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773 Dead Litter Streets of Congo as Fighting Intensifies Between Military and Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels

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773 Dead Litter Streets of Congo as Fighting Intensifies Between Military and Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels

At least 773 people have been killed in the eastern Congolese city of Goma and surrounding areas in the past week as fighting escalates between the Congolese military and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, authorities said Saturday. 

Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the confirmed toll includes 773 bodies and 2,880 injured individuals in Goma’s morgues and hospitals. He cautioned that the actual number of casualties may be higher. “These figures remain provisional because the rebels asked the population to clean the streets of Goma. There should be mass graves, and the Rwandans took care to evacuate theirs,” Muyaya said during a briefing in Kinshasa. 

Hundreds of Goma residents returned Saturday after the rebels pledged to restore essential services, including water and electricity. Many cleared debris and bloodstains from the streets. 

M23, one of more than 100 armed groups in eastern Congo, is backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to U.N. experts. The offensive surpasses the scale of M23’s 2012 takeover of Goma, which lasted for days before their withdrawal. 

Congolese forces recaptured the villages of Sanzi, Muganzo, and Mukwidja in South Kivu’s Kalehe territory, according to two civil society officials who spoke anonymously for security reasons. 

Congo’s military has suffered heavy losses, with hundreds of troops killed and foreign mercenaries surrendering to rebels following Goma’s fall. U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said Friday that M23 and Rwandan forces had advanced 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Bukavu in two days. Their next target, an airport near South Kivu’s capital, could mark a major escalation. 

The capture of Goma has created a humanitarian crisis, cutting off aid for millions displaced by ongoing conflict. M23 rebels have vowed to march 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) west to Kinshasa, Congo’s capital. 

U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric confirmed a joint assessment by the World Health Organization and Congo’s government found 700 deaths and 2,800 injuries in Goma between Jan. 26 and 30. 

The U.N. human rights office has accused M23 rebels of extrajudicial killings and forced conscription of civilians. “We have documented summary executions of at least 12 people by M23 from Jan. 26-28,” spokesman Jeremy Laurence said. Rebels have also occupied schools and hospitals and subjected civilians to forced labor. 

Congolese forces have also been accused of sexual violence. The U.N. is verifying reports that 52 women in South Kivu were raped by government troops. 

Humanitarian groups warn the situation is deteriorating. Rose Tchwenko, country director for the Mercy Corps aid group in Congo, said relief efforts have stalled, leaving communities without essential support. “The escalation of violence toward Bukavu raises fears of even greater displacement, while the breakdown of humanitarian access is leaving entire communities stranded,” she said. 

AP

United Airlines Flight Evacuated in Houston After Engine Issue

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United Airlines Flight Evacuated in Houston After Engine Issue

A United Airlines flight bound for New York City was evacuated Sunday morning at George Bush Intercontinental Airport after reporting engine problems during takeoff, federal aviation officials said.

The incident occurred around 8:35 a.m. local time when United Flight 1382’s crew “safely aborted its takeoff” due to an engine issue, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. All 104 passengers and five crew members were safely evacuated using slides and stairs.

“During takeoff, United flight 1382 received an indication about one engine and halted the takeoff while still on the runway,” a United Airlines spokesperson said. Passengers were bused to the terminal and rebooked on an afternoon flight to LaGuardia Airport.

The Houston Fire Department responded but found no active fire despite social media videos showing smoke and flames from the aircraft’s wing. “When our units arrived, there was no fire to put out,” the department stated.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, which comes amid a series of aviation emergencies in recent days.

On Friday, a Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia killed seven people and injured more than 20 others. Earlier in the week, an American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities.

Adding to aviation concerns, the FAA’s Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) system experienced a temporary outage Saturday. The system, which provides critical safety information to pilots and flight crews, resumed operations Sunday morning using contingency protocols.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the NOTAM system issues on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, acknowledging the aging infrastructure needs upgrading.

The FAA maintains these incidents are under separate investigations as they work to ensure aviation safety across the national airspace system.

Trump Warns of ‘Some Pain’ as New Tariffs Target Major Trade Partners

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Trump Warns of ‘Some Pain’ as New Tariffs Target Major Trade Partners

President Donald Trump acknowledged Sunday that Americans could face economic consequences from his new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, while defending the measures as necessary for national interests.

The tariffs, set to begin Tuesday, impose 25% duties on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on Chinese goods. Trump said the measures aim to pressure these nations to address fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration into the United States.

International reaction was swift and hostile. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum both announced plans for retaliatory tariffs, while China vowed to challenge the measures at the World Trade Organization.

