NewsNews overnight: Russian mercenaries blamed for cross-border attack in central Africa
News overnight: Russian mercenaries blamed for cross-border attack in central Africa
It happened while you were sleeping. Here's what global agencies reported overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
8:27 AM EDT, October 15, 2024
- Last Friday, a serious incident occurred at the border between Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Alarmed witnesses report that Russian mercenaries, acting together with CAR government troops, crossed the border and attacked a border post. They fired at civilians, caused destruction, and tore down the Chadian flag, replacing it with the flag of the Central African Republic. According to the Corbeaunews agency, this attack was part of a broader Russian strategy aimed at causing unrest in Chad and proving that only it can guarantee security in the region. An eyewitness to the attack reported, "They shot at people, tore down the Chadian flag, and hoisted the flag of the Central African Republic in its place," as quoted by Corbeaunews. About a hundred Russian mercenaries and as many soldiers from the FACA (Forces Armées Centrafricaines) were involved in the attack, having previously been stationed in Bocaranga, approximately 43 miles from the Chadian border. Russia has long sought to bring Chad into its sphere of influence
- A Member of the European Parliament from Slovakia's ruling party, Direction – Slovak Social Democracy (Smer SSD), Lubos Blaha, traveled to Moscow last weekend, where he commented on, among other things, anti-Russian sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. The visit sparked a wave of criticism from the Slovak opposition, which deemed it a "cynical performance." In a recording he posted from Red Square and during discussions with Russian media, the MEP emphasized that he came to Russia to thank for liberating the country from fascism and to express remorse over actions he described as the West's "Russophobia." He termed his trip a peace mission. "Fascism and war come from the West, while freedom and peace come from the East," the MEP said. Opposition critics claim that Blaha is trying to distract from the government's problems and failures and the scandals that have weakened its international reputation.
- On Monday, the authorities in Prague officially banned "pub crawls," which are group nocturnal walks from pub to pub by tourists. This decision was made due to the increasingly serious problem of disturbing public order during nighttime hours. According to councilors, these tours, organized by travel agencies, regularly ended in noise and disturbance of residents' peace by drunken tourists. Councilors emphasize, "The permanent presence of intoxicated tourists in the city may negatively affect its further development and deter potential investors." The regulation will take effect immediately upon its publication.
- On Monday, there was a tragic road accident east of Egypt's capital, Cairo. A bus carrying students from college to their dormitory overturned, resulting in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 33 others, reported the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Most of those affected were medical school students. The exact causes of the vehicle's overturning are not yet known. The private news station "Sada Al Balad" reported that preliminary investigations suggest "the driver exceeded safe speed and lost control of the vehicle." Thousands of Egyptians die each year in road accidents, with excessive speed being the main cause of tragic incidents. In 2021 alone, as many as 7,101 people died in traffic accidents.
- Intense rainfall that struck Madeira on Monday evening paralyzed life on this Portuguese island. The downpours caused significant communication disruptions and road blockages in many areas. According to Madeira authorities, in some towns, including the island's capital, Funchal, the level of rainfall exceeded 1.6 inches. Local media report numerous floods and roads closed by standing water and mud. Due to the harsh weather conditions on Monday, several flights to Funchal were delayed or canceled, airport authorities reported. Air traffic difficulties may continue on Tuesday, as weather forecasts indicate more rain. The effects of the intense downpours are also felt in other parts of the island. Due to landslides, some roads have become impassable, further hindering transport. Local road services are working on clearing roadways, but persistent rain complicates rescue efforts.
