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21 dead, over 30 missing following massive landslide in Western Kenya

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NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — At least 21 people have died and 30 others remain missing after a devastating landslide struck Kenya’s western Rift Valley region Saturday, where days of heavy rainfall have caused widespread destruction during the country’s ongoing short rains season.

More than 1,000 homes were destroyed by mudslides in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County in western Kenya. The disaster struck Machember Sub-location in Mukurtwo following intense rainfall that began Friday night, October 31.

According to a statement from Kenya’s Interior Ministry, search and rescue operations are continuing as emergency teams work to navigate treacherous mudslides that have rendered key access roads impassable. The government has deployed aerial support and first responders to assist with evacuation, medical care and surveillance in the affected areas.

Rescue teams have pulled 19 survivors from the debris, while several injured persons are receiving treatment at Chesongoch Mission Hospital. The government airlifted 30 survivors with serious injuries to a hospital in Eldoret City as the severity of casualties became apparent.

The Kapsowar-Chesoi Road has been completely severed, significantly complicating rescue efforts in the mountainous terrain. Rescue operations continued through Saturday despite persistent heavy rains as disaster agencies searched through debris for missing residents.

Local resident Stephen Kittony described the terrifying moments when disaster struck, telling Citizen Television station that he heard a deafening sound and, together with his children, rushed out of their house and ran in different directions to escape the approaching mudslide.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is working to identify an alternative settlement area for those displaced by the catastrophe.

The hilly Chesongoch area has a history of deadly landslides, with separate incidents claiming dozens of lives in 2010 and 2012. In 2020, raging floods washed away a shopping center in the same region.

Beyond the landslide, flooding has wreaked havoc across multiple counties throughout Kenya. In a separate incident, a 15-year-old boy drowned after being swept away by floodwaters along River Obonyo in Kapounja, Kisumu West Sub-county.

Tana River County has experienced severe flooding, with 67 households submerged in the communities of Dhuhush, Lebille, Bultobanta and Bangale. Livestock losses in that county include at least 170 sheep and goats and one camel. In Garissa County, approximately 300 goats have been lost to flash floods in the Gutho area of Shimbirey Location.

Kisumu Central and East sub-counties have seen massive displacement, with more than 340 households forced from their homes in the areas of Kaputhe, Nanga, Dunga, Onjweru, Kanyawade, Kaloo, Kodie, Alar and Kowuore. In Laikipia County, 89 households around Lobere Dam were compelled to evacuate after multiple dams overflowed following heavy overnight rain.

Mombasa has experienced localized flooding in the Mburukenge and Kaa Chonjo informal settlements, which authorities linked to incomplete drainage and stormwater management projects.

The ministry reinforced warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department, cautioning that heavy rainfall is expected to persist across several regions. The forecast heightens concerns about additional flash floods and landslides, especially in hilly and riverine areas already saturated from days of continuous precipitation.

A multi-agency response team comprising the National Government Administration Officers, the National Police Service, the Kenya Red Cross and other government agencies is coordinating relief, evacuation and humanitarian efforts across affected counties.

The Interior Ministry issued an urgent appeal to the public to exercise extreme caution during this dangerous period. Authorities warned residents to avoid flooded roads and rivers and to relocate from slopes and low-lying areas prone to landslides.

“We also advise wananchi to follow official updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Interior, and County Disaster Units to avert potential danger and ensure their safety during this period,” the ministry statement read.

The ongoing short rains season, which typically occurs from October through December in Kenya, has proven particularly intense this year, overwhelming infrastructure and displacing thousands of residents across the East African nation. Weather forecasters indicate the heavy rainfall pattern is likely to continue in the coming days, raising fears of additional casualties and displacement.

5 dead, including 2 adults and 3 children, in Paterson, New Jersey house fire

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PATERSON, N.J. (BN24) — Five people, including two adults and three children, were killed in a fast-moving house fire Friday night in Paterson, New Jersey, authorities said.

Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea confirmed the tragic toll after the blaze broke out at around 9:54 p.m. in a residential building on the city’s east side. The fire, which spread quickly throughout the structure, was exacerbated by strong winds that were blowing through the area at the time.

