Africa
Six bodies found in South Africa building – Authorities in South Africa have arrested a 21-year-old man and charged him with murder after discovering six decomposed bodies in a building. All of the bodies were women, and police have not given a motive for the killings. The bodies were dis- covered after complaints of an odor coming from the building.
Fuel shortage in Tunisia – Tunisia’s UGTT labor union announced that the country only has enough petrol to last a week. Images have shown long lines of cars waiting to fill their gas tanks. Naila Nouira blamed the fuel shortage on motorists taking more than they need. Typically, fuel reserve levels are set at 60 days.
Asia
North Korea says missile launches were “simulation” of nuclear attack North Korea state media published reports earlier this week saying recent missile tests were designed to carry tactical nuclear weapons. Recent intelligence suggests North Korea is preparing to hold its first nuclear weapon test in five years. North Korea also claimed to have successfully simulated hit- ting South Korea’s military bases, ports and airports.
Ex-policeman kills dozens at Thailand nursery – At least 37 people were killed when a former policeman attacked a childcare center with a gun and knife. Among the victims included 23 children with some of them being as young as two. The alleged attacker, Panya Kamrab, killed him- self and his family after the attack. Motive is unknown.
Europe
Ukrainian cities hit by missiles – Two days after an important bridge that linked Russia with Crimea was damaged, 12 Ukraine cities were hit by missile strikes. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is targeting energy infrastructure and energy facilities in places like Kyiv, Lviv and other areas. In total, Russia launched 83 missiles in a two-day span, according to Ukraine.
French prime minister visits Algeria looking to amend relations – French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne traveled to Algeria for a two-day visit where she is expected to sign deals on economic cooperation. Tensions between the two countries grew last year after French President Emmanuel Macron questioned Algeria’s existence as a nation. Algeria is an important gas exporter. Earlier this year, Macron visited Algeria as well.
Latin America
Mexico mayor assassinated – Gunmen in San Miguel Totolapan, a small town in western Mexico, killed the city’s mayor along with at least 17 other people. Officials blamed the attack on the Los Tequileros criminal gang which is linked to a large drug cartel. Others who were killed in the attack include police officers and council workers. In 2018, numerous political figures were killed in the town as well.
Haiti seeks military help – Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry has received authorization from the country’s govern- ment to request army help because of “the risk of a major humanitarian crisis.” Gangs have blocked the country’s main fuel termi- nal since September, impacting supplies like water and food. The United States recently urged Americans to leave Haiti because of the insecurity. The United Nations said it has not received an official request for military assistance from Haiti’s government. It is unclear to whom Henry’s request was sent.
North America
Biden issues pardons for simple possession of marijuana – President Joe Biden pardoned around 6,500 people with federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana. The pardons will make it easier for people to get employment, housing and education, Biden said. When he was running for office, Biden promised to decriminalize marijuana use. Currently, recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states while medical use is legal in 37 states.
School police force suspended in Uvalde – After 19 children and two teachers died during a gun attack at Robb Elementary School in May, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District in Texas suspended its entire police force. Police were accused of failing to respond properly to the shooting. In July, an investigation found systemic failures and egregiously poor decision-making” by people involved in the response to the attack.
