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12 Libyan Officials Jailed Over Fatal Derna Floods: Sentences Up to 27 Years

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12 Libyan Officials Jailed Over Fatal Derna Floods: Sentences Up to 27 Years

A Libyan court has handed down prison sentences to 12 officials for their roles in the catastrophic floods that devastated the coastal city of Derna in September 2023. The Court of Appeal in Derna issued sentences ranging from 9 to 27 years to those found responsible for managing the country’s dams, according to a statement from the Attorney General in Tripoli on Sunday.

The floods, triggered by Storm Daniel, resulted in the collapse of several dams, leading to thousands of deaths and leaving thousands more missing. The disaster swept away buildings and destroyed entire neighborhoods in Derna, a city of 125,000 residents.

According to a judicial source in Derna, the convicted officials face charges including negligence, premeditated murder, and waste of public money. The source, speaking to Reuters, added that the defendants have the right to appeal their verdicts. The Attorney General’s statement also noted that three of the defendants were ordered to “return money obtained from illicit gains,” though specific names and positions of those on trial were not disclosed.

This verdict comes in the wake of a January report by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union, which characterized the Derna floods as a “climate and environmental catastrophe.” The report estimated that $1.8 billion would be required for reconstruction and recovery efforts. It also highlighted that the dams’ collapse was partially attributed to outdated design based on obsolete hydrological information, as well as poor maintenance and governance issues stemming from over a decade of conflict in Libya.

The sentencing underscores the complex challenges facing Libya in terms of infrastructure management and climate preparedness. Since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, Libya has been grappling with political instability and divided governance. The country has been split since 2014 between rival power centers in the east and west, complicating efforts for unified national development and disaster preparedness.

This court decision marks a significant step in addressing accountability for the Derna disaster. However, it also raises questions about the broader implications for governance and infrastructure management in a country still struggling with political fragmentation and the long-term effects of conflict.

Unknown Gunmen Kill 12 Dead in Benin’s National Park W Attack

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At least seven members of Benin Republic security forces and five rangers working with a conservation nonprofit have been killed in an attack by an armed group in Benin’s National Park W, which is overrun by militants, according to the conservation group.

The attack occurred earlier this week on Wednesday near the Mékrou River in the 10,000-square-kilometer (3,800-square-miles) park, which straddles the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, the African Parks group said in a statement on Saturday.

Authorities in Benin have not yet spoken about the attack, which is common with the government and the military.

It is the latest in a surge in violence in which jihadis from the conflict-battered Sahel region that is south of the Sahara Desert have spread further into West Africa, targeting coastal states like Benin.

It was not clear which jihadi group carried out the attack in Park W, into which militants from troubled neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger have recently moved, raising fears they could use its vast protected area as a base for infiltrating other West African countries.

The al-Qaida linked JNIM group has been the most active in the Sahel and most recently in coastal West African states like Benin and Togo.

Although they were once believed to be spreading to the coastal states for better cover to recuperate, get financing and gather weapons to launch more attacks on Sahel governments, their fighters have started to attack communities and security forces as militancy begins to take root.

Inside the World of ‘El Mayo’ Zambada: Sinaloa Cartel’s Elusive Leader Now in US Custody

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Inside the World of ‘El Mayo’ Zambada: Sinaloa Cartel’s Elusive Leader Now in US Custody

Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the 76-year-old kingpin and co-founder of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa cartel, is now in US custody after decades of evading law enforcement. His arrest marks a significant milestone in the fight against one of the world’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.

Zambada

Born in 1948 in Sinaloa, Mexico, Zambada’s criminal career spans over five decades. Starting as an enforcer in the 1970s, he rose through the ranks of the Juarez cartel before partnering with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán to transform the Sinaloa operation into a global drug empire.

Zambada’s leadership style contrasted sharply with El Chapo’s flamboyance. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to broker deals, Zambada managed day-to-day operations while maintaining a low profile. His approach earned him the nickname “the George Washington of dope in Mexico,” according to journalist Elaine Shannon.

The Sinaloa cartel, under Zambada’s guidance, evolved into the world’s largest manufacturer and smuggler of illicit fentanyl pills and other drugs to the United States. The organization has diversified its operations to meet changing consumer demands, producing and trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana.

Zambada private jet

US law enforcement agencies have long sought Zambada’s arrest, offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. He faces numerous charges in the US, including a recent indictment in New York for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl.

The arrest of Zambada, along with Joaquín Guzmán López, son of El Chapo, occurred in Texas after they arrived on a private plane. This development raises questions about potential power shifts within the cartel and the future of its operations.

