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Mexican Army Disarms Culiacan Police Amid Cartel Violence Surge

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Mexican Army Disarms Culiacan Police Amid Cartel Violence Surge

Local police in Culiacan, the capital of Mexico’s cartel-dominated Sinaloa state, have been pulled off the streets after the army seized their weapons, state officials announced Monday.

The unprecedented move comes just one day after approximately 1,500 residents marched through downtown Culiacan demanding peace. The city has been wracked by weeks of cartel gunfights that have claimed dozens of lives.

Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha said the entire 1,000-member municipal police force would not return to duty until their weapons are returned. In the interim, soldiers, state police, and the National Guard will take over patrolling duties.

“This is an exceptional measure, not a routine check,” Rocha stated, emphasizing the unusual nature of the army’s action. “We hope it will end soon.”

The disarmament of local police is not unprecedented in Mexico. In 2018, the army seized weapons from municipal police in Cuernavaca, another state capital, citing the need for “trustworthy security forces.”

The current crisis in Culiacan stems from a violent power struggle within the Sinaloa cartel. Factions led by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán have been battling for control since late July.

“There are two groups confronting each other here,” Rocha acknowledged. “The authorities are here to face them down equally, both of them without exceptions.”

The violence has severely disrupted daily life in Culiacan. Schools have largely switched to online classes, and on Monday, gunmen shot and killed Faustino Hernández, the leader of the local cattle ranchers’ union, in broad daylight on a downtown street.

Sunday’s protest, organized by the civic group “Culiacan Valiente” (Brave Culiacan), saw residents dressed in white carrying banners reading “Take back our streets!”

“We want a return to in-class learning, but only if the safety of the schoolchildren is guaranteed,” the organizers stated.

The situation has escalated to the point where cartel members are hijacking and burning vehicles to block highways around Culiacan. Governor Rocha announced plans to establish five “anti-blockade” squads composed of state police and soldiers, though he admitted these units would focus on clearing wreckage rather than preventing the hijackings.

Even the local army commander, Gen. Francisco Leana Ojeda, expressed limited optimism about a quick resolution. “We want this to be over as soon as possible, but it doesn’t depend on us,” he said. “It’s up to the warring groups to stop confronting each other.”

AP

Putin Orders Conscription of 133,000 Servicemen in Russia’s Autumn Draft

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Putin Orders Conscription of 133,000 Servicemen in Russia’s Autumn Draft

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of 133,000 new servicemen in the country’s autumn draft, set to begin October 1 and run through the end of the year, according to a Kremlin decree published Monday.

The decree, released in the state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, calls for the drafting of citizens “aged 18 to 30 years, who are not in the reserve and are subject to conscription in accordance with the Federal Law.”

Vice-Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky, head of Russia’s conscription office, confirmed that the terms for conscripts remain unchanged, with a 12-month service period in military units within Russia.

“I would like to note that conscripts will not be called up to participate in the special military operation in the new regions,” Tsimlyansky stated, referring to the areas of southeastern Ukraine that Russia annexed in late 2022.

This conscription order comes amid ongoing tensions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. While Russia refers to its actions in Ukraine as a “special military operation,” Kyiv and its Western allies characterize it as an unprovoked, imperialistic land grab.

The move follows Putin’s September directive to increase the Russian army by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen, citing growing threats on Russia’s western borders. This expansion would make Russia’s military the second largest in the world after China’s.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Joe Biden, and other NATO leaders have consistently identified Putin as the sole aggressor in the Ukraine conflict, accusing him of posing threats to neighboring countries as well.

Israel Launches Limited Ground Raids Against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

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Israel Launches Limited Ground Raids Against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

Israel’s military initiated limited ground operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two adversaries.

Dubbed “Operation Northern Arrows,” the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the raids targeted villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border, which they claim posed “an immediate threat” to communities in northern Israel.

“Our ground forces, supported by precise air force and artillery strikes, are conducting targeted operations against Hezbollah infrastructure,” said an IDF spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing operations.

Residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the presence of helicopters and drones. Flares repeatedly illuminated the night sky over the Lebanese town of Rmeish, indicating ongoing military activity.

Israeli soldiers are deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel near the border with Lebanon on September 29, 2024. Israel said on September 29, it killed another senior Hezbollah official in an air strike after dealing the Iran-backed group a seismic blow by assassinating its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

The State Department confirmed that Israel had informed the United States about these operations. Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters, “This is what they have informed us that they are currently conducting, which are limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.”

