More than 1,000 killed in Syria
The death toll from clashes between Syrian security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad, and the ensuing reprisals, topped 1,000 on Saturday, making it one of the deadliest acts of violence in Syria in more than a decade.
The victims reportedly include almost 750 civilians, most killed in close-quarters executions. Also killed were 125 members of the security forces and about 150 militants from armed groups affiliated with Assad.
It is also reported that electricity and drinking water supplies have been cut off in large parts of the coastal city of Latakia.
Russian airstrikes in eastern Ukraine kill at least 14 people
Russian forces attacked the town of Dobropillya with missiles and drones on Friday night, damaging eight buildings and killing at least 11 people. More than 30 others were injured. According to local authorities, an administrative building and 30 vehicles were damaged in the attack.
Meanwhile, as firefighters were trying to put out the flames in two stricken buildings, the Russians attacked again, damaging a fire engine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted in a Facebook post: "After our emergency services arrived at the scene, they carried out another attack, deliberately targeting rescue teams. This is a vile and inhumane act, a scare tactic that the Russians often use."
France begins withdrawal process from Senegal, handing over two military bases
France has officially begun the procedures for its withdrawal from Senegal, handing over two military bases to the African country's authorities. The handover follows the decision by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who last year ordered the removal of all foreign troops from Senegalese territory.
“The Senegalese side was officially handed over the military facilities and housing in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry neighborhoods on Friday, March 7, 2025,” said a statement from the French Embassy in Senegal.
These areas, which are located near Hann Park, were ready to return as early as the summer of 2024.
Marches around the world for International Women's Day
Thousands of people took to the streets in cities around the world on March 8 to mark International Women's Day.
In Madrid, tens of thousands of people marched to defend women's rights and demand a feminist and anti-racist agenda.
The march, organized by the feminist network “Comisión 8M,” braved rainy weather as participants chanted against gender inequality and racism. According to the Spanish government, about 25,000 people joined the protest, up from 20,000 in 2024, while organizers claim the number of participants was close to 80,000.
In Rome, the protest focused on the fight against gender-based violence and closing the gender gap. It was the largest demonstration in Italy, but other protests were held in 60 cities across the country, under the slogan “No less”, highlighting the urgent need to stop femicide and violence against women.
Meanwhile in Istanbul, Turkey, thousands of protesters took to the streets to denounce violence against women and the increasing societal pressures on them. The protest in the Kadikoy neighborhood was accompanied by speeches, music and dance, celebrating the strength of women and calling for immediate changes in society. However, a large police presence, including units with heavy equipment and water vehicles, strictly supervised the rally.