“We’re hopeful that they don’t come into effect on Tuesday,” Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman said on ABC’s “This Week,” while noting Canada would “stand up for itself” if necessary.

Economists warn the tariffs could increase consumer prices and fuel inflation, particularly affecting goods such as Canadian lumber and Mexican produce. Tariffs, which are taxes on foreign imports, are typically passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.

Trump dismissed concerns about economic impact on social media platform Truth Social, writing that despite possible “pain,” the results would be “spectacular” and lead to “the golden age of America.”

The president told reporters Friday there “could be some temporary short-term disruption” but expressed confidence the public would understand the necessity of the measures.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Americans divided on the issue, with 54% opposing new import duties and 43% supporting them. The poll revealed a partisan split, with Republicans more likely to favor tariffs and Democrats more likely to oppose them.

The tariffs come as Americans continue to worry about inflation, which reached record levels in 2022. Trump maintains the measures will encourage domestic manufacturing, despite concerns about their impact on consumer prices.

Trump’s Oil Tariffs on Canada, Mexico Set to Drive Up US Gas Prices

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Trump’s Oil Tariffs on Canada, Mexico Set to Drive Up US Gas Prices

U.S. consumers face higher gasoline prices following President Donald Trump’s Saturday announcement of new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican oil imports, according to industry analysts and fuel traders.

The White House imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products and 25% on Mexican imports, effective Tuesday, as part of broader trade measures targeting illegal immigration and drug smuggling. The action affects approximately 4 million barrels per day of Canadian oil and 450,000 barrels of Mexican crude.

The tariffs particularly impact Midwest refineries, which process 70% of U.S. Canadian oil imports. Gulf Coast facilities, primary consumers of Mexican crude, maintain more flexibility in sourcing alternative supplies.

“Expect fuel prices will rise noticeably if oil and refined products are not exempt,” GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said. He warns consumer costs will increase the longer tariffs remain in place.

The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association urged swift removal of the tariffs before consumer impact intensifies.

White House officials said Trump initially planned 25% tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican goods but reduced the Canadian energy levy to 10% to minimize fuel price increases.

The policy creates challenges for the integrated North American oil trade. U.S. refineries are specifically designed for Canadian and Mexican crude grades, while Canada’s production exceeds domestic demand.

“The oil in Alberta doesn’t have much of an option where it goes, and the refiners in the Midwest don’t have much of an option on where they get the feedstock,” said John LaForge of Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

East Coast consumers may face additional pressures. The region relies on Canadian imports through Irving Oil’s St. John’s refinery in New Brunswick to supplement local production and pipeline deliveries from the Gulf Coast.

Fuel retailers indicate they must pass costs to consumers as industry profit margins have normalized post-pandemic amid oversupply and slowing demand growth.

“Whatever the cost is, ultimately it ends up in the consumer’s lap, and there’s nothing we can do about it,” said Alex Ryan, energy director at Kansas-based Oasis Energy.

Midwest price increases may lag initially due to recent stockpiling of Canadian oil by refiners. However, analysts agree costs will eventually rise across all regions.

‘Ruthless’ Arsenal Thrash Manchester City 5-1 to Keep Title Chase Alive

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‘Ruthless’ Arsenal Thrash Manchester City 5-1 to Keep Title Chase Alive

Arsenal dismantled Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium Sunday, moving within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool and potentially knocking City out of the top four.

Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the second minute, capitalizing on Manuel Akanji’s defensive error outside the penalty area. Despite Erling Haaland’s equalizer in the 55th minute, Arsenal responded with four unanswered goals to secure their most emphatic victory over City in Premier League history.

Thomas Partey restored Arsenal’s lead just one minute after Haaland’s goal, benefiting from a deflection. Myles Lewis-Skelly extended the advantage past the hour mark with an impressive strike, followed by Kai Havertz’s clinical finish from a counter-attack with 15 minutes remaining.

Young sensation Ethan Nwaneri completed the rout with a spectacular left-footed curler into the far corner, cementing Arsenal’s dominance over the defending champions.

City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega faced constant pressure throughout the match, while Arsenal’s David Raya made a crucial first-half save, pushing Josko Gvardiol’s header onto the woodwork when the score was 1-0.

The defeat leaves City vulnerable to dropping out of Champions League positions if Chelsea defeat West Ham United on Monday. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s victory maintains pressure on Liverpool in the title race.

