分类: world

  • Exiled Syrian opens up about death-defying smuggling operation that showed proof of Assad’s cruelty

    Exiled Syrian opens up about death-defying smuggling operation that showed proof of Assad’s cruelty

    In a daring act of defiance against the Syrian dictatorship, Ussama Uthman, now 59, and his brother-in-law Farid al-Mazhan risked their lives to smuggle out over 53,000 photographs documenting the systematic torture and extrajudicial killings ordered by President Bashar Assad’s regime. The operation, known as the Caesar Files, began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, when protests in Syria were met with brutal government crackdowns. Uthman, a construction engineer, and al-Mazhan, a military police officer, secretly coordinated to gather and transport evidence of the regime’s crimes, including images of broken bodies and torture sites. The photos, which began appearing online in 2014, spurred international condemnation, U.S. sanctions, and legal actions against former Syrian officials. Uthman and his family eventually fled to France, where they continued their mission to expose Assad’s atrocities. Despite the fall of Assad’s regime in a surprise rebel offensive last year, the team remains committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families. Their efforts have provided crucial evidence for prosecuting war crimes and helping Syrians uncover the fates of their missing loved ones. The Caesar Files team, now expanded to 60 members, continues to document new evidence, ensuring that Assad’s crimes are not forgotten.

  • Death toll from capsized boat with Myanmar migrants climbs to 26 as more bodies recovered

    Death toll from capsized boat with Myanmar migrants climbs to 26 as more bodies recovered

    The death toll from a capsized boat carrying Rohingya migrants from Myanmar has climbed to 26, as rescue teams from Thailand and Malaysia recovered additional bodies at sea. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reported that eight more bodies were found off northern Langkawi island, bringing the total to 20 deaths, including seven men, nine women, and four children, alongside 14 survivors. Meanwhile, the Romsai Rescue Foundation in Thailand’s Satun province discovered six bodies in Thai waters, with identification documents suggesting the victims were Rohingya refugees from the same vessel. Malaysian authorities estimate that approximately 70 people were aboard the ill-fated boat, based on survivor accounts. The incident is believed to be part of a larger operation involving a vessel carrying around 300 people from Myanmar’s Rakhine state, which split into three smaller boats near Malaysia. One of these boats reportedly sank near Thailand’s Tarutao island. The United Nations refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration have expressed deep concern over the tragedy, urging enhanced search-and-rescue efforts and safer asylum pathways. This year alone, over 5,300 Rohingya refugees have undertaken perilous sea journeys, with more than 600 reported missing or dead. Escalating conflicts in Myanmar and deteriorating conditions in Bangladesh’s refugee camps have exacerbated the crisis, pushing more vulnerable individuals, including women and children, to risk their lives at sea. Malaysia, a favored destination for Rohingya due to its Muslim-majority population, has historically accepted refugees on humanitarian grounds but has recently tightened restrictions to prevent mass arrivals.

  • Suicide bombing in Islamabad kills 12, says Pakistan’s interior minister

    Suicide bombing in Islamabad kills 12, says Pakistan’s interior minister

    A devastating suicide attack occurred outside a district courthouse in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals and injuring at least 27 others, according to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The bomber, who failed to enter the courthouse, detonated the explosive near a police vehicle after waiting for approximately 15 minutes. Authorities are now focusing on identifying the perpetrator and ensuring that all involved parties face justice. This incident marks a rare occurrence of such violence in Islamabad in recent years. Footage from the scene depicted a burnt-out car and a police cordon. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a heinous act. Witnesses described the chaos that ensued, with one lawyer, Rustam Malik, recounting the scene of panic and destruction, including bodies at the gate and burning vehicles.

