International News Turbulence – March 11, 2026

Caribbean

UN warns fuel shortages pushing Cuba toward a worsening humanitarian crisis

Fuel shortages in Cuba are driving a growing humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on March 10, 2026, that the country’s inability to import fuel is triggering a severe energy crisis. Hospitals are facing power outages, shortages of medicines, and the shutdown of essential equipment. More than 16,000 cancer patients requiring radiotherapy and 12,000 dependent on chemotherapy are not receiving treatment. Ambulances are running out of fuel, delaying emergency responses. Nearly one million people rely on water trucks for drinking water, but the electrical infrastructure is paralyzed. The food supply chain is also affected as storage and distribution systems break down.

Latin America

Peruvian writer Alfredo Bryce Echenique dies at 87

The Peruvian government confirmed the death of renowned writer Alfredo Bryce Echenique, a major figure in Latin American literature, on March 10, 2026, at the age of 87. His literary career began with Huerto cerrado (1968) and was consolidated with Un mundo para Julius (1970), a landmark novel portraying Lima’s society. Bryce received prestigious awards including Casa de las Américas, Peru’s National Literature Prize, the Premio Planeta, and the FIL Literary Award. Peru’s Ministry of Culture praised his humor and sensitivity as essential contributions to the country’s cultural identity. The Casa de la Literatura described him as a voice that defined contemporary Peruvian literature. His family announced that his remains will lie in state at the historic Casona of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Bryce spent many years in Spain and France but remained closely tied to Peru.

Four countries suspend Cuba’s medical brigades program

Within a month and a half, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Guyana have ended their cooperation with Cuban medical brigades, one of Havana’s flagship international programs. Honduras launched an investigation into alleged irregularities and dismissed the brigade. Guatemala announced on February 10 that it would gradually end the program to strengthen its own national medical workforce. In early March, Jamaica suspended the agreement due to a lack of consensus, with Cuba calling the decision “unilateral.” In Guyana, Cuban authorities withdrew their doctors after Georgetown imposed additional requirements. The U.S. State Department has criticized the program, labeling it “forced labor.” Since the 1960s, Cuba claims to have deployed medical brigades to more than 150 countries. U.S. pressure has intensified following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, which deprived Cuba of a major oil supplier.

United States

DHS shutdown doubles TSA absences and extends airport security lines

On March 10, 2026, CBS News reported that unplanned absences among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents have doubled since the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began. More than 300 employees left the agency between February 14 and March 9. The national absence rate rose from 2% to 6%, reaching 9% on some days. At Houston Hobby Airport, more than half of the agents were absent for two consecutive days, while New York’s JFK Airport recorded an average absence rate of 21%. Security lines sometimes exceed three hours, forcing travelers to arrive four to five hours before their flights. Programs such as Global Entry have been suspended, and TSA PreCheck could also be affected. Officials warn that the funding crisis could have long-term consequences for recruitment and security.

January 6 plaque dispute moves to court

On March 10, 2026, two police officers — Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer, and Danny Hodges, a Washington police officer — asked a judge to allow their civil lawsuit to proceed over the placement of a plaque honoring law enforcement officers involved in the January 6, 2021 attack. The plaque was installed inside the Capitol behind doors in the west wing at 4 a.m., which the plaintiffs argue violates the law. They maintain the legislation required the plaque to be publicly displayed on the west front of the building. Democrats have accused Republicans of delaying the installation. The lawsuit targets the Architect of the Capitol. The officers argue that placing the plaque indoors effectively hides the memorial despite a legal deadline requiring installation before March 2023.

Congress questions Jeffrey Epstein’s former accountant

On March 11, 2026, the House Oversight Committee summoned Richard Kahn, the longtime accountant of Jeffrey Epstein, who managed the financier’s finances for more than a decade. Victims claim Kahn helped build a complex financial infrastructure that facilitated Epstein’s crimes. Kahn denies any involvement and insists he had no knowledge of the abuses. The closed-door deposition will be recorded and later released, potentially shedding light on Epstein’s financial network. Alongside attorney Darren Indyke, Kahn served as co-executor of Epstein’s estate and was slated to receive $25 million. The estate’s estimated value has dropped from $650 million to around $127 million following various settlements. A recent agreement allocates at least $25 million to resolve a class action lawsuit filed by victims.