“The fire was under heavy wind, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire onto the second floor,” Alicea told WABC, the New York ABC affiliate. “Unfortunately, five victims, two adults and three children, were found in the home.”

While the identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members, Alicea indicated that the five fatalities were found inside the building, which had been quickly engulfed in flames. The fire also left 11 other residents displaced. These individuals survived the fire but have been forced to find temporary housing as they recover from the traumatic event.

“The Red Cross is on the scene assisting with the displaced families,” Alicea said, confirming that relief efforts were underway to support those affected by the tragedy.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze, but the damage to the building was extensive. It is unclear whether the structure will be habitable again in the near future.

The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation by local authorities. Fire officials noted that the wind played a significant role in how quickly the fire spread, raising concerns about fire safety in areas prone to high winds.

While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, the tragic incident highlights the potential danger posed by severe weather conditions and their ability to rapidly intensify a fire. Local officials are urging residents to exercise caution and be aware of fire hazards, especially during windy conditions.

The fire comes as Paterson continues to recover from several recent fires in the area. Fire safety experts are expected to review the case and provide recommendations on how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

The Paterson Fire Department, along with local police and emergency responders, is continuing to investigate the incident. Authorities have yet to release further details about the victims or provide any indication of foul play.

This deadly fire marks one of the worst tragedies in Paterson in recent years, as the city grapples with a rising number of fire-related incidents. Local officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and urged residents to stay alert and follow fire safety precautions.

Two men arrested after multiple people stabbed on train in Cambridgeshire, UK

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HUNTINGDON, England (BN24) — Two men were arrested by armed police Saturday evening after multiple people were stabbed on a train traveling through Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, prompting a massive emergency response and bringing rail services to a standstill across a major transportation corridor.

British Transport Police responded to the incident on a London North Eastern Railway train bound for Huntingdon after receiving emergency calls at 7:39 p.m. GMT. Armed officers stopped the train at Huntingdon station, located approximately 50 miles north of London, where they arrested two suspects.

More than 30 officers were deployed to the scene as part of what authorities described as a large-scale emergency response. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that a number of people have been transported to hospitals, though authorities have not released specific details about the total number of victims or the severity of their injuries.

The East of England Ambulance Service mobilized extensive resources to respond to the emergency, according to a spokesperson for the service. The response included numerous ambulances, tactical commanders, the Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care teams from both the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

“We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to hospital,” the ambulance service stated, directing further inquiries to British Transport Police.

Witnesses aboard the train provided harrowing accounts of the attack, which reportedly began approximately 10 minutes after the Doncaster to King’s Cross service departed from Peterborough. Passengers activated the emergency alarm as the violence unfolded.

A passenger who identified himself as Gavin told Sky News he witnessed someone moving through his carriage warning others about the attack. “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed,” the injured person said, according to Gavin’s account. “They were making their way through the carriage to get away from the suspects. They were extremely bloodied.”

Gavin described how the victim had collapsed on the floor by the time the train reached the station and was immediately taken to an ambulance. He said passengers were evacuated from the train and saw multiple stabbing victims making their way down the platform.

In a particularly alarming detail, Gavin reported that one of the suspects had also exited the train and was “running rampant” while “waving a large knife” before armed officers subdued him with a taser.

Video footage shared on social media, apparently filmed from a railway bridge, showed a substantial police presence with armed officers running along the platform toward the train carriages.

The incident has caused major transportation disruptions across the East Coast Mainline. LNER issued urgent warnings to passengers, stating on social media that emergency services are dealing with the incident at Huntingdon station and all lines are blocked. The railway operator advised passengers not to travel and to defer their journeys where possible, with major disruption expected to continue through the end of the day.

Cambridgeshire Police closed the A1307 road on the approach to the town center as the incident remained ongoing Saturday evening.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized the violence as an “appalling incident” that is “deeply concerning.” In a statement posted on social media, Starmer said his thoughts are with all those affected and thanked emergency services for their response. He urged anyone in the area to follow police advice.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident and cautioned the public to “avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.” Mahmood confirmed she is receiving regular updates on the investigation and noted that two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody.

Ben Obese-Jecty, the member of Parliament representing Huntingdon, said he was aware of the incident and working to establish further information. “My thoughts are with the victims and those involved,” he wrote on social media.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the scenes as “horrific” and characterized the incident as “what seems to be a brutal mass attack by two perpetrators.” Philp called on police and government officials to provide updates on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible. His thoughts, he said, are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding to the crisis.

Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake also weighed in, describing the scenes as “horrifying” and expressing support for victims and emergency responders.

Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, said he was “deeply concerned” to hear reports of the stabbings. “The thoughts of everyone at RMT are with the victims, train crew and all the emergency services dealing with this unfolding incident,” Dempsey stated.

Paul Bristow, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, referenced “horrendous scenes” in a social media post, confirming that Cambridgeshire Police were at the scene and two people had been arrested.

Huntingdon is part of the East of England region in Cambridgeshire, which also includes the areas of Cambridge and Peterborough. The investigation into the stabbing incident remains ongoing.

Trump threatens US military action in Nigeria over treatment of christians

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump threatened Saturday to deploy American military forces to Nigeria with “guns-a-blazing” if the West African nation fails to address what he characterized as the systematic killing of Christians by Islamist groups.

In an incendiary post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has directed the Pentagon to develop potential attack plans, escalating rhetoric he initiated a day earlier when he warned that Christianity faces “an existential threat in Nigeria.” The Republican president, who unsuccessfully sought the Nobel Peace Prize during campaign season, issued stark warnings about potential military intervention in Africa’s most populous country.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote in his Saturday statement.

The president added that he has instructed what he termed “our Department of War” to prepare for possible military operations. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians,” Trump stated, concluding with an explicit warning to Nigerian leadership to act quickly.

The threats represent a dramatic escalation in Trump’s posture toward Nigeria, where complex security challenges have resulted in violence affecting both Christian and Muslim populations, according to regional experts. Nigeria faces multiple ongoing conflicts that analysts say do not target religious groups exclusively.

On Friday, Trump announced he was designating Nigeria as “a country of particular concern” regarding religious freedom, claiming without providing evidence that “thousands of Christians are being killed” and asserting that “Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He said he would task several lawmakers with investigating the situation and reporting their findings to him.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump declared Friday. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”

Nigeria’s government has rejected assertions that Christians are being specifically targeted in the nation’s security crises. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Saturday responding to Trump’s designation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating violent extremism while celebrating the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength,” the ministry stated. “Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.”

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu

The ministry affirmed that Nigeria remains “committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism” affecting the country.

Allegations of Christian persecution have gained traction among some groups within Nigeria, where deep-seated ethnic, religious and regional divisions have historically sparked deadly violence and continue to influence the nation’s contemporary political landscape. Nigeria’s population is roughly evenly split between a predominantly Muslim northern region and a largely Christian southern region.

Trump previously designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern during his first presidential term, though that classification was reversed under former President Joe Biden’s administration. The renewed designation and accompanying military threats mark a return to Trump’s earlier hardline approach toward the Nigerian government on religious freedom issues.

The president’s latest statements raise questions about potential shifts in United States policy toward Africa and the administration’s willingness to consider military intervention in response to perceived religious persecution abroad.

2 United Airlines planes collide at LaGuardia Airport, Chicago, amid shutdown-induced staffing chaos

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Two United Airlines planes collided Friday evening on the tarmac at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, capping off a day of widespread flight delays and cancellations caused by severe staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown.

A United Airlines jet arriving from Chicago struck the tail of another United aircraft preparing for departure to Houston, the airline confirmed. No injuries were reported, and both planes returned to the gate where passengers safely disembarked. United said it is working to rebook affected travelers.

Passengers on board the arriving flight described feeling a sudden “bump” before learning they had hit another aircraft. “We all felt a bump during taxi to the runway but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” one traveler told the New York Post.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey referred all inquiries to United Airlines, which is cooperating with investigators.

LaGuardia was among several major airports across the country facing extensive disruptions on Friday due to unpaid FAA and TSA employees amid the shutdown. Data from FlightAware showed more than 570 flight delays and 130 cancellations at LaGuardia alone.

New York City’s three main airports—LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark—were under ground delays and wind alerts throughout the day, worsening the gridlock. The FAA reported that nearly half of its key facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, with almost 80% of air traffic controllers in the New York area absent.

