Heavy Fighting On Turkey-Syria Front
Heavy fighting occurred on the second day of the Turkish offensive into Syria. In addition, Turkey says it seized a number of designated targets. They also killed dozens of Kurdish militants. However, Tens of thousands of people are fleeing their homes, and Kurds report several civilian deaths.
Turkey wants to create a safe space for Syrian refugees. The offensive began after President Trump withdrew US troops from the area. However, it has gained international condemnation. Currently, the UN Security Council is due to discuss it on Thursday.
Indonesia’s Minister Has Surgery After Attack
Indonesia’s minister underwent surgery on Thursday after he was attacked earlier that day. Police suspect that the Islamic State has radicalized the man. Recently, Indonesia has had a surge in militancy due to new anti-terrorism laws. In addition, this is the first attack on a senior politician in recent years.
“I have ordered the chief of police and the head of intelligence, supported by the Indonesian army, to investigate thoroughly and to punish the perpetrators,” President Widodo told reporters after visiting the minister at the military hospital, where Wiranto was undergoing the surgery.
German Synagogue Shooter Aimed To Massacre
A gunman who attacked a German synagogue Wednesday also wanted to commit a massacre. He also wanted to incite others to do similar attacks by live-streaming the attack. However, police stopped him before he could kill more than two people. The shooter modeled the attacks after the New Zealand attacks, which occurred earlier this year.
“What we experienced yesterday was terrorism. According to our findings, the suspect Stephan B. aimed to carry out a massacre,” federal prosecutor Peter Frank told reporters. “Stephan B., a man who was influenced by scary anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racism, was heavily armed. He armed himself with many weapons, some possibly self-made, and had a large quantity of explosives.”
Trump Donors Charged With Campaign Donation Violation
New York prosecutors charged two Trump donators with violations of campaign finance laws. Soviet-born businessmen Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman conspired to “funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office”, the charges say. The two men will appear before a federal court on Thursday.
At Least One Protester Killed In Ecuador
At least one indigenous protester died in Ecuador during protests against President Lenin Moreno’s austerity measures. This death could cause unrest, worsening conflict between the government and the populace. The protester died from brain trauma on Thursday. However, the government didn’t immediately respond to a request to comment.
