South Korea’s former Defense Minister, Kim Yong Hyun, attempted suicide while detained over his role in a martial law declaration, but was stopped by correctional officers. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree has sparked political turmoil, with the Democratic Party pushing for a new impeachment motion after a failed attempt. The decree, which was unanimously rejected by lawmakers, has disrupted politics and financial markets. Kim, a close associate of Yoon, was arrested for allegedly recommending martial law and attempting to block parliamentary voting. Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 2:00 pm
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 53 Chinese aircraft and 19 ships near the island amid Beijing’s largest military drills in years. Twenty-three aircraft crossed into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the drills, urging Beijing to cease military intimidation. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry blamed Taiwan for regional instability. The US is monitoring the situation, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirming support for Taiwan’s defense. Taiwan noted China’s largest naval deployment in decades, with around 90 ships in regional waters. Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 2:00 pm
Israel confirmed attacks on Syria’s naval fleet, targeting ports at Al-Bayda and Latakia, destroying 15 vessels. The IDF conducted over 350 airstrikes on various military targets across Syria, including airfields and weapon depots, to prevent assets from reaching extremists. Israel’s Defense Minister called the operation a “great success,” aiming to neutralize threats. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned Syrian rebels against allowing Iran’s presence. The IDF also confirmed troop movements beyond the buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 2:00 pm
President Zelenskiy met with Donald Trump in Paris to discuss Ukraine’s need for security guarantees in any peace deal with Russia. Hosted by French President Macron, the meeting aimed to build rapport with Trump, who advocates for a swift end to the conflict. The leaders did not discuss specific peace details, but Trump emphasized an immediate ceasefire. The meeting highlighted uncertainties in Kyiv, especially with ongoing Russian advances. Zelenskiy stressed that peace requires guarantees beyond a ceasefire, as past agreements have been broken by Russia. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 10:30 am
South Korean police raided President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office amid a probe into his martial law declaration, escalating the constitutional crisis. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in detention but survived. Kim resigned, taking sole responsibility for the emergency rule. Yoon faces a criminal investigation for insurrection, is banned from leaving the country, but hasn’t been arrested. Lawmakers, including Yoon’s party members, demanded he rescind martial law, which he did. Authorities are considering arresting Yoon if necessary. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 10:30 am
The Biden administration will support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons, and protects minority and women’s rights. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized working with Syrian groups and regional partners for a smooth transition from Assad’s government. Despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Syria, the U.S. remains committed to targeting ISIS and supporting Israel. Blinken stressed the importance of an inclusive process for Syria’s future, with the U.S. ready to support diverse Syrian communities. Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 7:00 am
Before Assad’s overthrow, global players in Syria included Russia and Iran, who supported Assad, and the US and Turkey, who backed various rebel groups. Turkey, in particular, supported the Syrian National Army to counter the Kurdish YPG militia, linked to the PKK. Turkey also aimed to manage Syrian refugees and seized territory from the YPG and SDF. After Assad’s fall, these countries, along with Israel, continue to influence Syria’s future political landscape. Turkey and Russia previously brokered a ceasefire in Idlib, dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a key role in Assad’s overthrow. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 7:00 am
Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide while in custody amid a political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law declaration. The crisis has led to public outrage, a police raid on the presidential office, and Yoon being barred from leaving the country as prosecutors consider insurrection charges. Kim, detained for recommending martial law, attempted suicide before his formal arrest but is now in isolation without health issues. The political turmoil began after Yoon’s unannounced martial law declaration, which was quickly overturned by lawmakers. Ava Sinclair 11/12/2024 7:00 am
Refugees from Syria’s civil war began returning home as a new interim prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, backed by rebels, was appointed. The U.S. urged rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, to form an inclusive transitional government respecting minority rights and preventing terrorism. Bashir, previously leading the Salvation Government, will head the interim authority until March 1. Rebuilding Syria is a massive task after the war devastated cities and displaced millions. Some refugees from Turkey and elsewhere are returning as European countries pause asylum applications. Penelope Kingsley 11/12/2024 7:00 am
Israeli warplanes have intensified airstrikes in Syria, targeting military assets to prevent them from reaching extremists. Over 350 strikes hit strategic weapons stockpiles, radar, missile systems, and the Syrian navy. Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Israel aims to establish a “sterile defence zone” in Syria, securing a buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Despite advancing beyond this zone, Israel denies plans to move towards Damascus, focusing solely on border security. Images show significant damage to Syrian naval assets in Latakia. Noah Prescott 11/12/2024 7:00 am
