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Fawzia Amin Saydo, Kidnapped by ISIS at 11, Recounts Ten-Year Ordeal as Sex Slave Under ISIS and Hamas Captivity

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Fawzia Amin Saydo, a 21-year-old Yazidi woman, has emerged from a decade of unimaginable horror to share her story of survival and resilience. Kidnapped by ISIS at the tender age of 11, Fawzia endured years of captivity, abuse, and trauma at the hands of both ISIS and Hamas before her recent rescue from Gaza.

In a heart-wrenching interview with documentarian Alan Duncan, Fawzia revealed the depths of cruelty she experienced. Her ordeal began in August 2014 when ISIS fighters stormed her hometown of Sinjar in northern Iraq, part of a genocidal campaign against the Yazidi people that saw thousands murdered and kidnapped.

Fawzia’s account paints a horrifying picture of life under ISIS rule. She described being starved for days before being fed meat that she later learned was from slaughtered babies – a revelation that caused one woman to die from shock. This act of unspeakable barbarism was just the beginning of her nightmare.

Trafficked to Syria, Fawzia spent nine months in an underground prison in Raqqa with 200 other captives. She was bought and sold five times by ISIS fighters, enduring repeated sexual and physical abuse. By the age of 15, she had given birth to two children, products of rape by her captor, a Palestinian ISIS militant.

Fawzia when she was kidnapped as a child

Following ISIS’s territorial defeat in 2018, Fawzia was sent to the notorious Al-Hawl camp in Syria. There, she faced further abuse from ISIS women before eventually being taken to Gaza via a harrowing journey through Turkey and Egypt.

In Gaza, Fawzia’s suffering continued under Hamas rule. She described being virtually imprisoned by her dead captor’s family and subjected to regular beatings. Fawzia drew parallels between ISIS and Hamas, stating, “There is no difference between Hamas and ISIS.” She recounted being forced to work in hospitals that doubled as Hamas bases, surrounded by armed fighters.

Fawzia’s rescue was a complex operation involving authorities from Israel, the US, and Iraq. She reached out for help via WhatsApp, initiating a months-long process that finally led to her freedom on October 1, 2024. The rescue operation was fraught with danger, with fears of potential ambush by Hamas.

Now reunited with her family in Iraq, Fawzia faces the daunting task of rebuilding her life. Her lawyer, Zemfira Dlovani, notes that Fawzia can only recall about 15% of her ordeal due to the severe trauma she experienced. The fate of her children, now five and six years old, remains a painful topic that Fawzia is not yet ready to discuss.

Alan Duncan, the ex-British soldier turned documentarian who aided in Fawzia’s rescue, emphasized the long road to recovery ahead. “Half of her life a slave of ISIS and Hamas – how can you recover from that? But I know she can,” he said.

the-sun.com

Yahya’s More Deadly Younger Brother, Mohammed Sinwar, Poised to Lead Hamas

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In the wake of Yahya Sinwar’s death, confirmed by Israeli authorities, attention has shifted to his lesser-known but potentially more dangerous brother, Mohammed Sinwar. Experts warn that Mohammed’s ascension to Hamas leadership could mark a new, more violent chapter in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.

Grisha Yakubovich, a former senior Israeli military official and expert on Palestinian affairs, told The Sun that Mohammed Sinwar is “just as radical, if not more, than Yahya Sinwar.” Yakubovich emphasized that Mohammed’s leadership could significantly worsen the situation, potentially pushing Hamas into even more violent confrontations with Israel.

Mohammed Sinwar, 49, has long operated in the shadows of Hamas’ military wing, building a reputation for ruthlessness and uncompromising tactics. Unlike his more publicly known brother, Mohammed has maintained a low profile while climbing the ranks of the organization. His rise has been facilitated by his family connections, allowing him to ascend without facing suspicion from other Hamas members.

Yakubovich highlights Mohammed’s position as one of the strongest players in Hamas’ military wing, with his command in Khan Younis being well-known and feared. Mohammed’s involvement in high-profile operations, such as the 2006 kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, has solidified his status within the organization. Israeli security forces have reportedly attempted to assassinate him at least three times, underscoring his perceived threat level.

