A lighting strike at a refugee camp in Uganda had killed 14 people, police say.
The victims were attending a church service on Saturday evening when the lightning struck at the Palabek Refugee Settlement in the country’s northwest. Another 34 people were injured in the incident.
An official told local radio that all those who died were children. The area has recently seen heavy rains with thunder and lightning.
Palabek Refugee Settlement is home to more than 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have fled the ongoing conflict in neighboring South Sudan. Refugee camps can be particularly vulnerable to the dangers of severe weather events.
This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in Uganda. Four years ago, lightning killed 10 children in the city of Arua as they were taking a break from a game of football.
This is the moment Israeli soldiers captured a top Hezbollah terror commander and escaped from Lebanon in speedboats, in a daring raid carried out by IDF naval commandos.
Imad Amhaz was considered by the IDF to be a “significant source of knowledge” in Hezbollah’s naval force. Black and white CCTV footage released by the Israeli military showed around a dozen special forces soldiers, equipped with night vision goggles, oxygen tanks and rifles, escorting Amhaz through a parking lot before whisking him away.
The raid took place some 140km (87 miles) north of Israel’s border with Lebanon, in the coastal town of Batroun, south of Tripoli. Lebanese media reported that the special forces arrived from the sea and raided a chalet, capturing Amhaz before departing in speedboats.
Some Lebanese officials claimed Amhaz was merely a captain of civilian ships, but the IDF stated that he was a top Hezbollah commander. The daring operation represents a significant intelligence coup for Israel, as they were able to apprehend a senior figure within the Lebanese militant group’s naval wing.
The raid comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the IDF also announcing it had killed a commander of the group’s rocket unit in southern Lebanon. Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, has vowed a “crushing response” to the recent Israeli strikes on its interests.
The capture of Imad Amhaz demonstrates Israel’s continued efforts to disrupt and degrade Hezbollah’s military capabilities, even striking deep inside Lebanese territory. It signals the Israeli military’s resolve to aggressively target the group’s leadership and infrastructure, despite the risks involved in such cross-border operations.
This bold commando raid will be seen as a major blow to Hezbollah, highlighting Israel’s ability to penetrate the group’s strongholds and apprehend key figures. The incident is likely to further escalate the tense standoff between the bitter regional rivals as they jockey for advantage in the volatile Middle East.
Denali Dakota Skye Brehmer, an 18-year-old Alaskan, is serving a 99-year prison sentence for killing her “best friend” Cynthia “CeeCee” Hoffman in 2019 after allegedly being catfished by a man who offered her $9 million to commit the murder.
Denali Dakota Skye Brehmer is serving 99 years behind bars for the murder of Cynthia Hoffman (Court TV)
It began with a bizarre online scheme hatched by 21-year-old Darin Schilmiller from Indiana, who posed as a millionaire named “Tyler” on Snapchat and struck up a relationship with Brehmer. Schilmiller offered Brehmer millions of dollars via PayPal if she would rape and murder someone in Alaska. Desperate for the money, Brehmer agreed to the horrific plan.
On June 2, 2019, Brehmer lured the unsuspecting CeeCee, who was developmentally disabled, to a popular trail area near Anchorage under the pretense of going for a hike. Brehmer and her 16-year-old friend Kayden McIntosh then bound CeeCee with duct tape as part of a twisted plot to kill her and send proof to “Tyler.”
Hoffman, known as CeeCee, thought of Brehmer as her best friend, family members say (alaskacremation.com)
When the bound and gagged CeeCee began “freaking out” and threatened to call the police, McIntosh grabbed a gun and shot her in the back of the head, killing her. Brehmer later claimed she “just went along with it” because she panicked.
The teenagers then tried to cover up the murder by burning CeeCee’s belongings and the murder weapon. Brehmer even texted CeeCee’s sister to say they had dropped her off at a local park. But CeeCee’s body was found in the river the next day.
Schilmiller was sentenced to 99 years in prison (Alaska Department of Law)
Investigators soon discovered Brehmer had been communicating with the fake “Tyler” millionaire throughout the killing, sending Snapchat photos and videos of the bound and murdered CeeCee. Schilmiller was later arrested and admitted he had targeted CeeCee after learning she and Brehmer had fought over a boy.
Brehmer was given the maximum 99-year sentence for her role in the shocking murder. Her friend Leyland was sentenced to 30 years, while McIntosh awaits his own sentencing.