This development comes a day after Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, stated that “the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement,” suggesting the group anticipated such a move from Israel.

The raids mark a potential turning point in the conflict, reminiscent of the 2006 Lebanon War, which began after a Hezbollah cross-border raid. However, the current operations appear more limited in scope, focusing on specific targets rather than a full-scale invasion.

These actions are part of a broader conflict stretching across the region, involving Iran-backed groups in Yemen and Iraq, raising fears of a wider war that could draw in the United States and Iran.

Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Banned from National Team Matches by FIFA

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Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Banned from National Team Matches by FIFA

Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), has been handed a six-month ban from attending any international matches involving Cameroon, FIFA announced on Monday.

The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker, who now heads Cameroon’s football governing body, was sanctioned by FIFA’s disciplinary panel for breaches related to offensive behavior and violations of fair play principles during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup match between Cameroon and Brazil on September 11 in Bogota, Colombia.

“This ban covers all football matches involving Cameroonian national teams, across all categories and age groups,” said a FIFA spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case. The sanction takes effect immediately.

The incident occurred during Cameroon’s 3-1 extra-time loss to Brazil in the last-16 round. FIFA’s statement cited violations of articles in its disciplinary code pertaining to misconduct of players and officials.

This ban adds to Eto’o’s recent troubles. In July, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined him $200,000 for an ethics breach related to his ambassadorial role with betting company 1XBET. CAF found that Eto’o had “seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship.”

Eto’o’s tenure as Fecafoot president, which began in 2021, has been marked by controversy. Last year, a group representing amateur clubs in Cameroon called for his resignation, citing “grave irregularities” in the federation’s operations. One former international teammate even described Eto’o as a “dictator” due to his management style.

The ban comes at a crucial time for Cameroon’s national team, which faces Kenya in a qualification double-header for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October. Eto’o had chaired a meeting in Douala earlier on Monday to discuss preparations for the upcoming matches.

As news of the ban spreads, questions arise about its impact on Cameroon’s football governance and the team’s performance in upcoming tournaments. The situation also highlights the challenges facing former star players transitioning into administrative roles in African football.

Fecafoot has not yet responded to requests for comment on the FIFA ban or its implications for the federation’s leadership.

Four Men Sentenced to Life in Tanzania for High-Profile Gang Rape Case

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Four Men Sentenced to Life in Tanzania for High-Profile Gang Rape Case

In a landmark ruling that has captivated East Africa, the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday sentenced four men to life imprisonment for a brutal gang rape that shocked the nation.

The case, which concluded on September 30, 2024, involved MT 140105 Clinton Damas, also known as “Nyundo,” a member of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), and C.1693 Praygod Mushi, an officer from the Tanzania Prisons Service. Their co-defendants, Nickson Jackson, known as “Machuche,” and Amin Lema, alias “Kindamba,” received the same sentence.

The four men, infamously dubbed the “Afande Hit Squad” due to their military and security affiliations, were found guilty of gang rape and forcing the victim into unnatural acts in Yombo Dovya, a neighborhood in Dar es Salaam.

“This verdict sends a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in our society,” said the presiding magistrate, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case. “The severity of the sentence reflects the heinous nature of the crime and the trauma inflicted upon the victim.”

In addition to life imprisonment, each convict was ordered to pay 1 million Tanzanian shillings (approximately $430 USD) as compensation to the victim.

The case gained national attention on August 4, 2024, when former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob raised alarm on social media, urging high-ranking officials, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Inspector General of Police Camilus Wambura, to take action.

“Since the Commander-in-Chief of the Tanzanian Armed Forces is a woman, the Minister of Defense is a woman, and the Minister for Women is a woman, we expect to see them deeply troubled by this abuse and violence against a young girl,” Jacob stated at the time.

Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, responded promptly, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and urging the survivor to come forward for support.

Police Spokesperson David Misime announced the commencement of investigations, emphasizing the illegal nature of the act and its violation of Tanzanian morals. “The police urge everyone to stop sharing the video, as it is both a legal offense and an act that further degrades the dignity of our fellow human beings,” Misime said in a statement.

Human rights advocates have hailed the ruling as a critical step in addressing the culture of impunity surrounding sexual violence in Tanzania and across East Africa.

“This verdict is a watershed moment for justice in Tanzania,” said Maria Makondo, a prominent women’s rights activist in Dar es Salaam. “It sends a powerful message that no one, regardless of their position or affiliations, is above the law when it comes to sexual violence.”

