Armed assailants attacked Turkey’s state-run aerospace company near Ankara, killing four and injuring 14, with three critically wounded. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed two attackers were killed. A video showed an explosion at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters. Authorities are identifying the attackers, with no group claiming responsibility yet. TUSAS, a major defense company producing drones and jets, was targeted. The company’s general manager returned to Ankara from a defense fair following the attack. Noah Prescott 23/10/2024 5:00 pm
An expanded BRICS meeting in Kazan, Russia, is causing concern among EU policymakers. Originally formed by Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa, the group now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, representing over 37% of global GDP. Despite its size, the Carnegie Endowment’s Stewart Patrick argues that BRICS’ expansion could weaken its unity due to internal tensions and diverse interests. The EU’s strained relations with China and Russia add to the complexity, while Turkey’s potential membership raises further controversy. Penelope Kingsley 23/10/2024 1:30 pm
Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli officials to enhance aid flow into Gaza, emphasizing the need for “urgent and sustained steps” to improve humanitarian conditions. While progress has been made, Blinken stressed the importance of continued efforts. The U.S. has linked military aid to Israel with improved conditions in Gaza, though Blinken did not explicitly threaten to withhold arms. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted Israel’s military interest in allowing aid, warning that failure could increase resistance. UN official Georgios Petropoulos described conditions in northern Gaza as “beyond catastrophic.” Penelope Kingsley 23/10/2024 1:30 pm
Gisèle Pelicot, whose ex-husband is on trial for drugging and raping her, testified in court, urging rape survivors to reject shame. She emphasized that rapists can be familiar figures, not just strangers. Gisèle, 72, expressed her devastation and the challenge of rebuilding her life. She recalled her 50-year marriage, describing her ex-husband as once caring, highlighting her shock and betrayal. Her testimony aims to empower other survivors to speak out. Noah Prescott 23/10/2024 1:30 pm
In Madison, former President Obama campaigned for Wisconsin Democrats, criticizing Trump for seeking “unchecked power” and promoting Kamala Harris as a problem-solver. Speaking alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Obama emphasized Harris’s plans to improve lives, contrasting them with Trump’s lack of a healthcare plan. Obama accused Trump of prioritizing personal interests and criticized his merchandise practices. The event aimed to boost voter turnout in key Democratic areas and appeal to undecided voters and skeptical Republicans in Wisconsin. Noah Prescott 23/10/2024 1:30 pm
King Charles and Queen Camilla received a ceremonial welcome in Samoa for a three-day state visit, coinciding with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting focused on climate change. Their visit follows a colorful tour in Australia, where Charles humorously interacted with former rugby player Mark Geyer. Meanwhile, Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe criticized the King, accusing him of possessing “stolen wealth” and complicity in theft, following her protest during his Parliament House appearance. Ava Sinclair 23/10/2024 1:30 pm
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III confirmed North Korea sent troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation. While details on troop numbers remain unclear, American intelligence plans to release evidence, including satellite images, showing troop movements from North Korea to Russia. Reports suggest up to 12,000 North Koreans are training, with an estimated 2,500 already dispatched. The impact of this deployment on the conflict remains uncertain, and the Kremlin has not commented. Ava Sinclair 23/10/2024 1:30 pm
The Israeli military claims to have killed Hashem Safieddine, a cleric poised to succeed the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike in Beirut. Hezbollah has not confirmed his death. The IDF stated Safieddine and Ali Hussein Hazima, a Hezbollah intelligence commander, were killed in a strike on Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters. Safieddine, designated a “global terrorist” by the US and Saudi Arabia, was accused of directing attacks against Israel. Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese organization, is considered a terrorist group by several countries. Ava Sinclair 23/10/2024 6:30 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting the 16th annual BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to challenge Western economic and political dominance. This year’s summit, the largest gathering of world leaders in Russia in decades, includes new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, while Saudi Arabia has yet to formally join. Argentina declined an invitation, aligning with the West under President Javier Milei. Two dozen world leaders attended the summit’s opening. Ava Sinclair 23/10/2024 6:30 am
AP photographer Bilal Hussein captured dramatic images of an Israeli missile strike on a Beirut building, moments after a warning was issued. The building, linked to Hezbollah, was evacuated, preventing casualties. Hussein’s photos document the missile’s trajectory and the ensuing destruction, highlighting the power and devastation of modern warfare. The strike followed Israel’s practice of issuing warnings and conducting preliminary “warning strikes” before major attacks. Hussein, experienced in conflict zones, is accustomed to such explosive events. Noah Prescott 23/10/2024 6:30 am
