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Hezbollah Distributed Pagers Despite Security Checks Before Explosions-Reuters

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Hezbollah Distributed Pagers Despite Security Checks Before Explosions-Reuters

Hezbollah continued to distribute pagers to its members just hours before thousands of devices exploded across Lebanon, despite having conducted security checks, according to two security sources familiar with the matter.

The Lebanese militant group had reportedly carried out routine examinations of the Gold Apollo-branded pagers, including airport security tests, but failed to detect the hidden explosives. One Hezbollah member received a new pager on Monday that detonated the next day while still in its box, a source revealed.

“They tricked us, hats off to the enemy,” one security source said, indicating the difficulty in detecting the explosives “with any device or scanner.”

The pagers, part of a batch of 5,000 brought into Lebanon earlier this year, were distributed in an attempt to evade Israeli surveillance of mobile phones. Hezbollah had been confident in the devices’ safety despite an ongoing sweep of electronic equipment to identify potential threats.

On Tuesday, pagers exploded across Hezbollah strongholds, followed by detonations of walkie-talkies on Wednesday. The consecutive attacks killed 37 people and injured more than 3,000.

Sources reported that the walkie-talkie batteries contained PETN, a highly explosive compound. Up to three grams of explosives had reportedly gone undetected in the pagers for months.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah described the attacks as “unprecedented in the history” of the group in a televised speech on Thursday.

As investigations continue, Hezbollah is intensifying its review of communication systems and supply chains. The incidents have raised questions about the group’s security protocols and its ability to protect against sophisticated attacks.

Lebanon and Hezbollah have accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

Hezbollah Launches 140 Rockets at Northern Israel

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Hezbollah Launches 140 Rockets at Northern Israel

Hezbollah fired approximately 140 rockets into northern Israel on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing cross-border conflict, according to statements from both the Israeli military and the militant group.

According to the Associated Press, the rocket barrage came a day after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation against Israel for recent attacks on the group’s communication devices. The Israeli military reported that the rockets were launched in three waves Friday afternoon, targeting sites along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Hezbollah claimed it had struck several locations, including multiple air defense bases and, for the first time, the headquarters of an Israeli armored brigade. The group stated the attack was in response to Israeli strikes on villages and homes in southern Lebanon.

This exchange is part of nearly daily clashes between Hezbollah and Israel since October 8, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, Friday’s barrage was notably larger than recent attacks.

The escalation follows two days of attacks on Hezbollah’s communication equipment, widely attributed to Israel, which damaged thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies. Nasrallah described these attacks as a “severe blow” but pledged to continue strikes against Israel. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in these operations.

The intensification of hostilities has raised fears that the limited conflict could expand into a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially drawing in other regional actors.

As tensions continue to rise, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the potential for wider regional destabilization.

U.S. Troops Complete Deployment to Alaskan Island Amid Russian Military Activity

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U.S. Troops Complete Deployment to Alaskan Island Amid Russian Military Activity

Approximately 130 U.S. soldiers have concluded a week-long deployment to Shemya Island, a remote Alaskan outpost, amid increased Russian military activity near western U.S. territories, military officials announced Thursday.

The deployment, which began on September 12, involved troops from the 11th Airborne Division and the 1st and 3rd Multi Domain Task Forces, sourced from Alaska, Washington, and Hawaii. Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sword, a spokesperson for the 11th Airborne, confirmed the soldiers’ return to their respective bases.

This strategic move coincided with the detection of eight Russian military aircraft and four naval vessels, including two submarines, operating in proximity to Alaska during joint Russia-China military exercises. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported tracking Russian military planes in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone over four days between September 11 and 15.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, stated the deployment was timely and served as an opportunity to test military readiness in real-world conditions.

The U.S. Coast Guard vessel Stratton also reported tracking four Russian Federation Navy vessels about 60 miles northwest of Point Hope while on routine patrol in the Chukchi Sea.

Pentagon officials emphasized there was no cause for alarm, despite the increased Russian military presence. The frequency of Russian aircraft entering the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone has risen in recent years, with 25 instances reported so far this year compared to an average of six or seven annually in previous years.

Kentucky Sheriff Charged with Murder of Judge in Courthouse Shooting

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Kentucky Sheriff Charged with Murder of Judge in Courthouse Shooting

A local sheriff has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a district judge inside a Kentucky courthouse on Thursday, state police reported.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, is accused of shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, multiple times after an argument in the judge’s chambers at the Whitesburg courthouse. Kentucky State Police said Mullins died at the scene, while Stines surrendered without incident.

The shooting sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Appalachian community of about 1,700 residents, located 145 miles southeast of Lexington.

Lead county prosecutor Matt Butler recused himself and his office from the investigation, citing close personal ties to Mullins. “We all know each other here,” Butler said in a statement, revealing that he and Mullins were brothers-in-law.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced his office will collaborate with regional prosecutors to handle the case. “We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman stated on social media.

