Latest News
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Italian-led EU forces board a sanctioned Russian tanker in the Mediterranean
A naval mission from the EU led by Italy boarded on Sunday a tanker belonging to 'Russia's shadow fleet. This is the second time in less than two weeks that a vessel has been boarded. Europe is intensifying its scrutiny of vessels suspected of helping Moscow bypass oil sanctions. The Italian Defence Ministry reported that the Toa Payoh tanker, which was subject to EU sanctions and was sailing from Benin towards Istanbul, had been intercepted just west of Pantelleria, an island in Sicily. According to a source with knowledge of the operation, the vessel only switched to a Cameroon registration last week. The inspection was conducted by the maritime authorities to ensure that the tanker had the legal right to fly the Cameroon Flag and that all of its registration documents were valid. Sources said that the EU Naval Mission, Operation EUNAVFOR Med Irini did not have authority to seize vessels at such inspections. Therefore, the Toa Payoh wasn't detained. The?documentation collected during the boarding is still being reviewed and can be used by national officials for a later sequestration, if needed. Toa Payoh’s captain initially refused to cooperate with EUNAVFOR MED’s mission. A team of Italian military personnel was then sent to board the vessel using a helicopter launched from the EUNAVFOR MED flagship, Thaon di Revel. The inspection, which was carried out by a Greek vessel with the assistance of a Polish maritime surveillance aircraft, took about two hours. It was concluded'safely,' according to the ministry. No immediate comment was made by Russia. The Sunday operation comes after the July 20 boarding of MV South Star. This tanker was also linked to Russia's Shadow Fleet and was inspected by Irini Forces over suspicions that it was also sailing under a false banner. The European Union has imposed sanctions against scores of vessels it claims are part of Russia's "shadow fleet", which is used to circumvent restrictions on oil exports ever since its invasion of Ukraine. EUNAVFOR Med Irini was launched in 2020 as a naval mission of the EU to enforce an arms embargo imposed by the U.N. on Libya. Since then, EU governments have expanded its scope by authorizing it to conduct verification boards. (Reporting and editing by Kevin Liffey, Alex Richardson and Crispian Balmer)
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Italian-led EU forces board a sanctioned Russian tanker in the Mediterranean
The Italian Defence Ministry reported that an EU team led by Italy boarded on Sunday a tanker from Russia's "shadow fleet" to verify the nationality and flag registration. It was not immediately clear if the vessel had been held while the checks were being carried out. The ministry reported that the Toa Payoh tanker, which was under EU sanctions and sailing under the?flag of Cameroon's, had been intercepted by Italian authorities in the Mediterranean west of the island of Pantelleria while traveling from Benin towards Istanbul. The captain of the ship initially refused to cooperate. A team of Italian military 'personnel' then 'launched' a helicopter from the 'Thaon di Revel', the flagship of EUNAVFOR MED Irini. The inspection was carried out by a Greek vessel, assisted by a Polish maritime surveillance aircraft. It lasted two hours, and the ministry reported that it was completed safely. The Italian authorities examined the documentation that was obtained during the inspection. The European Union imposed sanctions on scores vessels it says are a part of the "shadow fleet" that Russia has used to circumvent its oil export restrictions since its invasion in Ukraine. EUNAVFOR MED 'Irini' is a naval mission of the EU launched in 2020 with the aim to enforce a U.N. -imposed arms embargo against Libya. Since then, EU governments have expanded?its mandate by authorizing it to conduct verification boards of vessels suspected of flying false flags. (Reporting and editing by Kevin Liffey; Crispian Balmer)
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After talks fail, WestJet flight crews strike
Flight attendants at Canada's WestJet went 'on strike' on Sunday, after failing to reach an agreement with the country's second-largest airline. This resulted in the cancellation of flights during busy summer travel seasons. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 4,400 flight-attendants at the carrier owned by Onex Corp., gave a 72-hour notice on Thursday, signaling that there could be a strike if negotiations failed to yield an agreement. In a Sunday Facebook post announcing the?strike, the?union didn't provide any details. CUPE and airline 'didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comments outside of business hours. The union wants to pay its members from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, but that's not the case. WestJet canceled 309 flights from Sunday night to Monday morning in anticipation of the strike. The company stated on its website that it did this to "minimize the risk of guests and aircraft being stranded." The strike is part of a larger effort by flight attendants to challenge compensation structures that pay cabin crew primarily when the aircraft is moving. (Reporting from Sumedha Mukherjee, Bengaluru. Editing by Joe Bavier & William Mallard.
