Somali security forces ended a 24-hour siege by al-Shabab militants at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, killing six assailants. The attack, starting with a car bomb, targeted military officers and traditional elders involved in anti-al-Shabab efforts. Civilian casualties remain unclear, with reports varying between six and eleven people dead. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
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A federal judge temporarily blocked Donald Trump's attempt to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump claimed the Tren de Aragua gang posed a national security threat. Civil rights groups argued the law wasn’t meant for peacetime. The judge has halted deportations for 14 days while reviewing the case.
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will import 130,000 metric tonnes of diesel from India's Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) between January and December. The cost of this diesel will be Bangladeshi Taka 1,137 crore. BPC's total fuel oil demand is 7.4 million tonnes, with 4.6 million tonnes being diesel, mostly imported. This agreement continues a practice started in January 2016.
Armed militants attacked a police checkpost and a cement factory in Mastung, Balochistan, setting machinery on fire and stealing guns, ammunition, wireless sets, and motorcycles. There were no casualties. Militants also robbed a bank and burnt a police station in Khuzdar. Separatist groups have increased terrorist activities targeting security forces and installations.
New York City police are searching for Jamar Banks, a 52-year-old man with 53 prior arrests, who has allegedly stabbed two individuals on the subway this week. Despite his extensive criminal record, Banks remains free, prompting concerns about subway safety and the city’s justice system. Tips are requested for his whereabouts.
Iran has announced it will send a senior delegation to the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the slain leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The announcement follows Lebanon’s cancellation of flights from Tehran over security concerns, which Hezbollah’s current leader, Naim Qassem, blamed on Israeli influence. Hezbollah, founded in the 1980s with Iranian support, has long been a key adversary of Israel. Nasrallah led the group for 32 years, expanding its military and regional influence.
Protesters gathered at Stonewall National Monument to express their outrage over the removal of transgender and queer references from the National Park Service website. This followed President Trump's executive order recognising only two sexes. Demonstrators voiced concerns about the erasure of trans, nonbinary, and queer identities, and activists like Bernie Wagenblast vowed to resist the changes and fight for recognition and rights.
A bright fireball illuminated the Indiana sky early Tuesday, startling residents. Seen by many across the Midwest, the bolide created a sonic boom as it burned through the atmosphere. Experts confirm such events, though uncommon, occur when space debris collides with Earth. The Geminid meteor shower, peaking soon, offers further opportunities for celestial sightings.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected the notion of the US acquiring Greenland, labelling it a futile discussion. His statements addressed former President Donald Trump's suggestions, emphasizing the importance of alliances and Greenland’s autonomy under Denmark. Trump remains undeterred by the consistent rejection from Denmark and Greenland.
President Joe Biden announced a three-phase ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, ending a 15-month conflict. The agreement includes a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of hostages, including Americans. Negotiations involved the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with the UN Security Council's endorsement. The deal aims to halt Gaza fighting and reunite families.
The Australian Tibetan youth leadership training began at the Karuna Retreat Centre in the Blue Mountains, Australia, gathering 30 young Tibetans from six regions. Organized by the Tibet Information Office, the event aims to develop leadership skills and strengthen commitment to the Tibetan cause. CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay delivered a keynote address. The event also highlighted shared struggles between Tibetans and aboriginal communities, fostering stronger support networks.