The impact of Zambada’s arrest extends beyond drug trafficking. The Sinaloa cartel is also implicated in migrant smuggling operations, contributing to the current immigration crisis at the US-Mexico border.

US officials view this arrest as a significant victory in their fight against drug cartels. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted Zambada’s role in overseeing the trafficking of “tens of thousands of pounds of drugs into the United States, along with related violence.”

However, the arrest also raises concerns about potential revelations. Shannon suggests that Zambada’s extensive knowledge of cartel operations and alleged collaborations with Mexican officials could lead to significant disclosures if he chooses to cooperate with US authorities.

As the legal proceedings against Zambada unfold, the implications of his arrest will likely reverberate through both the criminal underworld and political spheres in Mexico and beyond. The capture of such a high-profile figure marks a new chapter in the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking and organized crime.

APnews.com

Inside the Lens: AP Photographer Captures Simone Biles’ Olympic Comeback

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Inside the Lens: AP Photographer Captures Simone Biles’ Olympic Comeback

Veteran Associated Press photographer Charlie Riedel has captured a striking image of Simone Biles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, encapsulating the gymnast’s highly anticipated return to Olympic competition. Riedel, a staff photographer based in Kansas City, Missouri, for 24 years, shares his insights on creating this extraordinary photo at his eighth Olympic Games.

Riedel’s goal was to convey the immense excitement surrounding Biles’ first Olympic appearance since her unexpected withdrawal from several events at the Tokyo Games in 2020. “Simone Biles has been considered the best gymnast in the world for many years,” Riedel explains, “and interest in her has only heightened since she walked away from the Tokyo Games three years ago.

To capture this historic moment, Riedel opted for a wide-angle shot that showcases both the vastness of Bercy Arena and the throng of photographers eager to document Biles’ comeback. Using a Sony A9iii camera with a 24-70mm lens, Riedel leveraged his privileged position as one of the few photographers with floor access to create a unique perspective.

“I wanted to show a sense of this excitement for her first Olympic appearance since dropping out at Tokyo,” Riedel says, “so I decided to go wide and include the vastness of Bercy Arena as well as the crowd of photographers capturing this historic moment.”

Simone Biles, of the United States, attends a gymnastics training session at Bercy Arena at the Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

The resulting image is powerful in its composition. Biles appears small within the frame, yet her presence dominates the scene. “I believe this photo works because Simone is a small part of the frame in a huge arena,” Riedel reflects. “But even though she is small in the frame, she is towering above all the people who are there to watch her.”

This photograph not only documents Biles’ return to Olympic competition but also captures the magnitude of her influence on the sport and her ability to command attention on the world stage. Riedel’s image serves as a visual testament to Biles’ resilience and the intense public interest in her comeback story.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, Riedel’s photograph stands as a iconic representation of one of the Games’ most anticipated moments, showcasing the power of sports photography to capture the essence of athletic achievement and personal triumph.

Thousands of Taylor Swift Fans Watch Concert for Free from Munich Hill

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Thousands of Taylor Swift Fans Watch Concert for Free from Munich Hill

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans have secured free seats to her concerts in Munich by gathering on a grassy hill near the concert venue. The Swifties packed Olympic Hill, or Olympiaberg, one of the highest elevations in the southern German city, for the second straight day on Sunday. This strategic perch offered a high vantage point for watching the singer’s sold-out concert in the nearby Olympic Stadium.

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans

On Saturday, fans braved the heat, with temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), and claimed their spots hours before the concert began. Police estimated that about 25,000 people gathered on the hill on Saturday, according to the dpa news agency.

On Sunday, fans returned, once again packing the grassy hill with so many people that from a distance the scene resembled an anthill. Rather than discourage the free viewings, the concert organizer handed out water and emergency blankets to those waiting to protect themselves from the sun, dpa reported.

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans

Sunday’s concert is Swift’s last in Germany as part of her Eras tour. She heads next to the Polish capital, Warsaw, for three concerts this coming week, from Thursday through Saturday.

Mudslide Kills 15 Near Tourist Site in China as Rains from Tropical Storm Gaemi Drench Region

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Mudslide Kills 15 Near Tourist Site in China as Rains from Tropical Storm Gaemi Drench Region

Fifteen people were killed after a devastating mudslide hit a homestay house in a tourist area in southeastern China on Sunday. The disaster occurred as heavy rains, remnants of Tropical Storm Gaemi, drenched the region, state media reported.

In a separate incident, a delivery person on a scooter was killed Saturday in Shanghai. The individual was struck by a falling tree, which appeared to have been brought down by storm-related winds, according to The Paper, a digital news outlet.

