By| Tiana Cole| HGP Nightly News|
In a day of significant global and regional unrest, a major earthquake in the Caribbean, a high-stakes political return in South America, and an escalating conflict in the Middle East have dominated the headlines. Here is your Monday edition of the Regional News.
Jamaica: 4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Island
A strong 4.6 magnitude earthquake was felt across several parishes in Jamaica at 8:34 a.m. on Sunday. The University of the West Indies (UWI) Earthquake Unit reported that the tremor was centered roughly 10 kilometers northeast of Stony Hill, St. Andrew, at a depth of 16 kilometers.
- Widespread Tremors: Reports of the quake came from Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, and St. Mary.
- No Casualties: Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries.
- Seismic Pattern: This event follows a larger 5.6 magnitude quake on February 10, bringing the total number of recorded seismic events near Jamaica to over 400 for 2025/2026.
Venezuela: Maria Corina Machado Announces Return
Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has announced plans to return to Venezuela in the “coming weeks.” Machado, who has been in the U.S. since receiving her award in Oslo, signaled her intention to organize for future elections.
- Political Risk: Her return is fraught with danger, as Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has warned that Machado must “answer to Venezuela” for supporting U.S. military intervention.
- The Transition: This development comes just two months after the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro on January 3, a move Machado has publicly supported.
Global Conflict: U.S.-Israeli War on Iran Escalates
A massive military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. and Roaring Lion by Israel, has entered its third day, plunging the Middle East into chaos and threatening global economic stability.
- Expansion to Lebanon: Israel launched strikes against Lebanon today in response to Hezbollah attacks, while Iran fired a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states, and a British base in Cyprus.
- Friendly Fire in Kuwait: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a tragic “friendly fire” incident where Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles. All six crew members ejected safely and have been recovered.
- Oil & Markets: Oil prices have surged as the Strait of Hormuz remains under threat. President Donald Trump has indicated that military operations could last another four weeks until the “security apparatus” of the Iranian regime is dismantled.
Aviation: Worst Travel Shock Since COVID-19
Global air travel is in a state of paralysis as major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai International (DXB), remain closed for a third day.
- Cancellations: Over 1,500 flights to the Middle East were canceled on Monday alone, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
- Airlines Grounded: Carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines have suspended services to the region, with some disruptions expected to last through at least March 7.
