &ldquo;Nobody, and I mean nobody, even guessed&rdquo; that Iran had missiles with that range.</p> <p>He suggested Iran may have deployed an experimental system, adding, &ldquo;They probably used a modified missile &ndash; maybe a prototype.&rdquo;</p> <p>Such modifications could involve reducing payload weight or even removing the warhead entirely to extend operational range.</p> <h2><strong>Timing Adds To Escalation</strong></h2> <p>The attempted strike came before the United Kingdom publicly confirmed it would allow the United States to use Diego Garcia and the Fairford base in southwest England for operations targeting Iranian missile infrastructure linked to attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, AFP reported.</p> <p>It also followed a warning from Iranian General Abolfazl Shekarchi, who said &ldquo;parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations&rdquo; worldwide would not be safe for the country&rsquo;s enemies.</p> <p>British officials later described Iran&rsquo;s actions as destabilising, stating that Tehran&rsquo;s &ldquo;lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies.&rdquo;</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-s-4-000-km-missile-missed-us-base-diego-garcia-but-the-message-hit-hard-1832327

PM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis With Iran President Pezeshkian

<p><strong>PM Modi West Asia Crisis</strong>: Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (March 21, 2026), focusing on bilateral ties and the evolving regional situation. The discussion centred on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and recent military actions linked to the United States, with both leaders sharing their perspectives on the crisis and its wider implications.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Iran&rsquo;s Position on Ongoing Conflict</h2> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Telephone Conversation between President Pezeshkian and the Prime Minister of India<br /><br />Dr. Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a telephone conversation on Saturday, 21 March 2026, with Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, during which they discussed&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/FFjzPnpe81">pic.twitter.com/FFjzPnpe81</a></p> &mdash; Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/Iran_in_India/status/2035348460673937418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p>During the call, President Pezeshkian outlined Iran&rsquo;s stance, asserting that the country was not responsible for initiating the conflict.&nbsp;According to him, the strikes occurred amid ongoing nuclear negotiations and resulted in heavy losses, including senior leadership figures, military officials, and civilians.</p> <p>He also highlighted damage to key infrastructure, adding that a school in Minab was targeted, leading to the deaths of 168 schoolchildren.</p> <p>Reiterating Iran&rsquo;s willingness to engage diplomatically, Pezeshkian said the country remains open to dialogue with global leaders to ensure transparency around its nuclear programme.</p> <p>He also proposed the creation of a regional security framework involving West Asian nations, aimed at promoting peace through cooperation without external interference.</p> <p>Pezeshkian further urged BRICS nations to take an independent stance in preventing further escalation and supporting regional peace efforts.</p> <h3>PM Modi Raises Concerns Over Global Impact</h3> <p>Prime Minister Modi conveyed his greetings on the occasions of <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Eid al-Fitr</span></span> and <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Nowruz</span></span> to Iran&rsquo;s President, government, and citizens, expressing hopes for a year marked by peace and calm.</p> <p data-start="278" data-end="401" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">That said, he also underlined the need to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz and ensure uninterrupted navigation through the Persian Gulf.</p> <p>PM Modi further expressed serious concern over the intensifying conflict. He condemned attacks on critical energy infrastructure, stating that such actions could disrupt food and energy security worldwide.</p>

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Pakistan Rebuts US Claims On Missile Threat, Cites India In Defence Amid Diplomatic Tensions

<p data-start="98" data-end="485">United States of America (USA) raised concerns over Pakistan&rsquo;s missile and nuclear capabilities, prompting a sharp response from <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">the latter</span></span>. While rejecting the allegations, Islamabad has once again brought <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">India</span></span> into the discussion, framing its defence posture as a response to regional dynamics. The development comes at a time when geopolitical tensions remain high, with global powers increasingly scrutinising nuclear capabilities across South Asia and beyond.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1121fb6" data-start="656" data-end="700">US Concerns Over Pakistan&rsquo;s Capabilities</h3> <p data-start="702" data-end="1018">The controversy began after <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Tulsi Gabbard</span></span>, serving as US National Intelligence Director, flagged Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear and missile arsenal as a potential threat to the United States.</p> <p data-start="702" data-end="1018">In her remarks on March 18, 2026, she grouped Pakistan alongside other countries seen as posing strategic risks.</p> <p data-start="1020" data-end="1290">Gabbard stated that Pakistan, along with Russia, China, and North Korea, represents one of the most significant nuclear threats to the US. She also highlighted China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea as nations developing capabilities that could endanger American security.</p> <p data-start="1326" data-end="1511">Responding to these claims, Pakistan strongly dismissed the accusations. A senior official from the Foreign Ministry, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Tahir Hussain Andrabi</span></span>, issued a categorical denial.</p> <p data-start="1513" data-end="1662">"Pakistan categorically rejects the recent allegation made by a US official regarding the potential threat posed by Pakistan's missile capabilities."</p> <p data-start="1664" data-end="1837">The statement underscored Islamabad&rsquo;s position that its defence infrastructure is not aimed at threatening global powers but is instead driven by regional security concerns.</p> <h3 data-section-id="tyyi2" data-start="1839" data-end="1872">India Brought Into The Debate</h3> <p data-start="1874" data-end="2089">While rebutting the US claims, Pakistan also referenced India&rsquo;s military capabilities. Andrabi asserted that Pakistan&rsquo;s missile programme is defensive and designed to ensure national security and regional stability.</p> <p data-start="2091" data-end="2398">He maintained that the programme is primarily intended to counter perceived threats from India. Additionally, the Pakistani side raised concerns about India&rsquo;s missile developments, particularly those with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometres, describing them as a matter of concern for neighbouring countries.</p> <p data-start="2722" data-end="2913"><em><strong>Also Check: <a title="Trump Mulls 'Winding Down' Iran War, Says Other Nations Will Have To Guard Strait Of Hormuz" href="https://ift.tt/Iwg7nHq" target="_self">Trump Mulls 'Winding Down' Iran War, Says Other Nations Will Have To Guard Strait Of Hormuz</a></strong></em></p>

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