Georgia Judge Strikes Down Abortion Ban, Allowing Procedures Beyond 6 Weeks

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Georgia Judge Strikes Down Abortion Ban, Allowing Procedures Beyond 6 Weeks

In a landmark ruling Monday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney struck down Georgia’s controversial abortion law, effectively lifting the ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

The decision overturns the 2019 law that took effect in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. Judge McBurney wrote in his order, “Liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.”

This ruling, if it stands, could significantly alter abortion access not only in Georgia but potentially in neighboring states where strict bans are in place. It opens the possibility for Georgia to become a destination for those seeking abortions in the Southeast, where many face long journeys to states like North Carolina or Illinois for procedures.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who signed the original bill into law, expressed his disappointment: “Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives has been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge,” Kemp said in a statement. The state plans to appeal the decision, according to Attorney General Chris Carr’s office.

The impact of the ban was substantial. Before its implementation, Georgia saw more than 4,400 abortions monthly. This number dropped to about 2,400 after the ban took effect, according to data from the Society of Family Planning.

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, celebrated the ruling: “Since we’ve seen these direct attacks here in the South, in particular, on abortion access, we have been in a deep defensive posture for a really long time. It feels like our work has not been in vain.”

However, the legal battle is far from over. The state’s appeal could lead to the ruling being put on hold, creating uncertainty for providers and patients. Melissa Grant, co-founder of carafem, an abortion provider in Atlanta, expressed concern about this possibility: “Staff and clients will be living with this possibility hanging over immediate change, and that can be devastating to people who are trying to plan their lives and try to take care of their health.”

The Georgia case highlights the ongoing national debate over abortion rights. Vice President Kamala Harris recently visited Atlanta, emphasizing the issue’s importance in the upcoming elections and criticizing potential further restrictions under a second Trump presidency.

The ruling also comes in the wake of reports about two women in Georgia who died after complications from taking abortion pills, raising questions about the impact of restrictive laws on women’s health and safety.

Lebanese Troops Pull Back as Israel Hints at Ground Invasion

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Lebanese Troops Pull Back as Israel Hints at Ground Invasion

Lebanese troops withdrew from positions along the country’s southern border with Israel late Monday, as signs mount that an Israeli ground incursion may be imminent, heightening tensions in the region just days after Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

A Lebanese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, told Reuters that troops had pulled back to positions about five kilometers (3 miles) north of the border. The Lebanese army has not officially confirmed or denied this movement.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told local council heads in northern Israel that the next phase of the war along Lebanon’s southern border would begin soon. “We will use all the means that may be required – your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land,” Gallant told troops.

The Israeli military has declared areas around the communities of Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi in northern Israel as closed military zones, prohibiting entry.

Amal Al-Hourani, mayor of Jdeidet Marjayoun, a Lebanese village near the border, reported that two locals received calls apparently from the Israeli army, urging immediate evacuation.

A U.S. official, requesting anonymity, told Reuters that the positioning of Israeli troops suggested a ground incursion could be imminent. The Washington Post cited another unnamed U.S. official stating that Israel had informed the U.S. the operation would be smaller than its 2006 war against Hezbollah, focusing on border security.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that Israel had notified the U.S. of limited ground operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem, in his first public speech since Nasrallah’s death, declared, “The resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement.” He added that Hezbollah would “choose a secretary-general for the party at the earliest opportunity.”

The escalation comes amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which have killed about 1,000 civilians and displaced one million, according to the Lebanese government. The death toll from a recent strike on the town of Ain Deleb has risen to 45, Lebanon’s health ministry reported.

U.S. President Joe Biden has called for a ceasefire, expressing concern over the potential for further escalation. “I’m more worried than you might know and I’m comfortable with them stopping,” Biden told reporters.

Source: Reuters

German Police Raid Homes of Pro-Palestinian Activists in Berlin

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German Police Raid Homes of Pro-Palestinian Activists in Berlin

German authorities conducted raids on Monday targeting five men in Berlin suspected of criminal offenses related to pro-Palestinian activities, as the country continues to grapple with tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Berlin police and public prosecutor’s office said the raids, involving 125 officers, were carried out in the districts of Friedrichshain, Britz, Gropiusstadt, Tegel, and Schöneberg. The suspects, aged between 18 and 40, are under investigation for breaching the peace, incitement, and using symbols of organizations banned in Germany.

“These actions are part of our ongoing efforts to maintain public order and prevent the spread of hate speech,” said a spokesperson for the Berlin police, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operations.

