BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona climbed to the top of La Liga on Saturday night after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Girona, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from an unlikely hero, central defender Ronald Araujo.
In a bold tactical move, Araujo was introduced in the 82nd minute and sent forward to bolster Barcelona’s attack. The decision paid off spectacularly when, in the 92nd minute, Frenkie de Jong slid a low ball across the six-yard box and Araujo stretched to guide it into the back of the net. The late goal ended Barcelona’s two-match losing streak and sparked wild celebrations at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Barcelona had taken an early lead in the 26th minute through Pedri, who found space just outside the penalty area and drilled a low shot that bounced off the inside of the post before rippling the net. The goal gave the hosts deserved momentum, but Girona found an equaliser against the run of play.
Axel Witsel, rising highest at a corner, directed a firm header beyond goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to bring Girona level in the 33rd minute — a frustrating blow for Barcelona, who had dominated possession and created the better chances in the opening half.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was Barcelona’s most threatening outlet throughout the match. He came close to scoring with a powerful free-kick that struck the crossbar in the first half. Later, he squandered a golden opportunity from close range, steering a low cross wide when it seemed easier to score.
Girona, who arrived in good form, held firm for much of the second half and threatened on the break, but Barcelona kept pressing as time ran out. The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time when Araujo’s striker instincts delivered all three points.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, however, will miss his side’s next league match, the highly anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid, after being shown a red card for his angry reaction when the fourth official indicated just four minutes of stoppage time.
Flick had been animated throughout the final stages and was visibly incensed by several refereeing decisions. His dismissal adds further drama ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, where Barcelona will now enter as league leaders following the dramatic win.
With the victory, Barcelona moved two points clear at the summit of La Liga, while Girona, who had been looking to maintain their surprise title challenge, slipped back into fourth.
The result not only reasserted Barcelona’s championship ambitions but also demonstrated their growing resilience under Flick and the willingness to take tactical risks when needed.
Araujo’s late strike may prove to be a turning point in their season.
MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Erling Haaland continued his blistering goalscoring form with a second-half brace as Manchester City overcame a spirited Everton side 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, moving top of the Premier League on goal difference.
After a subdued first half in which City struggled to break down a well-drilled Everton defense, Haaland burst into life after the interval to take his tally to 23 goals in just 13 appearances this season for club and country. The 25-year-old had netted a hat-trick for Norway during the international break and carried that momentum into Saturday’s fixture, once again proving the difference for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when substitute Nico O’Reilly whipped in a teasing cross from the right. Haaland, who had been tightly marked for most of the game, rose powerfully to head past Jordan Pickford with his first clear chance of the match.
Just five minutes later, City doubled its lead. A sharp move down the left saw Savinho cut inside and fire a low ball across the goal. The delivery took a slight deflection off Everton defender James Tarkowski, and Haaland was on hand to sweep it in at the near post.
City had been second-best for much of the opening 45 minutes. David Moyes’ Everton came into the match on a high after their dramatic win over Crystal Palace and caused problems early on, particularly through the lively Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegalese forward twice came close to opening the scoring, first intercepting a loose pass from Nathan Ake and nearly setting up Beto, before drawing a stunning fingertip save from Gianluigi Donnarumma with a long-range strike.
Everton’s Jake O’Brien narrowly avoided scoring an own goal, sending a misdirected header against his own crossbar under pressure from Savinho. On the other end, City created a few half-chances. Savinho shot straight at Pickford from close range, and later forced another save — but lacked their usual attacking sharpness until the second half.
Despite the result, it was far from a comfortable outing for City, who were fortunate not to be behind before Haaland’s double. However, Guardiola will be encouraged by the response and the growing depth of his squad. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, and Mateo Kovacic all made second-half appearances after returning from injury layoffs, boosting City’s options ahead of a busy fixture schedule.
Haaland nearly completed his third hat-trick of the season late on, twice breaking through on goal but seeing his efforts denied by an alert Pickford. Full-backs O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes also had late efforts that flashed wide, but by then the damage had been done.
