Japan’s military detected North Korea test-firing two ballistic missiles, escalating tensions with Washington and neighbors. This follows North Korea’s reveal of a uranium enrichment facility and Kim Jong Un’s call for rapid nuclear expansion. Japan’s Defense Ministry provided no details on the missiles, but they likely fell into waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The launches come after recent tests and Kim’s vow to ready his nuclear force. Analysts suggest North Korea might conduct a nuclear test or long-range missile launch before the U.S. presidential election to influence outcomes and future negotiations. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 6:30 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 180,000 increase in military personnel, raising the total to nearly 2.4 million, including 1.5 million troops. This is the third expansion since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. The decree follows Ukraine’s recent attack on Russia’s Kursk region. Previous expansions included 137,000 troops in August 2022 and a “partial mobilization” in September 2022, which led to mass emigration and protests. The mobilization was suspended in November 2023 after meeting a 300,000 personnel target. Noah Prescott 18/09/2024 3:00 am
Israel has added a new war objective, focusing on the Lebanon border, amid questions about Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s position. The security cabinet approved the measure, aiming to return northern residents displaced by Hezbollah’s attacks. Over 62,000 Israelis and 94,000 Lebanese are displaced. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the need for a security change, while Gallant insisted on military action. US envoy Amos Hochstein cautioned against a wider war. Reports suggest Netanyahu may replace Gallant with politician Gideon Sa’ar, causing political and military unrest. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 3:00 am
Independent U.N. human rights experts reported that Venezuela’s government has intensified violent repression following the disputed July 28 presidential election, widely criticized as undemocratic. The U.N.-backed Human Rights Council’s fact-finding mission denounced rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual violence by security forces, constituting crimes against humanity. The report covers a year through August 31, 2024. Venezuela’s diplomatic mission in Geneva does not recognize the mission’s mandate and declined to comment but may address the report later this week. The findings align with concerns from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the U.S. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 3:00 am
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her top team for her second term through 2029. If you understand the EU, this was significant; if not, it might have been confusing. Von der Leyen, re-elected in July, presented a diverse team of 26 nominees from each EU country, plus herself. Each commissioner will implement her vision for the next five years. The European Commission is one of the EU’s three main institutions, alongside the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
A mass-rape trial in France has highlighted a pervasive “rape culture.” Dominique PĂ©licot, 71, admitted in court to drugging his wife, Gisèle PĂ©licot, and allowing dozens of men to sexually abuse her over nearly a decade. He also filmed the assaults. PĂ©licot’s decision to forgo anonymity is unprecedented. He revealed his own history of abuse, claiming it led to his actions. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. Around 50 other men identified through PĂ©licot’s media are also on trial, many denying the allegations. The case has drawn significant media attention. Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
Israel has updated its war objectives to include the safe return of residents displaced by fighting with Hezbollah near the northern border. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office emphasized continued military action to achieve this goal. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that military action is necessary due to Hezbollah’s ties with Hamas. Amidst growing fears of a broader regional conflict, Gallant faces pressure to adopt a tougher stance, with speculation that Netanyahu might replace him. Reports suggest internal disagreements, including opposition from Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, are complicating potential changes in leadership. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution that would strip Israel of its right to self-defense in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution for ignoring Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s security concerns. Submitted by over 40 countries, the resolution demands Israel withdraw from these territories within 12 months, including evacuating settlements and east Jerusalem. It also bans arms sales to the IDF and calls for boycotting products from these areas. The resolution does not address Israeli security concerns or potential Palestinian attacks. Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has resigned after getting bail in a corruption case related to a scrapped alcohol sales policy. He spent five months in jail and denies the allegations. Kejriwal will only resume his post if re-elected in the upcoming assembly elections. Senior minister Atishi will replace him. Kejriwal has called for advancing the elections to November, but experts say this is unlikely. The BJP has labeled his resignation a “publicity stunt.” Kejriwal, an anti-corruption crusader, was the third AAP leader arrested over the policy. Penelope Kingsley 17/09/2024 8:00 pm
Pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria, killing at least nine people, including an 8-year-old girl, and wounding several thousand. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blamed Israel for the remote attack. Among the wounded was Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon. The incident occurred amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The pagers, acquired after Hezbollah’s leader warned against using cellphones, exploded in areas with a strong Hezbollah presence. The Israeli military declined to comment. The explosions followed Israel’s claim of foiling a Hezbollah assassination plot. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 8:00 pm