More than 100 million Americans threatened by severe storms

More than 100 million people, from Texas to Michigan, are in the path of a powerful storm system. Forecasts warn of strong tornadoes, destructive winds, and hail the size of baseballs. In Illinois, a dangerous tornado touched down in Kankakee County, causing significant damage. Tornado watches have been issued across Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana. Chicago experienced heavy rainfall and flooding risks. The storm front extends to the Texas-Mexico border and could reach Washington D.C. on March 11 before a sharp drop in temperatures and potential snowfall in some regions.

Canada

Major ice storm hits Quebec and Ontario

On March 11, 2026, a freezing rain storm struck Quebec and Ontario, bringing between 20 and 30 mm of precipitation. The hardest-hit areas include the Ottawa and St. Lawrence valleys, around Montreal and Ottawa. Nearly 150 flights have already been canceled at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. Authorities urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel as roads become hazardous. Several schools have closed preemptively across the two provinces. Hydro-Québec is preparing for potential power outages similar to those experienced in April 2023.

Shots fired at U.S. consulate in Toronto

Gunshots were fired at the United States consulate in Toronto on March 10, 2026, although no injuries were reported. Police found shell casings and damage to the building around 5:30 a.m. Two men allegedly fired from a white SUV before fleeing the scene. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the act as “reprehensible” and announced increased security around U.S. and Israeli diplomatic facilities in Toronto as well as embassies in Ottawa. The incident is being treated as a national security matter.

Europe

Coldplay sued by French company over the name “Moon Music”

A French production company based in Lyon has filed a lawsuit against the band Coldplay over the use of the name “Moon Music,” which is also registered as a trademark by the company. The Lyon judicial court rejected the claim in January 2025, ruling that it was an artistic title rather than a commercial trademark. The company has appealed, arguing the name appears on commercial products such as CDs, vinyl records, and clothing. The case will be reviewed by the Lyon Court of Appeal on March 17, 2026.

Six dead after bus fire in Switzerland

A bus caught fire in Kerzers in the canton of Fribourg, leaving six people dead and three injured. Police suspect a deliberate act after a passenger reportedly doused himself with gasoline and set the vehicle on fire. Authorities say there is no evidence of terrorism at this stage. DNA testing is underway to identify the victims.

United Kingdom introduces definition of anti-Muslim hostility

The British government unveiled a consultative definition of anti-Muslim hostility to help authorities identify and respond to hate crimes. Nearly 4,500 offenses targeting Muslims were recorded in England and Wales in 2025, representing almost half of all religious hate crimes. The definition includes violence, vandalism, harassment, intimidation, and harmful stereotypes. Officials insist freedom of expression remains protected.

Spain expands healthcare access for undocumented migrants

Spain’s government led by Pedro Sánchez announced broader access to healthcare services for undocumented migrants. Individuals without residence permits will now be able to obtain provisional documents granting immediate access to medical care across Spain’s 17 regions. The measure accompanies a broader regularization plan affecting more than 500,000 people. Opposition parties argue the policy could encourage irregular migration and increase pressure on healthcare systems.

Middle East

Iran retaliates despite the most intense strikes

Iran launched attacks against Israel and several regional targets despite heavy bombardment by the United States and Israel. At least three ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy routes. Two drones fell near Dubai airport, raising concerns about aviation safety. In Beirut, an Israeli strike destroyed a residential building. The crisis continues to affect global energy markets.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea worried about possible redeployment of U.S. Patriot missiles

Seoul is concerned about the possible redeployment of U.S. Patriot missile systems from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East. Cargo aircraft movements by the U.S. Air Force have fueled speculation about a transfer. South Korea’s government insists that deterrence against North Korea will not be compromised, but public concern remains strong.

Africa

Zimbabwe: Human Rights Watch denounces pressure on constitutional reform opponents

Human Rights Watch has condemned increasing repression against opponents of a proposed constitutional reform in Zimbabwe. The reform, backed by the ruling ZANU-PF party, could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2030. Armed men reportedly attacked the offices of opposition party NCA, assaulting its president Lovemore Madhuku. A few days later, lawyer Tendai Biti was threatened by armed individuals at his offices. The opposition denounces what it calls an institutional coup and demands a national referendum. The government, which holds a parliamentary majority, is expected to pass the amendments without difficulty.

Cherline Ades.