Simple English News Daily Wednesday 18th March 2026. Afghanistan hospital strike. Israel assassinations. Ukraine exports defence. Kenya ants. Colombia-Ecuador...
Mar 17, 2026
Coverage of a Kabul hospital strike and competing claims about who was responsible. Reports on targeted killings in Iran and worries about wider regional retaliation. Updates on Ukraine seeking drone-defence help and exporting defence equipment. Strange smuggling of thousands of ants in Kenya. Allegations of cross-border strikes between Colombia and Ecuador.
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Contested Claims Over Kabul Hospital Strike
- Pakistan denies bombing a Kabul hospital while the Taliban says over 400 were killed in the strike.
- The New York Times reported the hospital sat inside an old US military base, adding complexity to conflicting claims.
Assassinations Escalate Iran Israel Tensions
- Israel carried out airstrikes that killed Iran's security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholam Reza Soleimani, which Tehran confirmed.
- Reuters reported US officials warned Trump Iran might attack Gulf states in retaliation, widening regional risk.
Hormuz Blockade Forces Energy And Work Changes
- Sri Lanka moved to a four-day working week to conserve fuel amid disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
- Pakistan, heavily reliant on the strait for energy, ordered schools to switch to online teaching.