Africa
Dozens of jihadists killed in Nigeria
At least 35 jihadists were killed in air strike attacks coordinated by Nigeria’s military. The jihadists were killed near Nigeria’s north-eastern border with Cameroon. Nigeria’s Air Force said it will continue to provide air cover to troops attacking jihadist bases in its north-eastern border.
Bodies found in Kenya, may be linked to cult
Authorities in Kenya exhumed nine bodies from graves that are believed to be linked to Kenya’s starvation cult. The victims are believed to have been followers of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie. He is accused of encouraging his followers to starve themselves to death. Mackenzie was arrested last year and pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.
Asia
North Korea carries out new missile test
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un oversaw two new air defense missile tests. The country’s media said the weapons have “superior combat capability” and can destroy various aerial targets. Recently, South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the Demilitarized Zone.
India faces aviation staff shortage
An Indian parliamentary panel warned that the country’s aviation safety regulator is severely understaffed. The panel said the staff shortage poses an “existential threat” to the integrity of India’s aviation system. India is the world’s third-largest aviation market and has seen a spike in air travel in recent years.
Europe
Denmark ends sales tax on books
Officials in Denmark are planning to end a 25 percent sale tax on books. Jacob Engel-Scmidt, the country’s culture minister, said he hopes ending the tax will lead to more book sales. OECD, an intergovernmental think tank, found that around a quarter of 15-year-old Danish students cannot understand simple text.
Norway Crown Princess’s son charged with rape
Marius Borg Hoiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway Crown Princess Mette Marit, has been charged with four counts of rape. He denied the accusations but plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges. Hoiby faces up to 10 years in prison if he is found guilty of the most serious charges.
Latin America
Bolsonaro accused of obstructing justice
Police in Brazil allege former President Jair Bolsonaro was planning to seek asylum in Argentina. Bolsonaro allegedly had a document on his phone that showed his plans to evade criminal proceedings. He is currently on trial for allegedly leading an attempted coup after he lost in the 2022 presidential election.
Heads found on Mexican road
Police in central Mexico discovered six severed heads on a road. Authorities did not give a motive for the killings, and it is unknown who carried out the attacks. Local media reported that a message warning rival gangs was left at the scene of the heads. Mexican federal authorities have yet to comment on the crime.
North America
FBI agents target former Trump advisor
FBI agents raided the home and office of former Trump advisor John Bolton. The raid was part of an investigation into the handling of classified information. Bolton, who left the Trump administration in 2019, has been a critic of President Trump. He has not been detained and is not facing criminal charges.
Evangelical leader dies
Dr. James Dobson, an influential evangelical leader and a fixture in conservative U.S. politics, has died. He founded Focus on the Family, a ministry in nearly 100 countries. Dobson also served on President Trump’s advisory board for evangelical affairs. He faced several controversies over his career, particularly by being critical on LGBTQ+ issues.
