Global Briefs: US Spends $5.6bn in Early Iran Conflict, Airfares Surge Worldwide, 140 American Troops Injured
Story: written by Rita Uzuh March 11,2026
US reports $5.6bn spent in opening days of Iran conflict
The administration of Donald Trump has informed congressional committees that the first 48 hours of military operations against Iran cost approximately $5.6 billion in weapons and operational expenses.
The disclosure has triggered concern among lawmakers over the potential strain on US military resources, particularly as defence manufacturers face challenges in keeping pace with demand. The White House has yet to publish a full breakdown of the costs associated with the military campaign that began on February 28 alongside Israel.
Israeli strikes hit Beirut amid calls to disarm Hezbollah
Air raids by Israel struck the southern suburbs of Beirut as ground forces advanced deeper into southern Lebanon.
The escalation follows attacks by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Lebanese authorities say nearly 570 people have died over the past week as violence spreads across the region.
Iranian women footballers granted protection in Australia
Five members of Iran’s women’s national football team have received asylum in Australia after leaving their team hotel during the Asian Cup.
Australian authorities reportedly helped the athletes, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, leave the delegation after they faced pressure from officials accompanying the squad. The players had earlier refused to sing Iran’s national anthem before a match and were later labelled “wartime traitors.”
Pentagon confirms 140 US troops injured in Iran war
The United States Department of Defense says around 140 American service members have been wounded since hostilities with Iran began.
Officials noted that most injuries were minor, with more than 100 troops already returning to active duty. Eight personnel remain in critical condition and are receiving specialised treatment.
Airfares climb as conflict pushes fuel costs higher
Airlines worldwide are raising ticket prices after the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran caused a surge in jet fuel costs.
Carriers such as Qantas, Scandinavian Airlines, and Air New Zealand say the spike in fuel expenses has forced temporary fare increases. Jet fuel prices have reportedly jumped from about $90 to nearly $200 per barrel amid fears of disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Africa
Congo’s Sassou poised to extend decades-long rule
Denis Sassou Nguesso is expected to maintain power in upcoming elections in the Republic of the Congo.
The 82-year-old leader has ruled the oil-producing nation for about 42 years across two periods in office. Opposition groups claim the election process lacks transparency, with several challengers jailed or living in exile.
Militant attack kills truck drivers in Mali
Armed fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin killed at least 12 truck drivers travelling in a fuel convoy in western Mali, according to Human Rights Watch.
The convoy, escorted by soldiers, was attacked in the Kayes region as authorities attempted to break insurgent blockades affecting fuel supply routes.
Zimbabwe accused of intensifying crackdown on critics
Human Rights Watch says authorities in Zimbabwe are increasing pressure on opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment that could extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The amendment would lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, potentially postponing elections scheduled for 2028.
UN peacekeepers refuse order to withdraw from South Sudan town
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan says its forces will remain in the town of Akobo despite orders from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces to withdraw ahead of a planned military operation.
The mission warned that escalating tensions between government troops and opposition groups could put civilians at risk.
Residents flee Ethiopia’s Tigray amid fears of renewed conflict
Civilians have begun leaving the Tigray Region of Ethiopia amid growing fears that fighting could resume between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters.
The displacement comes several years after a peace agreement ended a devastating war in northern Ethiopia, though tensions remain high and relations with neighbouring Eritrea have deteriorated.
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