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More Pager Explosions Disrupt Funeral for Hezbollah Members in Lebanon

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More Pager Explosions Disrupt Funeral for Hezbollah Members in Lebanon

Multiple explosions erupted Wednesday at a funeral for three Hezbollah members and a child killed in Tuesday’s pager attack, according to Associated Press journalists present at the scene. The incident marks a further escalation of tensions in Lebanon following Tuesday’s unprecedented pager bombings.

Hezbollah’s Al Manar TV reported explosions in several areas across Lebanon. A Hezbollah official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, told the Associated Press that walkie-talkies used by the group exploded, causing the blasts heard in Beirut. Details on casualties were not immediately available.

The new explosions come as Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of Tuesday’s pager bombings, which appeared to be a sophisticated Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah members. At least 12 people, including two children, were killed, and approximately 2,800 were wounded when hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members detonated in various parts of Lebanon and Syria.

New information about the operation has emerged. The pagers were manufactured by BAC Consulting KFT, a company based in Budapest, Hungary, according to Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese firm that licensed its brand for the pagers. An American official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Israel briefed the United States after the attack, disclosing that small amounts of explosive had been concealed in the pagers.

The attack, which Israel has not officially commented on, has heightened fears of a potential escalation into full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that the U.S. is still evaluating how the attack might impact efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

In response to the heightened tensions, Israel has begun moving additional troops to its border with Lebanon as a precautionary measure, according to an official familiar with the movements.

Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire since October 8, following the deadly Hamas-led assault in southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in hundreds of casualties in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, while displacing tens of thousands on both sides of the border.

The pagers involved in Tuesday’s attack, model AR-924, were manufactured by BAC Consulting KFT in Budapest. Gold Apollo, the Taiwanese firm that licensed its brand for the pagers, stated that it had a three-year licensing agreement with BAC but was not responsible for the design or manufacturing of the products.

Ghana Opposition Holds Protests Against Voter Roll Irregularities

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Ghana Opposition Holds Protests Against Voter Roll Irregularities

Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), staged nationwide protests on Tuesday against alleged irregularities in the voter roll, demanding an independent forensic audit to ensure free and fair elections.

The demonstrations come as Ghana prepares for crucial presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, where voters will choose a successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after serving the constitutionally mandated eight years.

Thousands of NDC supporters, dressed in red and black, marched through the streets of Accra, the capital, and other major cities across Ghana’s 16 regions. Protesters played reggae and campaign songs from loudspeakers, calling for intervention from international bodies, Ghana’s peace council, and religious and civil society groups.

The NDC leadership accused the electoral commission of illegally transferring voters to different voting stations without their consent, compromising the integrity of the voter register. Protest leaders presented petitions to parliament and the electoral agency in Accra, outlining their concerns and demands.

Kwame Acheampong, a 68-year-old protester, told Reuters that his registration had been inexplicably transferred from Accra to Tamale, a city in northern Ghana. “How can I go to Tamale to vote?” he asked, highlighting the practical challenges posed by such transfers.

The electoral commission has stated that identified errors have been corrected. In August, it suspended a district director in the northeastern town of Pusiga for “using his credentials to transfer voters without their knowledge.”

These allegations of irregularities have significantly impacted public trust in Ghana’s electoral authority. A July survey by pan-African research group Afrobarometer revealed that confidence in Ghana’s electoral commission is at its lowest point since polling began in 1999.

NDC party chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia addressed protesters, emphasizing the party’s commitment to transparent elections. “Ghana’s democracy is on a serious test and we want it to prevail,” he said. “It’s time for war to remove anything that has the tendency to push us into a bigger war.”

The upcoming election will pit former president John Dramani Mahama of the NDC against current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party. While Ghana is renowned for its stable democracy, the last election in 2020 was marred by violence that resulted in eight deaths and accusations of government interference, which were denied by officials.

As the December 7 election approaches, the NDC’s protests underscore the heightened tensions and the critical importance of maintaining electoral integrity in one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

Questions Persist Over Mali’s Security After Major Attack-Reuters

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Questions Persist Over Mali’s Security After Major Attack-Reuters

Uncertainty continues to shroud Mali’s security situation Wednesday, a day after insurgents launched a bold assault on an elite police training academy and other strategic locations in the capital, including the airport.

The attack, claimed by Al Qaeda affiliate Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), resulted in an unconfirmed number of casualties and significant damage to military assets. State television reported “some” deaths on Tuesday evening, but the government has not released an official death toll.

