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Quran Burner Salwan Momika Shot Dead in Sweden

Salwan Momika

by Admin Jan 30, 2025 Salwan Momika, the man who ignited violent protests after burning the Quran, has been shot dead in Sweden. Prosecutors confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening in an apartment in Södertälje, Stockholm. Monika gained international notoriety after setting fire to a Quran outside Stockholm Central Mosque in 2023, which triggered unrest both in Sweden and abroad. Following the shooting, Stockholm police reported that five individuals had been arrested in connection with the killing of a man in his 40s. Authorities responded to reports of a suspected shooting at an apartment in Hovsjö at 23:11 am on Wednesday. The victim, who was later identified by media as Momika, was found with gunshot wounds and rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning. Reports indicate that he had been livestreaming on social media around the time of the attack. An Iraqi national residing in Sweden, Momika had been charged in August 2023 alongside another individual for “agitation against an ethnic group” on four occasions. His verdict was expected on Thursday but was postponed after Stockholm District Court confirmed his death. Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish Prime Minister stated that the country’s security services were involved in the investigation, citing concerns over possible links to foreign powers. Momika’s anti-Islam demonstrations sparked outrage across Muslim-majority nations, leading to unrest at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on two occasions. The diplomatic fallout also resulted in the expulsion of Sweden’s ambassador from Iraq. Although Swedish authorities had granted him permission for his Quran-burning protest under the country’s free speech laws, the incident prompted the government to explore legal measures to restrict demonstrations involving the desecration of religious texts under certain circumstances.

Rwanda President Kagame Clashes With South Africa Ramaphosa Over Congo

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame

by Admin Jan 30, 2025 Rwandan President Paul Kagame has strongly dismissed allegations by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that Rwanda’s Defence Forces (RDF) were responsible for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Ramaphosa claimed that the RDF and the M23 rebel group, which he referred to as a “militia,” attacked Congolese armed forces and peacekeepers in eastern DRC, resulting in fatalities. “South Africa’s military presence in eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state,” Ramaphosa said, emphasizing that the territorial integrity of the DRC must be upheld in line with the United Nations Charter. The ongoing conflict in DRC has led to significant casualties and displacement, particularly after M23 rebels, believed to be backed by Rwanda, seized control of the strategic city of Goma. The group has, however, accused the Congolese government of failing to honor past peace agreements. Responding to Ramaphosa’s statement, Kagame firmly rejected the accusations, calling them distortions and outright falsehoods. “What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies,” Kagame wrote on X. He further dismissed claims that Ramaphosa had issued any kind of warning to Rwanda, sarcastically suggesting that if such a warning existed, it must have been delivered in a language he did not understand. While asserting Rwanda’s stance, Kagame stated that South Africa is welcome to contribute to peace efforts in the region but argued that it is not in a position to assume the role of a mediator or peacemaker.

Passenger Plane Collides With Military Black Hawk Helicopter at Reagan National Airport

Ongoing Rescue Operation near the Reagan National Airport

by Admin Jan 30, 2025 An American Airlines passenger plane carrying 64 people crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, DC, late Wednesday after a midair collision with a military black hawk helicopter conducting a training exercise. The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response and led to the temporary grounding of all flights in the area. The aircraft was nearing its destination at Reagan National Airport following a flight from Kansas when the collision occurred. American Airlines confirmed that the plane, operated by one of its subsidiaries, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. A United States Army official stated that the other aircraft involved was a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers on a training flight. A military spokesperson later confirmed this in a statement. Washington police reported that there was “no confirmed information on casualties at this time.” Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspended all flights at Reagan National Airport, and authorities said multiple agencies were actively responding to the crash site in the Potomac River. The last major fatal air crash in the U.S. occurred in 2009 when Continental Flight 3407, traveling from New Jersey to Buffalo, New York, crashed, killing all 49 people on board.

