The US has joined forces in Ecuador in operations against “narcoterrorists” responsible for alleged illegal drug trafficking.

The military’s southern command, which operates in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, made the announcement with little fanfare on social media.

Commander Francis Donovan said: “We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narcoterrorists in their country.”

Ecuador’s defence ministry refused to share details of the operations.

Trump’s war on drugs

The Trump administration has been waging war on drug cartels, and the president has pressured countries he deems responsible for illegal substances crossing the border to co-operate.

Combating “narcoterrorists” was the justification for Donald Trump’s hostile approach to Venezuela in the months before the stunning capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, in January.

Ecuador, however, has been keen to show it’s on Mr Trump’s side.

Sky’s chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joined police on a drugs raid in the capital, Guayaquil, where officers have been raising their game.

One told Ramsay: “The United States [is] giving us money, guns, technology, and we are so happy about that.

“It’s very important for the war.”

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The hunt for drug dealers in Ecuador

Read more from Sky News:
US is burning through ammo in Iran
UK to impose ‘unprecedented’ visa ban

The US also has plans to open a military base in Ecuador.

While the country doesn’t produce drugs, it is used as a transit by cartels in the region. Its ports are the gateway to sea routes north to the US and west to Asia and the South Pacific.

The death of Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hussein was a grim and chaotic affair, with the man who had once ruled with an iron fist being taunted and jeered as he stood on the gallows

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Saddam Hussein governed Iraq with ruthless authority for over two decades, maintaining his grip on the Middle Eastern country through intimidation, violence and absolute power, whilst eliminating anyone who dared oppose him.

However, his rule collapsed in 2006 after a US-led military intervention, and in the early morning of December 30 2006, the man who had once led an entire army found himself standing beneath the gallows, awaiting execution.

Hussein was formally found guilty of crimes against humanity connected to a 1982 atrocity in Dujail, where 148 Shi’ite males and youngsters were savagely murdered after an assassination attempt.

Following an extensive and disputed trial at the Iraqi Special Tribunal, he received a death sentence by hanging.

Saddam had asked to face a firing squad instead, claiming it was the appropriate military penalty for a former head of armed forces, but his appeal was rejected.

During his final hours at Camp Justice in Baghdad, the ex-dictator consumed a last supper of chicken with rice, accompanied by hot water and honey.

He clutched a Qur’an as he was escorted into the execution chamber just before sunrise on the opening day of Eid al-Adha, reports the Mirror.

Those present in the chamber subsequently recounted a charged and disorderly scene.

While certain officials stayed quiet, others mocked him as chants glorifying Islamic cleric Muqtada al-Sadr echoed through the room whilst Saddam stood upon the scaffold, the noose suspended overhead.

Throughout the ordeal, witnesses reported he maintained his composure despite enduring relentless taunts.

When questioned about experiencing fear or regret, he’s said to have responded that he felt no apprehension, declaring instead that his existence had been dedicated to combating aggression.

As the rope was secured round his throat, Saddam started reciting the Shahada, the Islamic profession of faith, his voice rising above the commotion within the execution chamber.

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Then came his final six words.

“The Muslim Ummah will be victorious.”

Before he could utter anything further, the trapdoor gave way, and an audible crack resonated as he dropped. Death was confirmed moments afterwards.

Whilst official Iraqi government footage depicted him solely in the seconds preceding his execution, stopping short before the fatal moment, a poor-quality mobile phone clip, covertly recorded inside the chamber, subsequently emerged on the internet.

The recording showed the complete hanging, the sectarian abuse and Hussein’s last defiant words, triggering worldwide condemnation and controversy surrounding the manner of his death.

Hours later, his remains were transported by helicopter to Al-Awja near Tikrit, his birthplace, where he was laid to rest alongside his two sons.

EXCLUSIVE: The former Labour PM used his influence to support Starmer as he faced calls to quit.

Gordon Brown helped save Keir Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on the Prime Minister to quit.

The Labour heavyweight shored up support for the ailing PM as he faced an early exit from Downing Street.

One source said: “Gordon was clear Keir should be given a chance.”

