The U.S. claims 8,000 North Korean troops are in Russia’s Kursk region, according to Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood at the U.N. Security Council. Russia has not confirmed or denied this, while North Korea defends troop deployment as legal. The Kursk region is a conflict zone following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The U.S., Britain, South Korea, and Ukraine accuse Russia of violating U.N. resolutions. Penelope Kingsley 01/11/2024 7:30 am
North Korea claimed its new intercontinental ballistic missile, the “Hwasong-19,” is “the world’s strongest,” but experts view this as propaganda. The missile, launched Thursday, flew higher and longer than previous tests, yet experts doubt North Korea has overcome key technological challenges to target the U.S. The missile’s large size raises concerns about its mobility and wartime effectiveness. Photos suggest it uses solid fuel, making it more agile, but its oversized design likely aided South Korean intelligence in detecting the launch. Penelope Kingsley 01/11/2024 7:30 am
Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate against Israel’s recent attacks, escalating tensions between the two nations. General Ali Fadavi of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Gholamhossein Mohammadi Golpayegani, head of the supreme leader’s office, both promised a strong response. This cycle of retaliation has brought the region close to war. However, it remains uncertain how or when Iran will act, and whether these statements are strategic posturing or genuine threats. Iran risks further economic and infrastructural damage if it chooses a military response. Penelope Kingsley 01/11/2024 7:30 am
Rocket attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel killed seven people, marking the deadliest cross-border strikes since Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. Israel continued airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, with 24 reported dead in Lebanon. U.S. diplomats are seeking cease-fires in Lebanon and Gaza amid rising tensions before the U.S. election. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck a hospital, damaging facilities and injuring medics. The hospital’s director reported significant damage, while Gaza’s Health Ministry condemned the attacks and urged international protection for medical facilities. Ava Sinclair 01/11/2024 7:30 am
A BBC reporter returned a monkey named Mini to the wild after rescuing it from a global online monkey torture ring exposed by a BBC Eye investigation. Noah Prescott 01/11/2024 7:30 am
Spain is deploying over 1,200 soldiers to aid in recovery after flash floods killed over 150, primarily in Valencia. Torrential rains turned streets into rivers, causing widespread destruction. The death toll is expected to rise, with dozens still missing. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged full government support and urged residents to stay home. The EU offered assistance, and King Felipe VI expressed condolences. Thousands in Valencia are without water and electricity, and many vehicles remain stranded. Penelope Kingsley 01/11/2024 4:00 am
Spain is experiencing its worst flooding in decades, with a year’s worth of rain falling in hours in the southern and eastern regions. The storm, starting Tuesday, has killed at least 158 people, mostly in Valencia, and left dozens missing. Towns and roads are flooded, rivers have overflowed, and thousands are without power. Emergency workers are rescuing trapped individuals and recovering bodies. Valencia, a major tourist area, saw its heaviest rainfall in 28 years, with significant damage and a courthouse converted into a temporary morgue. Penelope Kingsley 01/11/2024 12:30 am
Workers have been warned that Budget tax rises targeting employers will impact their wages. The £40bn tax increase includes a higher National Insurance rate for employers and a lower threshold for payments. Businesses are expected to limit pay raises, according to think tanks and the chancellor. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that firms might absorb costs through profits, affecting wage growth. The Resolution Foundation’s James Smith noted that lower wages would eventually result. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts 76% of the NICs increase will affect workers’ pay and prices by 2026-27. Ava Sinclair 01/11/2024 12:30 am
In Baalbek, Lebanon, residents sought refuge in ancient Roman temples amid intensified Israeli attacks, hoping for protection due to the site’s international status. However, Governor Bachir Khodr warned it was unsafe, urging evacuation. Israel released a map indicating plans to bomb the area, prompting mass evacuations. Israeli airstrikes killed 19 people in Baalbek and 60 in the Bekaa Valley earlier. The region, a Hezbollah stronghold, has faced escalated Israeli attacks, including airstrikes and ground invasions, targeting Hezbollah facilities. Many residents remain due to lack of alternatives. Noah Prescott 01/11/2024 12:30 am
The U.S. anticipates North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region will soon join the fight against Ukraine, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He urged China to influence North Korea, following Pyongyang’s missile test. Blinken noted 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with 8,000 in Kursk, trained for combat. He warned they would be legitimate targets if deployed. The U.S. and South Korea discussed responses, viewing Russia’s use of North Korean soldiers as a sign of weakness. Noah Prescott 01/11/2024 12:30 am
