Ukraine reported that Russia fired a missile at Dnipro, potentially an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking a first in warfare. Western officials doubted it was an ICBM but acknowledged the situation could change. The incident underscores escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine also launched U.S. and British missiles at Russia, despite Moscow’s warnings. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy highlighted the missile’s characteristics, and Ukraine’s foreign ministry called for international action. The missile was launched from Astrakhan, Russia, but wasn’t confirmed to be nuclear-armed. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 5:30 pm
A volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula erupted Wednesday night, marking the seventh eruption in the area since December. The fissure is about 3 kilometers long. Air traffic remains unaffected, and the eruption is smaller than the previous one in August. The Blue Lagoon and nearby facilities were evacuated, but the town of Grindavík is not threatened. This is the tenth eruption on the peninsula since January 2020. Iceland, with a population of nearly 400,000, is one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 5:30 pm
At least 41 people, including women and children, were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked a convoy of 200 vehicles in Pakistan’s Kurram district near the Afghan border. The convoy, mostly Shia passengers, was under police protection due to ongoing sectarian violence. The attackers targeted the police escort, leaving 16 critically injured. Survivors described hiding during the attack, which involved about 10 gunmen firing indiscriminately. The death toll is expected to rise, and the incident follows previous sectarian clashes in the region. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 5:30 pm
Ukraine claimed Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro, marking a potential first in the war. No evidence was provided, but President Zelenskyy noted the missile’s speed and altitude matched an ICBM. The Kremlin declined to comment. The attack coincides with heightened tensions as the U.S. eased restrictions on Ukraine’s missile use and Putin lowered the nuclear launch threshold. Ukraine’s air force reported the ICBM, launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, was among nine missiles fired, with six intercepted. Two people were injured, and facilities were damaged. Ava Sinclair 21/11/2024 2:00 pm
John Prescott, former deputy prime minister under Tony Blair, has died at 86 after battling Alzheimer’s. Serving from 1997 to 2007, Prescott was a plain-speaking politician who connected the traditional left-wing with Labour modernisers. Known for his trade union roots and combative style, he famously punched a protester in 2001. Blair described him as unique in British politics. Born in Wales in 1938, Prescott worked as a steward on a cruise ship, where he participated in boxing matches. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 2:00 pm
Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza have killed many, with rescue teams searching for survivors in Beit Lahia and Gaza City. Hamas-aligned media report dozens dead, including women and children. The Israeli military has not commented but has intensified its offensive to prevent Hamas regrouping. Northern Gaza faces a siege, with little humanitarian aid for 40 days, and medics struggle with limited supplies. Israel’s ground offensive has displaced 130,000 people, with 75,000 under siege. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes for mass displacement. The conflict escalated after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Ava Sinclair 21/11/2024 2:00 pm
An Australian teenager, Bianca Jones, died, and her friend Holly Bowles is critically ill after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. The incident occurred in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination. The US and Denmark reported similar deaths, and several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Canada, have issued travel warnings. Methanol, often illegally added to alcohol, can cause severe health issues. Authorities in Laos have not released detailed information, but travelers are advised to be cautious with alcoholic beverages. Ava Sinclair 21/11/2024 2:00 pm
The court issued warrants accusing Israel of war crimes, including using starvation as a weapon and attacking civilians. Israel, not a court member, rejected the allegations, with Netanyahu vowing to continue military actions in Gaza. The warrants pose no risk of arrest in Israel but could lead to arrests in the court’s 124 member nations, potentially isolating Netanyahu. A senior Hamas official commented without mentioning the warrant for Mr. Deif. Noah Prescott 21/11/2024 2:00 pm
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, citing the lack of a hostage release clause. In Lebanon, a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah shows progress, but Israel demands military action rights, complicating peace efforts. The conflict has killed over 3,500 in Lebanon and displaced 1.2 million. In Israel, 137 people have died. Israel’s retaliation in Gaza has resulted in nearly 44,000 Palestinian deaths. The conflict began after Hamas’ October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 250 abductions. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 10:30 am
Ukraine reportedly launched British-French Storm Shadow missiles at Russian targets for the first time, following a US-made ATACMS strike. An anonymous official confirmed the use to Reuters, while Ukraine’s Defense Minister Umerov neither confirmed nor denied it, emphasizing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. A Russian blogger shared images of missile fragments in Kursk, verified as Storm Shadow by an expert. CNN confirmed explosions in Marino, near the Ukrainian border, but couldn’t verify the image’s date. Penelope Kingsley 21/11/2024 10:30 am
