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Drone strike on Sudan mosque kills 78 amid intensifying battle for El-Fasher

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EL-FASHER, Sudan (BN24) – At least 78 people were killed and about 20 others injured after a drone strike hit a mosque in the besieged city of El-Fasher, the last Sudanese army stronghold in the Darfur region, a senior medical source told the BBC on Saturday.

The deadly airstrike struck during morning prayers on Friday, flattening the mosque in western El-Fasher and leaving dozens of bodies trapped beneath the rubble. One eyewitness described the moment as a “scene of horror,” with many worshippers killed instantly.

While the attack has been blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the group has not officially claimed responsibility. The RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal two-year civil war against Sudan’s army, has been steadily advancing in Darfur, with El-Fasher—home to more than 300,000 civilians—now nearly encircled.

The BBC has verified disturbing footage from the aftermath of the strike, showing around 30 bodies wrapped in shrouds and blankets lying next to the destroyed mosque. Recovery efforts are still underway, and casualty figures may rise.

El-Fasher has become a central battleground as RSF forces intensify their campaign to take full control of the western region. This week, the paramilitaries launched a new offensive, targeting Abu Shouk, a camp for internally displaced people on the outskirts of the city. Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) shows RSF forces now occupy significant parts of the camp.

Further images and verified video footage confirm that RSF troops have breached the headquarters of the Joint Forces, an alliance of armed groups aligned with the Sudanese military, located inside a former United Nations compound. Though full control of the base remains unconfirmed, its seizure would place key military assets—including El-Fasher’s airport and division headquarters—within direct RSF firing range.

According to the HRL, the city will likely fall without immediate reinforcements to the Sudanese army positions. A complete RSF takeover would solidify control of western Sudan, effectively splitting the country, with the army holding the north and east.

The battle for El-Fasher has sparked alarm among humanitarian organizations and international observers. The United Nations on Friday warned of the “increasing ethnicisation of the conflict,” citing attacks against civilians accused of siding with the opposing force. Analysts fear a potential massacre, as El-Fasher’s remaining population largely consists of non-Arab ethnic groups, whom the RSF reportedly views as adversaries.

Doctors Without Borders, operating in the region, recently accused RSF fighters of threatening to “clean El-Fasher” of its non-Arab population, a statement they described as chilling evidence of a campaign of ethnic cleansing. The RSF has previously denied involvement in tribal violence, insisting it is not responsible for “ethnic or tribal conflicts.”

The latest assault underscores the devastating toll of Sudan’s spiraling conflict, which has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands since erupting in 2023. With El-Fasher on the brink and international mediation efforts stalled, the humanitarian crisis in Darfur deepens by the day.



South African hospital worker arrested carrying human placentas in plastic bag

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Simeon
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LYDENBURG, South Africa (BN24) – A South African hospital cleaner has been arrested after allegedly carrying human placentas in a plastic bag while attempting to hitchhike in the Mpumalanga province, police said Thursday.

The woman, identified as 39-year-old Rose Mnisi, was apprehended by local authorities near the town of Lydenburg, also known as Mashishing, after a tip-off led security officers to investigate her suspicious behavior. Upon stopping her for questioning, police discovered the bag containing an undisclosed number of human placentas.

Mnisi, who works in the maternity ward of a local hospital, reportedly told police that she was seeking potential buyers for the biological material. Authorities confirmed that she did not have the legal authorization to possess or transport human tissue.

“Upon being approached by police, the woman was caught with human tissues,” a police statement said. “She confirmed that she is a cleaner in the maternity ward.”

She was formally charged with illegal possession of human tissue and appeared in court on Thursday. The seized placentas have been sent for forensic examination. Mnisi has not yet entered a plea and is expected to return to court next month for a bail hearing.

Police are continuing the investigation and say additional charges may be filed as more evidence is uncovered. They did not comment on what the placentas were allegedly intended for, though the case has sparked renewed public concern over the illicit trade of human body parts in South Africa.

While some believe human placentas can be used for perceived health benefits including boosting breast milk production or preventing postnatal depression, there is no scientific consensus supporting these claims. The unauthorized handling and sale of human tissue is illegal under South African law.

