In a coordinated social media campaign, Emirati influencers and an official Israeli state X account have targeted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), their paramilitary rival, have been accused of massacring hundreds of civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher. The RSF seized control of el-Fasher, the last city in Darfur to fall under their control, after a 500-day siege. Satellite imagery and RSF fighters’ own documentation corroborate the mass killings and abuses committed during the takeover. As criticism mounted against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its well-documented support of the RSF, Emirati influencers and Israeli accounts, including the official Arabic language account of Israel, have shifted focus to the SAF, linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Amjad Taha, a prominent Emirati analyst, led the charge by comparing the SAF to Hamas, posting images of an Israeli family and a Sudanese family, claiming both were victims of ‘Muslim Brotherhood-led forces.’ However, Middle East Eye found that the Sudanese family image dates back to at least September, with no evidence linking their deaths to the SAF. Israeli and Emirati accounts have also made unverified claims about the SAF targeting Christian minorities, despite the war not being fought along religious lines. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 13 million people. The UAE and Israel have strengthened ties since normalizing relations in 2020, with recent reports indicating UAE’s increased supply of weapons to the RSF, aided by Israel.
分类： world
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Judge orders arrest of ex-Green Beret tied to failed Venezuela raid after court no-show
A federal judge in Tampa, Florida, has issued an arrest warrant for Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in Venezuela in 2020. Goudreau, 49, failed to appear in court for a hearing regarding potential violations of his pre-trial release conditions. Last year, he was arrested on weapons smuggling charges tied to the botched invasion, which aimed to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Released on bond secured by filmmaker Jen Gatien’s $2 million Manhattan apartment, Goudreau now faces allegations of abusive behavior and threats to flee the country. Gatien testified that Goudreau reneged on financial agreements and sent threatening messages, including claims he would not return to jail. Judge Christopher Tuite issued the warrant after Goudreau’s absence, despite his ankle monitor still being active in the Tampa area. Goudreau’s attorney expressed confusion over his client’s disappearance. The 2020 plot, dubbed the ‘Bay of Piglets,’ involved training Venezuelan deserters in Colombia for a cross-border raid. Exposed by The Associated Press, the mission failed, resulting in casualties and imprisonment of Goudreau’s associates. Gatien’s documentary, ‘Men of War,’ initially sympathetic to Goudreau, has since highlighted his deceit and coercive behavior. Prosecutors also revealed Goudreau’s attempts to retrieve assault rifles stored by an Oklahoma couple, violating court orders. Goudreau, a Canadian-born U.S. citizen, claims his mission had tacit approval from the Trump administration, which has faced criticism for its approach to Venezuelan regime change. He remains a polarizing figure, recently accusing the CIA of sabotaging his efforts and questioning U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela.
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Radio silence: How the defence of Sudan’s el-Fasher collapsed after comms blackout
The fall of el-Fasher, a besieged city in Sudan’s Darfur region, was triggered by a catastrophic communications blackout that left troops disoriented and isolated as Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters advanced. According to soldiers, commanders, and a telecoms worker who spoke to Middle East Eye, the blackout occurred on October 26, rendering all communication devices useless during a critical phase of the battle. This disruption forced military leaders to withdraw their forces, abandoning the city and its 260,000 residents to the RSF. Many soldiers, unaware of the withdrawal order, were left behind and either died fighting or fled in chaos. The RSF, accused of widespread massacres and atrocities, now controls the city, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. The blackout is believed to have been facilitated by sophisticated jamming equipment, allegedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, which targeted satellite and radio communications. This incident underscores the devastating impact of technological warfare in modern conflicts, where control over communication systems can determine the outcome of battles.
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Why China the spotlight at APEC
As the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting convenes in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, China has emerged as a focal point of discussions. Amid significant economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, China’s role is increasingly pivotal. Experts highlight how China’s strategies and collaborations could drive regional recovery and sustainable growth. Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, emphasized China’s potential to revitalize APEC through free trade agreements, regional value chains, and investments in digital and green economies. He pointed to China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports and infrastructure projects in APEC nations as key initiatives enhancing economic resilience. Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, underscored the importance of China and APEC in defending trade multilateralism and regional development. He noted that the next three decades of Asia-Pacific cooperation will be more challenging, requiring a united effort to maintain the region’s economic dynamism. As APEC leaders strive to innovate and prosper, China’s active participation and collaboration with other members are seen as essential to addressing current challenges and fostering a sustainable future. The spirit of cooperation is crucial for building a resilient global economy and ensuring collective prosperity.
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UAE swiftly responds to aid people affected by hurricane Melissa
In a swift and decisive move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has mobilized emergency relief efforts to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, which recently wreaked havoc across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Through the UAE Aid Agency and in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the UAE has dispatched critical supplies, including food, shelter materials, and infrastructure support, to aid recovery efforts. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to global humanitarianism and its dedication to assisting vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasized the nation’s proactive approach to disaster response, highlighting its role in providing essential resources such as food, medicine, and shelter to those in need. The UAE’s efforts reflect its longstanding tradition of solidarity with nations facing natural disasters, wars, and conflicts, reinforcing its ethical and international responsibilities.
