A CNN report claiming to rescue a Syrian prisoner was criticized after the “prisoner” was identified as Salama Mohammad Salama, a former Assad intelligence officer. Initially presented as a civilian named Adel Gharbal, Salama was reportedly detained for extortion, not political reasons. CNN’s investigation confirmed the error, prompting scrutiny over their coverage. The report, initially linked to the search for missing journalist Austin Tice, faced backlash for potentially staging the incident, with social media users questioning the authenticity due to Salama’s well-groomed appearance. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 5:00 pm
Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection troops, died in a Moscow explosion. Accused by the West of using chemical weapons in Ukraine, he was seen in Russia as a patriot. Ukraine’s SBU claimed responsibility, labeling him a “war criminal.” Kirillov was notorious for spreading Kremlin disinformation and led a force accused of deploying chemical weapons in Ukraine. He was involved in over 4,800 alleged chemical attacks since Russia’s 2022 invasion. His claims included unfounded accusations of US biological labs in Ukraine. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 5:00 pm
Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, leaving large areas without roads, internet, electricity, or water. The death toll is officially 21, but officials fear thousands more. The Red Cross reported 200 missing volunteers. In Mozambique, 34 died and 23,600 homes were destroyed, while Malawi reported seven deaths and 35,000 affected. Mayotte imposed a curfew due to looting fears amid food and fuel shortages. Many undocumented migrants in Mayotte, living in informal settlements, avoided storm shelters due to deportation fears, complicating relief efforts. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 5:00 pm
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, triggering early elections on 23 February. Scholz anticipated the loss, aiming to revive his party’s fortunes after his coalition collapsed, leaving him with a minority government. With Germany’s economy stalled and global crises looming, delaying elections until September 2025 seemed irresponsible. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party trails in polls, while the CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, is poised for a comeback. Scholz’s move, seen as “kamikaze,” is a constitutional mechanism to resolve political stalemates, used previously by German chancellors. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 1:30 pm
Ukrainian operatives killed Russian Lieutenant-General Igor Kirillov in a bomb attack in Moscow. Kirillov, commander of Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical forces, was targeted with an explosive hidden in an electric scooter. Ukraine’s Security Service claimed responsibility, citing Kirillov’s orders to use banned chemical weapons against Ukraine. The SBU charged him in absentia for these actions, which allegedly resulted in over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers suffering chemical poisoning. The UK had sanctioned Kirillov for his use of chemical weapons and spreading disinformation. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 1:30 pm
Israel and Hamas may be nearing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal after months of deadlock. A senior Palestinian official described talks as in a “decisive and final phase,” with Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, agreeing an agreement is closer than ever. The US, Qatar, and Egypt have resumed mediation, reporting increased willingness from both sides. A three-phase plan involves releasing hostages and withdrawing troops, with displaced Gazans returning. Despite previous failed talks, optimism remains, though key details need resolution. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 1:30 pm
Prince Andrew is praised by China analyst Charles Parton for highlighting the threat posed by China to free countries. The UK-China relationship has shifted dramatically; once welcoming Chinese investment in nuclear projects, the UK now faces increased espionage concerns. Notable incidents include MI5’s warnings about Chinese cyber activities and espionage cases involving political figures like Barry Gardiner and former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash. These developments underscore growing tensions and security challenges between the UK and China. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 1:30 pm
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, a Russian general wanted by Ukraine for using chemical munitions, was killed by a remotely detonated bomb in Moscow. The explosive, planted in an electric scooter, also killed his assistant. Russia’s investigative committee labeled it a “terrorist act” and launched a criminal investigation. A source told CNN that Ukraine’s security services were behind the assassination, calling Kirillov a legitimate target for war crimes. Videos showed the aftermath, and the explosion site has been cordoned off. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 10:00 am
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Vanuatu, causing injuries and unconfirmed reports of casualties. A tsunami warning was lifted shortly after. Communications remain down, hindering official updates, but social media and phone calls report widespread destruction. The quake’s epicenter was 30 km west of Port Vila, followed by a 5.5 aftershock. Journalist Dan McGarry reported one death and saw distressed individuals at a hospital. Vanuatu is not equipped for mass casualties, and official channels remain silent. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 10:00 am
North Korean troops have reportedly been killed fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first casualties since North Korea sent 10,000 troops to support Russia. Ukraine’s GUR claims at least 30 North Koreans were killed or wounded over the weekend. The US confirmed North Korean involvement in combat roles, limited to Kursk. Ukrainian President Zelensky shared footage of North Korean troops in action and accused Russia of trying to conceal their presence. The BBC has not independently verified these claims. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 10:00 am