In certain parts of the country, illegal trade in human body parts has been linked to ritualistic practices. Just weeks earlier, a traditional healer from neighboring Mozambique appeared in a South African court after being found with human remains believed to be connected to the 2023 murder of a young woman. That case is still under investigation.

South African police have pledged to tighten surveillance around hospitals and mortuaries to curb the black market trade in human tissues, as authorities warn of growing criminal networks exploiting both cultural beliefs and weak regulatory enforcement.



Manchester United punish early Chelsea red card to secure crucial victory in Premier league thriller

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Simeon
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MANCHESTER, England (BN24) – Manchester United capitalised on a chaotic first half and torrential conditions at Old Trafford to seal a much-needed 2-1 victory over Chelsea, who were undone by Robert Sanchez’s early dismissal in one of the most eventful opening halves in Premier League history.

Sanchez was shown a red card just five minutes into the match after charging out of his area and bringing down Bryan Mbeumo as the forward raced past the Chelsea backline. The incident marked Chelsea’s earliest-ever sending-off in a Premier League match and changed the course of the contest entirely.

United skipper Bruno Fernandes headed the hosts in front nine minutes later before Casemiro doubled the lead near the end of the half. The Brazilian midfielder was then sent off himself for a second bookable offense before the break, dragging down Andrey Santos in an unnecessary challenge that left United a man down for the entire second half.

Despite a late headed goal from Trevoh Chalobah with 10 minutes remaining, Chelsea were unable to rescue a result, extending their winless run at Old Trafford to more than a decade. Their last victory at the Theatre of Dreams dates back to 2013, during the final season of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

The result provides crucial momentum for United boss Ruben Amorim, whose side has now won three of their last four home matches and climbed into the top half of the table. Amorim, backed publicly this week by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, watched on as his team delivered the “action over words” he had demanded in his pre-match notes.

For Chelsea, the match spiraled quickly following Sanchez’s sending-off. Manager Enzo Maresca reacted by sacrificing attackers Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian to bring on replacement goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The situation worsened when key forward Cole Palmer was forced off with a groin injury just 20 minutes in—the earliest time any Premier League team has made three substitutions in a single game.

Though Chalobah’s late goal sparked hope of a comeback, the visitors could not break through again. The loss follows a frustrating draw at Brentford and a midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, capping a grim seven days for Maresca’s squad.

Manchester United, meanwhile, held firm despite the disadvantage of playing the entire second half with 10 men in driving rain that left water splashing on the surface. Fernandes, instrumental in midfield, nearly added a second but was denied by a sharp Jorgensen save in the closing minutes. His animated reaction at the Stretford End—urging the fans to lift the noise—reflected the urgency surrounding United’s campaign.

Amorim’s side now face Brentford next, looking to win back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time under the Portuguese manager. With the top four now just two points away, United’s season, long defined by frustration and inconsistency, may finally be finding rhythm.

For Chelsea, however, it’s another painful trip to Manchester—and another search for answers amid recurring chaos.

Slug: manchester-united-chelsea-red-card-victory-2025

Liverpool continue perfect start with Merseyside derby win over Everton

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Simeon
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LIVERPOOL, England (BN24) – Liverpool continued their flawless start to the Premier League season by defeating Everton 2-1 in a rain-soaked Merseyside derby at Anfield, marking their fifth straight win as Arne Slot’s title defense gained more momentum.

First-half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike ensured the Reds secured a vital three points. At the same time, Idrissa Gueye’s second-half strike for Everton proved only a consolation in an intense local encounter.

Slot’s side seized early control of the contest, with Gravenberch opening the scoring after just 10 minutes. The Dutch midfielder latched onto Mohamed Salah’s perfectly weighted pass, lifting a delicate finish over Jordan Pickford to give Liverpool the ideal start.

Gravenberch turned provider in the 28th minute, playing in Ekitike, who powered a low finish past Pickford to double the lead. The French striker, a £70 million summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, continues to make a compelling case for regular starts through the middle, even with British-record signing Alexander Isak waiting in the wings.

Despite the absence of both Isak and fellow marquee signing Florian Wirtz from the starting lineup, Liverpool showcased their squad depth and attacking versatility in the first half. Both came off the bench in the second period to help see out the result.

Everton responded positively after the break. Jack Grealish, influential throughout, delivered a curling cross to the far post in the 58th minute, where Iliman Ndiaye cleverly nodded the ball back across goal for Gueye to smash in a rising drive beyond Alisson.

