Israeli strikes on Iran, in retaliation for Iran’s earlier missile attacks, killed four Iranian soldiers. The IDF targeted missile factories near Tehran and western Iran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasized self-defense but acknowledged regional peace responsibilities. The Israeli response followed Iran’s missile barrage on October 1, which was in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The US and Britain urged Iran not to retaliate, with the US informed of the strikes but not involved. Israeli attacks avoided Iranian oil and nuclear sites. Noah Prescott 26/10/2024 6:30 pm
Commonwealth leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, agreed to discuss reparations for the slave trade, despite the UK’s opposition. A joint statement calls for a “meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation” on reparatory justice. Sir Keir emphasized no financial discussions occurred, and the UK’s stance against paying reparations remains firm. The summit in Samoa focused mainly on resilience and climate, with reparations being a minor topic. The UK faces increasing pressure to apologize and compensate for its historical role in slavery. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 3:00 pm
An attack on an Iranian police convoy in Sistan and Baluchestan killed at least 10 officers. Details are scarce, but Iranian state media confirmed the deaths. HalVash, an advocacy group, shared images of a bullet-damaged police truck and reported all occupants were killed. No suspects have been identified, and no group claimed responsibility. The region, home to a low-level Baluch nationalist insurgency and drug-related violence, has strained relations with Iran’s Shiite government. An investigation has been ordered by the interior minister. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 3:00 pm
Maria Elena Cárdenas, 76, lives in a municipal shelter in Havana after her home collapsed. She cooks with street-found sticks due to power outages affecting Cuba’s national grid. The government provides some aid, but blackouts cause food spoilage and water issues. Despite Cuba’s resilient spirit, the crisis, starting October 17, has left a deep concern for the future, with power cuts lasting up to 20 hours daily. Noah Prescott 26/10/2024 3:00 pm
Escalating gang violence in Haiti’s capital has led to the suspension of flights by Spirit Airlines and the UN. A UN helicopter was recently shot at, prompting the World Food Program to halt flights temporarily. Although described as a rare incident, an investigation is underway. Flights are expected to resume next week with additional routes to bypass gang-controlled areas. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue also suspended their services to Port-au-Prince from Fort Lauderdale on Friday due to security concerns. Noah Prescott 26/10/2024 11:30 am
Millions of Georgian voters are heading to the polls for a pivotal parliamentary election, framed by the Moscow-leaning government as a choice between war and peace, and by the Western-facing opposition as a choice between freedom and bondage. The election is influenced by Russia’s war on Ukraine and ongoing Russian occupation of Georgian territories. Georgia seeks EU and NATO membership, facing threats from Moscow. Protests have erupted over government attempts to pass anti-liberal laws. Russia denies interfering, while the Georgian Dream party warns against opposition ties to renewed conflict with Moscow. Noah Prescott 26/10/2024 11:30 am
Israeli forces detained male medical staff at Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza, with women confined without food or water, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The WHO lost contact with the hospital, calling it “disturbing.” The UN’s Volker Türk warned of potential “crimes against humanity” in Gaza. Israel cited terrorist presence for its actions. Iran condemned Israeli strikes on its military sites, claiming limited damage. Tensions between Israel and Iran risk escalating, potentially impacting future US-Iran relations. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 11:30 am
The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, described the Gaza war’s “darkest moment” unfolding in the north, with Israel conducting a ground offensive against Hamas. He urged global leaders to uphold international humanitarian law. The Israeli military claims to have killed “hundreds of terrorists” and evacuated civilians, while reports indicate dire conditions for those unable to evacuate. The WHO lost contact with a hospital amid the conflict. Türk warned of potential atrocity crimes and criticized both Israeli actions and Palestinian armed groups operating among civilians. Penelope Kingsley 26/10/2024 11:30 am
A Kurdish militant group, the PKK, claimed responsibility for an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) near Ankara, killing five and injuring 22. The PKK targeted TAI for producing arms used against Kurds. The Turkish government identified the attackers as PKK members and launched airstrikes on PKK sites in Iraq and Syria, reportedly killing 59 “terrorists,” though Kurdish forces claimed civilian casualties. The PKK’s armed wing justified the attack, calling TAI a “military target.” Turkish President Erdogan condemned the attack, vowing to thwart terrorist goals. Noah Prescott 26/10/2024 8:00 am
North Korean troops are reportedly training with Russian soldiers at Sergeevka military complex in Russia’s far east, potentially for deployment in Ukraine. Videos and satellite imagery suggest increased activity, supporting claims from Washington, Kyiv, and Seoul about North Korea aiding Russia. Both nations have acknowledged troop presence, citing a defense treaty. The Biden administration noted that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers are receiving combat training, with some likely heading to Russia’s Kursk region. This development raises concerns about escalating military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 8:00 am
