Two Chinese nationals were killed in a terrorist attack near Karachi’s airport, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) using a vehicle-borne explosive. The attack targeted a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company. The Chinese embassy condemned the attack and is cooperating with Pakistani authorities. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to ensure Chinese nationals’ security. The BLA, seeking Balochistan’s independence, often targets Chinese interests, accusing Beijing of exploiting the region. The attack precedes the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad. Ava Sinclair 07/10/2024 12:30 pm
Chilpancingo mayor Alejandro Arcos was murdered shortly after taking office, amid ongoing violence against politicians in Mexico. Guerrero state governor Evelyn Salgado expressed outrage, while local media reported Arcos was decapitated, though unconfirmed. Photos allegedly showing his severed head circulated but weren’t verified. Arcos, elected in June with an opposition coalition, was killed days after another official, Francisco Tapia. Guerrero, plagued by cartel violence, recorded 1,890 murders last year and is among six Mexican states the U.S. advises against visiting due to crime. Noah Prescott 07/10/2024 12:30 pm
Ukraine’s military struck a major oil terminal in Crimea, crucial for Russia’s war effort, as President Zelenskyy declared the conflict has entered a key phase. The attack aims to weaken Russia’s military and economic capabilities. Ukraine targets essential rear areas, using long-range drones to hit oil depots and refineries. Kyiv awaits Western approval to use long-range weapons on Russian soil, with discussions expected at Ramstein Air Base. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to pressure Russia, asserting that strength is essential for peace. Meanwhile, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Noah Prescott 07/10/2024 12:30 pm
Hezbollah fired about five rockets into Haifa, northern Israel, injuring eight and causing damage. The Israeli military is investigating why its air defenses failed. Hezbollah claimed it targeted a military base. Another person was injured in Tiberias from rocket fire. In response, Israeli warplanes struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut. A third Israeli division joined the invasion of southern Lebanon. Hostilities have escalated since October 8, 2023, with Hezbollah supporting Palestinians. Despite setbacks, Hezbollah remains defiant, firing over 135 rockets into northern Israel on Sunday. Penelope Kingsley 07/10/2024 12:30 pm
The conflict has intensified a year after the Hamas-led attack on Israel, with Israel expanding its military operations. Israel has invaded Lebanon and Gaza, conducted airstrikes in Yemen, and vowed retaliation against Iran. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been firing missiles from the north, prompting Israel to launch a ground invasion in southern Lebanon. In Gaza, Israel claims to have largely destroyed Hamas’s main units but continues operations. Meanwhile, Israelis commemorate the Oct. 7 attack anniversary, and tensions remain high with ongoing rocket attacks and military actions. Penelope Kingsley 07/10/2024 12:30 pm
Antisemitic incidents in the US have surged to a record high, with over 10,000 cases reported from October 2023 to September 2024, marking a 200% increase from the previous year, according to the ADL. This rise follows last year’s Hamas attack on Israel. The incidents include harassment, vandalism, and assaults, with California, New York, New Jersey, and Florida reporting the highest numbers. The ADL attributes part of the increase to a broader methodology and expects numbers to rise as more data is collected. Noah Prescott 07/10/2024 9:00 am
Hamas marked the first anniversary of its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, calling it a “glorious” operation. The attack killed around 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Hamas expressed readiness for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, accusing Israeli PM Netanyahu of stalling negotiations. Rockets fired from Gaza injured two in Tel Aviv. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported 41,802 Palestinian deaths since Oct. 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Hezbollah acknowledged “heavy” losses in its leadership and military structure, asserting Israel’s dependence on U.S. support. Ava Sinclair 07/10/2024 9:00 am
An explosion near Karachi’s international airport killed two Chinese nationals and injured several others. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, stating it targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors. The Chinese embassy condemned the attack and called for an investigation. Videos showed cars engulfed in flames, and the area was heavily secured. Local officials are investigating the blast’s cause, initially thought to be an oil tanker explosion. Thousands of Chinese workers are in Pakistan for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Ava Sinclair 07/10/2024 5:30 am
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that his country will not undermine India’s security and views New Delhi as a valued partner. Despite being seen as ‘pro-China’, Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ strong relationship with India, built on respect and shared interests. He assured that while the Maldives seeks diverse international collaborations, it remains committed to not compromising regional security. Muizzu also promoted a ‘Maldives First’ policy to diversify international relations and reduce dependency on any single country, while inviting Indian tourists to return. Penelope Kingsley 07/10/2024 5:30 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned French President Emmanuel Macron that an arms embargo on Israel would benefit Iran and its allies. Macron had suggested halting arms shipments to Israel to seek a political solution to the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu emphasized that restrictions would strengthen Iran’s influence and highlighted Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon for regional stability. Macron expressed solidarity with Israel and called for a ceasefire, stressing the need to avoid escalation, especially in Lebanon. The leaders agreed to continue discussions. Penelope Kingsley 07/10/2024 2:00 am
