Islamic militants abduct more than 300 people in northeastern Nigeria, officials say

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Islamic militants attacked a town in northeastern Nigeria on Friday, abducting more than 300 people, including women and children, local officials said. The attack happened in the town of Ngoshe in Borno state, according to Bulama Sawa, an official from the Gwoza area. He told The Associated Press the attack was likely in retaliation for an operation by the military that killed three commanders of the militant Boko Haram group. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack. Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis from different armed groups.

Hungary detains 7 Ukrainians and seizes $80 million cash shipment

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary says it has detained seven Ukrainians working for a state bank and seized armored vehicles full of cash, setting off a sharp dispute with Kyiv. On Friday, Hungarian customs officials say they opened a money laundering case. Ukraine’s foreign minister called the detentions “state terrorism” and accused Hungary of taking the bank employees hostage. Ukraine’s Oschadbank says the shipment included millions in dollars and euros, plus gold. The bank says GPS shows the vehicles in central Budapest, but staff locations stay unclear. The clash adds fuel to a wider dispute over blocked Russian oil flows through Ukraine.

Trump rules out talks absent Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as Israel strikes Lebanon

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to rule out talks with Iran absent its “unconditional surrender.” Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut and Tehran on Friday as Iran launched another wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf countries on the seventh day of the war. The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the latest conflict. More than 95,000 people have fled Beirut’s suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings. The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted.

Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, communication minister says

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, the communication and digital affairs minister says. Meutya Hafid in a statement to media Friday said that she has signed a government regulation that will mean children under the age of 16 can no longer have accounts on high-risk digital platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox. The implementation will start gradually from March 28. Hafid said the government was helping parents fight back against online dangers.