A tragic incident unfolded at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff, resulting in at least nine fatalities and 11 injuries. The MD-11 jet, en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, which exacerbated the ensuing blaze. The fire quickly spread beyond the runway, engulfing nearby buildings and burning for hours. Aviation experts speculate that the crash was caused by the failure of one engine and damage to another, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Footage reviewed by BBC Verify shows the plane’s left wing engulfed in flames before it tilted and crashed, creating a massive fireball. The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for local residents and mobilized hundreds of firefighters. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, which could take up to two years to complete.
分类： world
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Japan deploys troops after wave of deadly bear attacks
Japan has initiated a military deployment to its northern regions in response to an unprecedented wave of deadly bear attacks that have claimed 12 lives and left over 100 injured since April. The government, led by newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is urgently formulating a specialized policy package to address the escalating crisis. Soldiers, equipped with non-lethal tools such as bear sprays, shields, and net launchers, have been dispatched to restore safety in affected communities. Japan’s strict gun laws prohibit the use of firearms in these operations. Experts attribute the surge in bear encounters to a poor acorn harvest, driving bears into urban areas in search of food, particularly in regions like Akita and Iwate. Additionally, rural depopulation has blurred the boundaries between human settlements and bear habitats, further exacerbating the issue. The Self-Defense Forces are providing logistical support, including transporting bear traps and hunters. A team of 15 soldiers was recently deployed to Kazuno city in Akita to assist with trap relocation. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Saito emphasized the military’s role in national defense but acknowledged their capacity to aid in such emergencies. Prime Minister Takaichi’s cabinet convened a special meeting last week, pledging to unveil a comprehensive policy package by mid-November. This is expected to include measures such as increasing the number of hunters to respond to urgent bear sightings. Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki expressed gratitude for the military’s assistance, highlighting the region’s limited capacity to handle the crisis independently.
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Sudan’s paramilitary kills at least 40 people as fighting spreads into Kordofan region
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a devastating turn as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, launched a deadly attack on the city of el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan province. Local media reports indicate that at least 40 civilians were killed, with dozens more injured, during a drone strike targeting a funeral service on Monday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, though it did not explicitly name the perpetrators of the attack. This incident is part of a broader escalation of violence that has engulfed Sudan since the RSF and the national military began clashing in 2023, following the collapse of a democratic transition agreement. The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced 12 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, the World Food Program (WFP) reports that more than 24 million Sudanese are facing acute food insecurity, with famine conditions emerging in areas like el-Fasher and Kadugli. The RSF has been accused of committing widespread atrocities, including systematic killings, sexual violence, and attacks on healthcare workers. In a recent assault on the town of Bara, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that at least 47 people, including nine women, were killed. Survivors and satellite imagery have corroborated accounts of mass killings and human rights violations, despite the RSF’s denials. The international community continues to monitor the crisis, with humanitarian agencies warning of catastrophic consequences if the violence persists.