Haaland’s goal, a precise header from Savinho’s cross, proved to be City’s only bright moment in an otherwise disappointing performance from Pep Guardiola’s side. Arsenal’s response to the equalizer highlighted their title credentials, as they scored four times in the final 30 minutes.

The result marks City’s heaviest Premier League defeat under Guardiola and strengthens Arsenal’s position in the championship chase.

Crystal Palace Stun Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford

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Crystal Palace Stun Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford

Crystal Palace climbed above Manchester United in the Premier League standings Sunday after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half double secured a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.

The defeat leaves United in 13th place, just two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, whom they face in their next league fixture.

Despite United entering the match with five wins from their previous six games, Palace controlled the crucial moments. Mateta broke the deadlock after 60 minutes, pouncing on a rebound after Maxence Lacroix’s header struck the crossbar.

The Palace striker sealed the victory in the 89th minute, converting Daniel Munoz’s square pass after the defender broke free of United’s defensive line.

United dominated possession and created early chances, with Kobbie Mainoo hitting the post in the opening ten minutes. Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson made key saves from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte early in the second half, but those proved to be United’s final shots on target.

Palace’s organized defense frustrated the hosts throughout the match. Tyrick Mitchell and Mateta both came close in a first half that saw 19 shots between the teams but only two on target.

The result marks another setback for United at Old Trafford, where fans expressed their displeasure with boos after Palace’s opening goal.

Oliver Glasner’s Palace team executed their counter-attacking strategy effectively, particularly in the second half when United’s attempts to break down their defensive structure proved increasingly futile.

The defeat raises fresh questions about United’s consistency this season, while Palace’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing earned them a valuable away victory.

Winter Storm Warnings Span 12 States as Heavy Snow Threatens Northern US

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Winter Storm Warnings Span 12 States as Heavy Snow Threatens Northern US

The National Weather Service issued winter weather warnings Sunday for 12 states, with forecasts predicting up to 36 inches of snow in parts of Wyoming’s mountain ranges.

The severe weather system spans from California to Wisconsin, prompting warnings of hazardous travel conditions and dangerous temperatures. Officials urge residents to prepare for potential power outages and travel disruptions.

Winter storm warnings cover parts of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas remain under winter weather advisories, indicating expected snowfall of 2 to 4 inches combined with freezing rain.

Wyoming’s Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, along with the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, face the heaviest snowfall, with forecasts predicting 18 to 36 inches. Strong winds will create widespread blowing and drifting snow, making travel “very difficult,” according to the NWS.

Northwest Alaska faces blizzard conditions, while northern California, southern Oregon, central and southwest Idaho, central Minnesota, northeast Utah, and northern Wisconsin prepare for significant winter weather impacts.

An Arctic cold front moving through central Montana will bring the coldest temperatures Monday through Wednesday morning, particularly affecting the plains region. The NWS Great Falls office reports these conditions warrant a cold-weather advisory.

In Wisconsin, the Green Bay NWS office forecasts a narrow band of heavy snow with accumulations of 3-5 inches or more across the northern region, though precise locations remain uncertain.

Seattle residents can expect rain and snow showers to transition to primarily snow through Monday, with temperatures dropping into the 20s, according to local NWS forecasts.

Health officials warn that freezing temperatures pose particular risks for vulnerable populations, including infants and older adults. Emergency management agencies recommend postponing travel in affected areas until conditions improve.

The National Weather Service continues to monitor the system and issues regular forecast updates through its local offices and social media channels.

NEWSWEEK.COM

4 University of Essex Students Identified as Victims in Fatal Colchester Crash 

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4 University of Essex Students Identified as Victims in Fatal Colchester Crash 

Four University of Essex students who tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Colchester have been named by Essex Police. 

The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday on Magdalen Street, when a black Ford Focus crashed into a building. The victims have been identified as Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22. 

The university community is mourning the loss of these students. Professor Maria Fasli, the university’s acting vice-chancellor, paid tribute to them, describing them as young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future. 

In a statement, she highlighted their involvement in university life. Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol were key players in the Essex Rebels men’s basketball first team. Makyle Bayley was a talented basketball player and a member of the university’s BUCS basketball team. Eva Darold-Tchikaya was an active member of the Essex Blades Dance Club and participated in multiple societies. 

Their absence will be felt profoundly—in classrooms, in halls, in shared moments of laughter and learning, Fasli added. 

The university announced plans to hold a remembrance gathering in the coming days to honor their lives. 

Essex Police have launched an appeal for witnesses who may have seen the black Ford Focus being driven on or near Magdalen Street around the time of the crash. They are also requesting any available CCTV, dash-cam, or doorbell footage. 