These fatalities mark the first in China linked to Typhoon Gaemi, which weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall on Thursday. Prior to reaching China, Gaemi intensified monsoon rains in the Philippines, resulting in at least 34 deaths and sweeping across the island of Taiwan, where the death toll has risen to 10, authorities stated on Saturday.

The catastrophic mudslide struck the homestay house shortly after 8 a.m. and trapped 21 people in Yuelin, a village under the jurisdiction of Hengyang city in Hunan province. State broadcaster CCTV provided a series of online reports detailing the event. Approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches) of rain were recorded in the area over a 24-hour period.

Six injured people were rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment, as confirmed by the official Xinhua News Agency. The reports did not specify the severity of the injuries.

The affected house, located near Hengshan, a well-known scenic area where tourists often escape the summer heat, offered food and accommodation. The Paper noted that the scenic area had been closed starting Saturday due to the heavy rains, even before the disaster struck.

Officials stated that the mudslide was triggered by water rushing down the mountain following the intense rains. Although the authorities did not directly link the event to Gaemi, the China Meteorological Administration confirmed that heavy rain tied to the storm hit the region late Friday night and continued into Saturday.

Cartel Leader ‘El Mayo’ Zambada’s Lawyer Claims Client Was Kidnapped and Brought to the U.S

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Cartel Leader ‘El Mayo’ Zambada’s Lawyer Claims Client Was Kidnapped and Brought to the U.S

The recent arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a powerful Mexican drug cartel leader, has sparked controversy as his attorney claims he was “forcibly kidnapped” and brought to the United States. This account directly contradicts initial reports suggesting Zambada had been tricked into flying into the country.

Zambada, who had evaded authorities for decades, was arrested alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious drug kingpin “El Chapo” Guzmán, when their plane landed in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, near El Paso, Texas, on Thursday. Both men face various U.S. drug charges and are currently in custody.

Frank Perez, Zambada’s attorney, issued a statement on Sunday challenging the official narrative. “My client neither surrendered nor negotiated any terms with the U.S. government,” Perez said. He alleged that Guzmán López and six men in military uniforms ambushed Zambada, restraining him and forcing him onto a plane.

This account starkly contrasts with a U.S. law enforcement official’s statement, made on condition of anonymity, suggesting that Zambada was duped into flying to the U.S., believing he was traveling elsewhere.

Zambada, 76, is a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel and faces charges in multiple U.S. jurisdictions, including New York and California. A recent indictment in New York described him as the “principal leader of the criminal enterprise responsible for importing enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States.”

The arrest of such a high-profile figure could have significant implications for the cartel’s operations. Experts suggest it might trigger internal power struggles or pave the way for a more violent generation of traffickers to ascend the ranks.

Zambada appeared in federal court in El Paso on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to various drug trafficking charges. He is being held without bond, with his next court hearing scheduled for Thursday.

The U.S. Justice Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the allegations made by Zambada’s attorney. Similarly, court records do not list an attorney for Guzmán López.

This case highlights the complex and often contentious nature of high-profile drug trafficking arrests, especially those involving cross-border operations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the conflicting narratives surrounding Zambada’s arrest are likely to be scrutinized closely by both legal teams and the public.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for international law enforcement cooperation, extradition practices, and the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations operating across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Associated Press

American Swimmers Huske and Walsh Clinch Gold and Silver in Olympic 100m Butterfly

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American Swimmers Huske and Walsh Clinch Gold and Silver in Olympic 100m Butterfly

Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh secured a 1-2 finish in the women’s 100m butterfly at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Huske claimed gold with a time of 55.59 seconds, narrowly edging out her teammate Walsh by just 0.04 seconds in an electrifying final.

For Huske, this victory represents a remarkable turnaround from her heartbreak at the Tokyo Olympics, where she missed the podium by a mere one-hundredth of a second. The 21-year-old’s perseverance and determination have now been rewarded with her first individual Olympic gold medal.

“I’m in shock right now,” Huske told NBC’s Melissa Stark immediately after the race. “I’m so thankful to be here with Gretchen. It’s just amazing. I’ve had a long road but I’ve had a lot of support and I’m so thankful for all of it.”

Gretchen Walsh, also 21, took the silver medal, adding to her impressive swimming resume. Walsh had entered the competition as the world record holder, having set a blistering time of 55.18 at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in June. While she couldn’t replicate that record-breaking performance in Paris, her Olympic record time of 55.38 in the semifinals showcased her exceptional talent.

“I’m just happy that we’re both going to be 1-2 for USA on the podium today,” Walsh commented, emphasizing the team spirit between the American swimmers.