300 Foreign Mercenaries Arrested In Goma By M23 Rebels

Captured Romanian Mercenaries

by Admin Jan 29, 2025 Three hundred foreign mercenaries hired by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to counter the rapid advance of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have surrendered and were en route to their home countries on Wednesday. The surrender came after M23 fighters captured Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. This forced the mercenaries—alongside remnants of the Congolese army and allied militias—into a precarious position against Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. With no viable escape route, the mercenaries surrendered themselves to United Nations peacekeepers in Goma, who facilitated their transit home through neighboring Rwanda. “We are just relieved because we can finally go home … it’s a big relief,” said one of the mercenaries, identifying himself as a Romanian who had spent nearly two years in Goma. Speaking to Reuters as he crossed into Rwanda, he declined to reveal his name but described the devastation in Goma as a result of the conflict between “the Rwandans and the Congolese.” Kigali has consistently denied allegations of backing M23 but maintains that it has taken what it calls defensive measures in response to the conflict. Rwanda has also accused the Congolese government of collaborating with groups responsible for the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The mercenaries, recruited to reinforce Congo’s underfunded and weakened army, were tasked with operating high-tech military drones. However, according to an analysis by the International Crisis Group, Rwandan air defenses effectively neutralized these drones, rendering them largely ineffective in combat. Congo enlisted the services of Agemira RDC, a subsidiary of a Bulgarian-based parent company, to provide logistical support. Additionally, it contracted Congo Protection, a military training firm led by a former member of the French Foreign Legion, said Henry-Pacifique Mayala of the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), which monitors unrest in the region. Mayala noted that a lack of coordination between these military contractors and other forces on the ground ultimately exacerbated the conflict rather than improved Congo’s military response.

M23 Seize Key-City of Goma of The Republic of Congo

M23 REBELS

by Admin Jan 28, 2025 Rebels from the M23 movement have advanced on the strategic city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with confirmed reports that they have seized control of the city’s airport on Monday night after intense clashes with the Congolese army. However, the Congolese government insists it remains in control of Goma airport despite ongoing heavy clashes in parts of the city. Several aid agencies report widespread looting of warehouses containing food and medical supplies. At the same time, hospitals are overwhelmed by casualties, and bodies lie uncollected on the streets, according to the United Nations. The rebel offensive has sparked protests in the capital, Kinshasa, with demonstrators targeting foreign embassies, which include France, Kenya, and Uganda. Protesters burned tires and disrupted traffic, which reflected growing public frustration over the violence. The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has been accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, which Kigali has repeatedly denied. The group has made significant territorial gains in several parts of the mineral-rich region, a vital hub for global trade in resources such as those used in mobile phone production. In response to the escalating violence, the African Union (AU) called on the M23 to lay down arms following a meeting on Tuesday. Bankole Adeoye, the AU’s Peace and Security Commissioner, condemned the violence and reiterated support for DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the situation in Goma remains dire. Prodesq News Agency gathered that M23 fighters had taken control of the airport, and more than 1,200 Congolese soldiers reportedly surrendered and are now confined to a United Nations base near the airport. Humanitarian agencies have described the crisis as one of the deadliest since the Congolese civil war. Adelheid Marschang, the World Health Organization’s emergency response coordinator for the DRC, reported hundreds of gunshot victims have been admitted to several hospitals, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) treating over 100 wounded within 24 hours at its Goma hospital—an unprecedented influx. The hospital car park has been converted into a triage area to manage the surge. The use of heavy artillery in densely populated areas is causing severe injuries, particularly among children, the ICRC noted. Meanwhile, peacekeeping forces have also suffered losses. South Africa announced that four of its soldiers, deployed as part of the United Nations mission in the DRC, had died in clashes with M23, bringing the country’s total peacekeeping fatalities to 13. Malawi and Uruguay have also reported casualties among their troops. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame held discussions on Monday, agreeing on the urgent need for a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks. In parallel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the M23 offensive in a call with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. Both leaders agreed on the importance of restarting peace negotiations with Rwanda to address the crisis. As the conflict escalates, international and regional efforts to broker peace are gaining urgency, but the humanitarian toll continues to rise in Goma and surrounding areas.

Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Northern Nigeria, Kills Commander and 19 Soldiers

Boko Haram Terrorist Group

by Admin Jan 28, 2025 At least 20 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in a suspected attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northeastern Borno State. The attack occurred on Friday afternoon in Malam-Fatori, a remote town near the border with Niger, and reportedly lasted for over three hours. Prodesq News Agency gathered that security sources revealed that ISWAP militants launched the attack on the Nigerian Army’s 149th Battalion using gun trucks, taking the troops by surprise. Among the casualties was the battalion’s commanding officer, a lieutenant colonel. “They rained bullets everywhere,” a surviving soldier recounted. “We tried so much to repel the attacks, but after more than three hours of gun duel, they overpowered us, killing our commanding officer.” The soldier, who requested anonymity, confirmed that at least 20 soldiers lost their lives, with several others injured. Local residents reported seeing the attackers in Malam-Fatori as late as Saturday night. Malakaka Bukar, a member of the local militia assisting the army, stated that the militants burned buildings and forced residents to flee. “They preached to some of the residents,” Bukar added. ISWAP, an offshoot of Boko Haram since 2016, has become the dominant armed group in northeastern Nigeria. Despite sustained military efforts, the group, along with Boko Haram, has intensified its attacks in the northern region of Nigeria, targeting both security forces and civilians. Since the beginning of the year, dozens of farmers and fishermen have been killed in raids. The 15-year-long insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has claimed nearly 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people. The violence has also spilled into neighboring countries, prompting the formation of a regional force involving Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to combat the armed groups.

Sweden Seizes Bulgarian Ship Suspected of Damaging Baltic Sea Capable

Malta Vezhen Vessel

by Admin Jan 27, 2025 The Swedish Coast Guard announced on Monday that it pursued and intercepted a Bulgarian vessel suspected of damaging a fiber-optic cable under the Baltic Sea connecting Sweden and Latvia. In response to the vessel’s damage, the Latvia government deployed a warship on Sunday to assess the extent of the damage, while Swedish authorities launched an investigation into what they have classified as “aggravated sabotage.” Amid increasing concerns over undersea infrastructure security, countries bordering the Baltic Sea have intensified their defensive measures following recent incidents of suspected sabotage, with some western European analysts pointing accusing fingers at Russia as a potential culprit. The Bulgarian vessel Vezhen was pursued by the Swedish Coast Guard on Sunday and directed into Swedish territorial waters, where it is now anchored as an investigation continues, according to Alexander Kalchev, CEO of Navigation Maritime Bulgare (Navibulgar), the ship’s owner. Kalchev denied any involvement in sabotage, stating, “I am convinced that we cannot say this was a malicious act.” The Malta-flagged vessel, carrying fertilizer from Ust-Luga in Russia to South America, was reportedly sailing in “extremely bad weather” on Saturday, based on information from the crew. An inspection on Sunday revealed that one of the ship’s anchors was damaged and had dropped into the sea. Kalchev explained that the anchor may have dragged along the sea floor before being pulled back up. Navibulgar, Bulgaria’s largest shipping company, announced it had appointed a Swedish agent and hired legal counsel to protect the interests of the crew and the company. The vessel, built in 2022, is crewed by eight Bulgarians and nine Myanmar nationals. Swedish authorities boarded the ship on Sunday evening to conduct investigations, an intelligence official confirmed to AFP. The damaged fiber-optic cable, located in Swedish territorial waters at a depth of at least 50 meters (55 yards), belongs to Latvia’s state radio and television center (LVRTC). The LVRTC reported “disruptions in data transmission services” but assured that alternative routes had been established, minimizing the impact on end users, though some delays in data speeds could occur. Latvia’s navy identified a “suspect vessel,” the Michalis San, near the incident site, along with two other ships. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stated that Swedish authorities had been notified, and both nations are cooperating closely on the investigation. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed his discussions with Siliņa, while NATO and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the affected countries. “The resilience and security of our critical infrastructure is a top priority,” von der Leyen wrote on X.

