Eleven Indians, including a married couple and Sameer Kumar, died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a Georgian ski resort. The incident occurred above an Indian restaurant in Gudauri, likely due to a power generator used after electricity was cut. Georgia’s ministry suspects no foul play, and authorities are investigating potential negligent manslaughter charges. The Indian government is coordinating with victims’ families to repatriate the bodies. Carbon monoxide, an odorless gas, is a known “silent killer” that prevents oxygen from being carried in the blood, leading to fatal poisoning. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 12:00 am
A senior military official reported that hundreds of North Korean troops fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk region have been killed or wounded. North Korean forces, lacking battle experience, have suffered significant casualties. This comes weeks after Ukraine announced North Korea sent 10,000-12,000 troops to aid Russia. The Biden administration is rushing to send military aid to Ukraine before President-elect Trump takes office, but may not deliver all $5.6 billion in Pentagon stocks by January 20. $1.2 billion remains in longer-term funding for future weapons contracts. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 12:00 am
A bomb hidden in an electric scooter killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s nuclear protection forces, in Moscow. The attack occurred outside an apartment building lacking surveillance cameras. The explosive device had a capacity of 300 grams in TNT equivalent. A criminal case is underway. Kirillov was recently charged by Ukraine for alleged chemical weapon use, which Russia denies. The UK sanctioned him for using riot control agents and chloropicrin, a banned choking agent. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 12:00 am
While renting a car in Las Vegas, the author was upgraded to a BMW, reflecting Germany’s enduring image abroad as a prosperous, car-centric nation. However, the author notes a contrast with the current situation in Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government ended after losing a vote of confidence. The coalition collapsed when Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading the Free Democrats to exit, leaving Scholz with a minority government alongside the Greens. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 8:30 pm
An international war crimes prosecutor revealed evidence from Syrian mass graves, indicating a state-run “machinery of death” under Bashar al-Assad, with over 100,000 tortured and murdered since 2013. Stephen Rapp, former U.S. war crimes ambassador, compared the organized killings to Nazi atrocities. Residents near grave sites reported refrigeration trucks delivering bodies to trenches. Satellite imagery confirmed large-scale digging from 2012 to 2022. Locals fear retribution and suspect missing relatives are among the dead. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 8:30 pm
Ukrainian intelligence has conducted increasingly bold attacks on Russian figures, including the assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov in Moscow using explosives hidden in an electric scooter. This operation, claimed by Ukraine’s SBU, highlights Ukraine’s ability to target high-ranking officials beyond the combat zone, raising concerns about Russian security. Previous attacks, like the April 2023 killing of war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky in St Petersburg, demonstrate Ukraine’s operational reach and sophistication in targeting Russian military and political figures. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 8:30 pm
Georgian officials suspect carbon monoxide poisoning caused the deaths of 12 people at Gudauri ski resort. The victims, mostly Indian nationals, were found in an Indian restaurant. A power generator placed indoors is believed to be the source. The Indian Embassy is assisting with repatriation. An investigation is ongoing, with no signs of violence. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 8:30 pm
In the Mujtahid Hospital basement in Damascus, a frail young man, possibly a former detainee from Sednaya’s notorious Red Prison, sits in a daze. Tortured to the point of losing his identity, he only sometimes recalls his name, often incorrectly. Families frequently mistake him for their lost relatives, only to later realize their error and return him. The hospital staff witness many such cases, where detainees’ identities are obscured by prolonged imprisonment and torture, leading to confusion and heartache for families seeking their loved ones. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 8:30 pm
An agreement to end the 14-month Gaza war and free hostages could be signed soon, with Cairo talks progressing. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are mediating before President Biden leaves office. White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed cautious optimism. A potential ceasefire would involve Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas demands Israel stop setting new conditions. Despite reports, Netanyahu was not in Cairo but discussions continue, focusing on a comprehensive future agreement. Progress is being made, with Tuesday night seen as pivotal. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 5:00 pm
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter for updates on discoveries and scientific advancements. Archaeologists found over 3,000 butchered human bones in a shaft in Somerset, England, revealing a violent episode from the Early Bronze Age. At least 37 individuals were killed, butchered, and cannibalized between 2210 and 2010 BC. This discovery, published in Antiquity, challenges the notion of a peaceful Early Bronze Age in Britain, highlighting a rare instance of interpersonal violence. The motive remains unclear, but it suggests revenge for a perceived offense. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 5:00 pm
