Africa
Rwanda Republic of accuses Congo of Democratic provocation – Rwanda issued a statement accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo of “provocation” because a military jet crossed into its territory. Tensions between the two countries have been high after the Democratic Republic of Congo accused Rwanda of backing a rebel group in the east of the country. The jet touched down at an airport in Rwanda then returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Top militant leaders killed in Nigeria – Nigeria announced that two leading officials from the Islamic State West Africa Province were killed in air strikes. The officials, Ali Kwaya and Bukar Mainoka, were senior members of the extremist group’s Shura Council. The air strikes also hit vehicles ithat attempt carried injured jihadists to a hideout.
Asia
iPhones delayed because of lockdown in China – Apple warned that its products may be delayed because of a strict COVID-19 lockdown at an assembly plant in China. The plant is operating at a significantly reduced capacity because of China’s “zero-COVID” policy. The district that is home to the factory was locked down for seven days. Recent figures show China’s economy is struggling because of challenges like COVID-19 restrictions.
Pakistan investigating shooting of opposition leader – Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered a police investigation into an attack that left opposition leader Imran Khan wounded. Khan, the country’s former prime minister, was shot in the leg at a protest last week. Another person was killed while 10 others were injured. Khan accused the current prime minister, interior minister and army general of trying to kill him.
Europe
Russia accused of strikes – First responders accused Russia and Syria of a massacre after strikes on camps in the opposition-northwest part of Syria, left hundreds of families displaced. Air strikes hit camps for displaced people in the Idlib province. At least three children and a woman died from the attacks. Russia said Syrian warplanes struck a jihadist group’s drone facility and training camp.
Spanish police claim largest ever cannabis seizure – Spanish police say they seized more than 32 tons of cannabis that has an estimated street value of more than $57 million. The drug was seized in a series of raids across Spain that resulted in the arrest of nine men and 11 women. The group was involved in a business network that exported the drugs across Europe.
Latin America
Flooding leaves six people dead in Dominican Republic – Torrential rains in the Dominican Republic killed at least six people. Poor drainage in the country has caused streets to be flooded. Others have been reported as missing while hundreds of homes have also been damaged. Meteorologists said they were surprised by the strength of the downpour of rain, despite knowing heavy rain was approaching
Protesters/police clash in Peru – Demonstrators calling for Peruvian President Pedro Castillo to resign over corruption allegations flooded the streets in Lima. Thousands of people participated in anti-government matches before riot police used tear gas to disperse them. No injuries were reported from the use of tear gas. Castillo is being investigated and insists he has committed no crimes.
North America
Lotto hits $1.9 billion prize – The United States Powerball jackpot is now at $1.9 billion, a world record. The lottery has had no winner for more than three months. The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The last time the jackpot was won was in August when a winning ticket paid out $206.9 million.
Flu hospital cases increase – Flu hospital admissions are at the highest rate in ten years in the United States. Adults have received five million fewer flu shots this year compared to the same time last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 730 people have died from the virus this year. There have been at least 1.6 million flu cases overall this year.