Iranian authorities arrested a female student Saturday after she staged a solo protest against harassment by stripping to her underwear outside her university, reports said.
The woman, who has not been identified, had been harassed inside the prestigious Tehran Azad University of Science and Research by members of the Basij militia who ripped her headscarf and clothes, according to reports by several news outlets and social media channels outside Iran.
She then took off her clothes in protest and sat outside the university dressed just in her underwear before defiantly walking in the street, to the astonishment of passers-by. Footage of the incident was widely shared on social media.
Under Iran’s mandatory dress code, women must wear a headscarf in public and loose-fitting clothes that cover all bodily contours. The student’s protest appears to have been a defiant act against these strict regulations.
The Amir Kabir newsletter, an Iranian student social media channel, alleged the woman was beaten during her arrest by plain-clothed men who bundled her into a car and drove her away to an undisclosed location. Fars news agency, a conservative Iranian outlet, confirmed the incident, claiming the student had worn “inappropriate clothes” in class.
The incident comes amid the Iranian government’s crackdown on the unprecedented women-led protests that erupted in 2022 following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. The protests, which saw women removing their headscarves, were met with a fierce response that left hundreds dead and thousands arrested.
The arrest of the female student who stripped in protest highlights the Iranian authorities’ continued intolerance of dissent and their efforts to enforce the mandatory dress code, even in the face of growing public opposition. The incident is likely to further inflame tensions and draw international condemnation of Iran’s human rights abuses.
Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League as they came from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 in an entertaining clash at Anfield.
The visitors took a deserved lead into the half-time break as Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu struck brilliantly from a tight angle. But quick-fire goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah in the second half ensured Liverpool were rewarded for their improved performance, capitalizing on dropped points for Arsenal and Manchester City earlier in the day.
A moment of individual brilliance from Darwin Nunez almost gave Liverpool the lead early on, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied him. The Seagulls then took the lead through Kadioglu’s well-taken strike, and only a fine save from Caoimhin Kelleher prevented Georginio Rutter from doubling the advantage.
Liverpool’s chances were dealt a further blow at half-time as Ibrahima Konate was forced off with injury, but his replacement Joe Gomez almost made an instant impact. The Reds kept pressing, and their persistence paid off as Gakpo’s cross found the net before Salah curled in a superb winner.
With Arsenal having lost earlier and Manchester City en route to defeat, a rocking Anfield was determined to ensure Liverpool did not relinquish their advantage. Arne Slot’s side saw out the crucial victory to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table.
The comeback win showcases Liverpool’s resilience and their ability to capitalize on their rivals’ slip-ups, setting the stage for an enthralling title race in the weeks and months ahead.
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson got on the scoresheet as the hosts held on for a stunning 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City on Saturday, ending the visitors’ unbeaten streak in the Premier League at 32 games.
The loss dropped Pep Guardiola’s City – which had not lost in the league since a 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on December 6 – to second in the table with 23 points after 10 matches, two points behind Liverpool. Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side climbed to eighth on 15 points with its first victory over City in the club’s history.
Bournemouth were rewarded for their strong start with Semenyo’s ninth-minute goal, and Evanilson doubled the lead in the 64th minute. City, struggling with injuries to key players, created a nervy finish after pulling a goal back in the 82nd minute, but Bournemouth held on for the shock win.
“We knew we couldn’t match the intensity,” said a disappointed Guardiola. “We had chances at the end, but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory.”
City’s scoring machine Erling Haaland failed to find the net, with Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers making a crucial late save to deny the Norwegian striker. The defeat ends City’s remarkable 32-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, a record that had stretched back to December 2022.
The result represents a major upset in the title race, with Liverpool now leading the champions by two points. Bournemouth’s historic win over the reigning Premier League champions will be celebrated long into the night on the south coast.
Guardiola’s side will now look to bounce back quickly and regain their place at the top of the table. But this shock defeat to Bournemouth will serve as a wake-up call that their dominance can be challenged, setting the stage for an enthralling battle for the title in the months ahead.
Five people died in a fiery vehicle crash in Wisconsin, authorities said Saturday.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the vehicle crashed into a tree Friday night off a roadway just south of Verona, a town about 11 miles (18 kilometers) southwest of Madison. The vehicle caught fire and all five occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released the names and ages of the victims. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the vehicle had caught fire after leaving the roadway and colliding with a tree. Tragically, all five people inside the car were killed in the violent crash and subsequent blaze.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the road and the factors that may have contributed to the fatal accident. Investigators will examine the scene, review any available evidence, and seek to identify the victims as they work to piece together what happened.