Authorities seized mobile phones, computers, and other data storage devices, which are now being evaluated. No arrests were made during the raids.

One of the suspects, an 18-year-old, is accused of throwing a microphone stand at Berlin’s culture minister, Joe Chialo, during the opening of a local arts center in mid-September. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials amid heightened tensions.

Another suspect, a 31-year-old, is under investigation for alleged incitement after reportedly posting on Instagram, wishing for “the return of Adolf Hitler” and “a new Holocaust,” according to prosecutors.

These raids come amid a series of pro-Palestinian protests in Berlin since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza. German authorities have frequently intervened in these demonstrations, citing concerns over anti-Semitic slogans and violence.

However, the government’s approach has drawn criticism from some quarters. Civil liberties advocates argue that German authorities may be overreaching in their efforts to suppress what they view as anti-Semitic speech, potentially infringing on freedom of expression.

“There’s a fine line between preventing hate speech and suppressing legitimate political discourse,” said Dr. Anna Schmidt, a political scientist at Humboldt University in Berlin. “The German government’s sensitivity to this issue, while understandable given historical context, risks overshadowing important debates about the current conflict.”

As investigations continue, the incident highlights the complex interplay between Germany’s historical responsibility, current geopolitical tensions, and the protection of civil liberties.

Man Accused in Trump Assassination Plot Pleads Not Guilty in Florida Court

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Man Accused in Trump Assassination Plot Pleads Not Guilty in Florida Court

Ryan Routh, 58, pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges related to an alleged plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course.

Routh, appearing in a West Palm Beach federal courthouse wearing a beige prison uniform and shackles, responded “yes, your honor” when asked by the magistrate judge if he understood the charges against him. His lawyer, Kristy Militello, entered the not guilty plea and requested a jury trial during the brief arraignment.

The Hawaii resident faces charges of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offenses stemming from an incident on September 15. According to court documents, a Secret Service agent spotted the barrel of a rifle protruding from brush near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where the former president was playing.

“This case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures,” said a law enforcement official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Prosecutors allege that FBI analysis of Routh’s phone showed he had been in Florida since August 18, with his devices repeatedly located near Trump’s golf course and Mar-a-Lago residence. On the day of the incident, Routh allegedly spent nearly 12 hours in the vicinity of the Trump International Golf Club.

Court documents also reference a box Routh allegedly left at an unidentified person’s home months before the attempt, containing letters. One letter, addressed to “The World,” reportedly stated: “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you.” The letter also allegedly offered $150,000 to “whomever can complete the job.”

This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt on Trump this summer. On July 13, a gunman opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one person and wounding Trump in the ear. The former president was otherwise unharmed, and the assailant was killed at the scene.

The case has been randomly assigned to federal District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who previously dismissed criminal proceedings against the former president regarding his retention of classified documents at his private residence.

Black Trucker Sues Iowa Company for Alleged Firing Over Dreadlocks

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Black Trucker Sues Iowa Company for Alleged Firing Over Dreadlocks

A Black truck driver has filed a lawsuit against an Iowa trucking company, alleging he was fired for refusing to cut off his dreadlocks, in what activists are calling another instance of hair discrimination.

Drew Harvey, 26, of Crete, Illinois, accused Des Moines-based TMC Transportation of racism in a lawsuit filed last week in state court. The suit names the company and two of its employees as defendants.

According to the lawsuit, Harvey was hired as a flatbed truck driver in June. One day into orientation, he was reportedly told by human resources that his hair was a “safety issue” and he needed to cut his dreadlocks or face termination.

Harvey claims he offered alternative solutions, including trimming his hair, styling it differently, wearing a hair wrap, or purchasing a different hard hat. The lawsuit states these proposals were rejected by the company.

“My hair is important to my culture and spirituality,” Harvey said in a statement provided by his attorney. “I was willing to compromise, but they wouldn’t even consider my suggestions.”

The lawsuit alleges the policy was inconsistently enforced and violates the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Harvey claims he observed several non-Black employees with long hair during his brief employment.

TMC Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday.

This case joins a growing list of similar incidents across the country. In Texas, a Black high school student was suspended over his dreadlocks, while in Kansas, the American Civil Liberties Union raised concerns about a grade school forcing an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair grown for cultural reasons.

Harvey is seeking unspecified damages for lost wages and emotional distress. The lawsuit also claims Harvey discovered online that TMC had previously fired another Black man for the same reason, further fueling his distress.

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