In August, Ukrainian forces invaded Russia’s Kursk Oblast, capturing 400 square miles. Despite Russian efforts, including a brutal counterattack by the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, they failed to meet Putin’s Oct. 1 deadline to expel Ukrainians. Near Leonidovo, Russians captured and executed nine Ukrainian soldiers, violating the Geneva Convention. Drone imagery confirmed the mass execution. This incident is not isolated; Ukrainian authorities are also investigating the execution of three Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk Oblast, highlighting ongoing war crimes concerns. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 2:00 am
On Spy Wednesday, wooden boats depart Buenaventura for Afro-Colombian communities along the Yurumanguí River. Displaced by conflict and economic issues, passengers journey to 13 settlements home to descendants of enslaved Africans. Despite isolation and armed group threats, the community celebrates the Manacillos festival during Holy Week, a cultural ritual originating in Juntas. This festival, rooted in spiritual resilience, resists colonialism and affirms African heritage. On Maundy Thursday, the community decorates streets, and locals prepare Manacillos costumes, symbolizing their cultural identity. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 2:00 am
Israeli commanders showcased Hezbollah’s extensive tunnel network and military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, discovered after crossing the border on September 30. The tunnels, containing antitank missiles and explosives, highlight Hezbollah’s entrenched presence. The Israeli town of Shlomi remains mostly evacuated due to ongoing rocket attacks. Journalists, under IDF supervision, could not independently verify the claims. The region remains tense with ongoing clashes between Israeli and Hezbollah forces. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 2:00 am
Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana, is accused of killing NCP leader Baba Siddique and has a criminal history, including a 2019 murder case. Disowned by his family 11 years ago, Singh was arrested alongside Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, while a third suspect, Shiv Kumar, remains at large. Singh has faced multiple charges, including possessing a mobile in jail and assault. His family calls for severe punishment. The trio is charged under various legal sections, including murder and the Arms Act. Noah Prescott 13/10/2024 10:30 pm
A Russian Iskander-M missile hit the Panama-flagged ship Shui Spirit, reportedly carrying military equipment from Romania to Odessa, Ukraine. The strike, captured by Russian drone footage, caused a massive explosion. Russia claims the shipment contained European-supplied weaponry, while Ukraine downplays the incident, calling the ship civilian. Ukraine confirmed one injury and damage in Odessa. The attack highlights the vulnerability of Western arms shipments to Ukraine. Additionally, Russian forces launched a drone assault on Kyiv, with Ukrainian defenses downing 56 out of 87 drones. Ava Sinclair 13/10/2024 10:30 pm
Israeli tanks entered a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, causing smoke-related illnesses among UN personnel. Israel claims the tanks were under fire from Hezbollah and unintentionally backed into the base. The incident follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s call for UN forces to leave the area, citing Hezbollah’s use of them as human shields. UN Secretary-General Guterres warned that attacks on peacekeepers could be considered war crimes. UNIFIL reported recent injuries to peacekeepers, mostly attributed to Israeli forces. Penelope Kingsley 13/10/2024 10:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering a plan to cut off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza to pressure Hamas, potentially trapping many Palestinians without essentials. Proposed by retired generals, the plan would declare the area a closed military zone, treating those who remain as combatants. The plan aims to split Gaza and create a new administration. While not officially adopted, parts may be in effect. Israel recently launched an offensive in the Jabaliya camp, and no aid has entered the north since September. Noah Prescott 13/10/2024 7:00 pm
A new documentary reveals that DNA analysis suggests Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. Led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente, the 22-year investigation tested remains believed to be Columbus’ at Seville Cathedral. The DNA showed traits compatible with Jewish origin. Traditionally thought to be from Genoa, Italy, Columbus’ origins have been debated, with theories suggesting he might be Spanish Jew, Greek, Basque, Portuguese, or British. The study concluded he was born in Western Europe. Columbus died in 1506 in Valladolid, Spain. Noah Prescott 13/10/2024 7:00 pm
On 19 September 2014, Edinburgh awoke to mist as Scotland’s independence referendum concluded, with voters choosing to remain in the UK. Alex Salmond, the face of the independence campaign, appeared drained and announced his resignation as First Minister and SNP leader. Despite accepting the democratic outcome, Salmond expressed defiance, emphasizing the ongoing campaign for Scotland’s future. Under his leadership, the SNP transformed significantly, modernizing and professionalizing its approach. Salmond was known for his eloquent speeches, often enriched with historical references, reflecting his deep engagement in politics. Ava Sinclair 13/10/2024 7:00 pm
Israeli tanks reportedly forced entry into a UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon, amid escalating tensions and Israeli bombardments. UNIFIL stated that two tanks destroyed the main gate, and subsequent shell explosions sickened 15 personnel. Israel claims Hezbollah fired anti-tank missiles, injuring 25 soldiers, prompting a tank to back into the UNIFIL post under fire. Israeli PM Netanyahu urged the UN to withdraw peacekeepers from combat zones, citing Hezbollah’s use of them as human shields, a demand criticized by Lebanese PM Najib Mikati. Ava Sinclair 13/10/2024 7:00 pm