A local leader of the Mexican folk saint cult “La Santa Muerte” was gunned down at an altar to the skeletal figure late Friday, authorities said. Two other people were killed and eight injured in the attack in the city of Leon, in Guanajuato state.
The saint – whose name means roughly “Holy Death” – is often worshipped by convicts, drug addicts and criminals, along with others experiencing difficulties in life. She is usually depicted as a female skeleton and is supposed to protect her followers from death, but that didn’t work for “La Madrina Chayo,” a woman considered a leader of the cult in Guanajuato.
Prosecutors did not provide the woman’s real name, in keeping with Mexican law, but the nickname “La Madrina Chayo” was used by a faith healer also known as “Chayito.” She, another woman and a boy were shot dead Friday as they prepared the annual Santa Muerte celebration on a street corner altar.
The attack occurred despite the friendly nature of the normal Santa Muerte celebrations, which honor the figure on November 1st and 2nd, similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead holiday. Roman Catholic leaders in Mexico have condemned the deity’s connection to violence and the illicit drug trade.
Clad in a black nun’s robe and holding a scythe, Santa Muerte appeals to people seeking all manner of otherworldly help, from fending off wrongdoing and carrying out vengeance to protecting drug shipments and warding off law enforcement.
Guanajuato has had the highest number of homicides of any state in Mexico in recent years due to ongoing turf battles between rival drug cartels. The killing of the “La Madrina Chayo” at the Santa Muerte altar underscores the intertwining of the folk cult with the violence and criminality plaguing parts of the country.
Suspected bandits abducted 20 passengers along the link road between the Mariga and Kontagora local government areas of Niger State, Nigeria.
Man and his wife among those kidnapped
The passengers were travelling on the road when bandits, who had set up a blockade, forced them into a nearby forest. The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mariga Constituency, confirmed the abduction on Thursday.
Sarkin-Daji told reporters the incident took place when bandits blocked the Mariga-Kontagora road between Baban-Lamba and Beri. He said families of previously kidnapped victims had repeatedly taken ransom payments into a forested area, reportedly near military training grounds, where victims claimed they were held within sight of the Kontagora Army Barracks.
The Speaker urged the military to act on accurate information and remove the bandits from the area, warning that local communities allege the military training grounds have become a haven for the criminals. He emphasized that legislators often receive direct feedback from constituents about their hardships and thoroughly investigate these issues before raising them.
Despite the military’s previous dismissal of such complaints, the Speaker said bandits blocked the road and abducted over 20 passengers on October 31, relocating them to the same forest. Sarkin-Daji called on the military to clear the area of the criminals and assured that the legislature would continue to raise awareness to ensure the federal government and stakeholders understand the plight of the people.
The abduction of the bus passengers highlights the ongoing security challenges in Niger State, Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping have become prevalent. The Speaker’s appeals for the military to address the issue within the vicinity of its own training grounds underscores the complex dynamics between local communities, lawmakers and security forces in combating these criminal activities.
Three suspected militants were killed Saturday in separate gunbattles in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.
India’s military said soldiers intercepted a group of militants in a forested area in southern Anantnag district, leading to a gunbattle that killed two rebels. In a separate incident in the disputed region’s main city of Srinagar, police and paramilitary soldiers killed a militant in an exchange of gunfire after troops cordoned off a neighborhood on a tip that he was hiding in a house. Two soldiers and two police were injured in the fighting.
Residents said the troops torched the home where the rebel was trapped, a common tactic employed by Indian troops in the Himalayan region. There was no independent confirmation of the incident.
India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Militants in the Indian-controlled portion have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.
India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, while Pakistan denies the charge and considers it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the decades-long conflict.
The latest incidents mark the continuation of the volatile security situation in the disputed Kashmir region, where Indian forces regularly clash with suspected militants. The loss of civilian and military lives underscores the human toll of the ongoing insurgency against Indian rule in the area.
While the Indian government maintains that the militants are backed by Pakistan, the conflict remains a complex and contentious issue, with competing nationalist claims over the status of Kashmir fueling the unrest. The fighting shows no signs of abating as the standoff between India and Pakistan over the territory persists.