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Serbian PM eyes deeper economic and academic cooperation with China
During his visit to Shanghai Jiao Tong University on Tuesday, Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut expressed optimism about expanding Serbia-China collaboration in economic, trade, and academic sectors. Macut, who also attended the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, emphasized the importance of bilateral economic relations and trade, stating, ‘We are here to explore possibilities.’ He highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation in areas such as sourcing, markets, tourism, and academic exchanges, suggesting that universities from both countries could establish new agreements and shared visions. Addressing students and faculty, Macut underscored the opportunities for collaboration in fields like artificial intelligence, expressing enthusiasm for future outcomes. He described the Serbia-China relationship as ‘strong and evolving,’ noting its significance for both nations, particularly for Serbia. Macut proudly recalled Serbia becoming China’s first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe in 2016, positioning the country as a top priority for China’s development partnerships. He also stressed the shared goal of maintaining peace, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
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A decade after Brazil’s deadly dam collapse, Indigenous peoples demand justice on the eve of COP30
In November 2015, the Indigenous Krenak people of Minas Gerais, Brazil, witnessed what they now refer to as “the death of the river.” A week before the catastrophic event, they sensed an ominous change—birds ceased their songs, the air grew heavy, and an eerie silence enveloped their village. On November 5, the Samarco mining dam, a joint venture between Brazilian company Vale and Anglo-Australian BHP Billiton, collapsed near Mariana, unleashing a torrent of toxic iron ore waste. The disaster buried the nearby community of Bento Rodrigues, claimed 19 lives, and contaminated the Doce River for nearly 600 kilometers before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. For the Krenak, whose lives revolved around the river for food, rituals, and daily sustenance, the tragedy was not just environmental but deeply spiritual. Shirley Djukurnã Krenak, an Indigenous leader, described it as “the saddest day for my people.” A decade later, the river remains polluted, and reconstruction efforts have been mired in legal disputes. Despite Brazil’s ambition to lead global climate policy, hosting the UN’s COP30 summit in 2025, the unresolved legacy of Mariana casts doubt on its credibility. Indigenous congresswoman Célia Xakriabá emphasized that the Doce River is still “sick,” with contaminated fish and ill communities. Critics argue that Brazil’s environmental governance remains flawed, citing weakened laws and inadequate funding for environmental agencies. The 2015 disaster exposed systemic vulnerabilities, yet subsequent deregulation and policies like the “devastation bill” threaten to undermine Brazil’s climate goals. As COP30 approaches, Indigenous leaders like Krenak remain skeptical of its impact, calling for genuine action to protect rivers, forests, and Indigenous territories. Despite the challenges, they hold onto hope for a future where their children can drink water without fear.
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Philippines: 66 dead in Typhoon Kalmaegi as survivors confront destruction
The Philippines is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed 66 lives and left a trail of destruction in its wake. The province of Cebu, the hardest-hit region, is now a landscape of shattered homes, debris-clogged streets, and displaced families. Survivors are grappling with the aftermath, sifting through the ruins in a desperate search for remnants of their former lives. Among them is Eilene Oken, 38, who returned to her neighborhood in Talisay city only to find her home obliterated. ‘We worked and saved for this for years, then in an instant, it was all gone,’ she lamented, though she expressed gratitude that her family remained unharmed. The typhoon’s devastation comes just weeks after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, compounding the region’s suffering. Kalmaegi, the 20th storm to hit the Philippines this year, intensified as it moved toward Vietnam, where preparations are underway for its expected landfall. Over 200,000 people were evacuated across the Visayas region, including parts of southern Luzon and northern Mindanao, as the storm submerged homes, caused widespread flooding, and triggered power outages. The disaster also claimed the lives of six military personnel whose helicopter crashed during a humanitarian mission in Agusan del Sur. As the Philippines confronts yet another natural disaster, the resilience of its people is being tested once more.
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Saudi Arabia: Pilgrim arrested after video pushing security at Makkah Grand Mosque goes viral
A recent incident at the Makkah Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia has sparked widespread attention after a video of a pilgrim confronting a security officer went viral on social media. The footage shows the man raising his voice and resisting the officer’s attempts to maintain order, despite repeated warnings. The Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security swiftly responded, confirming the man’s arrest for violating the mosque’s regulations and procedures. Legal actions are now underway against the individual.
In the wake of the incident, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, President of the Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasized the importance of adhering to security protocols. He stated that following these rules is not only a legal obligation but also a profound act of worship and devotion. Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman highlighted the sacred duty of safeguarding the sanctity of the holy sites and reiterated that while Saudi Arabia is committed to ensuring the safety of pilgrims, it is equally the responsibility of every visitor to comply with the established guidelines. He described security as a ‘red line that cannot be crossed,’ underscoring the gravity of maintaining order in such revered spaces.
The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between religious devotion and adherence to regulations in holy sites, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing rules to protect the safety and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.