Sarwar used a dramatic press conference in Glasgow last month to urge Starmer to stand down.

He accused his one-time ally of making too many mistakes and of leading a Government that is “not good enough”.

The quit call sent shockwaves through Labour and was a moment of peril for the Prime Minister.

But Starmer’s position was secured by the end of the day after he received public declarations of support from Cabinet ministers.

And only two Scottish Labour MPs came out to support Sarwar – despite a number of others agreeing with him.

The Record understands Brown, who was Prime Minister between 2007 and 2010, played an important role behind the scenes.

READ MORE: Alba Party spent ‘£50,000 on flights’ for Alex Salmond in just two yearsREAD MORE: John Swinney “deeply concerned” over Iran conflict and questions legality of air strikes

He is said to have privately urged Labour figures to back Starmer in his time of need.

One Labour source said the rebellion, particularly in Scotland, would have been greater had Brown not got involved:

“Gordon is hugely respected in the party and people listen to him.”

A second insider said Brown’s pro-Starmer stance was likely influenced by some of his colleagues trying to oust him when he was PM.

Months before the 2010 general election, former Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon plotted to remove Brown, but the attempt failed.

It comes after Brown, who was also Chancellor between 1997 and 2007, helped influence Rachel Reeves’ last Budget.

He had been pushing the Government to scrap the two child benefit cap and introduce a tax on gambling profits, both of which were announced by Reeves.

He has also launched his own investigations into the activities of billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Brown wrote to six police forces demanding a probe into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases during his time as trade envoy to meet Epstein.

He has also been highly critical of Peter Mandelson, who served in his administration, for leaking confidential Government information to Epstein.

An SNP source said: “It’s hard not to feel a bit sorry for Anas Sarwar – he’s way out of his depth and this embarrassing episode just keeps getting more toe curling by the day.

“The only people backing his coup were Jackie Baillie, Davy Russell and a couple of MSPs – you could fit that rabble in the back of his swanky motor.

“Gordon Brown once said he saved the world, he could have at least tried to save Anas Sarwar some dignity.”

A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said: “Labour are too weak to stand up to the failing SNP government because of the civil war tearing their party apart.

“Anas Sarwar is desperate to wash his hands of Keir Starmer, despite fighting tooth and nail to put the hopeless PM in Downing Street, but his attempted putsch has been ignored by colleagues and undermined by Gordon Brown.”

A spokesperson for Brown was approached for comment. Scottish Labour declined to comment.

Air travel in the region has been severely disrupted since Saturday (February 28), with thousands of flights cancelled.

US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.

This prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles hitting countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Israel.

The latest travel advice information for British nationals in the Middle East: https://t.co/AB8rEGx5TQ

This includes countries with updated travel advice and links to Register Your Presence. pic.twitter.com/RPBHw0mILU

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 1, 2026

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Monday (March 2) there were an estimated 300,000 British citizens in Gulf countries.

Many Brits remain stranded, but a limited number of flights to the UK have been operating out of Dubai as UAE airspace has partially reopened under restricted corridors.

Dubai Airports said a passenger advisory on Monday: “Limited airport operations have resumed today (March 2) with a small number of flights operating from DXB and DWC.

“Passengers must not travel to the airport unless they have received a confirmed departure time directly from their airline, as schedules remain subject to change.

“If you have received a confirmed departure flight from your airline, please also check which terminal your flight is departing from.”

Is Emirates flying to Dubai?

In a statement on its travel updates page , Emirates shared that scheduled flights to and from Dubai are suspended for the moment.

This will remain in place until 11.59pm UAE time (7.95pm GMT) on Wednesday, March 4.

All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on 4 March, due to airspace closures across the region.

Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on 3 and 4 March. We are accommodating… pic.twitter.com/rNFG3mDovl

— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 3, 2026

They added: “Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on 3 and 4 March. 

“We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates, or hold a confirmed booking for these flights.”

The airline added that it will continue to monitor the situation and will update its operations schedule if need be.

If you’ve been affected by a flight cancellation, you can rebook on another flight to your intended destination for travel on or before Friday, March 20.

