Brutal Haiti massacre kills nearly 200 Voodoo practitioners
A powerful gang leader in Haiti orchestrated a horrific attack on the voodoo community, resulting in the deaths of over 180 people and igniting widespread condemnation.
Biden: US to aid allies in post-Assad Syria transition
While U.S. troops will not be deployed for this task, approximately 900 American personnel are expected to remain in eastern Syria to counter ISIS threats
Assad fleeing Syria marks the end of decades-long family rule
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country on Sunday, bringing a dramatic end to his nearly 14-year struggle to maintain control amid a brutal civil war that turned Syria into a proxy battleground for global powers. Assad’s departure marked a stark contrast to his initial rise to power in 2000, when he was seen as a potential reformist following the three-decade rule of his father, Hafez al-Assad. At the age of 34, Bashar, a Western-educated ophthalmologist, was considered a mild-mannered and tech-savvy leader. However, when protests against his rule erupted in 2011, he resorted to the harsh tactics of his father to suppress dissent, eventually plunging the country into civil war. Over the years, Assad’s government, backed by Iran and Russia, unleashed devastating military campaigns, resulting in widespread torture and extrajudicial killings. The war has killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions. In recent years, Assad regained control over most of Syria, but the northwest remained under opposition control, and the northeast was governed by Kurdish forces. Despite enduring Western sanctions, many neighboring countries had started to accept Assad’s continued grip on power, with Syria’s membership in the Arab League restored in 2023. However, the situation changed quickly when opposition groups in northwest Syria launched a surprise offensive in late November. Assad’s forces quickly collapsed, and his allies, distracted by other conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israeli-Hamas war, were reluctant to intervene. Bashar Assad’s rise to power was unexpected. His father, Hafez, had groomed his older son Basil to be his successor, but Basil’s death in a 1994 car crash led Bashar, then living in London as an ophthalmologist, to return to Syria. He was rapidly groomed for leadership, undergoing military training and elevated to the rank of colonel. When Hafez died in 2000, the Syrian parliament lowered the age requirement for the presidency to 34, allowing Bashar to take power through a nationwide referendum where he was the sole candidate. Hafez’s nearly 30-year rule had been marked by tight control over the country’s economy and political life, and his alliance with Iran and resistance to Israel defined Syria’s foreign policy. Bashar, in contrast to his father’s hard-edged authoritarianism, appeared more open and even liberal in his early years. He allowed some political discourse and briefly encouraged reforms in what was dubbed the “Damascus Spring.” However, after intellectuals pushed for political reform, Assad’s regime cracked down, imprisoning activists and shutting down reform efforts. By the time the Arab Spring protests spread to Syria in 2011, Assad dismissed the possibility of unrest in his own country, claiming his government was in tune with the people. However, as the protests escalated, Assad turned to brutal force to suppress opposition, with his regime using military power to crush uprisings, particularly in cities like Homs and Aleppo. While initially relying on his father’s old allies, Assad increasingly turned to his inner circle, including his brother Maher, who headed the Presidential Guard, and his wife, Asma, who played a key role in his government until she stepped back in 2023 due to health issues. The outbreak of civil war forced millions of Syrians to flee the country, while the violence and suffering persisted for over a decade. Despite numerous attempts to oust him, Assad managed to hold onto power, backed by Russia and Iran, while the international community remained divided over how to respond. As Assad exits the scene, the end of his family’s rule over Syria marks the collapse of a decades-long dynasty that shaped the country’s politics and identity for nearly half a century.