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Thirteen die in tourist plane crash over Peru's Nazca Lines
Authorities in Nazca Province said that a?small tourist aircraft crashed Saturday while flying over the 'Nazca lines archaeological site' in southern Peru. Thirteen people were killed. In a press release, the Peruvian Ministry of Commerce and Tourism stated that 11 foreign tourists and 2 crew members were aboard. Local authorities reported that the plane crashed near Pueblo Viejo. This is approximately 6 km (4miles) away from the city of Nazca, and about 12 km (7miles) from Nazca Lines. Local authorities reported that the small plane was owned by the local Peruvian carrier Aerodiana and took off from Pisco Airport. The company did not respond to requests for comment. According to reports from the local press, it happened at 12:55?pm. The plane was on a sightseeing flight at the time and was preparing to return. According to RPP, the Peruvian radio station, after the crash, a fire broke out in the plane, rendering any rescue efforts impossible. Firefighters, police officers and municipal officials were sent to put out the fire and begin initial rescue operations. Local authorities have said that they will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of this crash. Social media footage shared showed what appeared to be the wreckage of a small aircraft on an arid landscape. I was unable independently to verify the footage. Nazca Lines are a series of geometric and huge drawings etched in the desert plains of southern Peru. They attract around 100,000 tourists annually. The Nazca Lines are usually viewed from small aircraft that fly over the site. The Nazca 'lines were suspended Friday because of winds above 40 kph, which caused dust to be blown around and reduced visibility. Local media reported that strong winds forced two small planes carrying Peruvian tourists, and six other aircraft carrying foreigners to divert their flights to Marcona Airport.
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Crimean families line up for hot food as Ukraine cuts power supply
A chef prepared to serve dozens if people who were waiting for a hot meal after Ukrainian attacks had cut off power in their kitchens. Fuel supplies in cities and towns throughout Crimea, the area that Russia annexed as part of Ukraine in 2014, were limited for most of the summer due to Ukrainian attacks on power plants and other infrastructure. Ukraine says that it is "bringing the war home to Russia" through intensified strikes on the territory and deep within the country controlled by its neighbor. Oksana Mdyud, the head of Massandra's town administration, said that her workers serve 200 people a day. She said, "We are preparing hot meals because not everyone can cook food hot on an electric stove." Marina, a local woman, complained that her leg pain made it difficult to descend from her 10th floor?apartment, but her lack of electricity sent her on a 'hunt' for a gas cooker and cylinders. She said that her apartment was empty. "We have an electric cooker, that's all." Alexandra, a resident of a nearby older age, also said that she was lured by the aroma of the food after being without electricity for 10 days. She added that "they turned it back on today at 4 o'clock", but was not sure if the lights would be still on when she got home. Reporting by Lucy Papachristou, Writing by Andrew Heavens
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Iraq is expecting to extend pipeline agreement with Turkey, INA reports
Iraq is planning to sign a?agreement for a year to continue Iraqi crude?flows?through?the Turkish?port of Ceyhan. This was announced by the oil ministry, according to Iraqi News Agency. The agreement would renew a 'decades long bilateral arrangement which expired on Monday, which allowed the operation of Baghdad’s 'only working export pipeline, the Iraq Turkey Pipeline (ITP). Salim al Rikabi, INA's spokesman, said that Iraq's Oil Minister is visiting Turkey on Saturday to sign an agreement providing for a daily capacity of 750,000 barallons. The extension will give time to negotiate a comprehensive agreement. The Turkish government wants the pipeline with its?capacity to transport 1.5 million barrels of oil per day to be fully utilised, and possibly extended to southern Iraqi fields. According to Turkish data, the pipeline currently carries?170,000 barrels per day.