David Moyes’ side pressed hard for an equaliser, forcing Liverpool into a more cautious shape as the match wore on. Everton’s improved second-half performance had the Anfield crowd urging the final whistle, particularly after just three minutes of stoppage time were added, a decision that visibly angered Moyes.

Moyes, still seeking his first win at Anfield in 23 visits, saw his team pay the price for a sluggish opening half despite signs of promise. Beto was withdrawn at the break after struggling to impact the game, replaced by £27 million signing Thierno Barry, whose inexperience showed against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.

While Everton showed more attacking threat in the second half, their lack of a reliable presence in the final third remains a critical issue. Grealish and Ndiaye were again bright in buildup, but the Toffees’ inability to turn pressure into goals is a concern Moyes must address before the January transfer window.

For Liverpool, this was not a performance defined by style, but one of substance. The reigning champions continue to grind out results, and their early-season form sends a clear warning to rivals that Slot’s men remain the team to beat.

Trump administration proposes $6 billion weapons sale to Israel amid Gaza war and international backlash

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admin
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Washington – The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of plans to sell nearly $6 billion in weapons to Israel, signaling intensified support for the U.S. ally even as international criticism grows over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

According to U.S. officials familiar with the proposal, the package includes a $3.8 billion deal for 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters—almost doubling Israel’s current fleet—and a $1.9 billion agreement for 3,200 infantry assault vehicles. Delivery of the weapons is expected to take two to three years or longer. The plan was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by multiple sources on condition of anonymity because the details have not been made public.

The proposal comes as U.S.-backed negotiations aimed at brokering an end to the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. The sales also follow Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, an operation that drew widespread condemnation across the Middle East.

Despite growing pressure from allies and mounting calls from Senate Democrats to block the transfer of offensive weapons, the administration has pressed forward. The State Department declined comment on the details of the pending sales.

Israel, meanwhile, has launched a fresh offensive on Gaza City, deepening accusations from international watchdog groups. A leading professional association of genocide scholars recently declared that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, intensifying the global backlash.

Several U.S. allies have also moved to distance themselves. The U.K. barred Israeli officials from attending its largest arms fair, citing humanitarian concerns. Turkey closed its airspace to Israeli government flights and arms cargo, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned Israel’s military operations as disproportionate.

Trump, who lifted a Biden-era pause on certain munitions shipments to Israel upon taking office in January, has consistently expanded military aid. Earlier this year, the administration approved roughly $12 billion in weapons transfers, including a $500 million sale of bomb guidance kits in June.

The White House confirmed Friday that Trump plans to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington next week, with discussions expected to include a separate deal involving Boeing aircraft and F-16 fighter jets.

Congress is expected to begin its review of the $6 billion proposal shortly, part of the standard oversight process for foreign military sales. The agreement would fall under a 10-year U.S.-Israel defense pact now approaching its conclusion.

Associated Press story

Trump orders ‘Lethal Kinetic Strike’ on drug-trafficking boat in international waters, 3 killed

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Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump announced Friday that he ordered a U.S. military strike on a vessel allegedly tied to a designated terrorist organization engaged in drug trafficking, killing three people aboard. The attack took place in international waters within the U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction, according to Trump’s statement on Truth Social.

In his post, Trump said the strike was authorized after intelligence confirmed the vessel was transporting illicit narcotics along a well-known trafficking corridor. He released a video of the attack, showing the boat engulfed in flames shortly after being struck.

“On my orders, the Secretary of War ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a designated terrorist organization conducting narco-trafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” Trump wrote. He added that no U.S. personnel were injured during the operation.

The president emphasized that the three men aboard the vessel were “narco-terrorists,” declaring: “STOP SELLING FENTANYL, NARCOTICS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS IN AMERICA, AND COMMITTING VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM AGAINST AMERICANS!!!”

The action marks the latest in a series of U.S. military strikes targeting suspected drug cartels and their networks in the region. Earlier this week, Trump announced a separate strike that targeted Venezuelan cartel operatives, calling it part of an expanded crackdown on narcoterrorism.

“This morning, on my orders, U.S. military forces conducted a second kinetic strike against positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narco-terrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” Trump said Monday.