“After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue,” the FAA said in a statement, calling for an end to the shutdown to restore safety and efficiency to the skies.

Nationwide, more than 5,700 flights were delayed and nearly 500 canceled by Friday evening, marking one of the most chaotic travel days since the shutdown began.

Source: independent.co

Ukraine claims strike on key fuel pipeline supplying Russian Forces near Moscow

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Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said Saturday that its forces struck a major fuel pipeline near Moscow that provides gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to the Russian army, calling the operation a “serious blow” to Russia’s military logistics.

The strike, carried out late Friday, targeted the Koltsevoy pipeline near the Ramensky district of the Moscow region, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) said on Telegram. The 400-kilometer (250-mile) pipeline connects refineries in Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Moscow, supplying millions of tons of fuel annually to Russian forces.

HUR said the operation destroyed all three lines of the pipeline, which was capable of transporting up to 3 million tons of jet fuel, 2.8 million tons of diesel, and 1.6 million tons of gasoline each year. “Our strikes have had more impact than sanctions,” said HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov, referring to international sanctions on Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The attack marked one of the most significant Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in recent months and came amid Moscow’s continued wave of drone and missile assaults on Ukraine’s energy grid. Ukrainian officials described the strike as part of a broader effort to undermine Russia’s logistical capacity to sustain its war effort.

Meanwhile, on the eastern front, Russia claimed advances in the heavily contested city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk province. The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had defeated a Ukrainian special forces unit sent to reinforce the city and later released videos allegedly showing two captured Ukrainian soldiers. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.

Ukrainian officials denied Russia’s claims of encirclement, insisting that their troops continue to hold defensive positions and conduct counterattacks. “A comprehensive operation to destroy and push out enemy forces from Pokrovsk is ongoing,” said Ukraine’s army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. “The situation remains the hardest for our forces, but there is no blockade.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged on Friday that Russian units had entered parts of Pokrovsk but said Ukraine’s forces were actively fighting to expel them. He estimated that Russia had deployed about 170,000 troops in Donetsk as part of its latest offensive.

As fighting raged in the east, Russia continued its overnight bombardment across Ukraine. A ballistic missile strike on the southern Mykolaiv region killed one person and injured 19 others, including a 9-year-old girl, local officials said. Another strike ignited a fire at a gas plant in the central Poltava region, while drone and missile attacks damaged energy facilities in multiple regions, leading to power outages.

Ukraine’s air force reported that it shot down 206 of the 223 drones launched overnight, though 17 managed to hit targets in seven regions. In Russia, officials said they intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones, including six approaching Moscow, while a large-scale blackout affected the city of Zhukovsky, southeast of the capital. Local authorities blamed the outage on an “automatic equipment shutdown.”

The latest wave of strikes underscored the intensifying cross-border assaults between the two nations as winter approaches, with Ukraine aiming to disrupt Russian supply lines and Russia seeking to cripple Ukraine’s energy system.

Deputy fatally shoots 13-year-old boy wanted for grandmother’s murder in North Carolina

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Simeon Bateren
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RAEFORD, N.C. (BN24) — A North Carolina deputy fatally shot a 13-year-old boy Thursday after the teenager, who was wanted in the killing of his grandmother, charged toward the officer holding a piece of lumber, authorities said.

The shooting took place in the Cameron area of Lee County, roughly 90 miles southwest of Raleigh. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies had been alerted about the homicide of 68-year-old Connie Linen, whose body was discovered inside her home in Raeford earlier that day. Authorities have not disclosed details about how Linen was killed, but they confirmed that she was a victim of homicide. Deputies initially responded to the home for a well-being check before discovering her body.

Detectives quickly identified the victim’s grandson as a suspect, and authorities issued a murder charge against him for first-degree murder. The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, was later located behind an abandoned mobile home in the Cameron area.

When deputies approached the suspect, he fled on foot. During the pursuit, the teenager grabbed a two-by-four piece of lumber from a nearby yard and charged toward a sheriff’s deputy. The deputy, fearing for his safety, fired his weapon, striking the teen. The boy was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office described the 13-year-old as approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. Sheriff Brian Estes of Lee County confirmed the incident and stated that the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) would be conducting a review of the deputy’s actions, which is standard procedure for law enforcement-involved shootings.