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UKMTO reports two incidents of tanker accidents off Oman
The 'United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations' (UKMTO), a division of the United Kingdom Government, said : "On Saturday we received reports...of two maritime incidents...off Oman. One incident involved a tanker that was hit by an unknown projectile." UKMTO reported that in the first incident a tanker struck by a projectile unknown about 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Lima. The damage to the engine room left the vessel without command. The UKMTO said that there were no reports of casualties or environmental impacts. Later, the UKMTO reported that it received a second report of an incident?21 nautical mile northeast of Oman’s Khasab. The tanker's master reported a large explosion and splash in close proximity to his vessel. However, no damage was reported. Lima and Khasab lie on Oman's Musandam Peninsula, at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. This is a strategic shipping chokepoint through which a fifth of the world's oil consumption passes. In recent weeks, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was a risky endeavor. Ships reported security incidents and shipowners took 'additional measures' as hostilities between Iran and the United States escalated. Reporting by Hatem Mahar and Enas Alashray; Editing By William Mallard & Kirsten Donovan
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India's record renewable power generation in July reduces coal's share to a 1-year low
In July, the share of coal in India's power generation mix fell to its lowest level?in an entire year as renewable energy production surged?to a new record high. The data revealed that renewable power has risen to 20% of India's total mix. The data showed that the number of kilowatt hours (kWh) consumed in July was 36.25, a 30% increase from last year. Grid-India, the state-run regulator, calculated that coal-power generation dropped to 65.7% from 69% in July. India's clean energy generation has risen as solar and wind output have exceeded 100 gigawatts. This is the first time that this figure was higher than 42.8%. Manoj Kumar, analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said that the majority of peak power demand occurs during the daytime, when solar contributes more. He cited a rising renewable share in the nation's electricity generation. The data revealed that coal-fired electricity generation increased by 12.8% on an annual basis to 119.40 Gigawatt Hours in July. Analysts attribute the rise in coal-power production to a decline in hydropower and due to an El Nino pattern where "searing heat" is driving the demand for cooling at night. El Nino has caused a significant shift in rainfall patterns and elevated temperatures. This is why hydropower generation fell for the second consecutive month. CREA stated that the lower hydro generation due to El Nino combined with increased power demand could result in a gap in power generation of nearly 18 billion kWh. This will lead to an increase in coal-fired energy in India. Data showed that India's electricity production in July increased 10.4% compared to a year ago, reaching 181.79 billion kWh. Sethuraman N.R.; William Mallard, Editor
China's fishing vessel raises concern off Argentina
A radio on an Argentine Coast Guard ship picked up a garbled Mandarin message from boats nearby.
The vessels were part of a fleet of 200 Chinese fishing boats that spend several months each year in the waters off South America, primarily to catch squid for 'the world's biggest squid markets'.
Over the past decade, the size of the flotilla increased by almost 50%. Buenos Aires increased its surveillance in that period to ensure the flotilla didn't fish within the exclusive economic zones where Argentina controls all maritime resources.
Interviews with four Argentinean and four U.S. officials revealed that Washington also had concerns about overfishing outside of the country's borders, and suspicions about intelligence gathering. Washington began highlighting global overfishing of Chinese-flagged ships in the late 2010s when the first Donald Trump Administration started to stress U.S. rivalry with Beijing. Trump, who extended a $20 billion financial lifeline to the government of Argentinean leader Javier Milei last year, has declared U.S. 'dominance' over the Western Hemisphere as a major objective of his administration.
Washington is at odds with China because it has invested heavily in Latin America over the past 20 years, including Argentina. Beijing has built port facilities in Brazil and Peru, developed Venezuela's petroleum sector and established a military-run station for space observation in Argentina.
In response to questions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that suspicions about intelligence gathering surrounding the fishing fleet are "pure speculations without any factual foundation."
The ministry stated that "China is an responsible fishing nation. It strictly enforces the regulations of its distant water fishing activities, and engages in mutually beneficial fishing cooperation with the relevant countries according to international law."
The U.S. helped Argentina improve its patrols to protect its waters against illegal fishing. This included approving the purchase of P-3C Orion maritime reconnaissance aircraft, which are U.S. origin.
Marcelo Rozas, vice-minister of defense for 2025, has said that Argentina had suspicions about some Chinese fishing vessels being equipped with antennas which are incompatible with fishing activities.
He said that they may have been looking to intercept communications or information, but did not provide any details on the antennas.
Buenos Aires, Washington, and Argentina have discussed Chinese vessels observed by Argentina moving in a way that indicates they may be mapping the continental plate for undersea resource, said Juan Battaleme.
Only Argentina is allowed to explore and exploit the resources in its shelf under international law.
Washington was worried that China's fleet is being used to establish a regional presence, and to?test Argentina’s ability to control their waters in the South Atlantic which provides access to Antarctica, and other important water passages.
