U.S. Bans Civilian Flights to Haiti After Jetliner Hit by Gunfire Amid Violence

ViolenceHaitiU.S. Foreign PolicyCaribbeanPolitical Instability

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U.S. Bans Civilian Flights to Haiti Amid Violence
Three planes hit by gunfire near Haiti
U.S. bans flights to Haiti for a month
Violent gangs, political instability and poverty worsening situation
New Prime Minister appointed
U.S. calls for Haiti leaders to prioritize governance

Violence
Haiti
U.S. Foreign Policy
Caribbean
Political Instability

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Christmas Day Prison Break in Mozambique Amid Election Tensions

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More than 1,500 inmates, including convicted terrorists, escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on Christmas Day. The prison break followed a rebellion and violent protests over the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the October elections. At least 33 prisoners died and 15 were injured during a confrontation with security forces. Videos circulating on social media showed the moment inmates left the prison, while others revealed captures made by military personnel and prison guards. The escaped prisoners are being urged to surrender, and the population is being informed about the fugitives.

Horrifying Gang Massacre in Haiti: Over 110 Elderly Killed Over Alleged Witchcraft

Haitigang violenceelderlymassacrewitchcraft

In a shocking incident, a gang leader in Haiti's Cité Soleil slum ordered the massacre of at least 110 elderly people over the weekend. The reason? A voudou priest accused them of practicing witchcraft against the leader's child. The crowded slum is one of the poorest and most violent areas of the capital Port-au-Prince, making it difficult for residents to share information about the massacre. The gang leader, Monel 'Mikano' Felix, and his Viv Ansanm group, are responsible for the horrifying act.

Southwest Plane Struck by Gunfire at Dallas Airport: No Injuries Reported

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A Southwest Airlines plane was hit by gunfire** while preparing for departure from Dallas Love Field airport on Friday night. The bullet struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck around 8.30pm local time. No injuries were reported, and passengers exited the plane safely. The aircraft was removed from service and replaced with another flight. The incident caused a temporary closure of runway 13R/31L, but the airport operations were minimally affected.Dallas police are investigating the incident, which marks the latest in a series of gunfire incidents involving commercial planes. Earlier this week, two planes were hit by gunfire over Haiti's capital, prompting the FAA to issue a 30-day ban on US airlines flying to Haiti.

Haiti in Crisis: Airliners Hit by Gunfire, FAA Bans U.S.-Haiti Flights

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Haiti is in crisis** as an airliner was hit by gunfire just meters from landing in Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant. This came as the country's new interim leader, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, took office, prioritizing restoring peace and holding elections. Violence has escalated in Haiti, with gangs controlling 80% of the capital, key roads, and infrastructure. Earlier this year, coordinated attacks forced former prime minister Ariel Henry to resign, and violence has continued, including a gang massacre and targeted attacks on a United Nations helicopter. The FAA temporarily banned U.S.-Haiti flights for 30 days due to the escalating violence and gunfire hitting planes coming from Florida and New York. Haiti's violence is a major concern, and the situation remains critical.

DRUG-RELATED SHOOTING IN FRANCE LEAVES FIVE INJURED

ViolenceFranceDrug TraffickingGangs

A shooting in France's western city of Poitiers has left five people injured, including a teenager. The violence is thought to be linked to drug trafficking. The interior minister has warned that the country is at a 'tipping point' when it comes to drug trafficking violence. In the same week, a five-year-old boy was also seriously injured in a shooting related to drug trafficking in Rennes. France is experiencing a surge in gang-related drug violence, with numerous cities affected. The senate has estimated annual drug trafficking revenues in France at €3-6 billion ($3.3-6.6 billion).

Alarming Surge in Violence in Southern Mexico: Catholic Priest and Indigenous Activist Gunned Down

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A Prominent Indigenous Rights Activist and Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Southern Mexico

  • Marcelo Perez, both a Tzotzil Indigenous Maya group member and a well-known negotiator in Chiapas conflicts, was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle after officiating Sunday church services.
  • Facing constant death threats, Perez had led several marches against violence and spoken out against organized crime in the region.
  • Violence in Chiapas has spiked in recent years, with 500 murders from January to August 2024, compared to 309 in the same period last year.
  • Authorities have condemned the killing and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

Will the authorities be able to put an end to the escalating violence in southern Mexico?*

At Least 70 Killed in Haiti Gang Attack: UN

international communityHaitiUNdisplacementgang violence

The UN Human Rights Office of the Commissioner revealed that the death toll from a brutal gang attack in a small Haitian town has risen to at least 70, with women and children among the victims. The Gran Grif gang was responsible for the attack, which took place in the Artibonite region. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but it is one of the biggest massacres in the central region in recent years. The Haitian government has deployed an elite police unit to the area and sent medical supplies to help the overwhelmed hospital. Gang violence in Haiti has been increasing in recent years, with more than 700,000 people now internally displaced. The international community has condemned the violence and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Two Teachers Stabbed in South Wales School: A Shocking Incident

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Two teachers at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Wales, were viciously attacked by a 13-year-old girl during a sunny morning breaktime in April. The assistant headteacher, Fiona Elias, thought she was going to die as the teenager began stabbing her, while her colleague, Liz Hopkin, feared for her life when she was stabbed in the neck. The girl, who cannot be named, has admitted to wounding the two teachers and a pupil but denies attempting to murder them. This shocking incident has left the community in a state of disbelief and fear, with the trial still ongoing.

Key Information:

  • Two teachers stabbed in South Wales school
  • 13-year-old girl arrested
  • Teachers feared for their lives
  • Girl denies attempting to murder them
  • Trial still ongoing

UK Charters Flight to Evacuate Citizens from Lebanon Amid Violence

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The UK has chartered a commercial flight to evacuate British citizens from Lebanon** due to the escalating violence in the region. The flight is scheduled to leave Beirut on Wednesday and will cost £350 per seat. Vulnerable individuals will be prioritized, and any non-British dependents must have a visa to enter the UK. The decision comes as Israeli forces have launched small ground raids and shelled communities along the northern boundary. The UK government continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon and has deployed military assets to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean in case an evacuation is required. The US and UK are urging for de-escalation in the region. **Britons are advised to leave immediately as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.

Ex-Cops Face Cross-Examination in Tyre Nichols Case

ViolenceCrimeTyre NicholsMemphis Police DepartmentCivil Rights

Former Memphis police officers charged with violating Tyre Nichols' civil rights faced cross-examination from defense attorneys in court on Wednesday.
Emmitt Martin III testified about the excessive force used during the encounter.
Blood was found on Martin's and Haley's shoes.
The no-snitch rule in their unit did apply to all officers involved, despite defense claims.

Martin and another officer, Desmond Mills Jr., have pleaded guilty to some of the federal charges, while the three officers on trial have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Martin faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, while Mills could receive a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The trial is expected to run for three to four weeks.

Massive Gas Pipeline Fire in Houston: 24 Dead in Haiti Fuel Truck Explosion

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Houston, Texas: Massive Gas Pipeline Fire

  • A massive gas pipeline fire is burning in suburban Houston, Texas, involving a 20-inch liquified natural gas pipeline.
  • The fire must burn itself out, and firefighters are trying to prevent nearby homes from catching fire.
  • The explosion rattled adjacent homes and businesses, and the plume of smoke could be seen from 10 miles away.

Haiti: Fuel Truck Explosion Kills 24

  • An explosion at a fuel truck in Haiti has killed 24 people and left dozens severely burned.
  • The explosion occurred in the Brookglen neighborhood area near the fire in Houston.
  • Officials have ordered residents in the area to evacuate.