“This has been a tragic and emotional situation for everyone involved,” said Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil in a statement Friday. “We ask that our community come together with compassion and understanding as we all process this difficult event.”

As of now, the SBI has not released additional details regarding the investigation, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to further inquiries. The incident is drawing attention to the complexities and emotional toll of law enforcement interactions, particularly when involving juveniles.

The fatal shooting has raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the confrontation. The investigation into both the boy’s death and the ongoing homicide case continues, as authorities look for more information regarding the events leading up to the tragic outcome.

EPL Weekend Preview: Arsenal seek consistency, Tottenham and Chelsea set for North London clash

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Simeon Bateren
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The Gunners have been in fine form, leading the league by four points, blending youthful energy with the experience of seasoned campaigners. Manager Mikel Arteta will be looking to maintain consistency across both attack and defense. Arsenal have lost only once in the league and conceded just three goals in nine matches.

North London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea are set to meet in a highly anticipated derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a match that could have major implications for the top half of the table. Spurs, buoyed by recent performances, will aim to assert dominance at home, while Chelsea seeks to regain form following a mixed start to the season.

Liverpool face an uphill battle as they travel to in-form Aston Villa, hoping to arrest a remarkable slump that has seen the Premier League champions lose four consecutive league games. Their woes were compounded by a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, a match in which manager Arne Slot made 10 changes to protect key players ahead of a demanding fixture schedule, including clashes with Real Madrid and Manchester City.

“I don’t think it is possible if you lose six out of seven that there is even more pressure,” Slot said. “If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, you know the pressure is there.”

Five games into the Premier League campaign, Liverpool led Villa by 12 points, but four matches later, the sides met separated only by goal difference. Aston Villa have recovered from a difficult start with four straight wins, including notable victories against Tottenham and Manchester City, to surge back into contention for the Champions League spots.

Liverpool’s title defence has struggled in contrast. The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 league games, with Slot still searching for the right balance following a significant squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. Despite a Premier League-record spending spree of nearly £450 million, Liverpool lost more key players than they acquired, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz among those missed. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said, “To see the champions lose four games in a row in the Premier League with the expenditure in the summer, I think we’re in a crisis time for Liverpool right now.”

The weekend fixtures promise a thrilling Premier League spectacle:

Saturday: Brighton vs. Leeds, Burnley vs. Arsenal, Crystal Palace vs. Brentford, Fulham vs. Wolves, Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United, Tottenham vs. Chelsea, Liverpool vs. Aston Villa

Sunday: West Ham vs. Newcastle, Manchester City vs. Bournemouth

Monday: Sunderland vs. Everton

Fans can expect a weekend of intense competition as teams jostle for position in one of the most tightly contested EPL campaigns in recent memory.

UPDATE: Families in Rio de Janeiro have begun burying victims of the city’s deadliest gang raid

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Simeon Bateren
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RIO DE JANEIRO (BN24)— As families across Rio de Janeiro’s favelas begin to bury their dead, the city is left grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest gang raids in recent history. At least 132 people were killed, including four police officers, during Tuesday’s operation in Vila Cruzeiro, a neighborhood part of the sprawling Penha complex of communities. The raid, conducted by approximately 2,500 police officers and soldiers, targeted the notorious Red Command gang, but its brutal execution has left the local population in shock and mourning.

Grief-stricken residents of Vila Cruzeiro have expressed their anger and disbelief as they witness the aftermath of what they describe as a “warzone” encounter. “This wasn’t an operation; these were assassinations. They didn’t come to arrest; they came to kill,” said Monique Santiliano, a local nail salon owner whose voice trembled as she spoke. Her sentiment reflects the broader frustration of a community that believes the raid crossed the line from law enforcement action to state-sanctioned violence.

State officials, including Rio’s conservative governor, Claudio Castro, defended the operation, framing it as a necessary measure in the fight against “narco-terrorism.” Castro described the raid as a success in the battle against the powerful Red Command gang. Yet, human rights advocates, residents, and politicians have raised serious concerns, with some accusing the police of excessive force, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Human Rights Minister Macaé Evaristo voiced her strong opposition to the narrative pushed by the state government. Speaking at a press conference in Penha, Evaristo emphasized that targeting gang leaders and financial backers is the key to dismantling organized crime. “There’s no point in coming into our communities and exposing children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to such terror,” she stated.