People interviewed for this article did not offer any evidence to support their suspicions. The review of maritime movement from January 2025 until March 2026, using a ship tracking platform developed by New Zealand's Starboard Maritime intelligence?found no evidence that Chinese-flagged ships were engaged in mass seabed map activity around Argentina at that time. Data from the firm did not exclude such an activity on a smaller-scale.
Battaleme, without revealing any details, said that Argentine officials notified Beijing whenever incidents of possible seabed map mapping were spotted.
He said that the Chinese officials responded with "ambiguous excuses"?about why a boat's trajectory had been changed.
China's Foreign Ministry ?did not address a question on its interactions with Argentine officials in its statement.Argentina's defense ministry and coast guard did not respond to requests for comment.
A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment on specifics of the private diplomatic or intelligence discussions with Buenos Aires. However, Washington viewed Argentina as a "key leader in regional safety."
A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the Pentagon was concerned about activities which "challenge sovereign nations' ability to manage their waters" and "aware of the global concerns regarding dual-use nature certain distant-water fisheries fleets".
MASSIVE FLEET
The size of China's massively subsidized far-water fishing fleet is the root cause of global overfishing concerns. It is the largest fleet in the world.
According to the London-based ODI Global, China's naval fleet is composed of over 16,000 boats. However, in 2023 the Chinese government stated that this number was only 2,500.
Oceana, a U.S. nonprofit organization, said that last year about half of visible global fishing activities can be attributed Beijing.
Chinese fleets have expanded around the world, largely because Beijing has overfished its own coasts and depleted stock levels.
Collin Koh is a security expert at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. He said that such fleets in the South China Sea include militia units, whose members are fishermen by day but who can be called upon to assist Beijing with security tasks.
Gregory Poling, an expert in maritime security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said that he saw no evidence of systematic militia activities by the Chinese off the coast of Latin America. He said that China had not acknowledged publicly the presence of commercial vessels in its maritime miltia.
U.S. officials who are studying the Chinese presence in Argentina "wonder... whether these boats played any role in gathering intel for the Chinese," according to Jana Nelson, the top Pentagon official in the Biden Administration for this region.
She stated that she didn't know if the conclusion was reached.
The fleet is located near strategic waters. U.S. aircraft carrier ships pass through the Strait of Magellan which connects the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Oceans, and offers an alternative to the Panama Canal.
Despite Milei’s friendship with Trump, and his previous remarks that Argentine waters are "invaded" by illegal fisherman, his government has avoided mentioning China directly when discussing the foreign vessel. Other countries operate fishing boats as well. While most are Chinese-flagged, there are also other nations that operate in this area.
Battaleme stated that unlike Washington, Argentina does not have a rivalry strategic with China. Beijing, Argentina's largest trading partner since March, buys important agricultural exports such as soybeans and cattle. Beijing has become a major player in the investment world, investing money in sectors ranging from renewable energy to infrastructure and lithium.
Battaleme said that it was in Argentina's best interest to find out if China gathers intelligence by using its fleet.
He said that in this sense, North American interests and ours coincide.
'SURPRISE FACTOR'
The majority of the squid-fishing near Argentina occurs at night when boats use beams to attract Illex Squid migrating into the high seas. Trawlers drag nets during the day to capture other fish.
Argentina raised its concerns about overfishing in discussions with Beijing and other countries, hoping to achieve an agreement that would protect the stock.
"They are fishing viciously in the region," said Marcela, a specialist on squid at Argentina's National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development.
I was aboard the Argentine Coast Guard ship Azopardo when it sailed outside the EEZ of the country, towards the bright lights from the fleet's squid boat.
On the radar screen, a red line marked where the EEZ began. Outside were hundreds of green triangles that represented foreign boats.
Bruno Cian, auxiliary coast guard officer, said: "The idea is that there should be a surprise element." To see who is infringing." Even as recently as 2016, Argentina sank an illegally fishing Chinese trawler.
The days of coast guards chasing boats on the high seas, firing warning shots to try and capture them for fishing illegally are over.
The data from the Coast Guard shows that there were only four suspected incidents of illegal fishing by foreign vessels in the EEZ during 2021-2025.
Battaleme stated that "we are certain that the Chinese now know that we can monitor them." Reporting by Leila Mille in Buenos Aires, and Farah Masters in Hong Kong. Additional reporting by Pete McKenzie. Editing by Katerina Ang.
(source: Reuters)