Israel, Hamas close to reaching ‘small’ cease-fire deal
Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a “small” cease-fire deal, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported Sunday, citing political sources. The broadcasting authority quoted the unnamed Israeli sources as saying that the two sides are close to finalizing a deal that would include a two-month cease-fire. The deal would also involve the release of prisoners under “humanitarian cases,” including the elderly, women, the wounded and the sick, and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from parts of the Gaza Strip, the sources said, without providing further details. Hamas and mediating countries Egypt and Qatar have not commented on the report. A Hamas delegation led by deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya left Cairo late Sunday after a meeting with the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, Maj. Gen. Hassan Rashad, during which they discussed efforts to implement a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The delegation emphasized its commitment to ensuring the success of these efforts and ending the aggression against the Palestinian people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed earlier in a conversation with families of Israeli hostages in Gaza that the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime on Sunday might contribute to an agreement on a hostage swap in Gaza. Israel estimates that there are currently 101 Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt and Qatar to reach a cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement between Israel and Hamas have failed due to Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the ongoing conflict. Israel has been conducting a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of more than 44,600 people, the majority of whom are women and children, since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year. Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
Passenger attempts to hijack Mexican flight, divert it to US
A passenger on board a domestic flight in Mexico attempted to forcibly divert the plane to the US but was stopped by flight crew and passengers. After being detained, the man allegedly confessed that the failed bid was triggered after a close relative of his was kidnapped and his life was threatened by criminals. On Sunday morning, Volaris, one of the country’s main airlines, said that on flight 3401 from El Bajio in central Mexico to the border city of Tijuana in Baja California, the 31-year-old man attempted to divert the plane to the United States “through the use of force.” He attacked a flight attendant and attempted to break into the cockpit and take control of the plane before being restrained. The plane made an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport, around 1,380 miles (2,220 kilometers) from its destination, where members of the National Guard were already waiting for him. The man was traveling with his wife and two children and could face three to 20 years in prison as Volaris decided to press charges against him.
Russia grants asylum to Syria’s Assad and his family
Syria’s deposed President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, where Russia has granted them asylum.
Israel sets military zones in Golan after Syria’s Assad falls
Israel restricts agricultural and residential areas in Golan Heights for security reasons, following the collapse of the Syrian Baath regime.
Opposition topples Bashar Assad regime in Syria
Anti-regime forces ousted Bashar al-Assad after capturing Damascus, ending his regime and establishing a free Syrian state while liberating numerous provinces.
Egypt, Denmark sign deal to prevent regional conflicts
Egypt and Denmark signed a strategic partnership declaration, focusing on regional stability and mutual cooperation in political, economic, and cultural matters during President al-Sisi’s visit to Copenhagen.
Romania’s court cancels presidential election over interference
Romania’s constitutional court annulled the presidential election, citing interference and irregularities, after allegations of Russian influence in favor of a far-right candidate.
Israeli forces strike Lebanon in renewed ceasefire breach
On Friday, Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, violating the cease-fire agreement, which has now seen over 150 breaches since November 27.
Israeli army surrounds Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza
The Israeli army encircled Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza on Friday, advancing under heavy fire and imposing a siege from all directions, sources and witnesses said. Military vehicles approached the hospital’s vicinity, supported by intense gunfire and artillery shelling, effectively isolating the facility. Intense gunfire and the sound of Israeli artillery shells were heard in the area around the facility. Israel launched a large-scale ground operation in northern Gaza since Oct. 5 to “prevent” the Palestinian resistance group Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, accuse Israel of seeking to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents. More than 3,500 people have since been reported dead and missing, according to local health authorities. The onslaught was the latest episode in Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 44,500 people, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023. Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza.
Chinese fishing vessel seized by pirates in Somali waters
The attackers, some armed with AK-47s and machine guns, have taken control of the vessel in what has been classified as a sea robbery
France’s Macron vows to complete term, announces new PM soon
Macron criticized the far-right and far-left for destabilizing the government and announced a new PM soon.
South Korean police probe president over martial law ‘treason’ cha...
2 complaints filed against Yoon Suk Yeol, ex-Defense Chief Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su as well as Interior Minister Lee Sang-min
Israeli forces push into Khan Younis; 20 killed in Gaza strikes
While a recent ceasefire halted hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon, fighting in Gaza continues unabated
South Korean opposition parties file impeachment motion against President Yoon
The South Korean opposition parties Wednesday filed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol amid ongoing political crisis in the country. Six opposition parties submitted the impeachment bill against Yoon to the National Assembly, Yonhap News reported. The move comes after Yoon, in an aborted move, tried to impose martial law on the country. Yoon’s decision was voted down by majority of lawmakers, forcing the president and his Cabinet to lift the martial law within six hours. An opposition lawmaker said the impeachment vote against Yoon could be held as early as Friday or Saturday. Earlier, the main opposition Democratic Party said it will file treason charges against Yoon, as well as his defense and interior ministers, and impeach them. Democratic Party has majority in the parliament, holding 170 seats in the 300-member National Assembly. However, they need 22 votes from minor opposition parties and eight from the ruling People Power Party to remove a sitting president. If Yoon is impeached, he will be suspended from his duties until the Constitutional Court decides whether to restore him or remove him from office. Meanwhile, all military and police personnel were “fully” banned from entering the parliament building. “The National Assembly Secretariat has implemented a full ban on entry to the National Assembly building for personnel from the Ministry of National Defense, military forces, and the National Assembly Guard, including police officers, who unlawfully entered the premises,” Korea JoongAng Daily quoted Kim Min-ki, secretary-general of the National Assembly, as saying. The development came after around 280 troops entered the parliament last night after President Yoon declared martial law.
