Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in eastern Indonesia erupted, killing at least 10 people and prompting evacuations from nearby villages. The eruption, occurring near midnight, spewed lava, ash, and rocks, causing power outages and panic. Authorities raised the volcano’s alert to the highest level and mandated a seven-kilometer evacuation zone. The eruption affected seven villages, damaging homes and covering areas in volcanic ash. Indonesia’s disaster agency warned of potential flash floods and declared a 58-day state of emergency, allowing central government aid for the 10,000 affected residents. Ava Sinclair 04/11/2024 9:00 am
The Israeli military conducted a ground raid in Syria, capturing a Syrian citizen linked to Iranian networks, marking its first publicized ground operation in Syria during the current conflict. Israel has frequently targeted Hezbollah and Iranian officials in Syria via airstrikes. The captured individual, Ali Soleiman al-Assi, was involved in Iranian activities near the Golan Heights. Israel’s campaign aims to weaken Hezbollah and prevent its rearmament through Iranian support. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 2,500 deaths in the past year. Noah Prescott 04/11/2024 9:00 am
Israeli commandos captured Ali Suleiman al-Asi, a Syrian man allegedly working for Iran, during a raid in southern Syria. The operation, conducted by the Egoz commando unit and Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 504, aimed to disrupt surveillance activities on the Israeli border. Al-Asi, from Saida in Daraa Governorate, was reportedly gathering intelligence for future terror activities. His capture prevented potential attacks and exposed Iranian operations on the Golan Heights front. The IDF released footage of the mission and al-Asi’s interrogation, revealing his instructions to observe Israeli military movements. Ava Sinclair 04/11/2024 5:30 am
Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu won a second term in a presidential runoff against Russia-friendly Alexandr Stoianoglo, securing 55% of the vote. The election, marked by allegations of Russian interference and voter fraud, is seen as a victory for Moldova’s pro-EU government. Sandu celebrated the win as a triumph for democracy, despite claiming the election faced external interference. Stoianoglo emphasized respect for all voices and called for unity. Voter turnout was over 54%, with more than 1.68 million participating. Noah Prescott 04/11/2024 5:30 am
China’s Shenzhou 18 crew, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, returned after over six months on the Tiangong space station. They landed safely at Dongfeng on Nov. 3, with all in good health. The mission included science experiments and spacewalks for installing protective shielding. This marked the second nighttime landing at Dongfeng, using infrared thermal imagers for tracking. Penelope Kingsley 04/11/2024 5:30 am
A deadly roof collapse at a Serbian railway station resulted in several fatalities, with rescue workers searching for survivors. Meanwhile, in Georgia, President Zourabichivili supports opposition claims of election fraud, while the PM denies interference. In Turkey, an attack on an aerospace company killed at least five. In France, Gisèle Pelicot testifies in a mass rape trial involving her ex-husband. Additionally, a Russian whale watcher survived 67 days adrift, and Bosnia faces devastation from flash floods and landslides, causing 19 deaths. Noah Prescott 04/11/2024 2:00 am
Iran’s president indicated that a ceasefire between its allies and Israel might influence Tehran’s response to Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites. Iran has threatened retaliation for Israel’s October 26 attacks, which targeted Iran’s air defenses and missile production. A ceasefire could alter Iran’s response, according to Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, US officials are in talks with Israel about conflicts involving Iran-backed groups, aiming for a 60-day ceasefire in Lebanon. Despite challenges, a deal with Hezbollah might be reached soon. Israel’s strikes were in retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on October 1. Penelope Kingsley 04/11/2024 2:00 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a political storm over a hostage deal in the Gaza war following arrests linked to a leak of classified documents. An Israeli court announced the arrests, suspecting a breach of national security. One arrested is believed to be Netanyahu’s spokesperson. The leaked documents allegedly manipulated Hamas strategy to support Netanyahu’s demands in ceasefire talks. Netanyahu is accused of stalling negotiations to maintain his coalition and avoid prosecution. The Israeli army launched an investigation, and The Jewish Chronicle retracted a related story. Netanyahu’s office denies involvement. Penelope Kingsley 04/11/2024 2:00 am
Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist formerly with U.S.-funded Radio Farda, is believed detained by Iran for months. His imprisonment coincides with Iran’s 45th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy takeover and follows threats from Iran’s Supreme Leader against Israel and the U.S. The U.S. State Department acknowledged his detention amid heightened tensions, as long-range B-52 bombers were deployed to the Middle East. Valizadeh previously reported family detentions aimed at forcing his return to Iran. Ava Sinclair 04/11/2024 2:00 am
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that reparations for former colonial nations affected by slavery should not focus on cash transfers. Speaking in Nigeria, Lammy highlighted the importance of developing relations through sharing skills and science, especially during a global cost of living crisis. He acknowledged the UK’s past apologies for its role in slavery and recognized the scars left by it. Lammy noted Caribbean nations’ 10-point plan for reparatory justice and suggested that developing nations could benefit from technical skills and science expertise from the UK. Ava Sinclair 04/11/2024 2:00 am