The potential leadership of Mohammed Sinwar poses a significant danger, according to Yakubovich. “If Mohammed Sinwar comes to power, I believe it will be very problematic. He is much more extreme, even within the ranks of Hamas,” he stated. This assessment suggests that Mohammed could escalate the conflict further, potentially putting more civilians at risk and complicating any efforts for negotiation or peace.

The Sinwar brothers’ background is deeply entrenched in Hamas leadership, with both playing crucial roles in developing the group’s military capabilities. However, Mohammed’s reputation for exerting total control through fear and violence sets him apart from his brother.

Israeli security forces are particularly concerned about Mohammed’s potential tactics. There are fears that under his leadership, Hamas could resort to more extreme measures, such as harming hostages or intensifying terror attacks. Yakubovich cautioned, “It will not be the end if Yahya Sinwar is taken down — it will actually increase the violence.”

The possibility of Mohammed Sinwar’s rise presents a complex dilemma for Israel. While the elimination of Yahya Sinwar was a significant military objective, it may lead to an even more extreme figure taking control of Hamas.

the-sun.com

Meta Fires Employees for Using Meal Vouchers to Buy Toothpaste, Conducts Wider Layoffs

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has reportedly fired several employees for misusing the company’s meal voucher system. The terminations come alongside broader job cuts across various divisions of the tech giant.

According to reports, employees were dismissed for using their meal vouchers to purchase non-food items such as toothpaste and washing powder. The voucher system, intended for ordering food through Grubhub (known as Just Eat in some regions), provides staff with $25 for lunch, $20 for breakfast, and $25 for dinner.

Anonymous posts on the work social message board Blind suggest that over 30 people were fired last week for various infractions, including buying non-food items, sharing credits with others, and exceeding budget limits. Some users claim that warnings were issued before the terminations, while others state there was no prior notice.

The controversy surrounding the meal voucher abuse is compounded by reports of wider layoffs at Meta. The company has reportedly cut jobs across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs, its virtual reality division responsible for the Oculus headset. These broader cuts are unrelated to the voucher system issues.

Jane Manchun Wong, a former security engineer at Meta and Forbes 30 under 30 listee, announced on social media that her role had been impacted by these wider layoffs. Wong, hired just over a year ago, expressed her shock at the sudden termination.

A Meta spokesperson, responding to reports by The Verge, stated that some teams are undergoing changes to align resources with long-term strategic goals and location strategy. This includes relocating teams and shifting employees to different roles. The company claims to be working to find alternative opportunities for impacted employees when roles are eliminated.

‘Merchants of Death’ Trial Intensifies Fight Against Channel People Smugglers

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In a cavernous underground courtroom in France, a pivotal trial is unfolding that could reshape the fight against migrant smuggling across the English Channel. The case, involving 33 alleged members of a Kurdish smuggling gang, has been dubbed the trial of the “merchants of death” by prosecutors, highlighting the dangerous nature of the small boat crossings that have become a contentious issue between France and the UK.

At the center of the trial is Mirkhan Rasoul, a 26-year-old already serving an eight-year sentence for attempted murder. Rasoul, accused of continuing to control the smuggling operation from prison, faces an additional 15-year sentence, a €200,000 fine, and a permanent ban from French territory if convicted.

The scale of the trial is unprecedented, with prosecutor Julie Carros describing it as a “tentacle-like case” that has generated 67 tonnes of paperwork. The gang is accused of controlling the majority of Channel crossings between 2020 and 2022, with a network spanning multiple European countries.

The prosecution’s case highlights the gang’s “phenomenal” profit margin, with each boat launched potentially earning up to €60,000 and an estimated annual income of €3.5 million. Boats were dangerously overloaded, sometimes carrying up to 15 times their designed capacity, underscoring the life-threatening risks faced by migrants.

This trial is the result of the largest international operation of its kind against small-boat smugglers, with arrests made in France, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It involves 17 men and one woman currently on trial, 12 already found guilty, and three more to be tried next year.

