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Death toll in Malaysia migrant shipwreck rises to 13

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Authorities in Malaysia and Thailand have recovered at least 13 bodies and are continuing to search for survivors after a boat carrying undocumented migrants capsized off the coast of Thailand’s Tarutao Island, officials said on Monday.

The vessel, which was carrying around 70 migrants — many believed to be members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya minority — overturned four days ago while attempting to reach Malaysia.

Police said the passengers were part of a larger group of about 300 people who had set out in at least two boats from Myanmar roughly two weeks ago. The second boat has since been reported missing.

Tarutao Island lies just north of Malaysia’s popular Langkawi resort island, where rescue operations have been concentrated.

Romli Mustafa, Director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for the northern states of Kedah and Perlis, said that rescuers had so far recovered seven bodies, all identified as Rohingya.

“Thai authorities are also conducting search-and-rescue operations, where they have found six bodies,” Romli told reporters. “We expect to find more victims today,” he added, noting that strong currents were likely to carry additional bodies into Malaysian waters.

At least 13 people — mostly Rohingya and Bangladeshis — have been rescued alive, according to Malaysian police. Langkawi Police Chief Khairul Azhar Nuruddin said six of the dead were identified as Rohingya women and one as a young girl.

Romli said at least 12 vessels are currently involved in search efforts across a 250-square-nautical-mile area, roughly the size of Singapore.

The tragedy highlights the growing dangers faced by Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, often through perilous sea routes facilitated by human trafficking syndicates.

“Cross-border syndicates are increasingly exploiting vulnerable migrants, turning them into victims of human trafficking using high-risk sea routes,” Romli said, noting that traffickers charge as much as $3,500 per person for passage.

Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s more prosperous nations, is home to millions of migrant workers, many of whom are undocumented and employed in construction, agriculture, and domestic service.

Deadly boat disasters are not uncommon in the region. In December 2021, more than 20 migrants drowned off Malaysia’s coast in one of the worst incidents in recent years.

Authorities say search operations will continue in both Thai and Malaysian waters as the death toll is expected to rise.

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International

Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz following two-week cease-fire agreement with Trump

Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, said that an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the US had taken effect.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks in coordination with Iran’s armed forces “and with due consideration of technical limitations.”

The development follows a two-week ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, the Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported early on Wednesday.

Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, said that an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the US had taken effect.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S., along with their allies, had agreed to an “immediate ceasefire everywhere,” including in Lebanon.“

Trump had made reopening the waterway a condition for the ceasefire and had threatened to target Iran’s energy sector and infrastructure, including bridges, if Tehran failed to comply, setting a deadline of 0000 GMT.

The Strait of Hormuz, crucial to global oil and gas trade, has been largely closed since the United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

According to a senior U.S. official, Israel will also adhere to what Trump described as a “double sided CEASEFIRE.”

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Oil Prices Rise, Stocks Fall as Trump’s Iran Deadline Looms

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Oil prices climbed sharply while global stocks wavered and mostly declined on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s looming deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face escalated U.S. strikes heightened geopolitical tensions and investor anxiety.

Brent crude futures rose about 1% to trade near $111 per barrel, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also pushing higher amid fears that prolonged disruption to the critical waterway through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes could worsen energy shortages. Oil has surged more than 50% since the conflict intensified.

Meanwhile, major U.S. stock indexes showed mixed but largely cautious trading, with many shares slipping as investors weighed the risk of further military escalation, including potential strikes on Iranian power plants and infrastructure.

European and Asian markets were similarly tentative, reflecting broader concerns over inflation, energy costs, and economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Trump has set a firm deadline of 8 p.m. ET Tuesday (1 a.m. GMT Wednesday) for Iran to reach a deal and reopen the strait, warning of decisive action if unmet. He has threatened to “decimate” Iranian bridges and power plants, stating the country “could be taken out in one night.

”Iran has rejected recent ceasefire proposals, calling instead for a permanent end to hostilities, while markets remain on edge with no clear resolution in sight.

Analysts warn that sustained high oil prices could fuel global inflation and slow economic growth, though some investors still hope for a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough.

The developments come as the International Energy Agency has described the current oil and gas crisis linked to the Hormuz blockade as potentially more severe than previous major shocks combined.

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Trump warns Entire Iran could be ‘taken out’ Tuesday night

” The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be Tuesday night,” he said.

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US President Donald Trump says Iran could be “taken out” in one night as the deadline set for the country to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic approaches.

On Saturday, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to comply or risk facing “hell”.

He later threatened that the US would blow up Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran failed to adhere to his warning.

The US president said Iran had until Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (1 am WAT) to make a deal.

In a press conference on Monday, Trump reiterated and intensified his threats.

“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be Tuesday night,” he said.

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