The campaign has escalated in recent months. In early September, a U.S. strike destroyed a Venezuelan drug boat in the southern Caribbean, leaving nearly a dozen suspected members of the Tren de Aragua cartel dead. In February, the administration formally designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups, expanding the legal tools available for military action.

The operation underscores Trump’s pledge to treat major narcotics networks as terrorist organizations and to authorize direct military force against them outside U.S. borders.

US Attorney resigns amid Trump pressure after refusing to charge NY AG Letitia James

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New York (BN24) – U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert resigned Friday under pressure from the Trump administration after sources said he resisted demands to bring criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, despite investigators finding no clear evidence of wrongdoing.

Siebert, who led the Eastern District of Virginia since January, informed his staff of his resignation in an email obtained by ABC News. In it, he praised the prosecutors he had worked with over the past eight months, calling them “the finest and most exceptional of DOJ employees.”

The decision came one day after President Donald Trump signaled his intention to remove Siebert from his position. On Friday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he wanted Siebert “out,” citing the support Siebert had received from Virginia’s two Democratic senators during his nomination.

“It looks to me like she is very guilty of something, but I really don’t know,” Trump said of James, repeating his long-running accusations that she has unfairly targeted him.

According to sources, Siebert’s office investigated allegations that James falsified records related to her 2023 home purchase in Virginia. But after five months of work, including interviews with 15 witnesses, investigators found no evidence to substantiate the claim. Trump officials nevertheless pressed Siebert to pursue charges.

James, who brought a successful civil fraud case against Trump last year, denied wrongdoing. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, called Siebert’s forced resignation a “brazen attack on the rule of law,” warning that it sends a chilling message to prosecutors who refuse to bend to political pressure.

Siebert, a career prosecutor and former Washington, D.C., police officer, said he intends to remain at the U.S. attorney’s office as a line prosecutor, though it is unclear whether he will be allowed to return to his prior role. His departure leaves a leadership vacuum in one of the nation’s most prominent prosecutorial districts.

The removal marks another escalation in what critics describe as Trump’s retribution campaign against political opponents. Along with James, federal officials under Trump have also launched inquiries targeting Sen. Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

James has repeatedly clashed with Trump, calling him a fraudster and leading lawsuits against his policies. A New York judge ruled last year that Trump and his family committed business fraud by inflating property values for favorable loan terms, a finding upheld on appeal even after the financial penalties were reduced.

Siebert’s resignation underscores growing tensions between career prosecutors and political leadership within the Justice Department, raising questions about the independence of federal law enforcement under Trump’s administration.

Taliban frees elderly British couple after 8 months in detention

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London (BN24) — The Taliban government has released an elderly British couple who had been held in Afghanistan for nearly eight months, officials said Friday, following negotiations led by Qatar.

Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbara, 76, were freed after a court hearing and handed over to the United Kingdom’s special representative to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, at Kabul airport. The couple, arrested in February on charges that were never publicly detailed, were flown to Doha before their scheduled return to London.

Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi confirmed their release on social media, saying the two had been detained for “violating Afghan law,” but gave no further explanation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the news and praised Qatar for its mediation. “I welcome the release of Peter and Barbara Reynolds from detention in Afghanistan, and I know this long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family,” Starmer said in a statement.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said it was pleased to facilitate their release and praised the “fruitful cooperation” between Afghan and UK officials.

The couple had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, primarily in Bamiyan province, where they ran educational programs. They were married in Kabul in 1970 and had obtained Afghan citizenship, remaining in the country even after the Taliban regained power in 2021 despite warnings from British officials to leave.

Barbara Reynolds said in brief comments after their release that they had been “treated very well” and were eager to reunite with their children. “We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can,” she added.

Their detention had raised international concern. In July, UN human rights experts urged the Taliban to free the pair, warning of a “rapid deterioration” in their health that could result in “irreparable harm or even death.”

The UK’s Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan minister, Hamish Falconer, said the release marked the end of an ordeal that had deeply affected the couple’s family. “We have worked intensively since their detention and supported the family throughout,” he said.

Their release came just days after Washington’s special envoy on hostages, Adam Boehler, visited Kabul to discuss potential prisoner exchanges. At least one American citizen, Mahmood Habibi, remains detained in Afghanistan.