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EU agrees on new emissions targets before global climate summit in Brazil
The European Union has finalized a landmark agreement to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2040, marking a significant step in its climate policy. However, the deal has sparked criticism for perceived weakening of earlier commitments, particularly due to provisions allowing member states to purchase international carbon credits and reassess climate targets based on economic performance. Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland opposed the agreement, with Poland securing a delay in implementing a carbon trading plan for transport and heating. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, condemned the deal for enabling ‘carbon laundering’ by outsourcing emission reductions to less-developed countries. Despite these concerns, EU climate ministers hailed the agreement as a necessary compromise amid geopolitical and economic tensions. The European Parliament must now vote on the agreement before it becomes legally binding. EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will present the deal at the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil, aiming to position Europe as a global leader in climate action. The agreement reflects the EU’s balancing act between environmental goals, economic competitiveness, and energy independence, as Europe faces increasing climate-related challenges like wildfires, heatwaves, and floods.
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Drone sightings force fresh flight cancellations at Belgium’s main airport
Brussels Airport, Belgium’s primary international hub, faced significant disruptions on Wednesday as dozens of flights were canceled following drone sightings that forced a temporary closure. This unprecedented incident prompted Prime Minister Bart De Wever to call an urgent meeting with senior ministers to address escalating safety concerns. The shutdown, which occurred on Tuesday evening, led to the cancellation of 54 flights and the diversion of 24 others, leaving approximately 400-500 passengers stranded overnight. The airport provided beds, water, and snacks to accommodate affected travelers, emphasizing that passenger and staff safety remains its top priority. This event marks the first time Brussels Airport has been closed due to drone activity, coming just days after unidentified drones were spotted near a military base storing U.S. nuclear weapons. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that repeated drone incidents pose a direct threat to national security and require a coordinated response. Defense Minister Theo Francken suggested that the drone operations were sophisticated and likely part of a spying operation aimed at destabilization. This incident adds to a growing trend of drone-related disruptions across Europe, including a recent shutdown at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport. Belgium, home to NATO and EU headquarters, faces heightened security challenges, particularly amid discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a move that De Wever warned could provoke Russian retaliation.
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Allies weigh options amid uncertainties
In the face of escalating unpredictability in US trade and foreign policies, key Commonwealth nations such as Canada and New Zealand are actively pursuing strategies to diversify their economic partnerships. Radhika Desai, a political studies professor at the University of Manitoba, highlighted Canada’s precarious position following decades of deepening reliance on the United States. Desai noted that Canadian elites have historically concentrated their economic focus on the US, a strategy she described as a ‘silent surrender.’ This dependence has proven increasingly costly, particularly under the Trump administration, which renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement to Canada’s disadvantage. With the potential of a second Trump term, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s perceived inability to challenge Washington has left many Canadians disenchanted. Desai identified two major obstacles to Canada’s shift away from the US: entrenched economic integration and a ruling class resistant to diversification, especially if it involves closer ties with China. Concurrently, Canadian public sentiment has grown increasingly critical of aligning too closely with the US. Desai attributed Washington’s volatility to deeper structural issues within the US, including decades of financialization and deindustrialization, which have made it politically untenable for any candidate to claim economic success. Trump’s focus on tariffs and blame towards trade, China, and immigrants, rather than addressing neoliberalism, has further exacerbated global uncertainties. Desai emphasized that this unpredictability has lasting consequences, with governments worldwide recognizing that the US is unlikely to become a stable economic partner, even under a future Democratic administration. While Canada remains closely tied to the US, Desai believes a gradual realignment towards a multipolar world is inevitable. In a recent move, Prime Minister Carney attended the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to strengthen trade, technology, and energy partnerships with Southeast Asian nations, signaling Canada’s intent to diversify its economic relationships. Meanwhile, the European Union and Australia are advancing their long-awaited Free Trade Agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to an open, rules-based trading system. New Zealand has also been proactive in diversifying its trade partnerships, recently concluding agreements with the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and engaging in negotiations with India. These efforts underscore a broader trend among global allies to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce vulnerability to market-specific shocks.