A cyber attack in Australia forces the cancellation of wool sales across the country. (ABC AU)
Three Turkish soldiers are killed in Syrian Army attacks in Idlib, bringing the number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria to 21. (The Jerusalem Post)
Airstrikes kill at least 33 Turkish troops and injures 39 others in Jabal Zawiya, Idlib Governorate. (Daily Sabah) (BBC News)
Pope Francis, in tandem with IBM and Microsoft, calls for AI technologies that risk violating human rights, such as facial recognition software, to be regulated. (Reuters)
Roman Polanski wins three César Awards, also for best director, for his movie An Officer and a Spy (French: J'accuse). Several women walk out in protest. Les Misérables wins four Césars, one of them for best film. (Reuters) (Variety)
Syrian attacks on Marat al-Nasan leave more Turkish soldiers wounded, some of them seriously. (SOHR)
Russia deploys two frigates, Admiral Makarov and Admiral Grigorovich, armed with Kalibr cruise missiles to the Eastern Mediterranean off the Syrian coast. (Reuters) (The Moscow Times)
Turkish MoD states that last night 329 Syrian Army troops were "neutralized" and asserts that five helicopters, 23 tanks, 10 armored vehicles, 23 artillery and howitzers, five ammunition trucks, one SA-17 and one SA-22 air defense systems, three ammunition depots, two inventory depots and one headquarters building belonging to Syria's military were destroyed. (NTV)
American and Afghan Taliban leaders will meet at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in Doha, Qatar, ahead of a signing ceremony to bring an end to the 18-year war in Afghanistan, which is now the longest war in U.S. history. Taliban deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani says "everyone is tired of war, it has exhausted everyone", while the longest-serving NATO Commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, describes the situation as a "stalemate". (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The first death from coronavirus in the United States is confirmed after a man dies in a hospital in the Seattle area. (The New York Times) (AP News) The U.S. announces new travel restrictions to Iran and increased warnings against traveling to South Korea and Italy. (NBC News)
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Afghan peace process American and Afghan Taliban leaders will meet at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in Doha, Qatar, ahead of a signing ceremony to bring an end to the 18-year war in Afghanistan, which is now the longest war in U.S. history. Taliban deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani says "everyone is tired of war, it has exhausted everyone", while the longest-serving NATO Commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, describes the situation as a "stalemate". (Al Jazeera) The U.S. and the Taliban sign a deal. (Reuters)
Turkish media said that drone and missile strikes targeted Syrian Kuweires and Abu al-Duhur military airbases in Aleppo Governorate, saying a hangar was destroyed. (STAR)
Turkish drone and artillery strikes target Aleppo International Airport. (SOHR)
Turkish drone strikes target the Hama Military Airport. (SOHR)
Libyan peace process The head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salamé resigns citing stress and health concerns. In a statement on Twitter, Salamé says he has been frustrated with foreign powers, particularly France and Russia for covertly backing Khalifa Haftar's forces in the civil war. (The Guardian)
The head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salamé resigns citing stress and health concerns. In a statement on Twitter, Salamé says he has been frustrated with foreign powers, particularly France and Russia for covertly backing Khalifa Haftar's forces in the civil war. (The Guardian)
Yemeni Civil War Houthi forces capture the city of Al Hazm, the capital of Al Jawf Governorate in Yemen. (Middle East Monitor) (Al Jazeera)
A hostage situation occurs at the V-Mall in San Juan, Philippines. The suspect, a disgruntled security guard, took about 60 to 70 people hostage and shot and injured another security guard. The crisis is resolved after ten hours, with the suspect being arrested following an official apology and the resignation of his bosses for alleged corruption. (CNN Philippines)
A soldier was killed and two injured after Islamic State-linked militants opened fire against them. Two terrorists were also killed. (Xinhua)
Moro conflict A soldier was killed and two injured after Islamic State-linked militants opened fire against them. Two terrorists were also killed. (Xinhua)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea declares "war" on the coronavirus. (NBC)
South Korea declares "war" on the coronavirus. (NBC)
Turkey says it will deploy its domestically-produced surface-to-air missile HISAR to Syria's Idlib Governorate next week. (Star)
Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian Civil War The Syrian Air Defense Force engages "hostile objects" over the central Homs Governorate and southern Quneitra Governorate. Syrian state media says Israel is behind the attacks. (Israel National News) (RT)
Egypt executes top Ansar al-Sharia militant Hisham al-Ashmawy, a former special forces officer who was convicted over several high-profile attacks, the country's military spokesman said. (Reuters)
The Syrian Air Defense Force engages "hostile objects" over the central Homs Governorate and southern Quneitra Governorate. Syrian state media says Israel is behind the attacks. (Israel National News) (RT)
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Afghan peace process The United States Armed Forces says it has carried out its first airstrike against the Taliban since a peace deal was signed in Doha, Qatar. (Al Jazeera)