Dozens of foreign nationals have been arrested by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021, following the U.S. military withdrawal.

Russian, Belarusian athletes cleared to compete as neutrals at 2026 Winter Olympics under strict vetting rules

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MILAN (BN24) — Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, but only under a neutral banner and following strict vetting requirements, the International Olympic Committee announced Friday.

The IOC said the conditions mirror those imposed during the Paris 2024 Summer Games, when Russian and Belarusian competitors could only participate as Independent Neutral Athletes (AINs) after proving they had no ties to the military and did not publicly support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions will remain unchanged for the upcoming Winter Games, scheduled to begin February 6, 2026, in Italy.

“The Executive Board will take the exact same approach that was done in Paris. Nothing has changed,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry said at a press conference following a meeting in Milan.

The announcement comes as Russia remains suspended from the IOC, a penalty handed down in October 2023 after the Russian Olympic Committee recognized regional councils from occupied Ukrainian territories — including Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia — in violation of the Olympic Charter.

Athletes who qualify for Milano-Cortina will be required to undergo strict checks to ensure they have no links to Russia’s armed forces or public support for the invasion of Ukraine. Any competitor found connected to either will be barred.

The IOC emphasized that only individual athletes may compete as neutrals. Russian and Belarusian teams will remain banned, reflecting sanctions placed on Belarus for its role as a staging ground in Moscow’s 2022 invasion.

The policy is designed to maintain Olympic participation while preventing widespread boycotts. The IOC has pointed to the limited neutral participation at the Paris Games as a success, helping to avert walkouts by Ukraine and its allies.

Already, four Russian figure skaters — two men and two women — have been cleared by the International Skating Union to attempt qualification as neutral athletes for the 2026 Games. They would compete without national symbols, anthems, or flags, as was the case in Paris.

“The size of the neutral delegation will depend on each international federation’s rules and decisions,” Coventry said, noting that some governing bodies still prohibit Russian and Belarusian athletes from their competitions altogether.

The decision was widely expected, but remains a contentious issue as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.

EU fast-tracks Russian gas phase-out in new sanctions package

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Simeon
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BRUSSELS (BN24) — The European Union on Friday proposed a new sanctions package aimed at fast-tracking the phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 2027, a full year ahead of the previously set deadline. This move is part of ongoing efforts to weaken Russia’s war economy and reduce its financial support for the invasion of Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that cutting off Russian fossil fuel revenue is essential for destabilizing Moscow’s war efforts. “Revenues from fossil fuels sustain Russia’s war economy. We want to cut these revenues. So we are banning imports of Russian LNG into European markets,” von der Leyen said. “It is time to turn off the tap.”

The proposed LNG ban comes amid mounting U.S. pressure on Europe to sever fossil fuel imports from Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump has long urged European countries to take stronger action against Russian energy exports, including oil, while calling for more robust sanctions on Russia. Trump has also said he would support further sanctions if European nations reduce their reliance on Russian energy and impose additional tariffs on China.

The European Union has already implemented several sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine, including banning most Russian oil imports, which have decreased by more than 90% since early 2021. This new LNG phase-out proposal continues that trend, signaling the EU’s commitment to reducing energy ties with Moscow.

While the EU initially pledged to end LNG imports by 2028, the new sanctions aim to advance that target by one year, to eliminate all Russian LNG imports by January 2027. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized this accelerated timeline, stating, “We aim to speed up the phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas by 1 January 2027.” She added that this measure would ensure that Russia “pays the price” for continuing its military aggression.

Despite efforts to reduce dependence, Russia still supplies a significant share of Europe’s energy needs. In 2024, Russian gas accounted for 19% of the EU’s total supply, down from 45% before the war. This decline has been partially offset by a surge in LNG imports, mostly arriving via sea shipments. The EU received 32 billion cubic meters of Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline and 20 billion cubic meters via LNG in the past year.

The United States has emerged as the EU’s largest supplier of LNG, providing nearly 45% of all LNG imports. This shift is part of Europe’s broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

As the EU accelerates the phase-out of Russian energy imports, its strategy aligns with a broader geopolitical effort to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its military actions. The success of this transition will depend on how quickly the EU can secure alternative energy sources while managing the economic impacts of the phase-out.

Slug: eu-russian-gas-phase-out-2027

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