Flights resumed Wednesday morning at Bamako’s main airport, the site of much of the violence. JNIM claimed in a statement that “hundreds of enemy soldiers were killed and wounded” and that six military aircraft, including a drone, were destroyed, with four others partially disabled.

The assault, which coincided with the 64th anniversary of Mali’s gendarmerie founding, came just days after junta leader Assimi Goita declared that his army had “considerably weakened armed terrorist groups.”

Analysts and diplomats described the attack as a major blow to the junta’s credibility. “In my personal opinion, this is seriously impacting their credibility on the security front,” a diplomat in Bamako told Reuters.

The United Nations, in a note to staff, called the incident a “strong show of force” by JNIM, suggesting the attack was likely planned in advance due to its timing and specific targets.

The assault’s ambition has raised concerns about Mali’s counter-insurgency strategy. Jean Herve Jezequel, Sahel Project Director at International Crisis Group, noted, “Even if it does not ruin all the Malian army’s efforts to redeploy these last few years, it is a serious blow that stresses the absolute need for serious adjustments in the Malian counter insurgency strategy.”

As Mali grapples with the aftermath of this attack, questions remain about the effectiveness of its security measures and the potential public reaction to these events.

Lawyer Appeals Death Sentences for Americans in Congo Coup Case

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Lawyer Appeals Death Sentences for Americans in Congo Coup Case

The lawyer representing three Americans sentenced to death in Congo for their alleged involvement in a coup attempt has filed an appeal, he informed The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Last Friday, a Congolese military court sentenced 37 people, including the three Americans, to death on charges of participating in a failed coup attempt. The defendants, mostly Congolese nationals but also including British, Belgian, and Canadian citizens, were given five days to appeal the verdict.

Richard Bondo, the attorney for the convicted Americans, argues that Congo’s reinstatement of the death penalty earlier this year was illegal under the Treaty of Rome, to which Congo is a signatory. Bondo stated that parliament should have decided on an alternative penalty, which has not occurred.

The coup attempt, which resulted in six deaths, targeted the presidential palace and an ally of President Felix Tshisekedi in May. It was allegedly led by opposition figure Christian Malanga, who was killed while resisting arrest after live-streaming the attack.

Among those convicted were Malanga’s 21-year-old son Marcel, a U.S. citizen, and two other Americans: Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36. Marcel Malanga claimed in court that his father had forced him and his friend to participate in the attack under threat of death.

The case has drawn international attention, with family members of the convicted Americans maintaining their innocence and expressing concerns about the conditions of their detention.

Congo recently lifted a two-decade-old moratorium on the death penalty as authorities struggle to curb violence and militant attacks in the country. If carried out, the executions would likely be by firing squad.

AP

Associate in High-Profile French Sexual Abuse Case Admits to Similar Misconduct

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Associate in High-Profile French Sexual Abuse Case Admits to Similar Misconduct

In a shocking development during a high-profile French trial addressing systematic sexual abuse, an associate of the main defendant has admitted to similar misconduct against his own partner, French authorities reported Wednesday.

Jean-Pierre Marechal, 63, acknowledged his actions in court, attributing them to the influence of the primary defendant, Dominique Pelicot, and his own troubled childhood. Marechal is not accused in the primary case against Pelicot but faces separate charges related to his own partner.

The admission came during the ongoing trial of Pelicot and numerous other defendants, a case that has captured national attention and sparked widespread protests across France in support of victims of sexual violence.

Marechal told the court, “I regret my actions. I love my wife. If I had not met Mr. Pelicot, I would have never committed this act. He was reassuring, like a cousin.” He also described a history of childhood abuse, suggesting it played a role in his later actions.

Prosecutors allege that Marechal met Pelicot through an online platform, where they exchanged information related to their criminal activities. The details of these allegations have shocked the nation and highlighted the dark potential of some online interactions.

The main defendant, Pelicot, had previously admitted to orchestrating abuse against his ex-wife over nearly a decade. His ex-wife, who has become a symbol in the fight against sexual violence, insisted on a public trial to expose the alleged crimes.

This case has reignited national conversations about the prevalence of sexual violence, the importance of supporting survivors, and the need for effective prevention and justice mechanisms. Advocacy groups have used the trial as a platform to call for stronger measures to combat sexual abuse and provide support for victims.

