At least 110 elderly people were killed in Haiti’s Cite Soleil slum by the Wharf Jeremie gang, led by Monel “Mikano” Felix, who blamed them for his child’s illness through witchcraft. The massacre, involving machetes and knives, occurred over the weekend. Cite Soleil is a violent, impoverished area with tight gang control. Felix’s gang, estimated at 300 members, also operates in nearby regions. The Haitian government struggles to manage gang violence, and international security support remains limited and under-resourced. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 11:30 pm
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, seized Syria’s Sednaya prison, freeing thousands of detainees, mainly Assad regime opponents. Families reunited with long-lost relatives, while others searched for missing loved ones. The White Helmets deployed teams to investigate reports of hidden cells, using specialists and dogs. Despite no new detainees found, efforts continued. Conflicting reports emerged, with the Association of Detainees denying underground cells’ existence, confirming the last detainee’s release on December 8, 2024. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 11:30 pm
Dubai police arrested Othman El Ballouti, an alleged drug trafficker wanted for smuggling cocaine through Antwerp, Belgium. Sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023, El Ballouti is accused of managing a global criminal network linked to Chinese businesses and South American suppliers. He was living in Dubai and is now facing extradition proceedings. Ava Sinclair 09/12/2024 11:30 pm
As prisoners were freed in Damascus, crowds looted former President Bashar al-Assad’s opulent mansions, amazed by his wealth. Images showed people carrying furniture and valuables from the palaces, which featured plush carpets, marble floors, and luxury items. Assad, known as “the butcher of Damascus,” fled to Moscow with his family, leaving his mansions empty. The Assad family’s wealth, estimated at £1.6bn, is believed to be hidden in various assets and offshore accounts. Their economic influence extended throughout Syria, while ordinary Syrians suffered from poverty and starvation. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 8:00 pm
Seven years ago, Putin declared victory in Syria, supporting Assad amid civil war. Recently, Assad fled to Moscow as rebels advanced, revealing limits to Russia’s power and affecting its international influence, especially during its Ukraine conflict. Historically, Russia, a longtime ally of Syria, intervened militarily in 2015 to support Assad, deploying warplanes and military advisers, and upgrading its naval base in Tartus. Despite these efforts, Russia and Iran couldn’t prevent Assad’s recent downfall, highlighting challenges in maintaining regional influence. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 8:00 pm
Germany has halted asylum proceedings for Syrians following the ousting of President Bashar Assad by rebel forces. The EU calls for a peaceful transition, while Russia has not confirmed reports of Assad seeking asylum in Moscow. Rebels have freed inmates in Damascus, and several European countries have suspended Syrian asylum evaluations. Turkey is reopening the Yayladagi border crossing to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian migrants, emphasizing its operations in Syria are for security, not territorial gain. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the situation. Ava Sinclair 09/12/2024 8:00 pm
Around 180 elderly people in Haiti were killed after being accused of witchcraft by gang leader Monel “Mikano” Felix, following his child’s death. The massacre occurred in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, with machete and knife attacks. The Haitian government vowed to pursue those responsible, including Felix. Gang control and political instability have hindered information sharing and security efforts. The UN mission, led by Kenyan police, is under-resourced, and Haiti has requested international support to address the growing power of armed gangs. Penelope Kingsley 09/12/2024 8:00 pm
The U.S. is seeking information on missing journalist Austin Tice following the fall of the Assad regime. Special envoy Roger Carstens is in Lebanon, working with Middle Eastern partners to track individuals from Syrian jails. Despite efforts, little intelligence on Tice’s whereabouts exists. Meanwhile, Germany and Austria have paused asylum for Syrian refugees due to the uncertain situation, affecting nearly 1 million in Germany and 100,000 in Austria. Ava Sinclair 09/12/2024 8:00 pm
Celebrations in Damascus halted as a hidden underground complex was discovered, containing 1,500 prisoners of the Assad regime. Cars rushed to Sednaya prison, known for torture, as families hoped to find missing loved ones. Despite rebel attempts to control the crowd, people surged into the prison, searching for the “red wing” where prisoners were reportedly starving and suffocating. Ahmad al-Shnein, searching for missing family, described the dire conditions, fearing for those trapped underground. Noah Prescott 09/12/2024 4:30 pm
President-elect Donald Trump visited Paris, engaging in diplomacy and charm. He attended the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening and met with global leaders, including Ukrainian President Zelensky and French President Macron. Trump also bonded with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He had a notable meeting with Prince William, discussing family health issues and complimenting the prince’s appearance. Trump shared details of their conversation, highlighting William’s affection for his family. The visit underscored Trump’s international engagement and personal diplomacy efforts. Ava Sinclair 09/12/2024 4:30 pm
