Africa
Dozens abducted at Nigerian train station – Security forces in Nigeria have launched a search-and-rescue operation after 32 people were abducted at a train station. Reports suggest gunmen armed with AK-47s shot in the air before seizing those who were kidnapped. Gunmen targeting communities for political reasons have been on the rise in the country. Nigeria’s presidential election is next month.
Somalia discovers oil – Somalia’s ministry of energy and mineral resources said in a statement that oil has been discovered in the country. Officials launched an investigation after a black liquid spilled from a water well drilling site. It is the first time oil has been discovered n the area. In recent weeks, the Somali federal government warned Genel Energy against oil exploration in the country without authorization.
Asia
Millions of people infected with COVID in Chinese province – About 90 percent of people in Henan, China recently tested positive for COVID-19. Henan is China’s third largest province. The rise in cases was revealed at a press conference, where officials said 88.5 million people in the province are infected with the virus. Chinese health officials recently said they would not include Pfizer’s antiviral COVID medicine in basic medical insurance schemes.
Cold weather causes problems in India – A severe cold wave in northern India has delayed more than a hundred flights and dozens of trains. Schools in India’s capital Delhi were asked to extend winter holidays and cancel classes because of the weather. Residents have been asked to avoid or limit outdoor activities until the weather improves. Weather conditions in the country are expected to improve this week.
Europe
Ukraine denies Russia attack killed hundreds – Ukraine disputed a Russian claim that the country killed more than 600 Ukrainian forces in a missile strike. Russia did not provide proof of its claim but did say the attack was made in retaliation for a Ukraine attack on a Russian base that killed dozens of Russian soldiers. There is no visual evidence that the Russia attack caused mass deaths.
Man arrested over suspected chemical attack in Germany – German authorities arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly plotting an “Islamist-motivated” attack. The man was planning to use cyanide and ricin in an attack, according to German police. No poison was found when authorities raided the man’s house, but police did seize electronic devices. Germany has been targeted by Islamist attackers in recent years.
Latin America
Nearly 1,200 supporters of former Brazilian president arrested – Authorities in Brazil arrested 1,200 supporters of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro after government buildings were stormed by protesters over the weekend. Bolsonaro lost the presidential election in October and has made unproven claims about fraud in voting systems. He denied encouraging his supporters to storm government buildings. United States President Joe Biden condemned the riots.
El Chapo’s son arrested – Mexican authorities arrested 32-year-old Ovidio Guzmán-López who is alleged to be a leader of his father’s former cartel. His father, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, is currently serving life in prison after being found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering. Authorities say at least 29 people were killed during the operation that captured Guzmán-López.
North America
Biden visits U.S.-Mexico border – United States President Joe Biden visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. His trip included visits to a migrant center in El Paso and a tour of a section of the border wall. Biden recently announced tougher measures to expand nationalities of those who can be sent back to Mexico. Migrant crossings have increased dramatically in recent months.
Six-year-old child shoots teacher in Virgina – Abby Zwerner, a teacher at a Virgina elementary school, is now in stable condition after a six-year-old child shot her. The child is in police custody, but it is unclear how the gun in the attack was obtained. Police said the incident occurred after an “altercation” and added that the attack did not appear to be accidental.