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Israel once again violates Gaza ceasefire in fresh attacks and killings
The Gaza Strip witnessed renewed violence on Friday as Israeli military operations resulted in the deaths of at least five Palestinians, despite earlier announcements of a ceasefire resumption. Local media reported that Israeli forces carried out demolitions, artillery shelling, and aerial bombardments across the region, with the highest casualties recorded in Gaza City and Khan Younis. Among the victims was a young man killed in an air strike on his home in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis, while another succumbed to injuries from a prior attack. Israeli troops also opened fire in the Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, killing one and injuring another. A fourth fatality occurred near al-Jalaa Street, and a fifth Palestinian was killed in Jabalia, north Gaza, after Israeli forces targeted civilians. These assaults have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis affecting over two million people in the besieged enclave. Since October 11, Israel has committed at least 125 ceasefire violations, with the death toll surpassing 100 Palestinians and dozens more injured. Displaced families in Khan Younis expressed fears of a return to full-scale conflict, citing sleepless nights and dwindling supplies. Health officials have raised alarms over the severe shortage of necessities, with only a limited number of food aid trucks entering Gaza through the Kissufim crossing. Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s blockade continues to restrict humanitarian efforts, despite agreements to allow aid. Over 1,000 Palestinians in need of medical treatment have died due to Israel’s restrictions on essential supplies. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians and wounded over 170,000. In a related development, the bodies of 30 Palestinians were handed over to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. The ministry confirmed that some bodies showed signs of severe torture, with missing organs and limbs. Hamas has released 20 Israeli captives in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and has returned 15 out of 28 deceased Israeli captives, with the remainder expected to be handed over once recovered.
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Exclusive: Inside the UAE’s secret Sudan war operation at Somalia’s Bosaso
At Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s Puntland state, the roar of heavy cargo planes has become a familiar sound. These aircraft, identified as IL-76 transport planes, are part of a clandestine operation that has raised eyebrows among local residents and international observers alike. According to multiple sources, including flight tracking data and satellite imagery, these planes originate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are destined for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities in the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The logistics materials transported are immediately transferred to standby aircraft, ensuring swift delivery to the RSF. The operation is shrouded in secrecy, with heavy security measures in place during loading and offloading. Local authorities, including the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), have expressed concerns over the nature of these shipments, which are not for domestic use but rather serve as a covert transit point. The UAE has long funded the PMPF to combat piracy, but the recent influx of weapons and logistical support has strained relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. The presence of Colombian mercenaries at Bosaso Airport further complicates the situation, as they are reportedly involved in the conflict in Sudan. The UAE’s expanding influence in the region, driven by strategic interests and financial leverage, has drawn criticism from analysts who warn of the potential for broader geopolitical rivalries. Despite the concerns, Mogadishu has been unable to challenge the UAE’s activities in Puntland, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the Horn of Africa.
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‘Around 700 dead’ in Tanzania election protests, opposition party says
In a tragic escalation of tensions surrounding Tanzania’s recent elections, the main opposition party, Chadema, has reported that approximately 700 people have lost their lives during three days of violent protests. The unrest, which erupted in the economic capital Dar es Salaam and other regions, saw demonstrators marching towards the city center on Friday, according to party spokesman John Kitoka. Kitoka stated that the death toll in Dar es Salaam alone is estimated at 350, with an additional 200-plus fatalities in Mwanza and other areas across the country. A security source corroborated these figures, indicating a widespread and devastating impact. The protests have underscored deep political divisions and raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Tanzania. Authorities have yet to officially confirm the numbers or provide a detailed response to the crisis.
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‘No inch here was spared’: Hurricane Melissa destroys Jamaica town
The coastal town of Black River in Jamaica has been left in ruins following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to strike the country in modern history. BBC correspondent Nada Tawfik, reporting from the scene, described a landscape of utter devastation, with no area left untouched by the hurricane’s fury. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure have been reduced to rubble, leaving residents in a state of desperation and despair. The storm’s unprecedented intensity has overwhelmed local authorities, who are now scrambling to provide emergency aid and assess the full extent of the damage. The international community is being called upon to assist in the recovery efforts, as Jamaica faces one of its most challenging moments in recent memory. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of weather events in the era of climate change, prompting urgent discussions about disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable regions.
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More than 60,000 flee Sudanese city after its capture by RSF militia – UN
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) consolidate control over western regions, including the strategically significant city of el-Fasher. Reports from the ground reveal harrowing conditions, with over 150,000 people trapped in el-Fasher, many suffering from severe malnutrition. Survivors of the siege have recounted witnessing executions and widespread abuse by armed militias. The RSF has denied allegations of ethnically motivated killings, but its detention of Abu Lulu, a militiaman accused of summary executions, has drawn international attention. TikTok has banned an account linked to Lulu, though it remains unclear if he personally managed it. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced 12 million people, creating what the UN describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The RSF now dominates western Sudan and parts of Kordofan, while the army retains control of Khartoum and eastern regions. The two factions, once allies in a 2021 coup, have since clashed over a transition to civilian rule, plunging the nation into chaos.