Global Pulse #5

US defence chief Lloyd observes joint drills with Japan, Australia

Writer: Harman Kaur Minhas

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed confidence in the enhanced military capabilities of the US, Australia, and Japan during joint exercises in Japan. Over 7,000 service members participated in the exercises, which simulated operations on remote islands and cross-domain operations, including space and cyber defense. These exercises underscored Washington’s commitment to regional security. .. Austin praised the strength of the Japan-US alliance at a time of rapid global political change, including unrest in South Korea and the ongoing crisis in Syria.

Haiti gang-related violence kills over 180 in capital

Writer: Manushree Mahat

In an act of religious violence, voodoo practitioners in Haiti were massacred by a gang leader, accusing them of being  the reason for his son’s death. Since 2021, Haiti has been subject to gang infighting and violence, mainly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, where gangs have control over a significant part of the city. Over 184 people have been killed in this instance of violence, many of them elderly individuals  over the age of sixty, whom the gang leader perceived to be capable of putting a curse on his son. Cité Soleil, the neighbourhood where the massacre took place, is one of the poorest neighborhoods of the capital and remains tightly under gang control. The Spokesperson to the Secretary-General of UN, António Guterres, called on the Haitian government to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice.

At least 175 people killed, dozens injured in separate strikes in Sudan

Writer: Suhani Jaggi 

Approximately 175 people have been reported dead and dozens injured after a series of airstrikes hit Sudan's capital on 9th and 10th December. These attacks have been linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who have been waging a war with the Sudanese army in an ongoing conflict spanning over 20 months.

The first attack was an air strike on a busy market in Kabkabiya, 180 kilometers west of North Darfur, and reportedly killed 100 civilians. Another incident was a single shell fired at a passenger bus that killed everyone on board, totaling 22 people. Tuesday marked the year’s most violent clashes between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by his former ally and deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

This conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced 12 million, creating the worst humanitarian crisis in recent memory, with famine having been declared in the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur. 

France flies out 2 Mirage fighter jets from Chad to signal beginning of military withdrawal

Writer: Manushree Mahat

France is withdrawing its military presence from Chad, after the latter formally ended its defense agreement with Paris. Chad, formerly a French colony, ended its defense agreement last month, which was described as a turning point for the country to maintain its strategic ties in accordance with national interests. Chadian authorities came to bid farewell to two Mirage fighter jets, as negotiations continue on as to when and how the rest of France’s one thousand member strong force will be withdrawn. Chadian authorities have stated that the end of the defence agreement in no way suggests the end of the strong historical ties between the two countries, and intend to continue fostering collaboration in other shared areas of interest.

Taiwan's military on high alert as Chinese warships spotted near island.

Writer: Rohan ShahTaiwan heightened its alert on Monday in response to Chinese military drills involving nearly 90 naval and coast guard vessels across the East and South China Seas and waters near Taiwan. China established seven temporary airspace zones, concentrated near Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, as part of the maneuvers. The drills, likely provoked by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's Pacific trip with U.S. stopovers, underscore heightened tensions over Beijing's claim on Taiwan. Taiwan's defense ministry has called for vigilance, emphasizing the potential implications for regional stability and international airspace regulations.

South Korean President Yoon vows to 'fight to the end'

Writer: Delisha Rao

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to “fight to the end” against an impeachment threat following his controversial martial law order, which he quickly rescinded, sparking a major political crisis. Alleging a North Korean hack undermined his party’s April election defeat, Yoon accused the opposition of attempting to destroy the country. His ruling People Power Party (PPP) appears divided, with at least seven members expected to support the impeachment motion filed by six opposition parties. A two-thirds parliamentary majority, requiring eight PPP votes, is needed to impeach him. If passed, the Constitutional Court will have six months to decide on his removal. Yoon faces separate criminal investigations for alleged insurrection related to the martial law order. In a televised address, he denounced the opposition’s efforts as “madness” but signaled readiness to face impeachment or legal challenges, raising speculation about his potential comeback through judicial means.

EU Targets Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' with New Sanctions to Curb Oil Exports

Writer: Vanshika Saklani

The European Union has imposed new sanctions targeting Russia’s "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, a move designed to tighten restrictions on Russian oil exports and curb the Kremlin’s funding for its ongoing war in Ukraine. This fleet comprises aging, poorly maintained vessels that bypass Western restrictions on oil trade by operating under obscure ownership structures and flags of convenience, such as Panama or Liberia. These tankers are often involved in deceptive practices, like falsifying data or turning off tracking systems, to avoid detection. The EU's latest sanctions focus on around 50 of these ships, which are used to circumvent a $60 per barrel price cap imposed by Western allies. The move comes amid growing concerns over environmental risks posed by the fleet's deteriorating condition. Additionally, Chinese companies suspected of aiding Russia’s drone production were also blacklisted. The EU's goal is to intensify pressure on Moscow while reducing its revenue streams from oil exports. 

Macron ally François Bayrou appointed new French prime minister

Writer: Manushree Mahat

Amidst France’s divided parliament, which has been devoid of a majority since Macron’s inconclusive snap election in June, right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier had been ousted by a no-confidence vote, first of its kind since 1962 for the country. Following the toppling of the government, President Macron has named his close, centrist ally Francois Bayrou as the Prime Minister, becoming the fourth of the country this year. The centrist leader Bayrou has been met with doubts by both the right-wing and left-wing leaders. Jordan Bardellla, President of the far-right National Rally party, has stated that the party won't back a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister, but declared that he must remember that he doesn’t have a majority in the parliament. The Socialists have laid down conditions to not back a no-confidence vote as well.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu takes a stand in a corruption trial against him, marking the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister testified as a criminal defendant.

Writer: Suhani Jaggi

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed corruption charges against him as 'ridiculous' in court on Tuesday, becoming the country's first sitting premier to face criminal trial. It was a "historic day" as Mr Netanyahu faced charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases while running a country at war. He has become the country's first serving leader to take to the witness stand as a defendant in a criminal case. The trial has already heard from various witnesses, including former close aides of Mr Netanyahu who testified against him. But Mr Netanyahu rejected the charges, saying: "There's no corruption, no fraud. It is just ridiculous."

Iran launches new drone carrier amidst growing tensions with Israel in the middle east

Writer: Aniket Vijayvargiya

Images captured west of the port city of Bandar Abbas have revealed a container ship that has been militarized and turned into a drone carrier in a move which will significantly enhance Tehran’s abilities to operate beyond its borders. While some reports from US citizens claimed that a drone “mother-ship” was hovering off the coast, the US military confirmed that this paranoia may stem from  the launch of the new drone carrier “Bagheri” which was nowhere near US territory. As of now, the capabilities and drone capacity of the  carrier are unclear, but the introduction of this carrier marks a change in the geopolitical balance as Iran moves towards a more confrontational policy with the United States. Earlier this year, another militarized container ship sailed near the US base at Diego Garcia, adding to concerns over Iran’s strategic ambitions. As the situation in the Middle East continues to remain uncertain, Iran’s advancements in military technology can potentially prove to be an obstacle for US and Israeli interests in the region, and can further increase tensions between the countries.