Colombia has declared “war” on leftwing guerrillas amid escalating violence that has killed over 100 people and displaced 11,000. President Gustavo Petro, previously focused on negotiations, now adopts a tougher stance against the National Liberation Army (ELN), responsible for deadly attacks. In response, 5,000 troops were deployed to the border area. The violence, involving ELN and Farc splinter groups, has forced residents to flee, with many seeking refuge in Tibú or crossing into Venezuela. The defense ministry reported further clashes in the Amazon, with 20 killed in Guaviare. Noah Prescott 21/01/2025 7:00 am
Far-right protesters stormed Seoul’s western district court, supporting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, echoing the US Capitol riot. Armed with fire extinguishers and steel pipes, they caused £400,000 in damage. About 25 court workers hid on the rooftop, while 51 police officers were injured. The unrest follows Yoon’s martial law declaration, with tensions between democracy and anarchy. Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon fueled protests, and Yoon praised demonstrators. The pro-Yoon camp mirrors US tactics, claiming election fraud and using “stop the steal” rhetoric. Ava Sinclair 21/01/2025 7:00 am
Axel Rudakubana, 17, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder after a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. He also admitted to possessing terrorist material and producing ricin. Rudakubana will serve a life sentence. The attack killed three children and injured 10 others. Taylor Swift expressed shock and sympathy for the victims and their families on Instagram. Penelope Kingsley 21/01/2025 7:00 am
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will address the public inquiry into the Southport attack, where Axel Rudakubana, 18, admitted to murdering three young girls and other charges. Starmer criticized the state’s failure to protect the victims. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted unanswered questions and agency failures. Rudakubana, known to authorities, had been referred to the Prevent programme. A public inquiry and Prevent Learning Review are underway to address these issues and implement reforms. Penelope Kingsley 21/01/2025 3:30 am
The release of 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention brought happiness and relief but was overshadowed by concerns over their harsh conditions. Many prisoners appeared exhausted and malnourished. Khalida Jarrar, a prominent figure, endured solitary confinement, highlighting the severe treatment faced by detainees. Palestinian politician Hanan Ashrawi condemned the abuse and torture in Israeli prisons, emphasizing the need for further releases. Former detainee Ablaa Sadaat described the inhumane conditions, including lack of food and medical care, aimed at breaking prisoners’ spirits. Noah Prescott 21/01/2025 12:00 am
Axel Rudakubana, 18, pleaded guilty to murdering three girls and attempting to kill 10 others during a stabbing spree at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. The attack, which occurred on July 29, shocked the UK and sparked riots due to false claims about Rudakubana’s identity. Prosecutors described the attack as “meticulously planned,” with Rudakubana showing a disturbing interest in violence. He faces life imprisonment after admitting to multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder. Noah Prescott 21/01/2025 12:00 am
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Chiayi, Taiwan, causing minor damage and power cuts. TSMC evacuated staff, all safe. Buildings shook in Taipei, and some people were trapped in Tainan, with rescues underway. No major casualties reported. Taiwan, prone to quakes, experienced significant past earthquakes, including a deadly 7.2 magnitude quake in April and a 2016 quake that killed over 100. Ava Sinclair 21/01/2025 12:00 am
User reports describe the perceived ground shaking intensity using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. In Kaohsiung, strong shaking (MMI VI) caused fear, especially on higher floors, with 6 users finding it interesting. Moderate shaking (MMI V) was reported in Kaohsiung and Yungkang, Tainan, with complex and horizontal motions, respectively. Light shaking (MMI IV) was noted in Taichung. Users can comment, flag, mark reports as helpful, and submit their own reports. Ava Sinclair 20/01/2025 8:30 pm
As the Gaza ceasefire begins, aid workers warn of significant challenges ahead. Despite 630 aid trucks entering Gaza, with 300 heading north, obstacles like hard-to-reach areas, looting, and an Israeli ban on the main UN aid agency persist. The UN has 4,000 trucks ready, but delivery issues remain. Food for 1 million people is available, yet some areas, especially in North Gaza, remain cut off. Winter conditions worsen the situation, and recent Israeli military actions have further restricted aid access. Ava Sinclair 20/01/2025 8:30 pm
Hamas’ Qassam Brigades released a video showing three Israeli hostages being freed, each receiving a “gift bag” with the group’s logo. The bags contained a certificate, necklace, and photos, later confiscated by Israel’s Shin Bet. A Red Cross representative signed a document acknowledging receipt of the hostages. This act aimed to portray Hamas as a legitimate governing body, emphasizing their control and legal protocols, despite the hostages’ forced captivity. The event was staged to send a message of authority to Israelis, Gazans, and international observers. Noah Prescott 20/01/2025 5:01 pm