Alternatively, you can request a refund of your ticket if your booking is on or before Tuesday, March 10, by completing the refund form on the website here .

Recommended reading:

What have other airlines done for Dubai flights?

British Airways cancelled its timetabled flights to London Heathrow from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha and Dubai at the time of writing.

Passengers with bookings on certain routes up to Sunday, March 15, are being allowed to amend the date to fly on or before Sunday, March 29.

What is the government’s advice on flying to Dubai?

The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.

There have been no changes in Huntley’s condition since he was attacked five days ago

The Soham murderer Ian Huntley is still “seriously ill” in hospital after being attacked in a maximum security prison five days ago. Huntley was attacked by an inmate with a metal bar in the workshop at HMP Frankland, near Durham on Thursday, February 26.

Durham Constabulary confirmed today (Tuesday, March 3) that there had been no changes in the 52-year-old’s condition. The force said: “There has been no change in the 52-year-old man’s condition overnight – he remains in hospital in a serious condition.”

After the attack, Huntley’s daughter Samantha Bryan, 27, told The Sun that “there’s a special place in hell waiting for him”. The former caretaker was given a life sentence which recommended he serve at least 40 years in prison for the murder of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman on August 4 2002, PA reports.

It has been reported that triple killer Anthony Russell had shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after Huntley was attacked. The force has not confirmed the identity of the suspect but has said a man in his mid-40s was detained.

Russell was given a whole-life sentence after murdering Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor. Russell had also raped Ms McGregor.

This marks the second attack on Huntley, after his neck was slashed by Damien Fowkes using a home-made weapon, which left him needing 21 stitches. After the attack, Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”

He had described Huntley as a “notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general”.

The men were given a Criminal Behaviour Order and had to pay compensation to the landowners.

Two men have been found guilty of attending a hare coursing event in Cambridgeshire. Roy Lee, 27, of Barrowby Vale, Grantham, and Sam Sheady, 46, of Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, Clwyd, were found guilty of attending a hare coursing event on January 25, 2025.

At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, March 3), the men were issued a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBOs). The CBO prohibits them from entering or being present on any part of private or agricultural land within England and Wales, without the written permission of the owner, which can be presented to an officer upon request.

The order also prohibits them from driving any vehicle with a sighthound breed dog, whilst outside of a five mile radius of his home address, unless for a pre-arranged veterinary appointment, proof of appointment to be provided to an officer upon request and except when travelling to and from the land the defendant owns or rents and must provide written proof of ownership or rental agreement to present to any police officer if required.

Both of the men must also pay compensation to landowners in the sum of £1,000 each. Lee was also fined £200.

The conviction follows a large investigation into hare coursing and associated criminal activity that took place on Saturday, January 25 2025. The incident affected multiple communities in Cambridgeshire including Fordham, Ely, Prickwillow, Littleport, Welney, Chatteris, March, Wimblington and Doddington.

The investigation was supported by multiple police forces and national crime units. It resulted in 43 arrests and 25 individuals being charged with a total of 39 offences.

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They were seen flying over Radcliffe and Bury between around 4pm and 5pm with confused onlookers speculating about why the aircraft were circling the area.

An SAS helicopter was spotted flying above Bury and Radcliffe (Image: Public)

The Bolton News understands that the helicopters are taking part in a routine training exercise.

The helicopter seen today appears to be the same model as the two seen at Salford’s MediaCity yesterday – a Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, nicknamed “Blue Thunder”.

Two helicopters were seen landing in MediaCity (Image: mich2255)

They have gained this name from their notable colour scheme, pairing navy blue with a white underbelly.

On Monday night (March 2), residents at Salford Quays reported “freaking out” when two of the helicopters were seen landing in an open square.

They flew away together before returning a bit later, when residents also spotted men in black on the rooftops.

The men were seen descending from the helicopters onto the roof of a nearby hotel.

Filming on Coronation Street which was taking place outside was also seen to have stopped entirely as a result of the helicopters flying nearby.

Thousands have weighed in with nearly universal disapproval in public comments about President Donald Trump’s planned $400 million ballroom at the White House, as the project faces a key review vote on Thursday at the National Capital Planning Commission.