The victory extends City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches and places them at the summit of the Premier League table ahead of Arsenal’s evening fixture against Fulham.
For Moyes, the defeat continues a grim record he has now failed to beat a side that finished in the Premier League’s top three the previous season in 37 attempts. Everton’s winless run against Manchester City also stretches to 17 league matches, a streak dating back to a 4-0 victory in Guardiola’s debut campaign in 2016-17.
City will now shift its focus to Europe, with a Champions League group-stage clash away to Villarreal on Tuesday. At the same time, Everton returns to league action next weekend when it hosts Tottenham at Goodison Park.
JERUSALEM (BN24) — Hamas handed over the remains of two additional Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza on Saturday night, Israeli authorities said, marking the latest transfer under the ongoing ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement.
According to the Israeli military, the handover took place around 11 p.m. local time. The bodies were transferred to Red Cross personnel before being transported to Israeli forces inside the enclave. Neither Hamas nor Israel immediately identified which of the 18 remaining slain hostages were among the two returned, The Times of Israel reported.
The transfer represents the 11th and 12th sets of remains returned to Israel since the Oct. 3 Gaza peace treaty, which led to the release of 20 living hostages and set terms for the return of deceased captives as part of a broader ceasefire framework.
The armed wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, said it recovered the bodies of the two Israeli captives in Gaza and handed them over to Red Cross representatives as part of the deal. Coffins carrying the remains were transported through Gaza for delivery to Israeli forces.
On Friday night, Hamas returned the body of 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, who was kidnapped from his farm while tending to his horses during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. His remains were among those identified by Israeli authorities as part of the ongoing repatriation effort.
As part of the ceasefire arrangement, Israel also returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians detained during the conflict. The total number of Palestinian bodies returned to Gaza under the deal now stands at 135. Local authorities and human rights monitors said many of the bodies bore signs of torture or execution, though Israel has not commented on the allegations.
The Israeli military confirmed that Red Cross officials received the two coffins containing the remains of Israeli hostages in Gaza before transferring them to Israeli custody.
The ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, brokered with international mediation, remains fragile as negotiations continue over the fate of the remaining hostages and the implementation of further phases of the agreement.
WASHINGTON (BN24) — Protesters massed in cities across the United States on Saturday, channeling a “No Kings” message to denounce what they view as authoritarian tendencies and corruption of President Donald Trump.
Organizers expected millions of people to turn out by day’s end at more than twenty-six hundred planned rallies in major cities, small towns and some foreign capitals, challenging a Trump-led agenda that has reshaped the government and upended democratic norms with unprecedented speed since he took office in January.
“There is nothing more American than saying, ‘We don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest,” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, a progressive organization that led planning of Saturday’s events.
The protests reflect growing unease among many Americans, mainly on the left of the political spectrum, over developments such as criminal prosecution of Trump’s perceived political enemies, his militarized immigration crackdown and the sending of National Guard troops into U.S. cities, a move Trump has said was aimed at fighting crime and protecting immigration agents.
As his administration has tried to rapidly implement its policies, Trump has installed inexperienced loyalists across the ranks of his administration and sought to apply pressure on the news media, law firms and higher education.
The rallies were boisterous but orderly, with police largely keeping a low profile.
In Washington, demonstrators filled the street as they marched toward the U.S. Capitol, chanting and carrying signs, U.S. flags and balloons. Many people and their dogs wore costumes in a peaceful, carnival-style atmosphere.
Four marchers dressed in prison stripes and large caricature heads of Trump and other officials displayed a sign saying “Impeach Trump Again.”
Protester Aliston Elliot, wearing a Statue of Liberty headpiece and holding a “No Wannabe Dictators” sign, said: “We want to show our support for democracy and for fighting for what is right. I’m against the overreach of power.”
Events in New York City, Boston, Chicago and Atlanta also drew large crowds. In downtown Houston, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Daniel Aboyte Gamez, thirty, joined a crowd that officials said numbered at least fifteen hundred.
