**Summary:** Ángel Esteban Aguilar Morales, alias “Lobo Menor,” was arrested in Mexico City following a coordinated operation involving Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico. He is investigated as the alleged intellectual author of the 2023 assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

**Key points:**
- The suspect initially identified himself as Colombian citizen Juan Carlos Montero Mestre.
- The arrest, named Operation “Jericó,” followed surveillance in Medellín and Itagüí, Colombia, before locating him in Polanco, Mexico City.
- The detainee was among those most wanted by Ecuador and had an Interpol Red Notice.
- He is linked as the leader of the organized armed group Los Lobos, with alleged transnational criminal connections.
- Following his capture, the individual was transferred to Colombian territory for extradition proceedings.
- Authorities are investigating his possible use of false Colombian documents and links to alias “Iván Mordisco”.

**Why it matters:** This capture highlights significant international security cooperation between Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador against transnational organized crime. It represents a major step in the ongoing judicial process related to the high-profile assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate.

Capturan en México a presunto autor intelectual del crimen de Villavicencio - Diario El Norte

Detienen en CDMX al ‘Lobo Menor’, vinculado al asesinato del candidato presidencial de Ecuador – El Financiero

Suspected intellectual author of Villavicencio murder captured in Mexico

**Summary:** The Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia announced that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, as the crescent moon for Shawwal was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18. Similarly, the UAE Presidency announced that Thursday, March 19, would complete Ramadan, making Friday, March 20, the first day of Eid al-Fitr in the Emirates.

**Key points:**
- Saudi Arabia's decision followed astronomical calculations indicating the impossibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent.
- The UAE's declaration was based on reports from the 'Shawwal Crescent Sighting Committee' affiliated with the UAE Council for Sharia Edict.
- The Saudi announcement influences other countries that often align their dates with Saudi Arabia's declaration.
- Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be the final day of fasting for Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.

**Why it matters:** The official announcement of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for millions of Muslims in the region, setting the date for the major religious festival.

غدا المتمم لشهر رمضان .. والجمعة أول أيام عيد الفطر في الإمارات - زاد الاردن الاخباري

السعودية تعلن الجمعة عيد الفطر - زاد الاردن الاخباري

Ramadan: Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid al-Fitr - Daily Post Nigeria

L’Aïd al-Fitr célébré le vendredi 20 mars en Arabie Saoudite - Leral.net

Saudi Arabia and UAE Announce Eid al-Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026

**Summary:** The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board retroactively stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title, declaring Morocco the winner via a 3-0 forfeit victory. This controversial decision, announced nearly two months after the final, has caused widespread indignation and accusations of political motivation.

**Key points:**
- The decision was based on Article 84 of the regulations, declaring Senegal to have forfeited the match.
- Senegalese press reacted strongly, calling the decision a 'scandal' and the 'biggest theft in football history'.
- Figures like Augustin Senghor stated the Appeals Board substituted the referee, and that the true champions would be recognized.
- The controversy has drawn international attention, with Samir Nasri alerting on credibility issues for CAF.
- Senegal plans to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).

**Why it matters:** This unprecedented and tardy ruling by CAF has severely damaged the credibility of the continental football governing body and risks creating lasting institutional fractures.

CAN 2025 : Le Sénégal conteste la décision de la CAF

CAN 2025 : la décision controversée de la CAF déclenche une tempête mondiale

« La Coupe ne quittera pas le pays » : bronca au Sénégal après la décision de la CAF

CAF strips Senegal of CAN 2025 title, awarding it to Morocco

**Summary:** Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, that Israeli attacks the previous night resulted in the death of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Iran has not yet commented on the claim, though state media mentioned a message from Larijani would be published soon.

**Key points:**
- Larijani was reportedly one target in Israeli military attacks across Iran the night prior.
- If confirmed, Larijani would be the highest-ranking Iranian official killed since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died on the first day of the war.
- Larijani was last publicly seen on Friday, March 13, 2026, at a rally in Tehran.
- The Israeli military also claimed to have killed Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the internal Basij militia, in a targeted strike in Tehran.

**Why it matters:** The alleged assassination of such a high-ranking security official would represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Israel Klaim Tewaskan Kepala Keamanan Iran, Ali Larijani

Israel says it has killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official

وزير دفاع إسرائيل يعلن مقتل لاريجاني

Israel Claims Assassination of Iran's Top Security Official Ali Larijani

**Summary:** The Iranian Football Federation is negotiating with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns following recent air strikes and statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the safety of the Iranian national team. The Iranian ambassador to Mexico criticized the US government's lack of cooperation on visas and logistics.