Pascal Marconville, lead prosecutor at the regional Court of Appeal for northern France, explained that the tough sentences sought aim to make smuggling operations “so expensive that they lose their appeal.” He also noted the evolution of smuggling gangs from informal groups to networks organized similarly to drug gangs.

However, defense lawyer Kamal Abbas expressed skepticism about the trial’s potential impact on the small boat crisis. Abbas pointed out instances where released suspects were quickly rearrested on fresh smuggling charges, suggesting that imprisonment is seen as “just another bump on the road” by those involved.

The trial also illuminates the challenges of international cooperation in combating smuggling networks. While collaboration with British officials was praised, difficulties working with German authorities were noted.

Source: bbc

Trump Slams Judge as “Most Evil Person” for Releasing Evidence in Election Conspiracy Case

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Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, labeling her “the most evil person” after she released over 1,800 pages of evidence in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election conspiracy case against him. Trump, the current Republican frontrunner for the White House, accused Judge Chutkan of “election interference” for rejecting his request to delay the release of new evidence until after next month’s election.

The release of these documents has sparked debate among legal analysts regarding the Justice Department’s internal “60-day rule,” which advises prosecutors to avoid investigative steps that might affect an election within 60 days of voting. However, Judge Chutkan defended her decision, arguing that withholding the files could itself be construed as election interference.

The 1,889 pages of heavily redacted documents, released on Friday, largely contain information already available to the public. They include parts of former Vice-President Mike Pence’s biography and his formal announcement refusing to overturn the 2020 election results. This new evidence is part of a motion filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith last month.

Trump, appearing on a podcast with right-wing media personality Dan Bongino, not only criticized Judge Chutkan but also referred to Special Counsel Smith as “a sick puppy.” The indictment at the center of this controversy focuses on the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riot and accuses Trump of illegally conspiring to overturn his election defeat to Joe Biden.

The case has undergone significant changes since the Supreme Court ruled that Trump cannot be prosecuted for official acts carried out as president. Smith has had to adjust the prosecution’s approach, now arguing that Trump committed crimes while still in office but as a private citizen. The new motion filed in September includes allegations that Trump promoted false claims of election fraud despite believing them to be “crazy.”

The released documents also shed light on the deteriorating relationship between Trump and Pence, with the former vice-president reportedly urging Trump to stop repeating false election fraud theories and move on.

It remains uncertain whether the January 6 case will proceed to trial, especially if Trump returns to the White House. The former president is facing several other criminal cases, including a conviction on 34 felony counts in New York related to a hush-money payment.

Liverpool Aim to Maintain Premier League Lead Against In-Form Chelsea

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Liverpool and Chelsea are set to renew their rivalry in a pivotal Premier League encounter at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, as both sides aim to solidify their positions near the top of the table. This match marks the return of Premier League action following the international break and promises to be a showcase of attacking talent and tactical acumen.

Liverpool, under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, have made an impressive start to the season, currently leading the Premier League with 16 points from seven matches. The Reds enter this fixture on the back of a six-game winning streak across all competitions, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their last outing.

Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, have also shown promising form, sitting fourth in the table with 13 points. The Blues boast the second-best attacking record in the league, having scored 16 goals, just one behind Manchester City’s tally of 17.

Team News:

Liverpool face a significant setback with goalkeeper Alisson Becker sidelined until after the November international break. Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to deputize. Harvey Elliott remains out with a foot fracture, while Federico Chiesa’s status is unclear. Arne Slot hinted at “some issues” from the international break, which could lead to rotations in the starting lineup.

Chelsea will be without suspended defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, both having accumulated five yellow cards. This opens opportunities for Renato Veiga and either Axel Disasi or Tosin Adarabioyo in the backline. On a positive note, Reece James has returned to training and is available for selection.

Possible lineups:

Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Key Battle:

The match could hinge on the duel between Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Chelsea’s makeshift left-back. Salah’s early return from international duty gives him a freshness advantage, while Chelsea’s defensive reshuffle due to suspensions could be exploited by Liverpool’s potent attack.