“I don’t understand what’s going on in this nation right now,” said Gamez, who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. “As a Marine Corps vet, I understand that the United States was founded upon action against tyrants, against kings.”
Kevin Brice, seventy, a military veteran among thousands of protesters streaming into the riverfront area of Portland, Oregon, wore a black sweatshirt emblazoned with the slogan “No Kings since 1776.”
“I’m embarrassed that we have federal agents in masks arresting people in the streets. I’m embarrassed that we’re talking about using the military against civilians. I’m embarrassed that it’s OK to lie and make stuff up,” Brice said. “So even though I’m a lifelong Republican, I don’t support the direction the party is going.”
Trump has said little about Saturday’s protests. But in an interview with Fox Business aired Friday he said that “they’re referring to me as a king — I’m not a king.”
More than three hundred grassroots groups helped organize Saturday’s marches, Greenberg said. The American Civil Liberties Union said it has given legal training to tens of thousands of people who will act as marshals at the various marches, and those people were also trained in de-escalation. “No Kings” ads and information have blanketed social media to drive turnout.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a progressive independent, and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat, have backed the marches along with former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Senior Democratic lawmakers also voiced support for the movement.
In June, more than two thousand No Kings protests took place, mostly peacefully, on the same day that Trump celebrated his seventy-ninth birthday and held a military parade in Washington.
House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, on Friday echoed a common refrain among his party, labeling the “No Kings” protests “the hate America rally.”
Other Republicans have accused organizers of the rallies of stoking an atmosphere that might spur more political violence, especially in the wake of the September assassination of right-wing activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk.
Dana Fisher, a professor at American University in Washington and author of several books on American activism, forecast that Saturday could see the largest protest turnout in modern U.S. history. She expected that over three million people would take part based on registrations and participation in the June events.
Overall turnout for the June 14 “No Kings” rallies was estimated at four million to six million, according to a crowd-sourcing analysis published by prominent data journalist G. Elliott Morris on his Strength in Numbers blog site.
Fisher said the protests were “not going to change Trump’s policies. But it might embolden elected officials at all levels who are in opposition to Trump.”
The first of Saturday’s rallies unfolded overseas, with hundreds of protesters assembled at the U.S. Embassy in London, and more demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona.
The nationwide demonstrations represent one of the largest coordinated protest movements since Trump returned to office in January. The rallies come amid ongoing controversies over the administration’s approach to law enforcement, including the indictments of former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James and former national security adviser John Bolton, all Trump critics.
Demonstrators voiced concerns about what they described as erosion of democratic institutions, including the independence of the Justice Department, which has faced accusations of being weaponized against political opponents. The protests also reflected anxiety about Trump’s use of military force, including recent strikes on suspected drug vessels off Venezuela that have killed at least twenty-seven people.
The scale and coordination of the protests suggest sustained opposition to Trump’s second-term agenda despite his victory in the 2024 election. Organizers emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstrations and their grounding in constitutional rights to free assembly and speech.
Security preparations for the rallies involved coordination between local police departments and federal agencies, though law enforcement largely maintained a minimal visible presence at most events. The ACLU’s extensive legal training for march marshals reflected lessons learned from previous large-scale protests.
The protests occurred against the backdrop of significant policy changes implemented by the Trump administration, including mass layoffs of federal workers during a government shutdown, aggressive immigration enforcement operations and military deployments to major cities.
LIVERPOOL, England (BN24) — Liverpool and Manchester United renew one of English football’s fiercest rivalries on Sunday at Anfield, with both sides entering the Premier League encounter needing to arrest troubling trends that threaten to derail their seasons.
Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, is looking to recover from a stuttering run of form that has seen the defending champions lose three consecutive matches in all competitions. Slot, who guided Liverpool to the title in his first season last year, admitted that “results don’t lie” following defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the league and Galatasaray in the Champions League. The poor run has seen the Reds fall a point behind Arsenal in the title race, despite a flawless start to the season in which they won their first seven matches.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Slot pointed to defensive fragility and a lack of attacking spark as the key concerns. Liverpool have conceded two or more goals in four of their seven Premier League matches and have struggled to find the game-changing moments that defined their title-winning campaign last season. Despite a summer outlay of nearly £450 million ($604 million) on transfers, including club-record deals for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, neither player has scored in the league.
Slot also highlighted Mohamed Salah’s reduced impact. The Egyptian, who was instrumental in last season’s title run, has not found the same rhythm. “We haven’t created as many chances as last season,” Slot said, attributing the decline to tactical shifts by opponents and Liverpool’s failure to adjust effectively. Set-piece weakness has also been a concern, with Liverpool conceding four goals from such situations this term.
Manchester United arrive at Anfield with their own problems. Manager Ruben Amorim, approaching one year in charge, remains under pressure despite the backing of co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. Amorim has failed to win back-to-back Premier League games and has recorded just 10 wins in his first 34 matches. The Red Devils sit 10th in the table, five points behind Liverpool, and are still recovering from a dismal finish to the previous campaign, where they ended in the bottom half.
Ratcliffe recently told The Times that Amorim deserves the full term of his three-year contract, but the Portuguese manager played down the remarks. “It’s good to feel the support,” Amorim said Friday, “but we need to show people we are ready to win games. I don’t want to think we have time — we need results now.”
Manchester United’s recent results against top opposition have shown promise, including a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season that Amorim described as one of his side’s most impressive displays. But the manager acknowledged that his players perform better when expectations are lower, suggesting that the weight of expectation still hampers consistency. “When you play in big clubs, you need to win every game,” Amorim said. “We have difficulties sometimes to play with that responsibility.”
Sunday’s fixture marks the 100th meeting between the clubs at Anfield and the 218th overall. United hold the edge historically, with 83 wins to Liverpool’s 72. Their last victory at Anfield came in 2016, while Liverpool have won three of the last five league meetings. United’s last Premier League triumph over Liverpool came in 2022 at Old Trafford. However, they did beat their rivals in the 2024 FA Cup en route to lifting the trophy.
Both teams are managing injuries ahead of the clash. Liverpool will again be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, sidelined by a hamstring issue. However, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been declared fit despite being substituted during international duty with the Netherlands. United will remain without defender Lisandro Martinez, who continues to recover from a knee injury, and full-back Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt.
The game carries significant weight for both clubs as they attempt to reverse faltering form and reassert themselves in the league. Slot’s Liverpool are seeking a return to the defensive solidity and attacking sharpness that underpinned last season’s success, while Amorim’s United aim to prove they can win under pressure, not just compete.
As the two most decorated clubs in English football, with 22 league titles apiece, Sunday’s match may not directly determine the title race or top-four picture. However, it offers a critical test of resilience for two managers still striving to prove their long-term visions.
ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (BN24) — In a widely criticized move, a Russian military court convicted 15 Ukrainian soldiers on terrorism charges Friday, sentencing them to prison terms of up to 21 years. The soldiers, members of Ukraine’s Aidar battalion, were found guilty in a trial that Ukrainian officials and human rights organizations have denounced as a blatant violation of international law.
The Second Western District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don delivered sentences ranging from 15 to 21 years. This conviction marks the second mass trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war, following a similar ruling in March where 23 soldiers from the Azov Brigade were convicted on analogous charges.
Ukraine’s human rights envoy, Dmytro Lubinets, was quick to condemn the ruling, calling the trial “shameful.” He asserted that Russia was criminalizing those who had fought to defend their homeland against foreign aggression. “Russia is making criminals out of those who defended their native land,” Lubinets stated, underscoring the political nature of the charges.
