Africa
Rebels target oil pipeline in Niger
Officials in Niger confirmed that rebels damaged an oil pipeline between Niger and Benin. The pipeline, which was formally launched in November, provides crude oil to Benin. A rebel group called the Patriotic Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is fighting for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum. He was overthrown in a coup last summer.
Rally stampede leaves one dead, dozens injured in Rwanda
At least one person was killed while dozens were injured during a crush in Rwanda. The incident occurred as Rwanda President Paul Kagame formally launched his reelection campaign at a rally. Kagame’s party said it was deeply saddened by the stampede and sent its condolences to the victim’s family. Around 250,000 people attended Kagame’s rally.
Asia
Snake bites on the rise in Bangladesh
Hospitals in Bangladesh have reported an increase in people being bitten by snakes. Officials ordered hospitals to stock up on anti-venom in response to the surge. In particular, cases of bites from the Russell’s viper have increased. The viper is typically found near human settlements and was originally declared extinct in Bangladesh in 2002.
Dozens die from bootleg alcohol in India
India’s Tamil Nadu state reported that 57 people have died the past week after drinking toxic bootleg alcohol. Authorities have since arrested five people in connection with the bootleg alcohol. It is typical for bootleggers to add methanol to their mixture to increase its strength. Methanol can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.
Europe
Putin tells South Korea to not support Ukraine
Russia President Vladimir Putin said it would be a big mistake if South Korea provided support to Ukraine in its war against Russia. South Korea recently said arming Ukraine was a possibility after Russia and North Korea recently agreed to help each other if there is “aggression” against either country. Putin spoke in Vietnam shortly after he visited North Korea and the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
Gunmen target churches and synagogue in Russia
At least 20 people were killed when gunmen targeted churches, a synagogue, and police posts in southern Russia. The area where the attacks occurred is a predominantly Muslim republic. The attacks occurred Sunday night during the Orthodox festival of Pentecost. Dagestan, the area where the attacks occurred, has been the victim of Islamist attacks in the past.
Latin America
Nationwide blackout leaves millions in the dark in Ecuador
This past week, Ecuador suffered through a nationwide blackout. At least 18 million people were without power for several hours. Ecuador’s public works minister said the blackout is more proof of an energy crisis that the country is dealing with. Earlier this year, the government was forced to execute a series of blackouts because of a drought. Most of Ecuador’s energy comes from Colombia.
Suspects accused of trying to kidnap Brazilian judge killed in jail
Janeferson Aparecido Mariano Gomes and Reginaldo Oliveira de Sousa, two men suspected of being involved in a plot to kidnap a Brazilian judge, were killed in prison. They were arrested last year and were being held in pre-trial detention. The arrest led to police learning about a plan to kidnap high-ranking public officials for ransom. The men were both 48 years old and were on a sunbathing break inside the prison compound when they were attacked.
North America
Pirates of the Caribbean actor killed in shark attack
Tamayo Perry, who acted in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film, died after being attacked by a shark in Hawaii. He was 49 and was pronounced dead by paramedics after he was brought to shore by a jet ski. Perry was one of the pirates in the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strander Tides.” He also appeared in other popular TV shows like Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
Criminal charges recommended against Boeing
U.S. prosecutors have advised the Department of Justice to file criminal charges against Boeing. The plane maker is accused by the Department of Justice of violating a settlement related to two crashes involving its aircrafts. The Department of Justice will have until July 7 to decide whether or not to prosecute Boeing.