The raid, which also led to widespread gunfire and chaos across Rio, sparked a fierce debate about law enforcement tactics and the human cost of anti-gang operations. The state government claims that the 132 fatalities were the result of criminals resisting arrest, but this has been met with skepticism. Human rights organizations, as well as Brazil’s Supreme Court and lawmakers, have called for a full investigation into the operation.

On Thursday, as some of the dead were laid to rest, the community was left grappling with the devastating loss of loved ones. Family members described their pain at the brutality of the killings, with reports of bodies found decapitated, mutilated, or bound with signs of torture. Ana Tobossi, a local activist, decried the normalization of such violence. “If the country continues to applaud, it will happen elsewhere,” she warned.

At the same time, some residents voiced their concerns about the long-term impact on the community. “People from outside are going to see this going on in favelas and aren’t going to want to come anymore. It makes us look bad,” said Paulo Roberto, a 16-year-old street vendor who was left shaken by the events.

The operation’s goal was to weaken the Red Command gang’s influence in Rio’s favelas. Still, it has instead highlighted the growing tensions between law enforcement and the residents of these communities. While many question whether the raid will achieve lasting results, others are left wondering whether such actions are truly the solution to Brazil’s worsening gang violence.

As the bodies are buried and the pain lingers, the story of the deadly raid is far from over. Brazil’s Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing with the state governor and key law enforcement officials to address the growing calls for accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, the residents of Rio’s favelas, still reeling from the violence, continue to demand justice for those lost in this tragic chapter of the city’s ongoing gang war.

UPDATE: About 700 now killed in Tanzania election protests, opposition says

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Simeon Bateren
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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (BN24) — About 700 people have reportedly died following days of violent protests over Tanzania’s presidential election, the opposition Chadema party has claimed. The protests, which erupted on Wednesday, were sparked by widespread accusations that the ruling party had stifled opposition, particularly through the exclusion of key candidates from the presidential ballot.

John Kitoka, a spokesperson for Chadema, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the situation was dire, particularly in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, where the death toll was believed to be around 350 and 200, respectively. He warned that the true toll could be even higher due to killings that may have occurred during a government-imposed nighttime curfew.

“We believe the number could be closer to 700, possibly even 800 when including deaths across other regions,” Kitoka said, adding that party members had been collecting reports directly from hospitals and health clinics, counting bodies as they went. Amnesty International, however, reported a much lower toll of at least 100 deaths.

The violence followed intense protests on election day, where demonstrators voiced their anger over the exclusion of opposition leaders such as Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo from the race. Lissu, a former presidential candidate, was arrested earlier this year on charges of treason and cybercrimes, while Mpina, a key opposition figure, was also barred from contesting.

In response to the unrest, Tanzanian security forces launched a harsh crackdown on demonstrators. The country’s army chief, Gen. Jacob John Mkunda, condemned the protests, labeling demonstrators as “criminals” and vowing to restore order. Reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicate that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, with at least 10 confirmed deaths resulting from gunfire.

The protests, which were initially concentrated in Dar es Salaam, have since spread to other parts of the country, including Shinyanga in the northwest and Morogoro in the east. Internet access has been cut off nationwide, with global watchdog NetBlocks confirming the countrywide disruption.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the OHCHR, have condemned the use of force by the Tanzanian government. The OHCHR has called for security forces to refrain from using excessive force and urged protesters to remain peaceful. Human rights lawyer Tito Magoti also criticized the government’s handling of the protests, labeling the violence as “unjustified” and urging President Samia Suluhu Hassan to stop deploying police against her own people.

Suluhu, who assumed office following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in March 2021, was widely expected to consolidate power during this election cycle. However, the exclusion of prominent opposition figures has led to claims that the election was neither free nor fair.

Kitoka of Chadema reiterated his party’s call for a transitional government to oversee the election process, stressing the need for electoral justice. “We cannot vote for one candidate. The people have spoken,” he said, demanding that the government respect the will of the Tanzanian people and cease the violent repression of peaceful protests.

As the protests continue, Tanzania’s political future remains uncertain, with widespread fears that the government’s heavy-handed response will only fuel more unrest in the coming days.

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