“The size and design of the proposed White House Ballroom are hideous,” one commenter wrote. “I object to the decision to ruin the American public’s historical legacy.”

Another, from architect Donna Wax, called the president’s plans for a gilded, 22,000-square-foot ballroom inside a newly built, columned East Wing a “fascist take on classism.”

“What Donald Trump is doing to the White House and proposing for other construction, is appalling,” Penny Jarrett, who grew outside Washington, told the commission in a February comment. “How could he just ‘do that’ without consent from you or Congress? PLEASE don’t let him get away with him building this addition, gold plated monstrosity as it will be a replica of his ‘gold plated lifestyle’ which is disgusting.”

More than 98 percent of the more than 10,000 pages of comments were negative, according to a New York Times analysis, and some of the criticism came from unlikely places.

open image in gallery

“I have substantial concerns regarding the action or inaction by the National Capital Planning Commission and/or the White House during the undertaking of the demolition of the East Wing of the White House,” Republican Rep. Michael Turner of Ohio, co-chair of the Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus, wrote of the plans in a newly released October letter. “The stark images of the East Wing demolished in mere days were deeply disturbing to Americans who cherish preservation of our nation’s history.”

The commission, chaired by a White House staffer and former personal lawyer for the president, will vote on Thursday on whether to move forward with the project.

A staff report ahead of the meeting noted the “substantial” number of public comments, “the majority in opposition” to the project, but still recommended moving forward with the renovation.

Last month, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, another review board filled with Trump allies, approved the project, despite not seeing the final design and similarly being deluged with almost entirely negative public comments.

open image in gallery

Last week, a federal judge rejected a preservation group’s request for an injunction to block the project.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed an amended lawsuit over the weekend. It alleged the Trump administration violated multiple federal laws by embarking on the construction project unilaterally last fall without prior approval from the two planning commissions and Congress.

“No president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without any review whatsoever — not President Trump, no President Biden, and not anyone else,” the suit reads.

Outside of the planning process, the project has generated controversy because of its private funding from past donors to the Trump campaign and inauguration, including numerous large tech companies.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.

As spring approaches and nesting season begins in March, wildlife experts recommend positioning bird feeders in key garden location to keep birds safe from predators.

With spring approaching and nesting season kicking off in March, plenty of nature enthusiasts will be getting ready to support their neighbourhood birds. One effective method of helping birds during this period is by installing bird feeders.

At this time of year, natural food supplies become scarce, so offering treats like nuts, seeds and suet can give birds a crucial energy lift.

Once you’ve bought a bird feeder, working out the ideal spot to position it can be tricky. Where you site them determines not just whether garden birds will use them, but also which species you’ll attract.

To ensure birds remain safe whilst feeding, specialists at retailer Really Wild Bird Food suggest positioning your feeder close to natural cover, such as trees or bushes, within reasonable view of a window. They explained: “This will keep them hidden from predators and sheltered from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.”

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However, avoid placing your feeders right beside trees. This makes it far too simple for squirrels and other local creatures to pinch your bird food.

You might think that putting your bird feeder near a window is ill-advised; naturally, you’d want to prevent birds from accidentally colliding with the glass and harming themselves.

Yet, it can actually be more dangerous to position bird feeders at a distance from your windows, as this allows the birds to build up momentum before striking the glass. The experts advised: “For this reason, we recommend positioning your bird feeder a couple of feet away from the window at most.

That way, if a bird takes off in the direction of your windows or glass doors, it won’t be flying fast enough to cause serious injury. Better still, place your feeder directly on the window or windowsill.”

It’s suggested you position your bird feeder roughly five feet off the ground. This height makes it convenient for you to refill and maintain the feeder whilst also preventing pets and other creatures from pinching your bird food.

If you find that particular birds aren’t turning up at your feeder, you may want to consider adjusting the height or adding extra feeders at various heights from the ground.

For instance, woodpeckers prefer feeding high up in trees, so suspending a feeder at six to 10 feet above ground level might help to entice them. Other species, including blackbirds, robins and chaffinches, favour eating from ground feeders.