Inflation in the United States cooled in January, while the US military conducted a lethal strike in the Caribbean Sea, and a fire broke out at a Cuban oil refinery, according to reports released on Friday, February 14, 2026. These events occurred against a backdrop of global developments, including the UAE's advancements in artificial intelligence and the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Iran.
According to the Department of Labor, the consumer price index in the US rose by 2.4% over the 12 months to January, a decrease from 2.7% the prior month. This marked the slowest pace since May, driven in part by falling prices for energy and used cars, as reported by BBC Business. This development could influence the Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates, though some analysts cautioned that progress toward the 2% target could stall.
Simultaneously, the US military conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of three people. US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed the lethal kinetic strike, which occurred on Friday. This action is part of a series of air strikes that have claimed at least 133 lives since September 2025, according to Al Jazeera.
In Cuba, a fire erupted at the Nico Lopez oil refinery in Havana, potentially exacerbating the country's existing energy crisis. The incident, reported by Al Jazeera, sent a large plume of smoke over Havana Bay. The refinery is a key fuel processing plant, and the fire occurred amid an ongoing oil blockade imposed by the United States.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates showcased its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into government services at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The UAE aims to cut bureaucracy and speed up public services using AI, as reported by Euronews. Mohammed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services of the United Arab Emirates Government, told Euronews that the summit provided a platform for global dialogue on AI.
Adding to the global news, an Iranian doctor, Yaser Rahmani-Rad, was reportedly arrested and detained after speaking out against the Iranian regime. Dr. Rahmani-Rad, an internal medicine specialist, had accused security forces of arresting injured protesters inside hospitals, according to Sky News.
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