  • Official confirms 8 deaths in Delhi blast

    Official confirms 8 deaths in Delhi blast

    A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening has resulted in eight confirmed deaths, with seven others injured, three of whom are in critical condition. The blast occurred when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic signal, triggering an explosion that ignited nearby vehicles and caused extensive damage. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and forensic experts, swiftly arrived at the scene to investigate the incident. India’s premier terror probe agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the National Security Guard (NSG) have also joined the investigation. Authorities have heightened security measures across the national capital, with Mumbai and other cities like Kolkata, Dehradun, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh also on high alert. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, while Home Minister Amit Shah visited the hospital where the injured are being treated. Bomb squads and forensic teams are working to determine the nature of the explosives used and trace the owner of the vehicle involved in the blast.

  • New China-Laos bus link boosts ties

    New China-Laos bus link boosts ties

    A newly launched international bus service between China and Laos has been widely praised for its efficiency, affordability, and comfort, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and bilateral cooperation. The service, which began trial operations on November 3, connects Mohan Railway Station in Yunnan province’s Mengla county with Boten Railway Station in Laos, covering a distance of just 16 kilometers in approximately 50 minutes. With five daily round trips, the route offers seamless customs clearance at both ends, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing convenience for passengers and business operators alike. For local residents like Ms. Li from Jinghong, the service has halved the time required to visit relatives in Laos, while Laotian timber trader Lintha Cheng highlighted its role in improving the safety and efficiency of cross-border business operations. The service, operated by Yunnan Tourism Co., integrates directly with the China-Laos Railway, creating a comprehensive transportation network that has already facilitated over 600,000 cross-border trips since the railway’s inauguration in December 2021. Officials and experts alike have lauded the initiative as a ‘bond of friendship’ and a ‘line of prosperity,’ with potential to invigorate the Mohan-Boten economic cooperation zone and deepen bilateral exchanges. The launch underscores the tangible benefits of institutional openness and coordination, paving the way for further small-scale cross-border projects and strengthening ties between the two nations.

  • The specter of new conflict haunts memorials around World War I’s end

    The specter of new conflict haunts memorials around World War I’s end

    In Ypres, Belgium, a town forever etched in history as a symbol of the horrors of World War I, authorities unveiled a renovated memorial on Tuesday to honor the tens of thousands of soldiers who perished without graves. The solemn ceremony coincided with Armistice Day, known as Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Britain, marking the end of the Great War in 1918. From 1914 to 1918, the conflict pitted the armies of France, the British Empire, Russia, and the U.S. against a German-led coalition, including the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. Nearly 10 million soldiers lost their lives, with hundreds of thousands dying in Ypres alone. The Flanders region, where the war introduced brutal innovations like poison gas and aerial surveillance, became a grim testament to the evolution of modern warfare. In the aftermath of World War I and later World War II, the international community established institutions like the United Nations and the European Union to prevent future conflicts. However, the specter of war looms once more. Across Europe, nations are rearming in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while airspace violations and sabotage incidents near EU borders have heightened tensions. Beyond Europe, conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and rising militarization in Asia underscore a world grappling with instability. The resurgence of authoritarian movements further challenges the global democratic order, casting a shadow over the lessons of history.

  • NATO member Romania finds drone fragments after Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports

    NATO member Romania finds drone fragments after Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports

    In a significant development, Romania, a NATO member, reported the discovery of drone fragments on its soil in an inhabited area near its southeastern border with Ukraine. This incident occurred following Russian military strikes targeting Ukrainian ports along the Danube River overnight. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense revealed that radar systems detected multiple drones approaching the country’s airspace shortly after midnight on Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts for residents in Tulcea County. Due to adverse weather conditions, fighter jets could not be deployed, but military personnel successfully recovered the suspected drone fragments approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) inside Romanian territory. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu confirmed the incident on social media platform X, emphasizing that such actions are part of Russia’s broader strategy of aggression and provocation against NATO and the European Union. She also announced that new sanctions are being prepared to impose significant costs on Russia for its reckless behavior. This marks the latest in a series of increasingly frequent drone incursions into Romanian airspace as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian Danube River ports. In response, Romania and Poland are deploying advanced weapons systems to counter the growing threat of Russian drones, which has exposed vulnerabilities within NATO and heightened tensions across Europe.

