Africa
Morocco flooding kills dozens
At least 37 people in Morocco were killed by flash floods. Dozens of other people were treated for injuries, and access to and from the city is blocked on certain roads because of damage. Climate crisis is partially responsible for extreme weather fluctuations in Morocco, scientists say.
Ugandan army says it was holding missing priest
The Ugandan military admitted to holding a Catholic priest for nearly two weeks. The priest, Father Deusdedit Ssekabira is accused of being involved in “violent subversive activities.” The Catholic Church has yet to respond to the military’s accusations. Uganda has faced criticism from human rights groups because of alleged enforced disappearances and long detentions without trial.
Asia
Cambodia closes border with Thailand
Cambodian officials are shutting down its border crossing with Thailand as the two countries remain in conflict. Cambodia’s interior ministry said the closing will remain in place until further notice. The two countries have fought over the border for more than 100 years. President Donald Trump recently said the countries agreed to a ceasefire.
Pro-democracy campaigner jailed in Hong Kong
Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old UK citizen who has been in jail since 2020, was found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law. He faces life in prison and pleaded not guilty. Lai was found guilty of using is Apple Daily newspaper to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China.
Europe
German Christmas market attack stopped
Police in Germany arrested five men who are suspected of being involved in a plot to drive a vehicle into a crowd at a Christmas market. Authorities believe the men were Islamists. Last December, an attack on a German Christmas market killed six people. It is unknown when the attack was supposed to take place or which market was the target.
Russian archaeologist arrested in Poland
Alexander Butyagin, a prominent Russian archaeologist from Hermitage Museum, was arrested in Poland. He was wanted by Ukraine for allegedly conducting illegal excavations and partially destroying the ancient city of Myrmekion. Russian officials are providing Butyagin with consular assistance.
Latin America
Chile elects far-right president
Jose Antonio Kast is slated to be the next president of Chile. The far-right wing politician will be inaugurated in March. During a speech, he said Chile will be free from crime, anguish and fear. Kast is an admirer of Donald Trump and pledged a border wall on Chile’s border with Peru and Bolivia.
Former Bolivian president arrested
Former Bolivia President Luis Arce has been arrested and is accused of authorizing transfers from the public treasury to personal accounts of political leaders. Arce has yet to comment on the accusations. He will remain in police custody before being brought before a judge to determine whether he will remain detained.
North America
Brown shooting leaves two dead
Two students were killed and nine others were injured in a mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island. The incident took place this past Saturday when a gunman opened fire in a classroom. As of Monday, police were still searching for the gunman. Most of those who are injured are in “critical but stable” condition, the Rhode Island Hospital said.
Three Americans killed in Syria
The US Central Command announced that two US soldiers and an American interpreter were killed in Syria by an Islamic State gunman. Three other service members were also injured in the attack. The gunman was killed, and two Syrian service personnel were also injured.