The success for Huske and Walsh extends beyond this individual event. Both athletes had already secured silver medals as part of the U.S. women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team earlier in the day, underlining their versatility and importance to the American swimming contingent.

China’s Zhang Yufei rounded out the podium, claiming the bronze medal with a time of 56.21 seconds. Zhang’s performance ensures that the rivalry between the USA and China in women’s swimming remains as fierce as ever.

This result not only highlights the individual brilliance of Huske and Walsh but also reinforces the USA’s status as a powerhouse in Olympic swimming. As the Paris Games continue, all eyes will be on the American team to see if they can maintain this momentum and add to their medal tally.

The women’s 100m butterfly final has set a high standard for excitement and competition in the pool, promising more thrilling races to come as the swimming events progress at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Alexia Putellas’ Late Free-Kick Sends Spain to Olympic Quarter-Finals

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Alexia Putellas’ Late Free-Kick Sends Spain to Olympic Quarter-Finals

Spain secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s soccer tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria. The match was decided by a moment of brilliance from Alexia Putellas, whose looping free-kick in the 85th minute sailed over Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and into the net.

The World Cup champions struggled to break down a resilient Nigerian defense for much of the match. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo thought she had broken the deadlock early in the second half, but her goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Paralluelo continued to threaten, narrowly missing with a header shortly after.

Nigeria, despite being on the back foot for much of the game, showed dangerous potential on the counter-attack. Esther Okoronkwo forced Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll into a fine save early in the match, exposing some vulnerabilities in Spain’s high defensive line.

The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until Nigeria conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position with just five minutes remaining. Putellas, the Barcelona star, stepped up and delivered a masterful strike that left Nnadozie stranded, securing the win for Spain and their passage to the knockout stages.

This victory puts Spain at the top of Group C with six points from two games. They face Brazil in their final group match, a contest that will determine the group winners. Nigeria, meanwhile, find themselves in a precarious position with zero points and must defeat Japan in their last game to have any chance of progressing.

The match highlighted Spain’s attacking prowess but also revealed potential weaknesses in their defense that more clinical opponents might exploit. Nigeria’s performance, while ultimately unrewarded, demonstrated their ability to compete with the world’s top-ranked team.

Alexia Putellas was rightfully named player of the match for her game-winning contribution. Her ability to deliver in crucial moments underlines her importance to this Spanish side as they aim for their first Olympic gold in women’s soccer.

As the tournament progresses, Spain will look to build on this performance and address their defensive vulnerabilities. For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to their must-win encounter with Japan, where they’ll hope to keep their Olympic dreams alive.

The final round of Group C matches, with Spain facing Brazil and Nigeria taking on Japan, promises to be full of drama as teams fight for qualification and favorable positioning in the knockout stages.

Australia Triumphs 6-5 in Epic Olympic Soccer Battle Against Zambia

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Australia Triumphs 6-5 in Epic Olympic Soccer Battle Against Zambia

In one of the most dramatic matches in Olympic soccer history, Australia’s Matildas staged an incredible comeback to defeat Zambia 6-5 in their group stage match at the 2024 Olympics. The game, filled with twists and turns, saw Australia recover from a 5-2 deficit to keep their Olympic hopes alive.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda was the standout performer, notching her third Olympic hat-trick, but it wasn’t enough to secure her team’s first-ever Olympic victory in women’s soccer. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Zambia leading for 90 minutes before Australia’s late surge.

Key moments of the match included:

1. Banda opening the scoring in the first minute

2. Zambia building a commanding 5-2 lead

3. Australia’s relentless comeback, including an own goal that sparked their resurgence

4. Michelle Heyman scoring the winning goal for Australia in the 90th minute

The match showcased the best of women’s soccer, with both teams displaying skill, determination, and an attacking spirit that resulted in a combined 11 goals. Australia’s victory keeps them in contention for progression from the group stage, while Zambia’s wait for an Olympic win continues.

Despite the loss, Zambia’s performance, particularly that of Banda and Racheal Kundananji, won praise from fans and neutrals alike. Their attacking prowess and resilience against a higher-ranked opponent demonstrated the growing competitiveness in women’s international soccer.

For Australia, the comeback victory will be a massive boost to their confidence, although concerns remain about their defensive vulnerabilities. The Matildas will need to address these issues as they prepare for their crucial final group stage match.

As the Olympic soccer tournament progresses, this match will likely be remembered as one of the most entertaining and unpredictable contests in recent memory. It serves as a testament to the excitement and quality of women’s soccer at the highest level.

The result leaves both teams with everything to play for in their final group matches, with Australia facing a must-win situation and Zambia needing a victory against Germany to keep their slim hopes alive.

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