Three Americans convicted in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. They were among 37 sentenced by a military court for attacking the presidential palace and an ally’s home. The commutation precedes a visit by US senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos. The US hasn’t declared them wrongfully jailed, but discussions occurred. The plot’s suspected leader, Christian Malanga, was killed in the attack. President Tshisekedi granted clemency to Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 12:00 pm
Myanmar’s military fired at a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying earthquake relief supplies in Shan State. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army reported the attack, but no injuries occurred. The junta claimed troops fired warning shots after the convoy ignored signals to stop. China’s foreign ministry confirmed the safety of its team and supplies, urging focus on relief efforts. Myanmar faces a worsening humanitarian crisis following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake, with over 2,700 reported dead. International aid is being sent to affected areas. The military said it wasn’t informed of the convoy’s movement. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 12:00 pm
Suspected U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have killed at least 65 people, including four near Hodeida, amid tensions with Iran. Satellite images show B-2 bombers at Diego Garcia, indicating an unusual deployment. The strikes, linked to Iran’s nuclear program and Houthi attacks on shipping, have exceeded 200. The U.S. claims significant Houthi leaders have been targeted, though no names have been confirmed. The campaign aims to restore navigation freedom in the region. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 12:00 pm
Israel announced a major military expansion in Gaza, seizing large areas and evacuating populations to increase pressure on Hamas. Defense Minister Israel Katz urged Gazans to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages. Evacuation warnings were issued for areas around Rafah and Khan Yunis. The 36th division will participate in the operation. Israel has expanded a buffer zone and plans to facilitate voluntary Palestinian departure, following U.S. President Trump’s call for redevelopment. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized military pressure to retrieve hostages. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 8:30 am
South Korea’s interim leader urged calm ahead of the Constitutional Court’s April 4 decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Acting President Han Duck-soo called for restraint from politicians and warned against violence. Yoon was impeached for declaring martial law without justification. If ousted, a new election must occur within 60 days. Police have heightened security around the court, restricting access and preparing for potential clashes. Foreign embassies have issued alerts, advising caution amid expected large rallies and a strong police presence. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 8:30 am
Two close associates of Israeli PM Netanyahu, Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, were detained for three days over suspected unlawful ties with Qatar, known as QatarGate. They allegedly took bribes to influence media narratives favoring Qatar and downplaying Egypt’s mediation role. An Israeli court extended their detention, citing potential disruption to the investigation. The case involves spreading negative messages about Egypt and manipulating media agendas. Netanyahu, who testified, claims the case is politically motivated. A Qatari official denounced it as a smear campaign against their mediation efforts. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 8:30 am
China conducted long-range live-fire drills in the East China Sea, targeting simulated ports and energy facilities, amid heightened tensions with Taiwan. The exercises, part of the Strait Thunder-2025A, follow increased rhetoric against Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, whom China labels a “separatist.” Taiwan, rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, reported over 10 Chinese warships and 76 aircraft near its “response zone.” The drills coincide with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Asia visit, where he criticized Beijing. Taiwan condemned the exercises, which China did not formally name. Noah Prescott 02/04/2025 5:00 am
A devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar during Ramadan, collapsing three mosques in Sagaing, including the largest, Myoma, and killing nearly everyone inside. Former imam Soe Nay Oo, now in Thailand, mourns the loss of around 170 relatives, friends, and congregation members. Over 2,700 people have died, with the toll expected to rise. The quake severely impacted the Muslim community, with an estimated 500 Muslims dying while praying. Myoma Street, where the mosques were located, was the worst hit. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 5:00 am
A fourth American soldier was found dead after their vehicle submerged in a bog during training in Lithuania, the White House announced. The soldiers, from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing on March 25. Their M88 Hercules vehicle was found in a peat bog. Three soldiers were initially recovered after a week-long rescue effort involving U.S. and allied forces. The identities are withheld pending family notifications, and an investigation is underway. The White House expressed condolences and gratitude for Lithuanian support. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 1:30 am
France currently does not require explicit consent in its rape laws, unlike many other countries. Two lawmakers are pushing to change this by introducing a bill to include nonconsensual penetration in the definition of rape. This initiative gained momentum after a trial where multiple men were convicted of raping a drugged woman. The bill, which emphasizes that consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn, is being debated in the French Parliament’s lower house, with a vote expected soon. If passed, it will proceed to the Senate. Noah Prescott 02/04/2025 1:30 am