Mullins, who had served as district judge since 2009, was known for his efforts in promoting substance abuse treatment within the justice system. He helped develop the Addiction Recovery Care program, which was adopted in at least 50 Kentucky counties.

Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter expressed shock at the “act of violence,” saying the court system was “shaken by this news.”

Governor Andy Beshear commented on social media: “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”

The Letcher County courthouse has been closed for Friday as the investigation continues. Stines faces one count of first-degree murder, with further details about his legal representation not immediately available.

Attempted Prison Break in Honduras Leaves 2 Dead, 3 Injured

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Attempted Prison Break in Honduras Leaves 2 Dead, 3 Injured

An attempted prison escape in Honduras early Thursday resulted in two inmates dead and three injured, authorities reported. The incident occurred at a men’s prison in Tamara, approximately 19 miles (31 kilometers) from the capital, Tegucigalpa.

Colonel Ramiro Muñoz, commander of the military police force called in to handle the situation, stated that 72 prisoners participated in the escape attempt. One inmate died at the prison, while another succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.

“Everything is now calm and in order,” Muñoz told local media. “This isn’t going to set us back, there is no other prison in the world where this doesn’t happen.”

According to Muñoz, the incident began around 4 a.m. when prisoners barricaded themselves inside a section of the prison, apparently as a diversionary tactic. Military police responded, though details of the confrontation were not provided. Muñoz announced that a forensic investigation would be conducted to clarify the circumstances.

This event follows a deadly riot at the women’s prison in Tamara last year, which left 46 dead and prompted calls for reform in Honduras’ prison system. Some even suggested emulating the strict, no-privileges approach implemented in neighboring El Salvador by President Nayib Bukele.

In response to ongoing challenges, Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced plans in June to construct a new 20,000-capacity “megaprison” as part of broader efforts to combat gang violence and overhaul the country’s troubled correctional system.

AP

Mexican President Blames U.S. for Surge in Sinaloa Cartel Violence

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Mexican President Blames U.S. for Surge in Sinaloa Cartel Violence

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Thursday partially blamed the United States for the recent surge in cartel violence in the northern state of Sinaloa, which has left at least 30 people dead in the past week.

During his morning briefing, López Obrador claimed that U.S. authorities were “jointly responsible” for the violence, citing their role in the recent arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a leader of the Sinaloa cartel. The president asserted that the operation to capture Zambada was “totally illegal” and carried out unilaterally by U.S. agents.

The violence in Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacán, erupted following the arrests of Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of former cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, near El Paso, Texas, on July 25. Two warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel have since clashed in what appears to be a power struggle.

Residents of Culiacán reported ongoing violence and fear, with many families still in hiding. While some schools have reopened, many parents are keeping their children at home due to safety concerns.

López Obrador criticized the lack of communication from U.S. authorities regarding the operation, stating, “There cannot be a cooperative relationship if they take unilateral decisions.” Mexican prosecutors are considering treason charges against those involved in Zambada’s capture.

The situation has fueled criticism of López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” approach to dealing with cartels. Despite the president’s claims that his strategy would reduce violence, cartel conflicts continue to plague Mexico, with groups employing increasingly sophisticated tactics.

As López Obrador prepares to leave office at the end of the month, the ongoing violence in Sinaloa presents a significant challenge for his administration and raises questions about the future of U.S.-Mexico relations in combating drug cartels.

Lawyers Liken Al Fayed Abuse Case to Notorious Sex Offenders, a ‘Monster’

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Lawyers Liken Al Fayed Abuse Case to Notorious Sex Offenders, a ‘Monster’

Attorneys representing dozens of women who allege sexual abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have compared the case to those of infamous sex offenders Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein.

At a press conference in London on Friday, lawyers described Al Fayed, who died last year at 94, as a “monster” who systematically abused young women and girls during his 25-year ownership of the iconic department store.

Lead attorney Dean Armstrong drew parallels to other high-profile abuse cases, stating, “This case combines some of the most horrific elements of the cases involving Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein.” He cited institutional knowledge of the behavior, procurement of victims, and abuse of power at the highest levels of the organization.

An alleged victim, identified as Natacha, described Al Fayed as “highly manipulative,” preying on vulnerable employees who needed to pay rent or lacked parental protection.

The current owners of Harrods, who purchased the store from Al Fayed in 2010, expressed shock at the allegations in a statement to the BBC, claiming they only learned of the abuse claims last year. However, Armstrong questioned this assertion, noting that sexual allegations against Al Fayed had been circulating for decades.

Prominent U.S. attorney Gloria Allred, known for representing victims in high-profile abuse cases, also spoke at the press conference. She contrasted Harrods’ prestigious image with what she called “a toxic, unsafe and abusive environment” for many female employees.

The lawyers called on Harrods to take responsibility and “set matters right” in light of the allegations.