Historical Context:

Liverpool holds the upper hand in recent meetings, with Chelsea winless in their last nine encounters against the Reds. The Blues’ last victory over Liverpool dates back to March 2021.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

This clash promises to be a tactical and entertaining affair, pitting Chelsea’s prolific attack against Liverpool’s robust defense. While both teams have shown impressive form, Liverpool’s home advantage and Chelsea’s defensive suspensions could prove decisive. Expect a closely fought match with Liverpool’s well-rested key players like Salah and Van Dijk potentially making the difference.

The outcome of this fixture could have significant implications for the Premier League title race, with both teams looking to stake their claim as genuine contenders. As the season progresses, this early clash between two of England’s footballing giants may well be remembered as a pivotal moment in the 2024-25 campaign.

Barcelona Set to Play Host to Sevilla La Liga Week 10

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Barcelona, current leaders of La Liga, are set to host Sevilla at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday night, aiming to secure their ninth domestic victory of the season. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona have amassed an impressive 24 points from nine matches, sitting three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

The Catalan giants have showcased remarkable resilience this season, overcoming significant injury setbacks to dominate La Liga. Their attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, netting 28 goals – the highest in the league. Young sensation Lamine Yamal continues to shine, while Robert Lewandowski leads the scoring charts with 10 goals in nine appearances.

Barcelona enter a crucial week, with this match preceding a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich and El Clasico against Real Madrid. Their recent form against Sevilla bodes well, having won their last five encounters and remaining unbeaten in the fixture since October 2015.

Sevilla, under new manager Garcia Pimienta, have shown signs of improvement after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Currently 12th in the table with 12 points, Los Nervionenses have lost only one of their last five league games. Their away form has been particularly solid, with just one defeat in three road fixtures this season.

Team News:

Barcelona face a challenging injury list, with Ferran Torres, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo ruled out. However, Lewandowski and Yamal are expected to feature after recovering from minor issues. Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Olmo could return to the squad, though likely not as starters. Wojciech Szczesny is available, but Inaki Pena is expected to continue in goal.

Sevilla will miss Saul Niguez and Djibril Sow due to injury, while Tanguy Nianzou is suspended. Kike Salas is likely to start in defense, with Isaac Romero leading the attack and Peque Fernandez in the number 10 role. Jose Angel Carmona is favored over Jesus Navas at right-back.

Possible lineups:

Barcelona (4-3-3): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, E Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Nyland; Carmona, Bade, Salas, Pedrosa; Agoume, Gudelj; Lukebakio, Fernandez, Ejuke; Romero

Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla

Despite Sevilla’s recent improvement, Barcelona’s dominance in this fixture and their excellent La Liga form make them strong favorites. The home side’s attacking prowess, even with injury concerns, should prove too much for Sevilla’s defense. Expect a controlled performance from Flick’s men as they look to maintain their league lead and build momentum for their upcoming crucial fixtures.

This match offers Barcelona an opportunity to solidify their position atop La Liga, while Sevilla will be keen to prove their resurgence against one of Spain’s top sides. The contrast between Barcelona’s high-flying attack and Sevilla’s improving defense sets the stage for an intriguing tactical battle at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Kentucky Woman Accused of Killing and Cooking her Mom Was Once an Aspiring Actress, Family Reveals

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Torilena May Fields, the 32-year-old Kentucky woman arrested for allegedly killing, dismembering, and cooking parts of her mother, was once a promising actress with Hollywood dreams, according to shocking revelations from her family. This grim case has taken an unexpected turn as details of Fields’ past emerge, painting a picture of a life derailed by tragedy.

Before the horrific events that led to her arrest on October 9, 2024, Fields pursued an acting career in California under the stage name Naomi Navarre. Her cousin, Olivia Brock, told Fox 56 that Fields had appeared in two films in 2019 – “The Desert Project” and “A Dance Story.” Fields’ high school yearbook quote eerily foreshadowed her notoriety: “I choose to be remembered.”

However, Fields’ Hollywood aspirations were cut short by a severe motorcycle accident in California. This incident, according to her family, marked a turning point in her life. Brock revealed that Fields suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash, which dramatically altered her personality and left her unable to recall basic personal information.

