Paul Whelan, a former Marine, relayed information from Russian labor camp prisoners serving in Ukraine to the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and England using secret phones. Around 450 prisoners joined Russia’s Wagner Group as mercenaries, passing intel back to Whelan. Guards overlooked these activities for bribes. Whelan was released in a prisoner swap after being arrested in Moscow on spying charges, which he claims were a setup by a Russian friend. Ava Sinclair 22/10/2024 4:30 pm
Hezbollah launched a missile attack on central Israel, with no reported damage or injuries as most projectiles were intercepted. In response, Israel targeted Hezbollah sites in Beirut, including a naval base and weapons storage facilities, while taking precautions to avoid civilian harm. The strikes follow tensions over Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister claimed neighboring countries wouldn’t allow their territories to be used against Iran, though no public pledges were made. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel shortly after the attacks. Ava Sinclair 22/10/2024 4:30 pm
An Australian woman, Matilda Campbell, 23, was trapped upside down for seven hours between boulders after dropping her phone while hiking. With no cell service, her friends tried to free her before calling for help. Rescue crews built a frame and moved heavy boulders, including a 1,000-pound rock, to free her. Despite the ordeal, Campbell remained calm and only suffered minor injuries. Her phone was lost, but she thanked her rescuers on social media. Ava Sinclair 22/10/2024 4:30 pm
Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was sentenced to 20 years and six months for accepting $35 million in bribes from Odebrecht to facilitate a highway project. The National Superior Court in Lima delivered the sentence after extensive legal proceedings, including extradition issues from the U.S. Judge Inés Rojas highlighted Toledo’s betrayal of public trust and misuse of state resources. Odebrecht, notorious for bribing officials across Latin America, admitted to securing contracts through corruption. Toledo and other former Peruvian presidents were implicated in the scandal, with the highway project costs ballooning from $507 million to $1.25 billion. Penelope Kingsley 22/10/2024 1:00 pm
South Korea may deploy military intelligence personnel to Ukraine to monitor North Korean troops allegedly fighting for Russia, according to Yonhap. Seoul’s spy agency claims 1,500 North Korean special forces are training in Russia. North Korea dismissed these claims as rumors, and Russia hasn’t confirmed the deployment. South Korea is considering sending intelligence personnel to analyze North Korean tactics and may supply defensive weapons to Ukraine. Seoul condemned Pyongyang, warning of countermeasures. The U.S. expressed concern over North Korea’s potential military support for Russia. Penelope Kingsley 22/10/2024 1:00 pm
Hundreds mourned Catholic priest Marcelo Pérez, an activist for Indigenous rights and farm laborers, killed in Chiapas, Mexico. Pérez, 50, was a peace advocate in a violence-ridden state plagued by drug cartels. Despite threats, he lacked government protection. Shot by gunmen after Mass, his death highlights escalating violence in Chiapas. Human rights groups criticized the government’s failure to protect him. His efforts may have angered cartels vying for control in the region, a key smuggling route. Mourners honored him in Spanish and Tzotzil, his native language. Penelope Kingsley 22/10/2024 1:00 pm
Despite significant losses, including top commanders and many fighters, Hamas remains a potent guerrilla force. The group continues to challenge Israeli forces through surprise attacks, such as the recent killing of an Israeli colonel. Utilizing underground tunnels and hit-and-run tactics, Hamas inflicts damage while avoiding direct confrontation, maintaining resilience even after the death of leader Yahya Sinwar. Their tactics include booby traps and roadside bombs, complicating Israel’s efforts to secure a decisive victory. Ava Sinclair 22/10/2024 1:00 pm
An Israeli air strike near Rafik Hariri University Hospital in southern Beirut killed at least 13 people, including a child, and injured 57 others. The Lebanese health ministry reported significant damage to the hospital. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a “Hezbollah terrorist target” and denied hitting the hospital. The densely populated Jnah neighborhood saw three buildings destroyed. Rescuers searched the rubble for survivors. The military had warned of strikes in southern Beirut, but not near the hospital. Videos showed locals fleeing as strikes occurred. Ava Sinclair 22/10/2024 1:00 pm
Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel to revive cease-fire efforts amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel remains at war with Hamas and Hezbollah, following a recent ground invasion in Lebanon and a planned response to Iran’s missile attack. Blinken’s visit coincided with Hezbollah’s rocket barrage into central Israel, which caused no damage. Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed 13 and injured 57, targeting Hezbollah but not a nearby hospital. Lebanon’s hospitals fear being targeted. Noah Prescott 22/10/2024 1:00 pm
Hundreds mourned Catholic priest Marcelo Pérez, an Indigenous rights activist killed in Chiapas, Mexico, amid escalating cartel violence. Pérez, 50, faced threats but continued his peace efforts without government protection. His murder highlights the region’s violence, driven by Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels fighting for control. Human rights advocates criticized the government’s inaction despite repeated warnings. Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi urged disarmament of criminal groups. Pérez’s death underscores the dire situation in Chiapas, where many have fled due to cartel conflicts. Noah Prescott 22/10/2024 9:30 am