South Korean President Yoon declares martial law
Step was necessary to ‘protect the country from North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements,’ Yoon Suk Yeol announces in late-night television address
Apple faces lawsuit for allegedly spying on workers
US tech giant Apple is facing a lawsuit for allegedly spying on its employees using company-managed devices such as iPhones. Workers using personal Apple devices must link their iCloud accounts to the company, from which Apple allegedly collects various data from off-duty employees, such as location, claimed Amar Bhakta, who has been working in Apple’s digital advertising division since 2020, in a lawsuit filed on Sunday. In his lawsuit, Bhakta claimed that workers’ personal devices, including iPhones, were installed with proprietary internal software on company grounds, where the devices are “subject to search by Apple.” Apple allegedly violated California law by requiring its employees to agree to a policy allowing the company to “engage in physical, video, and electronic surveillance” of its employees,” he added. “For Apple employees, the Apple ecosystem is not a walled garden. It is a prison yard. A panopticon where employees, both on and off duty, are subject to Apple’s all-seeing eye,” US-based tech news website The Verge reported on Monday, citing court documents. He alleged that Apple restricts employees’ speech by prohibiting them from discussing their working conditions and wages, as well as their political activity. “We strongly disagree with these claims and believe they lack merit,” Apple spokesperson Josh Rosenstock said in a statement to The Verge.
Israel issues new Gaza evacuation orders, kills 12
The escalation follows a major Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 250 hostages taken
Hamas claims 33 hostages killed during Gaza conflict
Hamas announced on Monday that 33 hostages held in Gaza had been killed amid the ongoing 14-month war between the Palestinian militant group and Israel
Italy’s foreign minister warns of new migration crisis in Syria
Italy’s foreign minister warned of a new migration crisis in Syria amid renewed fighting between the Bashar al-Assad regime forces and armed opposition groups in the country. “Lebanon is already hosting one million Syrian refugees. The risk here is the emergence of a new migration crisis as the result of an internal conflict that could last long,” Antonio Tajani told reporters on the sidelines of the international humanitarian aid conference for Gaza in Cairo on Monday. He also warned that this conflict, which directly impacts Lebanon, could also affect Europe. The opposition forces, engaged in clashes with regime forces for the past six days, have made significant territorial gains, taking control of the regional hub of Aleppo as well as areas south of Idlib province toward regime-held Hama.
US to send Ukraine $725m in weapons to fight Russia
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces $725 million in military aid to Ukraine, which includes Stinger missiles, HIMARS ammunition, drones, and controversial land mines.
US Navy intercepts Houthi missiles in Gulf of Aden
Navy destroyers escorting 3 US-owned, operated merchant vessels ensure safety of civilian, naval vessels, says US Central Command
Chad ends military pact with France, seeks independence
Chad has terminated its military pact with France, citing its outdated nature and the need for greater autonomy.
Biden pardons son Hunter, breaking previous pledge
‘Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong,’ says outgoing US president
9 killed in shooting at snack bar in Mexico
Nine people were killed and five others were injured in a shooting at a snack bar in northern Mexico, local media reported on Sunday. The shooting took place in the town of Apaseo del Grande in Guanajuato state. Nine people were killed at the scene and five others were injured in the attack. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants first fired at the people inside the snack bar, and then opened fire randomly on the customers nearby. A large number of police were deployed to the area where the attack took place, and a massive operation was launched to capture the fleeing assailants.