The trial has drawn sharp rebukes from human rights groups, including Memorial, one of Russia’s leading human rights organizations. Memorial has labeled the convicted soldiers as political prisoners, asserting that the proceedings violated the core principles of international law. The group condemned the court’s actions as a breach of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the prosecution of prisoners of war solely for their participation in armed conflict.
“This grossly violates the provisions of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits the prosecution of prisoners of war solely for their participation in an armed conflict,” Memorial said in a statement. The human rights organization emphasized that the soldiers were being tried for serving in the Aidar battalion, rather than being accused of specific war crimes.
The Aidar battalion, which was formed in 2014 in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, is among several volunteer battalions that became integral to Ukraine’s defense against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia has designated both the Azov and Aidar battalions as terrorist organizations, accusing them of committing war crimes and atrocities—claims that Ukrainian officials and defenders of the battalions fiercely contest.
The trial took place in Rostov-on-Don, a city in southern Russia near the Ukrainian border, and was held mostly behind closed doors. Journalists were allowed to attend only the initial sessions and the announcement of the verdict. Human rights advocates have raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the proceedings, as well as the broader context of politically motivated trials targeting Ukrainian soldiers.
Both the Ukrainian government and international bodies have expressed grave concern over Russia’s use of terrorism charges against soldiers engaged in a conflict where the lines between combatant and prisoner of war have become increasingly blurred. The convictions are seen as part of a broader pattern of legal actions by Russia aimed at undermining the legitimacy of Ukraine’s armed forces and the volunteer battalions that have played a central role in the country’s defense.
As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, the fate of prisoners of war has emerged as a key point of international debate, with calls for adherence to the Geneva Conventions and the protection of those captured during armed conflicts. The sentencing of the 15 soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights challenges faced by both sides in the war.
BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona is hoping to recover from its first loss of the La Liga season as it prepares to face Catalan rivals Girona on Saturday. After a strong start to the season, Barcelona’s unbeaten streak was shattered by a humbling 4-1 defeat to Sevilla just before the international break. Before that setback, they had won five of their opening six games, dominating the league. The loss to Sevilla saw them drop two points behind Real Madrid, who regained the top spot in the standings.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will look to rally his squad, which has been dealing with injuries, in what promises to be a crucial match. In positive news for the team, teen sensation Lamine Jamal and midfielder Fermin Lopez are expected to return to the squad. However, both may feature for limited minutes as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
Girona, currently languishing in 18th place, will also be looking for a turnaround after a difficult start to the season. With only one win from their first eight matches, the visitors will be hoping to build on recent performances that suggest they are beginning to find their rhythm.
The fixture between the two Catalan sides has been a closely contested affair in recent years. In their last five La Liga meetings, both teams have secured two victories each, with one match ending in a draw. This balanced record adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiery encounter at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona will need a strong response to get back on track, especially with their domestic title hopes at stake. Fans will be watching closely as their team seeks to recover from a challenging setback and push forward in the highly competitive La Liga race.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (BN24) — A chilling act of violence unfolded in Philippi East on Friday night when seven young men were shot and killed in a targeted attack that has left the community reeling. The victims, all aged between 20 and 30, were gunned down on Road 53 in the Better Life area, an area known for its tight-knit community. The attack has sparked a large-scale manhunt for those responsible, with authorities vowing to bring the killers to justice.
According to reports, the brutal shooting took place late in the evening, when the victims were either gathered in the area or in the midst of an unknown activity. While the motive remains unclear, law enforcement agencies suspect that the shooting could be linked to ongoing tensions or criminal activity in the region.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè condemned the attack, calling it a “senseless act of violence.” He emphasized the urgency of the investigation, describing it as a “tragic loss of life” that the force is determined to address swiftly. “This violence is not only a tragedy for the victims and their families but for our entire community,” he said.
The Western Cape police force has deployed detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit to lead the investigation. These detectives are working around the clock to identify the shooters, analyzing witness statements, surveillance footage, and other critical leads that may point to the perpetrators.