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper extended condolences to the victims’ loved ones, stating, This will be an incredibly difficult time for their families, and we have specialist officers supporting them. 

Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the crash. The force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. 

Explosions Rock Jenin as Israel Intensifies West Bank Military Operations

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Explosions Rock Jenin as Israel Intensifies West Bank Military Operations

A series of powerful explosions shook Jenin in the occupied West Bank as Israel continued military operations aimed at what it calls “terrorist infrastructure.” 

Videos and images from the area showed plumes of dark smoke rising from multiple blasts. The Palestinian state news agency reported that around 20 buildings in the Jenin refugee camp were leveled. Jenin hospital director Wisam Baker told the agency that part of the hospital was damaged in the explosions, but no casualties were reported there. 

Israel confirmed Sunday that its forces had “dismantled 23 structures” in Jenin. 

The operation comes as Israel has escalated military actions in the West Bank following the recent ceasefire in Gaza. Since launching its offensive in Jenin on Jan. 21, two days after the truce took effect, Israeli forces have engaged in ongoing battles with Palestinian militants. 

The Israeli military claims to have killed more than 35 people it identified as “terrorists.” However, Palestinian officials report that at least 25 Palestinians have been killed, including nine members of armed groups, an elderly man, and a two-year-old girl. 

On Sunday, a 73-year-old man was shot and killed by Israeli forces in Jenin. A day earlier, a 16-year-old boy was among five people killed by Israeli airstrikes, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said its air force targeted “armed terrorists.” 

The ongoing Israeli operations have left a devastating impact on Jenin’s residents. Dozens of homes have been demolished, roads in the refugee camp have been torn up, and thousands have been forced to flee. Palestinian officials estimate that 80% of the camp’s inhabitants have been displaced. Water supplies have also been cut off. 

Israel claims that Iran has been smuggling weapons into the West Bank, and its military is acting against the “Iranian axis.” Alongside near-daily military raids, there has also been a rise in violence by Israeli settlers. 

As tensions rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. Jordan’s King Abdullah will also meet with Trump on Feb. 11, following U.S. proposals for Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. 

Meanwhile, in Gaza, hostage and prisoner exchanges continued over the weekend as the ceasefire holds. 

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Wednesday that Israeli forces would remain in Jenin until the military operation is complete, though he did not specify a timeline. 

U.S. Army Identifies Soldier in D.C. Plane Crash as Investigators Examine Helicopter Altitude

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U.S. Army Identifies Soldier in D.C. Plane Crash as Investigators Examine Helicopter Altitude

The U.S. Army has identified the third soldier killed in a Black Hawk helicopter collision with an American Airlines passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport this week, an accident that left 67 people dead. 

The Army on Saturday named Captain Rebecca Lobach of Durham, North Carolina, as the third service member who died in the crash. Lobach, an aviation officer in the Army since 2019, was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. 

The military had initially withheld her name at the family’s request but later released it with their consent. 

“She was a bright star in all our lives,” Lobach’s family said in a statement, adding that she had been an advocate for victims of sexual assault and aspired to become a doctor after her military service. “No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.” 

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported Saturday that data from the CRJ700 aircraft’s flight data recorder indicated the plane was at approximately 325 feet (91 meters), with a possible variance of 25 feet, at the time of impact. 

Preliminary evidence suggests the Army helicopter may have been flying above 200 feet (61 meters), the maximum altitude for its designated route. 

Radar data from the airport’s control tower initially indicated the helicopter was at 200 feet at the time of the crash, but NTSB officials stressed that further analysis is needed to verify the discrepancy. 

“That’s what our job is—to figure that out,” NTSB board member Todd Inman told reporters Saturday. 

Investigators confirmed that the air traffic controller alerted the Army helicopter about the presence of the CRJ700 roughly two minutes before the collision. 

One second before impact, the cockpit voice recorder captured a “verbal reaction” from the American Airlines flight crew, officials said. Flight data also showed the aircraft’s nose began to rise just before the collision. 

An automated radio alert repeated “traffic, traffic, traffic” before the sounds of impact were recorded. 

The Army had previously identified the other two soldiers killed in the crash as Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39. 

Authorities have not officially released the names of the 60 passengers and four crew members who died on the jet, though many have been identified through family statements and social media. 

Recovery crews plan to begin removing the aircraft wreckage from the Potomac River on Sunday. As of Saturday, 42 bodies had been recovered, according to the Washington, D.C., fire department. 

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