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Naypyidaw, Myanmar – In a significant diplomatic escalation, Myanmar’s military junta has expelled Timor-Leste’s highest-ranking diplomat, the Chargé d’Affaires, following the opening of a war crimes investigation by Timor-Leste into alleged abuses committed by the Myanmar military. The move, confirmed by multiple sources on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, underscores the growing international pressure on the junta and the rare instance of a small nation directly confronting Myanmar’s leadership over human rights concerns.

The expulsion comes after Timor-Leste initiated a formal investigation into alleged atrocities committed by the Myanmar military against its own citizens, a move that has been lauded by human rights organizations but sharply condemned by the junta. This action marks a unique approach to holding the Myanmar military accountable, as Timor-Leste is pursuing legal avenues independently, rather than through established international bodies like the International Criminal Court, which Myanmar does not recognize.

Timor-Leste’s War Crimes Investigation

Timor-Leste’s decision to launch the investigation stems from a complaint filed by a group of Myanmar refugees and civil society organizations. The complaint details alleged widespread and systematic human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence, perpetrated by the Myanmar military following the February 2021 coup. The investigation, based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, aims to gather evidence and potentially issue arrest warrants for those responsible, regardless of their nationality or where the crimes were committed. Universal jurisdiction allows states to prosecute individuals for certain serious crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, even if the crimes were not committed on their territory or by their nationals.

According to reports, the junta views the investigation as a violation of its sovereignty and an interference in its internal affairs. A statement released by the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Timor-Leste of “meddling” and “undermining regional stability.”

Diplomatic Fallout and International Response

The expulsion of Timor-Leste’s diplomat is the latest in a series of retaliatory measures taken by the Myanmar junta against countries and organizations that have criticized its actions. The Diplomat reports that this action signals a further deterioration in relations between Myanmar and Timor-Leste. The move has drawn criticism from international observers, who express concern over the junta’s increasing isolation and its disregard for diplomatic norms.

While many nations have condemned the coup and the subsequent violence in Myanmar, few have taken such direct legal action as Timor-Leste. The Conversation highlights that this action by Timor-Leste comes at a time when international law is perceived to be at a “breaking point,” with traditional mechanisms for accountability often proving ineffective.

What Comes Next

The immediate impact of the expulsion is a further strain on diplomatic ties between Myanmar and Timor-Leste. It remains to be seen how Timor-Leste will proceed with its investigation in the absence of a diplomatic presence in Myanmar. The junta is likely to continue to dismiss the investigation as illegitimate and to refuse cooperation. However, Timor-Leste’s bold move could inspire other nations to explore similar legal avenues for holding the Myanmar military accountable. The situation underscores the complex challenges facing the international community in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the demand for innovative approaches to ensure justice for the victims of alleged atrocities.

This developing story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor celebrated for his roles in iconic films like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” has died at the age of 95, his family announced Tuesday.

Duvall’s career spanned seven decades, establishing him as one of the most respected and versatile actors in Hollywood history. He received an Oscar for his supporting role in 1983’s “Tender Mercies.” News of his death was first reported by NBC News and quickly followed by confirmations from CBS News and CW39 Houston.

Born in San Diego, California, Duvall served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before pursuing acting. He honed his craft on stage and in television before achieving widespread recognition with his portrayal of Tom Hagen in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” (1972). His performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

Duvall continued to collaborate with Coppola on films such as “The Conversation” and the epic war drama “Apocalypse Now” (1979), where he played the enigmatic Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore. He was known for his dedication to fully inhabiting his characters, often employing distinct vocal patterns and mannerisms.

Beyond his work with Coppola, Duvall starred in a diverse range of films, including “Network,” “The Great Santini,” “Colors,” and “Open Range.” He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been released. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, announced his passing but has not issued further statements as of Tuesday afternoon.

In unrelated news, authorities continue to investigate the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. Sheriff’s officials have stated that Guthrie’s family and spouses are not currently considered suspects, according to NBC News. A daring rescue operation was also recently completed in Texas, where a researcher injured deep underground in a cave was successfully brought to safety, NBC News reported.

USHUAIA, Argentina – Thousands gathered in Ushuaia, Argentina, over the weekend for the Esperanza Ushuaia Festival, an evangelistic event led by Rev. Franklin Graham. The festival, held February 14th and 15th, 2026, at the Microestadio José Cochocho Vargas, drew large crowds to the southernmost city in the world, with attendees coming from across the region to hear a message of hope and faith. Hundreds responded to an invitation to accept Jesus Christ, marking what organizers are calling a significant spiritual moment for the community.

Ushuaia, often referred to as the “city at the complete of the world,” provided a unique backdrop for the outreach. Situated between the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel, the city serves as a gateway to Antarctica, but this weekend, it became a focal point for religious gathering. The event, years in the making, was initially planned for 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Franklin Graham explained that the desire to bring the Gospel to Ushuaia remained strong, finally coming to fruition after discussions with local pastors in late 2025.

Years in the Making: Overcoming Obstacles to Reach Ushuaia

The Esperanza Ushuaia Festival wasn’t a spontaneous decision. According to Franklin Graham, the outreach had been planned since 2020, with initial meetings held with local churches before the onset of the pandemic. “I was planning to come to your beautiful city in 2020. God had placed it on my heart,” Graham stated during a press conference, as reported by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The pandemic forced a postponement, but the commitment to share the Gospel in Ushuaia persisted. The opportunity to finalize plans arose during a visit to Buenos Aires in November 2025, where local pastors reiterated their invitation.

The festival featured performances by Christian artists including Rescate, Dennis Agajanian, and Evangelina Crubinca, alongside Graham’s message. The event followed a similar format to the Esperanza Buenos Aires Festival held in November 2025, which drew over 73,000 attendees, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Addressing Spiritual Needs in a City of Opportunity Seekers

Graham highlighted the spiritual needs of Ushuaia’s residents, noting that many have moved to the city seeking better opportunities. “I believe there is a great spiritual need, and that’s why we are here,” he said. “People are searching, and many are not finding answers to their problems. But our greatest problem is sin.” He emphasized the core Christian belief in salvation through Jesus Christ, stating, “The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Local pastor Hugo Mullión, who has served in Ushuaia for 43 years, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating he had never witnessed an opportunity of this scale in the city. The festival also involved collaboration with the Council of Pastors of Ushuaia, demonstrating a unified effort among local Christian leaders.

One attendee, Walter, shared his personal story of overcoming years of addiction and homelessness, stating he felt compelled to “repent of my sins” and give his life to Christ. He expressed gratitude for the support he had received, noting that he was no longer suffering from cold or hunger. Attendees left the arena with recent Bibles and connections to local churches for continued spiritual growth.

Looking Ahead: Connecting New Believers with Local Churches

The Esperanza Ushuaia Festival represents a significant outreach effort by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The organization is now focused on connecting the individuals who made decisions for Christ with local churches in the Ushuaia region to nurture their faith. This follow-up is crucial for ensuring the lasting impact of the festival and fostering a growing Christian community in the region. The event underscores the ongoing efforts to spread the Gospel in remote and diverse locations around the world.

What comes next for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association? The organization continues to plan similar outreach events globally, aiming to share the message of hope and faith with communities worldwide. Share your thoughts on this event in the comments below, and consider sharing this story with your network.