Africa
Gunmen target Nigerian school
One teacher was killed and 25 students were abducted by gunmen who targeted a girls’ secondary school in Nigeria. Another teacher suffered gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment. Schools in northern Nigeria have been targeted over the years by armed groups who carry out abductions to seek ransom payments or deals with the government.
South Sudan leader fires vice-president
South Sudan leader Salva Kiir has fired one of his vice-presidents, Benjamin Bol Mel. He was tipped as a possible successor and had his military rank of general stripped. Kiir did not explain the dismissal, and Bol Mel said in a letter that he still has full confidence in South Sudan’s government.
Asia
Arrest made in Delhi car bomb attack
Officials in India have arrested a man in connection to a car bomb attack that killed eight people in Delhi. The car used in the attack was registered to the arrested suspect’s name, and police accused the man of conspiring with the alleged suicide bomber. The incident occurred near a metro station close to the Red Fort, a prominent Delhi landmark.
Thai king visits China
Thailand King Maha Vajiralongkorn paid a visit to China last week. It is the first time a Thai monarch has visited the area. He made the visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both countries establishing diplomatic ties. Thailand’s government said the trip “underlines the deep-rooted friendship and mutual understanding shared between Thailand and China at all levels.”
Europe
Ecuador gang leader captured in Spain
Wilmer “Pipo” Chavarria, head of the Los Lobos drug-trafficking gang, has been arrested in Spain. Chavarria had allegedly faked his own death, changed his identity, and moved to Europe while continuing to lead the gang’s Ecuador operations. Los Lobos has been designated as a terrorist organization by both Ecuador and the United States.
Germany looks to increase troop numbers
Germany is working to boost its army to 260,000 soldiers by 2035. The country agreed to a new military service plan that will mandate all 18-year-old men to fill out a questionnaire on their suitability to serve. Young German men will also be required to undergo medical screening. German officials are working to create Europe’s strongest conventional army.
Latin America
Colombia bombs suspected rebel camp
Colombia’s military confirmed it carried out an air strike on a suspected rebel camp in the Guaviare province. At least 19 people were killed, and the attack targeted a faction of the Farc rebel group. Colombia Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said the air strike was a blow to “one of Colombia’s most dangerous criminals.”
North America
NFL player shot
New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd was shot in Manhattan over the weekend. As of Monday, he was in critical condition at a hospital. Police do not have a suspect in custody, and an investigation is underway. Boyd is 29 and played for the Houston Texans before joining the Jets this year.
JFK’s grandson to run for Congress
Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is planning to run for U.S. Congress. Schlossberg is seeking to fill the congressional seat being vacated by New York Representative Jerrold Nadler. He is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and has said he is inspired by his family’s legacy of public service.