US Judge Temporarily Halts Trump’s Order Limiting Birthright Citizenship

United States President Donald Trump

by Admin Jan 23, 2025 Things took an unexpected twist when a federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order issued by the Republican president to restrict automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, deeming the order blatantly unconstitutional. Seattle-based U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. The decision came after four Democratic-led states—Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon—filed a legal challenge. President Trump signed the order on Monday, after his inauguration ceremony to mark his first official action since returning to office. The United States District Judge John Coughenour, a Republican appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, delivered the first legal blow to President Trump’s hardline immigration policies, a key focus of his second term. In response to the ruling, Trump stated, “Obviously, we’ll appeal.” President Trump’s executive order instructed U.S. agencies to deny citizenship recognition to children born in the United States if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. “I find it difficult to comprehend how a member of the bar could assert with certainty that this order is constitutional,” the judge said to a U.S. Justice Department lawyer defending President Trump’s order. “It truly boggles my mind,” he added. The states contended that President Trump’s order violated the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States. “I have served on the bench for over four decades, and I cannot recall a case where the issue is as clear as this one. This order is blatantly unconstitutional,” Judge Coughenour said, referring to President Trump’s policy. Following a brief hearing in a packed courtroom, with other judges observing, Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of Trump’s policy nationwide for 14 days. The judge will use this period to determine whether to impose a more permanent preliminary injunction.

Colombia Seeks Venezuela’s Assistance in Combating Armed Gangs Along Border Region

Colombian President Gustavo Petro

by Admin Jan 24, 2025 Following a week of violence that has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals and the displacement of 40,000 others due to clashes between rival armed groups over drug trafficking territory in northeastern Colombia. President Gustavo Petro reached out to Venezuela on Thursday to suggest a collaborative initiative aimed at eradicating armed gangs along the border. Colombian President Gustavo Petro disclosed that he has been in communication with the current Venezuelan government, proposing a “joint plan to eradicate armed gangs along the border.” Colombia is facing significant challenges in managing violence in the mountainous northeastern Catatumbo region, where a 5,800-strong leftist rebel group has been targeting rival factions and their supposed supporters. The National Liberation Army (ELN) is attempting to establish dominance over a section of the border that encompasses key plantations and trafficking routes responsible for a substantial portion of the world’s cocaine supply. According to Jorge Arturo Jimenez, Colombia’s chief forensic officer, the remains of a baby and two young teenagers were among those found in the region. This surge in violence has plunged Colombia into one of its most severe security crises in recent years, undermining the government’s aspirations to disarm one of the nation’s most powerful militias peacefully. Prodesq News reports that on Thursday, traveling journalists in rebel-controlled regions observed armed members of the ELN openly supervising checkpoints. However, President Petro’s strategy regarding Venezuela is laden with potential challenges. Colombian intelligence agencies claim that the ELN has historically received support and protection from Venezuela, with some of its leaders reportedly residing across the border. President Petro’s choice to engage with President Nicolás Maduro’s administration so soon after allegations of election theft against the democratic opposition is likely to incite discontent. Meanwhile, Venezuela has accused Colombia of harboring leaders of the Tren de Aragua, one of the largest gangs in Venezuela, which is estimated to have around 5,000 members active throughout Latin America. This group is involved in various criminal activities, including migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, kidnappings, and racketeering, and has been targeted by President Donald Trump for inclusion on the United States list of terrorist organizations.

Student Fatally Shoots Girl in Tennessee High School Cafeteria

Nashville college

by Admin Jan 23, 2025 A 16-year-old girl was fatally shot at a high school in Tennessee by a fellow student, who subsequently took his own life, according to police reports. The incident occurred in the cafeteria, where the shooter, 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, had an argument with the victim, Josselin Escalante, before using a pistol to shoot her. A third student, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained a minor injury described as a “graze wound to the arm” and was treated and released. The Metro Nashville Police Department is currently investigating the shooting, which took place in the Nashville area. Police reported that the initial emergency call about gunfire at Antioch High School was received at 11:11 AM local time on Wednesday. Local television coverage captured emotional scenes of parents embracing their children at a designated reunification area away from the school. This incident marks the first school shooting in the United States for the year, according to a database maintained by Education Week, and is also the first under the new Trump administration. In response, the White House issued a statement expressing, “As details emerge, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this senseless tragedy.”

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