**Key points:**
- Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj stated they will 'definitely not travel to America' after Trump expressed concerns about their security.
- Iran's group matches are scheduled in Los Angeles (vs. New Zealand and Belgium) and Seattle (vs. Egypt), with accommodation booked in Tucson, Arizona.
- The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Secretary General Windsor John indicated they still expect Iran to participate, noting no official information to the contrary despite political tensions.
- The move is considered logistically difficult, especially since Iran could still play in the US during knockout rounds.

**Why it matters:** This situation highlights the significant impact of geopolitical conflict and security assurances on international sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Fußball-WM 2026: Iran verhandelt mit Fifa über Verlegung seiner Spiele nach Mexiko - DIE ZEIT

Iran seek to have World Cup matches moved from the United States to Mexico - AOL

WM : Iran verhandelt mit FIFA über Spielverlegung nach Mexiko - ligaportal.at

Iran Negotiates with FIFA to Move 2026 World Cup Matches to Mexico

**Summary:** President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Western allies, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, for rebuffing his demand for warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. European leaders cited a lack of mandate and a desire to avoid escalation, while Trump suggested their lack of enthusiasm was ungrateful given past U.S. protection.

**Key points:**
- The Strait of Hormuz, critical for 20% of global oil and LNG flow, remains largely closed due to Iranian actions like drones and naval mines.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Germany lacked the necessary mandate from the UN, EU, or NATO to send ships.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK would not join offensive operations but is drafting a collective plan to reopen the strait.
- Trump specifically criticized Starmer for not enthusiastically agreeing to send two aircraft carriers when requested two weeks prior.
- The conflict, in its third week, has caused energy prices to rise and resulted in at least 2,000 deaths across the Middle East since February 28.

**Why it matters:** The reluctance of key allies to commit naval assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz highlights strained international relations and dependence on the US, while the continued conflict drives up global energy prices.

Trump accuses allies of ingratitude over Hormuz naval standoff

Trump gets chilly response from allies over demand on Hormuz

'This Is Not Europe's War': EU Foreign Policy Chief Responds To Trump's Demands Amid Iran War

Trump Accuses Allies of Ingratitude Over Demands for Hormuz Naval Support

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated that his administration is in talks with Cuba and asserted the island is in a state of extreme weakness, claiming he might have the "honor of taking Cuba" in some form. These comments coincided with Cuba suffering a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil blockade imposed by Washington since January 9.

**Key points:**
- Trump suggested he could "do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth," referring to Cuba, whether by freeing it or taking it.
- The Cuban government confirmed recent initial talks with the United States.
- Cuba's economic situation has worsened since the US ouster of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, leading to no oil imports since January 9.
- In response to economic pressure, Cuba's Foreign Trade Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva announced exiles can now invest and own businesses on the island.
- The power blackout was attributed to a "complete shutdown of the national grid" by Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE).

**Why it matters:** The explicit threat by the US President to intervene in Cuba comes as the island faces severe economic hardship, including prolonged power outages, and amid acknowledged diplomatic contact between the two nations.

Trump vows to 'take' Cuba as the island reels from US-imposed oil embargo

Donald Trump: «Creo que tendré el honor de tomar Cuba»

Creo que tendr� el honor de tomar Cuba.- Trump

Trump Vows to 'Take' Cuba Amidst Weakness and Oil Embargo

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated that it is unclear if Mojtaba Jameneí, recently named Iran's Supreme Leader after his father Ali Jameneí's death in bombings, is alive, citing a lack of contact or public appearances. Trump also noted uncertainty over who is leading Iran following military attacks by the US and Israel.

**Key points:**
- Mojtaba Jameneí has not made any public appearances since his designation as Supreme Leader.
- Trump mentioned unconfirmed reports suggesting Jameneí was severely wounded, possibly disfigured or lost a leg.
- The US President suggested that the recent bombings eliminated a large part of Tehran's power structure.
- Iran's attributed first statement as Supreme Leader was a written communiqué promising retaliation and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

**Why it matters:** The uncertainty surrounding the health and whereabouts of Iran's new Supreme Leader complicates any potential diplomatic dialogue with the United States.

Quarte Bot