As the trial continues, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for how similar cases are handled in the French legal system and may influence public policy regarding sexual violence prevention and victim support.

Authorities emphasize that support services are available for those affected by sexual violence, and encourage anyone with information about such crimes to come forward to the appropriate agencies.

The court proceedings are ongoing, with more testimonies expected in the coming days.

International Operation Takes Down ‘Ghost’ Cybercrime Platform, 51 Suspects Arrested

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International Operation Takes Down ‘Ghost’ Cybercrime Platform, 51 Suspects Arrested

An international law enforcement operation has successfully dismantled an encrypted communication platform known as “Ghost,” which was widely used by criminal organizations for drug trafficking and money laundering, Europol announced Wednesday.

FILE PHOTO: General view of the Europol building in The Hague, Netherlands December 12, 2019. REUTERS/Eva Plevier/File Photo

The operation resulted in the arrest of 51 suspects across multiple countries, with authorities expecting more arrests as the investigation continues. Europol’s Deputy Executive Director Jean-Philippe Lecouffe described the operation as “truly a global game of cat and mouse,” adding, “Today, the game is up.”

The Ghost platform had gained notoriety among criminal networks for its advanced security features. Its takedown represents a significant blow to global organized crime operations, according to Europol officials.

The operation yielded several crucial outcomes, including the prevention of multiple threats to life, the dismantling of a drug lab in Australia, and the global seizure of weapons and drugs. Additionally, authorities confiscated over 1 million euros ($1.11 million) in cash.

Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle emphasized the platform’s importance to criminal networks, calling Ghost “a lifeline for serious organised crime.” She added, “Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can’t evade our collective effort.”

The operation involved collaboration between law enforcement agencies from Australia, Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States. This multinational effort underscores a broader commitment to combating global organized crime.

Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci, Italy’s 1990 World Cup Highest Goal Scorer, Dies at 59

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Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci, Italy’s 1990 World Cup Highest Goal Scorer, Dies at 59

Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci, the Italian striker who became an unexpected hero and top scorer at the 1990 World Cup, died Wednesday at the age of 59, the Palermo Civico hospital confirmed.

Schillaci had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer and was admitted to the hospital 11 days before his passing.

Rising to fame during the 1990 World Cup hosted by Italy, Schillaci embodied the spirit of an underdog exceeding expectations on soccer’s grandest stage. He scored six goals in the tournament, claiming the Golden Boot as top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player, surpassing soccer legends Lothar Matthaus and Diego Maradona.

Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina announced that a minute of silence would be observed before all matches in Italy for the rest of the week to honor Schillaci’s memory. “The uncontrollable celebrations, in which his face was the symbol of shared joy, will remain forever part of Italian soccer (history),” Gravina stated.

Schillaci’s journey to World Cup stardom was remarkable. He had only one cap for Italy before the tournament and had never scored for the national team. His World Cup performance catapulted him to international fame, with his expressive eyes and passionate play capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni paid tribute on social media, thanking Schillaci “for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave our Tricolore.”

Throughout his club career, Schillaci played for Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Japanese team Jubilo Iwata. Both Juventus and Inter Milan shared condolences on their social media channels, highlighting Schillaci’s role in Italy’s magical nights during the 1990 World Cup.

Fellow Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio, who played alongside Schillaci in the 1990 World Cup, shared a poignant message on Instagram: “Ciao my dear friend.”

Born and raised in Palermo, Schillaci will be honored with a public viewing at the city’s Renzo Barbera stadium before his funeral, allowing fans to pay their final respects to the local hero who became a national icon.

Schillaci’s legacy in Italian soccer extends beyond his remarkable World Cup performance, symbolizing the power of determination and the unpredictable magic of the beautiful game.

Small Plane Executes Safe Emergency Landing at Boston’s Logan Airport with Single Wheel

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Small Plane Executes Safe Emergency Landing at Boston’s Logan Airport with Single Wheel

A Cape Air Cessna 402 successfully executed an emergency landing at Boston’s Logan International Airport on Tuesday afternoon with only one of its landing wheels deployed, airport officials reported.

The small aircraft, carrying two passengers and one crew member, had taken off from Logan bound for Bar Harbor, Maine, when it encountered a landing gear issue shortly after departure. The pilot was informed of an “anomaly” with the landing gear and decided to return to Boston, according to a statement from Cape Air.