This case has reignited discussions about workplace abuse, corporate responsibility, and the challenges victims face in coming forward against powerful figures.

Grand Jury in Diddy Case May Hear from New Witnesses, Including Sex Worker

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Grand Jury in Diddy Case May Hear from New Witnesses, Including Sex Worker

The federal investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs is expanding, with sources close to the case revealing that new potential witnesses, including a sex worker, are preparing to cooperate with prosecutors and possibly testify before a grand jury.

According to information obtained by TMZ, at least one person has already been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury. Additionally, at least two more individuals are reportedly willing to cooperate with federal authorities in their ongoing investigation of the music mogul.

One of these potential witnesses is said to be a sex worker who claims involvement with Combs dating back to 2014. This individual is expected to be interviewed by federal investigators in New York City later this month.

These developments come as Combs, 54, remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn following his arrest on Monday night. He faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs has been denied bail twice, with a judge recently reaffirming the decision to hold him without bail pending trial. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, is working to secure better accommodations for his client while preparing Combs’ defense.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation or the reports of new witnesses.

As the probe continues, federal prosecutors are actively gathering information and interviewing potential witnesses. The willingness of new individuals to testify, particularly those with alleged firsthand knowledge of Combs’ activities, could significantly impact the case against the hip-hop mogul.

This expanding investigation has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, raising questions about the extent of the alleged criminal activities and their potential impact on Combs’ vast business empire.

Methamphetamine Trafficking Kingpin Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

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Methamphetamine Trafficking Kingpin Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

Reshat Alkayisi, a 63-year-old Turkish national residing in Covington, Rhode Island, has been sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for leading one of New England’s largest methamphetamine distribution operations, U.S. Attorney’s Office officials announced Tuesday.

U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton handed down the sentence, which includes five years of supervised release following imprisonment. Alkayisi had previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and money laundering.

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Ice Cats,” resulted in the seizure of over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, multiple firearms including an AK-47 and a Glock with no serial number, and more than 4,200 rounds of ammunition. Authorities also dismantled an illegal marijuana grow operation containing hundreds of plants at Alkayisi’s residence.

“Reshat Alkayisi was the leader of a nationwide drug trafficking organization that pushed massive amounts of methamphetamine onto New England streets, and profited from the pain and misery of others,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.

According to court documents, Alkayisi supplied multiple distributors with high-purity methamphetamine between October 2020 and April 2021, charging $5,000 to $6,000 per pound. He employed various money laundering techniques, including structuring cash deposits, using peer-to-peer transfers, and creating a shell company.

The investigation revealed Alkayisi was responsible for distributing over 660 pounds of methamphetamine in a six-month period. Authorities intercepted multiple packages containing large quantities of the drug, including one shipment of approximately 100 pounds.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy praised the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in dismantling this major drug trafficking operation. The case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations.

Alkayisi is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in this case, with remaining co-conspirators awaiting sentencing after entering guilty pleas.

Source: DOJ

Teen Accused of Killing Mother and Attempting to Ambush Stepfather, Smiling in Court

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Teen Accused of Killing Mother and Attempting to Ambush Stepfather, Smiling in Court

A 15-year-old girl is on trial for allegedly murdering her mother and attempting to ambush her stepfather in their Brandon, Mississippi home on March 19, 2024.

Teen Carly Gregg appeared to stifle a giggle in court as she stands accused of murdering her momCredit: CourtTV

Carly Gregg, who was 14 at the time of the incident, is accused of shooting her mother, Ashley Smylie, in the neck following an argument over marijuana use. Prosecutors allege that after the shooting, Gregg texted her stepfather, Heath, in an attempt to lure him home.

Surveillance footage presented in court shows Gregg, wearing a Nirvana t-shirt, walking through the house before gunshots and screams are heard. The video then captures her using her mother’s phone to text her stepfather, “When will you be home, honey?”

Horrifying surveillance footage captured Gregg playing on her phone seconds after allegedly gunning down her momCredit: Law&Crime Trials/ Youtube

Prosecutors claim Gregg also invited a friend over, asking them, “Have you ever seen a dead body?” before showing them inside. When Heath arrived home, he reportedly heard gunfire and managed to disarm Gregg, sustaining a graze wound to his shoulder.

Gregg has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Her defense team argues she has no memory of the events, citing a history of mental health issues and recent marijuana use. At the time, Gregg was taking anxiety and depression medications.

Gregg appeared to smile and laugh on the fourth day of the trialCredit: CourtTV

The trial, now in its fourth day, has featured testimony from mental health professionals debating the extent of Gregg’s mental health struggles. Her former counselor described her as a gifted student with no history of violence, but noted a troubled relationship with her mother.

Gregg faces a potential life sentence if convicted. She previously rejected a plea deal offering 40 years in prison.

The case has shocked the local community, raising questions about youth mental health and family dynamics. As the trial continues, both prosecution and defense are presenting conflicting views on Gregg’s mental state and culpability.

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