“She was an actress and doing her thing out there,” Brock explained, “and I guess we were told a couple of months ago that she was in a bad motorcycle accident and sustained a brain injury. And was, I guess, wandering around Cali. Didn’t know her name. Didn’t know where she belonged.”

Unable to receive adequate help in California, Fields returned to her mother’s home in Mount Olivet, Kentucky. It was there that the gruesome incident occurred, leading to her arrest after an 11-hour standoff with police.

Fields’ uncle, Todd Brock, expressed shock at her transformation, stating he didn’t recognize her in the mugshot. He speculated about possible influences, mentioning “Satanism or something had her brainwashed, whatever witchcraft is?”

The case has raised questions about the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries and the availability of mental health support for individuals struggling with such conditions. Fields now faces multiple charges, including murder and abuse of a corpse, and is being held on a $1.5 million bond.

81-Year-Old Woman Casts First Vote After Late Husband’s Decades-Long Prohibition

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Betty Cartledge, an 81-year-old woman from Covington, Georgia, has become an unexpected internet sensation after casting her vote for the first time in the 2024 US presidential election. Her story, which highlights issues of voter suppression and women’s rights, has sparked widespread discussion on social media.

For decades, Cartledge abstained from voting, influenced by her late husband’s belief that she shouldn’t participate in elections. “I was so young and everything when we got married, I never really thought about it,” Cartledge told WSB-TV Atlanta. “And then I got old, and I thought that it wouldn’t count to vote.”

Following her husband’s death last year, Cartledge decided to exercise her right to vote for the first time. She visited an early voting location in Covington on October 16, just days before her 82nd birthday. “I’m going to vote for the first time in my life,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of voting at any age.

Cartledge’s experience at the polls was positive, describing it as “neat” and expressing her likelihood to return for future elections. Her story quickly gained traction on social media, eliciting a range of reactions from users across various platforms.

Many congratulated Cartledge on her inaugural vote, while others expressed dismay at the circumstances that had previously prevented her from participating in the democratic process. Some commenters used the opportunity to discuss the broader implications of voter suppression and the historical struggles for women’s suffrage.

“How many women in America are there who are repressed by controlling husbands? Unfortunately, I have a feeling there are quite a few,” one social media user noted, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Cartledge’s story.

The timing of Cartledge’s first vote coincides with a highly contentious presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Recent polls show a tight race, with Harris leading by just one point, underscoring the potential impact of every vote, including those of first-time voters like Cartledge.

This story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges to voting rights and the importance of encouraging civic participation across all demographics. As the 2024 election approaches, Cartledge’s experience may inspire others who have felt disenfranchised to engage with the democratic process and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Baby Dies as Migrant Boat Capsizes in English Channel, Marking Grim Milestone in 2024 Crossings

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A tragic incident unfolded in the English Channel off the coast of France as a boat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the death of a baby. French coast guard authorities reported on Friday morning that while 65 people were rescued, they were unable to revive an infant found unconscious during the rescue operation.

The accident occurred near Wissant in the Pas-de-Calais region on Thursday evening. French authorities deployed a navy patrol boat and a helicopter for the rescue and recovery effort. The search continues for potentially missing individuals, underscoring the chaotic and dangerous nature of these channel crossings.

This heartbreaking event brings the total number of migrants who have died attempting to cross the Channel in 2024 to at least 52, marking a six-year high since 2018. The rising death toll highlights the escalating crisis of dangerous channel crossings and the desperate measures taken by migrants seeking to reach the United Kingdom.

Recent months have seen a disturbing trend of child fatalities in similar incidents. On September 3, six children and six adults drowned in a separate crossing attempt. Just a month later, another tragedy claimed the lives of a two-year-old boy and three adults. These incidents often involve overloaded boats struggling in the challenging conditions of the Channel.

The scale of migration attempts across the Channel has increased significantly in recent years. Official British figures reveal that the average number of migrants arriving by boat in Britain has risen to 53 this year, compared to just 13 in 2020. The UK Home Office reports that over 26,000 migrants have landed on British shores since January 1 this year alone.

Source: dw.com

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