War in Afghanistan 6 March 2020 Kabul shooting At least 32 people are killed and 81 are injured when gunmen attack a ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghan politician Abdullah Abdullah was present and escapes unharmed. ISIL claims responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)
6 March 2020 Kabul shooting At least 32 people are killed and 81 are injured when gunmen attack a ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghan politician Abdullah Abdullah was present and escapes unharmed. ISIL claims responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)
At least 32 people are killed and 81 are injured when gunmen attack a ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghan politician Abdullah Abdullah was present and escapes unharmed. ISIL claims responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)
Following the death of 25-year-old Ingrid Escamilla, who was killed by her boyfriend in February, women march against violence against women in Mexico's capital on International Women's Day, ahead of the 24-hour female strike scheduled for Monday. (Sputnik)
Libyan Civil War, Turkish military intervention in the Second Libyan Civil War, 2019–20 Western Libya offensive Nearly 40 Syrian mercenaries recruited by the Turkish Army have fled to Italy, raising the number of Syrian fighters who fled from Libya to Europe to nearly 200. (SOHR)
International military intervention against ISIL Two United States troops are killed in a raid against ISIL in Iraq. (ABC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia confirms its first death from COVID-19. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education reports 958 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 63 more deaths, the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date. All Iranians are now warned to stay indoors. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cancels his annual speech marking the Iranian new year on March 20. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar Qatar announces 238 new cases of confirmed COVID-19 cases in a single day. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education reports 958 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 63 more deaths, the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date. All Iranians are now warned to stay indoors. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cancels his annual speech marking the Iranian new year on March 20. (Reuters)
Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education reports 958 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 63 more deaths, the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date. All Iranians are now warned to stay indoors. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cancels his annual speech marking the Iranian new year on March 20. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran's police, security council and interior ministry will empty the streets of people in the next 24 hours in an effort to contain the coronavirus. (Reuters)
Iran's police, security council and interior ministry will empty the streets of people in the next 24 hours in an effort to contain the coronavirus. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, 2019–20 NBA season Detroit Pistons power forward Christian Wood reportedly tests positive for COVID-19. (WEYI-TV)
Detroit Pistons power forward Christian Wood reportedly tests positive for COVID-19. (WEYI-TV)
Sharif University publishes a study about the number of possible casualties, warning that it could reach millions of deaths if a full quarantine is not imposed. (AP news)
In Italy, the military is deployed to the city of Bergamo, Lombardy, the Italian city worst hit by COVID-19, to collect and transport the bodies of dead residents to crematoriums in other cities, as Bergamo’s authorities say their facilities can no longer process the large number of fatalities. The city's mayor Giorgio Gori says the true number of dead could be much higher than what's been reported. (Sky News)
Spain announces it is closing hotels in the country for the sake of converting them into hospitals, as local medical facilities are being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. A military hospital will also be constructed in the capital Madrid. (Lailasnews) (Reuters)
Italy–Russia relations, COVID-19 pandemic in Italy The Russian military sends medical help and disinfection tools to Italy to battle the coronavirus. (Reuters)
The Russian military sends medical help and disinfection tools to Italy to battle the coronavirus. (Reuters)
Syrian civil war The Syrian Air Defense Force says that it intercepted a drone near Khmeimim Air Base. (Reuters)
The ancestor, Ikaria wariootia, of all animals with a bilateral body plan is discovered as a fossil in rocks of South Australia. (Geology Page) (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in Libya The National Centre for Disease Control reports Libya's first confirmed case of COVID-19, a patient at a hospital in Tripoli. The World Health Organization has warned that the virus could cause Libya's already struggling health system to collapse. (Reuters)
Terrorism in the United States, COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri FBI agents shoot dead an armed man during an arrest operation in Belton, Missouri, U.S. The man was suspected of plotting a bombing attack, with far-right motivations, at a Kansas City hospital believed to be treating COVID-19 patients. (ABC News) (CNN)
The National Centre for Disease Control reports Libya's first confirmed case of COVID-19, a patient at a hospital in Tripoli. The World Health Organization has warned that the virus could cause Libya's already struggling health system to collapse. (Reuters)
