International News Roundup – March 9, 2026

Caribbean

Jamaica ends Cuban medical program over legal and labor concerns

The Jamaican government announced the end of its Cuban medical cooperation program after a review identified legal and labor concerns. Authorities said Cuban doctors did not hold their passports and their salaries were paid to Cuban authorities rather than directly to workers. Kingston said it proposed restructuring the program to comply with national and international labor standards. Havana criticized the decision, calling it the result of pressure from the United States.

Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana join U.S.-led anti-cartel coalition

Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana joined the regional Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition during the Shield of the Americas summit in Florida. The initiative backed by U.S. President Donald Trump aims to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. Leaders discussed intelligence sharing and possible military cooperation against cartels. Several Latin American and Caribbean countries attended the summit.

Latin America

Colombia elects fragmented Congress amid low voter turnout

Colombia’s legislative elections on March 8, 2026 resulted in a fragmented Congress with more than 50% voter abstention. The governing Historic Pact and the opposition Democratic Center won the largest number of seats but failed to secure a majority. Voters elected 102 senators and 182 representatives among more than 3,000 candidates. President Gustavo Petro questioned the vote-counting software while electoral authorities defended the transparency of the process.

Trump launches regional coalition against drug cartels

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted several Latin American leaders in Miami to launch the Shield of the Americas coalition against drug cartels. The initiative seeks stronger military and security coordination to combat narcotrafficking and organized crime. Trump suggested military action could be considered against cartel leaders if partner countries request it. The summit also addressed geopolitical competition with China in the region.

Peru nightclub explosion leaves more than 30 injured

An explosion inside a nightclub in Trujillo, Peru, injured at least 31 people early on March 7. The incident occurred during a concert by the Peruvian band Amor Rebelde. Several victims were reported in serious condition and minors were among those injured. Authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.

United States

Terrorism investigation after explosive device near New York mayor’s residence

An improvised explosive device was thrown near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The device failed to detonate but contained screws and bolts capable of causing serious injuries. Two suspects aged 18 and 19 were arrested. Authorities are investigating a possible link to extremist ideology.

Airport delays spread across the U.S. amid staffing shortages

Major U.S. airports reported long lines and delays due to staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The disruption is linked to a budget standoff affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Some passengers in Houston waited more than three hours for security checks. Officials now advise travelers to arrive several hours before departure.

Rihanna’s Los Angeles home targeted in shooting

Shots were fired at singer Rihanna’s home in Los Angeles while she was inside the property. Bullets struck the exterior of the residence and a parked vehicle, but no injuries were reported. Police arrested a 30-year-old woman suspected of using a rifle-style weapon. Authorities say the motive remains unclear.

Europe

EU must adopt stronger geopolitical stance, von der Leyen says

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union must take a more assertive role in global security. Speaking in Brussels, she argued that the rule-based multilateral system alone can no longer protect European interests. She called for a reassessment of institutions designed after World War II. The remarks came during a conference with EU ambassadors.

Explosion damages U.S. embassy entrance in Oslo

An explosion caused by an improvised explosive device damaged the entrance of the U.S. embassy in Oslo. The incident occurred early Sunday morning and produced a large cloud of smoke in the area. No injuries were reported. Norwegian police are searching for a suspect identified through surveillance footage.

Middle East

Clashes reported between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in eastern Lebanon

Heavy clashes were reported between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border. According to Lebanese media, Israeli troops were deployed by helicopter in the area. Hezbollah claimed it shot down an aircraft and forced Israeli soldiers to retreat. Fighting involving rockets and small arms continued through the night.

Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new Supreme Leader

Iran’s Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of former leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader. The decision comes amid a widening regional conflict and rising geopolitical tensions. Oil markets reacted strongly, with Brent crude surpassing $100 per barrel. Military operations involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue in the region.

Asia-Pacific

Landfill collapse near Jakarta leaves several dead and missing

A landfill collapse at Bantargebang, near Jakarta, left at least four people dead and five missing. Heavy rainfall reportedly destabilized the massive pile of waste before the collapse. More than 200 rescuers supported by police and the military are involved in search operations. The site receives roughly 7,000 tons of garbage daily.

EU announces new defense partnerships abroad

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union will soon sign defense partnerships with Australia, Iceland and Ghana. Several other countries have expressed interest in similar agreements. The initiative reflects the EU’s effort to diversify alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions. The announcement was made during a meeting with EU ambassadors in Brussels.

Africa

Floods kill at least 42 people in Kenya

Severe flooding across Kenya has killed at least 42 people since Friday. In Nairobi, floodwaters submerged entire neighborhoods and swept away vehicles. President William Ruto deployed emergency teams and ordered the distribution of food and medical aid. The Kenyan Red Cross reports hundreds of homes affected and significant agricultural damage.

Cherline Ades.