  • The night an explosion shook Delhi

    The night an explosion shook Delhi

    A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort metro station on Monday evening has left at least eight people dead and over 20 injured, sending shockwaves through the Indian capital. The blast, which occurred in one of the city’s most secure and bustling areas, was so powerful that it melted nearby vehicles and was heard kilometers away. The incident has sparked widespread panic and a high-alert response from law enforcement agencies. The explosion took place on a road sandwiched between Chandni Chowk, a bustling trading hub, and the historic Red Fort, a major tourist attraction. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people running in all directions, vehicles engulfed in flames, and bodies scattered on the road. Local resident Mohamed Hafiz recounted the terrifying moment, saying, ‘There was blood everywhere. People were in shock. The scene was too disturbing—I could even see body parts.’ The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, where a large crowd gathered, anxiously searching for answers and missing loved ones. Among them was Mohammed Azghar, whose brother, an electric rickshaw driver, has been missing since the blast. ‘We’ve searched everywhere but can’t find him. I just want some news—good or bad,’ Azghar pleaded. The blast site, usually teeming with activity, was eerily deserted, with only security personnel and journalists present. The mangled remains of vehicles and bloodstains on the road bore grim testimony to the tragedy. Local residents, visibly shaken, expressed concerns about their safety and livelihoods. Ram Singh, a goods transporter, voiced his worries: ‘I earn daily and am concerned about feeding my family. I hope a sense of security returns soon.’ As investigations continue, the city remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of one of the most shocking incidents in over a decade.

  • Taiwan evacuates thousands ahead of tropical storm Fung-wong after deaths in the Philippines

    Taiwan evacuates thousands ahead of tropical storm Fung-wong after deaths in the Philippines

    Taiwan has initiated large-scale evacuations and precautionary measures as Tropical Storm Fung-wong approaches, following its destructive path through the Philippines. Over 3,000 residents from vulnerable regions have been relocated, and schools and offices in Hualien and Yilan counties were closed on Tuesday. The storm, which has already claimed at least 18 lives and displaced more than 1.4 million people in the Philippines, is expected to make landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southwestern port city, by Wednesday afternoon or evening. Taiwan’s weather agency reported that Fung-wong, though weakening, still carries maximum sustained winds of 108 kph (67 mph) and gusts of 137 kph (85 mph). The storm is projected to sweep across the island and exit via its northeastern side by early Thursday. Authorities have issued land warnings for southern and southwestern areas, including Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, Tainan, and Taitung. Meanwhile, China has activated an emergency typhoon response for its southeastern provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Hainan. The Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath, with over a million people displaced and thousands sheltering in evacuation centers. The storm’s impact underscores the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events, with both Taiwan and the Philippines frequently facing typhoons annually.

  • Pakistan’s interior minister says a suicide bomber struck outside the Islamabad court, killing 12

    Pakistan’s interior minister says a suicide bomber struck outside the Islamabad court, killing 12

    A devastating suicide bombing occurred outside a district court in Islamabad on Tuesday, resulting in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, according to Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The attacker detonated explosives near a police vehicle after failing to enter the court premises. The explosion, heard miles away, struck during peak hours when the area was bustling with visitors attending hearings. Initial reports from Pakistani state media and security officials suggested a car bomb was responsible, but investigators later confirmed it was a suicide bomber. No militant group has claimed responsibility yet, but Pakistan has been grappling with a resurgence of attacks by the Pakistani Taliban and other extremist factions. The casualties included passersby and individuals with court appointments. Authorities are investigating all aspects of the attack, with no immediate statements from Islamabad police. This incident follows a thwarted militant attempt to take cadets hostage at an army-run college in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province earlier on Tuesday. The Pakistani Taliban denied involvement in the college attack, which saw two militants killed and three cornered in an administrative block. Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent years, including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre that claimed 154 lives. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also escalated, with recent cross-border clashes and failed peace talks in Istanbul.