China launches three military surveillance satellites on a Long March 2C rocket. (Space.com)
Chinese space program China launches three military surveillance satellites on a Long March 2C rocket. (Space.com)
Kabul gurdwara attack Gunmen kill 25 worshippers at a gurdwara in Kabul, Afghanistan. ISIL claims responsibility. (Reuters)
War in Afghanistan Kabul gurdwara attack Gunmen kill 25 worshippers at a gurdwara in Kabul, Afghanistan. ISIL claims responsibility. (Reuters)
2019–20 Western Libya offensive Forces loyal to the GNA assault the Okba Ibn Nafa Air Base, west of Tripoli, while the Libyan National Army captures several towns near the Berber city of Zuwarah, including Zaltan, Jumayl and Ras Ajdir. (Reuters)
China announces that The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Avatar, Inception, and Interstellar will be re-released in theaters following the end of their lockdowns as a hope to revive their cinemas. (CNET)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) New York City records 81 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the city's death toll to 280. Mayor Bill de Blasio has warned that more than half of all New Yorkers could become infected. (New York Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States has its deadliest COVID-19 day to date, with 223 related deaths. (CNN) COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) New York City records 81 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the city's death toll to 280. Mayor Bill de Blasio has warned that more than half of all New Yorkers could become infected. (New York Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States has its deadliest COVID-19 day to date, with 223 related deaths. (CNN) COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) New York City records 81 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the city's death toll to 280. Mayor Bill de Blasio has warned that more than half of all New Yorkers could become infected. (New York Post)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt Egypt begins disinfection on the Giza pyramid complex as an effort to contain COVID-19. (Reuters) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China announces that The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Avatar, Inception, and Interstellar will be re-released in theaters following the end of their lockdowns as a hope to revive their cinemas. (CNET)
Forces loyal to the GNA assault the Okba Ibn Nafa Air Base, west of Tripoli, while the Libyan National Army captures several towns near the Berber city of Zuwarah, including Zaltan, Jumayl and Ras Ajdir. (Reuters)
Gunmen kill 25 worshippers at a gurdwara in Kabul, Afghanistan. ISIL claims responsibility. (Reuters)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China announces that The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Avatar, Inception, and Interstellar will be re-released in theaters following the end of their lockdowns as a hope to revive their cinemas. (CNET)
Libyan Civil War 2019–20 Western Libya offensive Forces loyal to the GNA assault the Okba Ibn Nafa Air Base, west of Tripoli, while the Libyan National Army captures several towns near the Berber city of Zuwarah, including Zaltan, Jumayl and Ras Ajdir. (Reuters)
New York City records 81 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the city's death toll to 280. Mayor Bill de Blasio has warned that more than half of all New Yorkers could become infected. (New York Post)
Kabul gurdwara attack A bomb explodes near a Sikh crematorium in Kabul, wounding a child and disrupting funerals for 25 people bombed and shot the day prior. (Times of India)
Mali War Malian opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé and six others are taken hostage by jihadists in the northern Tombouctou Region. Cissé's bodyguard was killed and two others injured in the ambush. (Reuters)
Brenton Tarrant pleads guilty to murdering 51 people and attempting to murder 40 as well as a terrorism charge in relation to two mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019. (BBC News)
Christchurch mosque shootings Brenton Tarrant pleads guilty to murdering 51 people and attempting to murder 40 as well as a terrorism charge in relation to two mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019. (BBC News)
Malian opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé and six others are taken hostage by jihadists in the northern Tombouctou Region. Cissé's bodyguard was killed and two others injured in the ambush. (Reuters)
In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi offers to release five Saudi prisoners of war in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian activists convicted by Saudi Arabia earlier this month. (Al Jazeera)
Yemeni Civil War, Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi offers to release five Saudi prisoners of war in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian activists convicted by Saudi Arabia earlier this month. (Al Jazeera) Several ballistic missiles fired from Yemen are intercepted over the Saudi capital Riyadh, and the southern city of Jizan. (Al Jazeera)
Several ballistic missiles fired from Yemen are intercepted over the Saudi capital Riyadh, and the southern city of Jizan. (Al Jazeera)
North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches. Both South Korea and Japan condemn the launching. (Reuters)
North Korea–South Korea relations, Japan–North Korea relations, North Korea and weapons of mass destruction North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches. Both South Korea and Japan condemn the launching. (Reuters)