A Massport official, who manages the airport, confirmed that the plane “had a landing gear issue.” The aircraft touched down safely at approximately 3:20 p.m., with video footage showing the plane landing on one wheel and one of its wings resting on the ground.

“The pilot performed the appropriate checklist and landed the aircraft back at Boston Logan Airport,” Cape Air said in their statement. No injuries were reported in the incident.

The emergency landing drew attention for its successful execution under challenging circumstances. Aviation experts often stress the importance of pilot training and aircraft design in managing such situations safely.

Logan International Airport, one of the busiest in the northeastern United States, remained operational throughout the incident. Airport authorities and emergency services were on standby to respond if needed.

The cause of the landing gear malfunction was not immediately available. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically investigates such incidents to determine the cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

At Least 30 Killed as Sinaloa Cartel Factions Clash in Northern Mexico

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At Least 30 Killed as Sinaloa Cartel Factions Clash in Northern Mexico

Violent clashes between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have left at least 30 people dead in Mexico’s northern state of Sinaloa over the past two weeks, Mexican authorities reported Tuesday.

Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval confirmed that two military personnel were among those killed in the fighting that began on September 9. The violence persists despite the deployment of over 2,000 security personnel to the region.

The conflict reportedly stems from a power struggle within the cartel following the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a longtime leader of the organization. Tensions escalated after Joaquín Guzmán López, son of former cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, arrived near El Paso, Texas, on July 25 with Zambada.

Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacan, has been significantly affected by the violence. Schools were temporarily closed, businesses have shut down, and public transportation has been disrupted due to residents’ fears of being caught in crossfire.

Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha suspended schools last week and canceled Mexican Independence Day celebrations over the weekend as a precautionary measure. Classes resumed on Tuesday.

The Mexican military has increased its presence in the area, with 2,200 additional armed forces and National Guard members deployed. Regional army commander Jesús Leana Ojeda stated that the resolution of the conflict depends on the warring factions ceasing hostilities.

Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador affirmed on Tuesday that the armed forces are working to protect the population and prevent clashes between criminal groups. López Obrador has consistently favored a non-confrontational approach to cartel violence, emphasizing social programs over military action.

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has indicated she will maintain her predecessor’s security policy.

The ongoing conflict highlights the persistent challenge of cartel violence in Mexico, with criminal organizations employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including the use of improvised explosive devices, armored vehicles, and drones.

As the situation continues to develop, local and federal authorities are working to restore peace in the region while grappling with the complex dynamics of cartel conflicts.

Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Military Depot Deep Inside Russian Territory, Officials Report

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Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Military Depot Deep Inside Russian Territory, Officials Report

Ukrainian drones struck a large military depot in Toropets, a town deep inside Russia, overnight Tuesday, causing a significant fire and prompting evacuations, according to Ukrainian officials and Russian news reports.

The strike targeted a town approximately 380 kilometers (240 miles) northwest of Moscow and about 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border. A Kyiv security official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive operation, claimed the depot housed Iskander and Tochka-U missiles, glide bombs, and artillery shells. The official stated that the facility caught fire in the strike and was burning across an area 6 kilometers (4 miles) wide.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported efforts to repel a “massive drone attack” on Toropets, which has a population of around 11,000. The agency also reported a fire and the evacuation of some local residents. There was no immediate information about casualties.

This attack marks another instance of Ukraine successfully striking targets deep within Russian territory, demonstrating Kyiv’s evolving drone capabilities and strategy. Ukraine’s targeting of Russian military equipment and infrastructure deep inside Russia appears to be part of a broader plan to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to back down.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recently announced, but still confidential, plan for winning the war. “We think it lays out a strategy and a plan that can work,” Thomas-Greenfield stated, adding that the U.S. will discuss the plan with other world leaders at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.

The conflict, now in its third year, has seen both sides adapting their strategies. Putin has shown no signs of relenting, recently ordering an increase in Russian troop numbers to 1.5 million by December 1. The U.K. Defense Ministry estimates that the war has likely resulted in over 600,000 Russian casualties.

Zelenskyy’s plan to victory reportedly includes not only battlefield goals but also diplomatic and economic wins. The details remain under wraps, but its discussion at the U.N. General Assembly next week could provide insights into Ukraine’s long-term strategy.

As the conflict continues, international attention remains focused on Ukraine’s ability to sustain its counteroffensive and the potential for diplomatic solutions. The upcoming U.N. General Assembly is expected to be a key forum for discussions on the war’s future trajectory.

apnews.com

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