Latest news for 24 February 2026

MEXICO

More deets.

A day since Sunday’s spectacular hit on drug kingpin El Mencho and his cartel’s mass retaliation, authorities have revealed a) they found El Mencho by tracking one of his many girlfriends, and b) they’ve also now killed his deputy (El Tuli), who reportedly orchestrated Sunday’s retaliatory bloqueos. The total death toll now stands at more than 70. (The Straits Times)

Comment: If someone pitched Netflix on that plot line (the feds tracking a cartel via paramours), execs would dismiss it as cliché: the same thing happened to Costa Rica’s Picado kingpin just last year, not to mention El Chapo himself in 2016. Meanwhile, there are rumours El Mencho’s stepson (aka ‘03’) is emerging as his successor.

FRANCE

Goodbye.

The foreign minister (Barrot) has curbed the US ambassador’s direct access to ministers after Ambassador Kushner ignored a second summons, this time over US comments about the beating death of 23-year-old nationalist-right student activist Quentin Deranque. Paris has described the US comments (like a tweet blaming violent radical leftism) as interference in domestic French affairs. (France24)

Comment: This measure would ordinarily make an ambassador’s position untenable, though the French have left the door open to reconciliation as soon as Kushner (Jared’s dad) makes himself available. The ambassador can always turn up and defend the tweet (several hard-left figures are already in French custody), but dissing a summons is begging for expulsion.

AUSTRALIA

Off with him.

Prime Minister Albanese has written to the UK to confirm his government supports Prince Andrew’s removal from the royal line of succession (Australia is a Commonwealth realm). Meanwhile, British police have now released on bail Lord Mandelson (former ambassador to the US) amid allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while a minister. (Guardian)

Comment: Australia’s succession statement is more symbolic at this point, given Andrew is eighth in line. Still, it all highlights the way more heads have rolled abroad than back in Epstein’s home country — there’ve been a few corporate US scalps (Goldman, Hyatt), but Commerce Secretary Lutnick is holding on despite his post-conviction years of warm Epstein ties, a family island visit, and even co-investments.

NETHERLANDS

New PM.

After 117 days of coalition talks, 38-year-old centrist Rob Jetten has emerged as the new Dutch prime minister. His first international call was to Ukraine’s Zelensky, pledging continued support for Ukraine’s self-defence. (DW)

Comment: At the helm of a fragile minority coalition holding just 66 of 150 lower-house seats, it’s a tough gig ahead.

PERU

Star economist.

Peru’s freshly appointed president (the country’s 8th in a decade) has tapped renowned pro-market economist Hernando de Soto to lead the interim government as prime minister, at least until elections this April. (Andina)

NORTH KOREA

Ain’t no party.

You’re not going to believe this, but North Korea’s Workers' Party has again unanimously selected Kim Jong Un to lead the hermit state. The first two notes of congratulations came from Kim’s two treaty allies, China and Russia. (Al Jazeera)

CHAD

Close it down.

Chad has closed its eastern border with Sudan after an assault by Sudan’s notorious RSF paramilitary reportedly left five Chadian soldiers dead. (AA)

Comment: It’s a classic example how Sudan’s civil war threatens drawing in the whole region: yes, there’s the violence spilling out over borders, but there are also reports (which Chad denies) of the RSF importing arms in via Chad.