In a statement, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, the Provincial Commissioner for the Western Cape, expressed his grave concerns over the rise in violent crime across the region. “We are facing a concerning surge in violence, and we are fully committed to ensuring that those responsible for this horrific act are brought to justice,” Patekile said. “However, we need the community’s cooperation in solving this crime and preventing further violence.”
Patekile’s call for community involvement highlights the importance of collaboration in the face of rising crime. He urged residents to step forward with any information, no matter how small, that might aid the investigation. “Community cooperation is crucial in bringing those responsible to book and restoring safety to our neighbourhoods,” he added.
Colonel Andrè echoed the call for public assistance, urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has any relevant information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. “All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he assured, underscoring the need for trust between the public and law enforcement.
The authorities are also urging anyone with footage from nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams to come forward, as such evidence could prove vital in identifying the perpetrators. As the investigation unfolds, police are prioritizing community outreach and securing the cooperation of local leaders to help calm tensions and prevent any further violence.
As of now, the identities of the victims have not been released, pending further investigation and notification of their families. The community is left in shock, grappling with the scale of the tragedy. Locals have expressed fear and uncertainty, with many questioning whether this incident is part of a larger trend of violence in the area.
The Better Life area, where the shooting occurred, has seen sporadic violence over the years, but this incident is one of the most deadly in recent memory. The proximity to other areas experiencing gang-related violence adds a layer of concern, and many fear the shooting could be related to turf wars or disputes between rival criminal groups.
Authorities are also examining any potential links between this shooting and other recent violent incidents in the region, as well as any gang-related activity that may have played a role in triggering the attack.
While the manhunt is underway, the need for swift justice and public cooperation remains paramount. Police hope that with the community’s help, the killers will be brought to justice and that the violence plaguing Philippi East will subside, restoring a sense of safety to the region.
As Cape Town grapples with this tragic loss, the manhunt continues, with the full resources of the Western Cape police mobilized in the effort to track down those responsible.
Three neo-Nazis who stockpiled a massive weapons arsenal and plotted terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues across England were sentenced Friday to a combined 29 years in prison, after a judge warned their extremist ideology remained dangerous.
Brogan Stewart, 25, was sentenced to 11 years in prison; Christopher Ringrose, 34, to 10 years; and Marco Pitzettu, 25, to eight years at Sheffield Crown Court. The trio, described by prosecutors as “dangerous extremists preparing for a race war,” had amassed more than 200 weapons—including crossbows, machetes, swords, axes, hunting knives, and body armor—along with 3D-printed firearm components.
Investigators discovered an almost completed FGC-9 Mk II assault rifle in Ringrose’s loft. The gun was missing only its barrel and firing pin. Prosecutors said the men were actively sourcing those components, warning the weapon “could have been used to devastating consequences” if finished.
Extremist cell infiltrated
The court heard that Stewart, Ringrose, and Pitzettu bonded online over “prepping” culture and survivalist YouTube videos but soon formed a private neo-Nazi chat group called “Einsatz 14,” where they planned violent actions. They recruited like-minded extremists, discussed uniforms, and identified mosques and synagogues as potential targets.
An undercover counterterrorism officer infiltrated their encrypted Telegram group on Jan. 5 last year. In one message, Stewart expressed frustration with far-right groups that “just sit around and talk,” saying he wanted to form his own group “because action speaks louder than words.”
Stewart, from Tingley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, appointed himself as the leader and named Ringrose, of Cannock, Staffordshire, and Pitzettu, of Mickleover, Derbyshire, as “armourers.” On Feb. 5, the group discussed plans to “cruise around” near an Islamic education center looking for “human targets,” then regroup afterward for “tea and medals.”
They planned to meet in person for the first time on Feb. 18 to “cement that brotherhood,” but before the gathering could occur, police raided multiple properties on Feb. 20 and arrested them.
Convictions and sentencing
In May, all three men were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful for terrorism. The jury rejected defense claims that they were merely fantasizing online.
