The U.S. seized a luxury aircraft illegally purchased and smuggled out for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reflecting rising tensions post-Venezuela’s disputed July 28 election. Despite U.S. claims that Edmundo González won, Maduro remains in power and issued an arrest warrant for González. The Dassault Falcon 900EX, bought for $13 million through a shell company, was seized in the Dominican Republic and flown to South Florida. Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed the plane’s illegal purchase and use by Maduro. Penelope Kingsley 03/09/2024 4:00 am
A mob of Turkish nationalists attacked U.S. Marines in Izmir, Turkey, resulting in 15 arrests. The assailants were from the Youth Union of Turkey, linked to the nationalist Vatan Party. The Marines, assigned to the USS Wasp, were physically attacked and identified as “soldiers” by authorities. Social media footage showed the Marines in civilian clothing being restrained and an attacker placing a plastic bag on a victim’s head while the crowd chanted, “Yankee, go home!” Five U.S. service members intervened, and authorities arrested all 15 attackers. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 12:30 am
The US seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s plane, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, in the Dominican Republic, citing violations of US sanctions and other criminal issues. The aircraft, used for Maduro’s international travels, was flown to Florida. This action marks an escalation in US-Venezuela tensions. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated the plane was illegally purchased and exported. Venezuela condemned the seizure as “piracy” and accused the US of escalating aggression. The plane’s last registered flight was from Caracas to Santo Domingo in March. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 12:30 am
Elon Musk criticized Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on his X platform, calling for his arrest and labeling him a “dictator” after Brazil’s high court upheld a ban on X. The ban followed Musk’s failure to appoint a legal representative in a case involving the suspension of accounts linked to misinformation. The court also froze Starlink’s financial accounts in Brazil. Musk accused De Moraes of violating his oath and infringing on free speech. The decision has left millions of Brazilian X users seeking alternative social platforms. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 12:30 am
The UK is suspending around 30 of 350 weapons export licenses to Israel due to concerns they could be used to violate international law amid the Gaza conflict. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized this is not an arms embargo or a judgment on Israel’s actions. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Foreign Minister Israel Katz, criticized the decision, arguing it sends a problematic message to Hamas and undermines Israel’s efforts to combat terrorism and secure hostages. They stressed Israel’s adherence to international law and the importance of UK support. Noah Prescott 02/09/2024 9:00 pm
A French woman, Gisele P., attended the trial of her husband, Dominique P., who allegedly drugged her for a decade, allowing scores of men to rape her while he filmed the assaults. The trial, held in Avignon, involves 51 identified men out of 72, accused of committing 92 rapes. Gisele, determined to face her attackers, waived her anonymity and requested public hearings. The abuse was uncovered in 2020 after Dominique was caught filming up women’s skirts, leading to a police investigation that revealed thousands of photos and videos of the assaults. Ava Sinclair 02/09/2024 9:00 pm
The brief strike and international concern seemed unlikely to change Netanyahu’s stance on continuing the fight in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. Netanyahu was set to hold a news conference at 8:15 p.m. local time. Union leaders halted the labor strike at 2:30 p.m. after a court ruled insufficient notice was given. The strike caused widespread disruptions, closing many schools, banks, and some municipal offices, though some municipalities and transport services resumed normal operations by the afternoon. The work stoppage reflected national grief, anger, and protest. Penelope Kingsley 02/09/2024 9:00 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite being indicted for war crimes. Signatories to the Rome Statute must arrest individuals with ICC warrants, but Mongolia, closely allied with Russia, shows no intent to detain Putin. Putin canceled a visit to South Africa due to arrest risks. An open letter by rights advocates urged Mongolia to arrest him, citing the extensive destruction in Ukraine caused by Putin. Neither Russia, China, nor the U.S. are ICC signatories, but Mongolia is, with a judge on the court. Noah Prescott 02/09/2024 9:00 pm
Hvaldimir, a beluga whale suspected of being a Russian intelligence asset, was found dead in Norway’s Risavika Bay. Estimated to be 14-17 years old, Hvaldimir was known for his sociable and playful nature. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand discovered his body, and an autopsy is underway. Hvaldimir gained global attention five years ago when he approached Norwegian fishermen wearing a harness labeled “Equipment of St. Petersburg.” Despite his suspected origins, Hvaldimir became beloved as an “ambassador between species,” more known for his friendly demeanor than any espionage. Noah Prescott 02/09/2024 9:00 pm
Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russia, targeting a refinery and power station, with videos showing smoke in Moscow and Tver. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed 158 Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted. Moscow’s mayor reported no casualties but some damage and fire at a refinery. Tver’s governor confirmed a fire was extinguished. The attacks follow recent Ukrainian strikes, including one in Rostov. Ukrainian President Zelensky justified the assaults due to Russia’s repeated attacks on Ukraine. Recent Russian strikes injured several in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy, prompting Zelensky to urge allies for more support. Penelope Kingsley 02/09/2024 5:30 pm