Ringrose was also found guilty of manufacturing a prohibited firearm component, while Pitzettu pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun. Evidence presented in court included a 374-page dossier of their internet activity, which prosecutors said “laid bare” their extremist worldview, glorifying Hitler, white supremacy, and race war.
Judge Mrs. Justice Cutts, sentencing the men, said she believed they continued to hold “extreme right-wing ideology” and posed a danger upon release. Although she concluded an attack was not imminent, she ruled one was “likely in the not too distant future” if they had not been stopped.
“This was a group motivated by hatred toward Muslims, Jews, Black people and immigrants,” the judge said. “Their ideology was laid bare in their communications—an admiration of Hitler and mass killers, and a clear belief that a race war was inevitable.”
WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump said Friday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not want to challenge the United States, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas following military strikes in the Caribbean.
Trump’s comments followed a Reuters report, citing three sources, that the U.S. military was holding two survivors on a Navy ship after a U.S. strike on their suspected Caribbean drug vessel killed two others.
Thursday’s strike was the latest in a campaign declared by Trump against a “narcoterrorist” threat he says is emanating from Venezuela and is linked to Maduro. U.S. military strikes against suspected drug boats off Venezuela have killed at least twenty-seven people, raising alarms among some legal experts and mostly Democratic lawmakers who question whether they adhere to the laws of war.
In response to a reporter’s question about a report that Maduro had offered “everything,” including the OPEC member’s natural resources, to secure a deal with the United States, Trump said: “He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to fuck around with the United States.”
Trump’s remarks, during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House, came against the backdrop of a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean that includes guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine and around sixty-five hundred troops.
The Venezuelan communication ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Venezuelan government has scoffed at media reports of negotiations by high-ranking officials to oust Maduro.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez posted a selfie with Maduro to Telegram on Thursday in response to what she said were “liars.”
On Wednesday, Trump disclosed he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding to speculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to oust Maduro.
Maduro has denied any connection to drug smuggling and denounced the U.S. boat strikes as a pretext for regime change, portraying them as violations of sovereignty and international law.
Trump, who had campaigned unsuccessfully for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, also brought up this year’s winner, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The fifty-eight-year-old industrial engineer was awarded the coveted prize last Friday.
“I didn’t get a Nobel Prize. Somebody got it, who’s a very nice woman, very nice,” Trump said. “I don’t know who she is, but she was very generous. So I don’t care about all that stuff. I just care about saving lives.”
The Trump administration argues it is in a war with narcoterrorist groups from Venezuela, making the strikes legitimate under international law. However, legal experts and some members of Congress have questioned whether the operations meet the legal standards for armed conflict and whether they violate principles of proportionality and distinction between combatants and civilians.
The military buildup in the Caribbean represents one of the largest U.S. force deployments to the region in recent decades. The presence of a nuclear submarine and advanced fighter jets signals a significant escalation in U.S. military posture toward Venezuela.
Less than a week ago, the Pentagon announced its counter-narcotics operations in the region would not be led by the Miami-based Southern Command, but by II Marine Expeditionary Force, a unit capable of rapid overseas operations based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. That decision surprised military analysts, since a combatant command like Southern Command would normally lead high-profile operations.
The head of U.S. Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Holsey, announced Thursday he would step down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, in what sources described as related to tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Caribbean operations.
Trump’s disclosure of CIA covert operations inside Venezuela marked an unusual public acknowledgment of classified activities. Presidents typically do not discuss intelligence operations, and the revelation added to concerns in Caracas about U.S. intentions toward the Maduro government.
Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves and has been wracked by economic crisis and political turmoil for years. International sanctions and declining oil production have devastated the economy, leading to mass migration and humanitarian challenges.
The United States and dozens of other countries recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate president following disputed elections in 2018, though Maduro retains control of state institutions and the military.
Trump’s comments about Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, highlighted the complex dynamics of Venezuelan opposition politics. Machado has been barred from holding office by Maduro’s government but remains a prominent voice for democratic change in Venezuela.
