Ayoola Atitebi

Syria's new government reports that forces loyal to former President Assad killed 14 interior ministry troops and wounded 10 others in an ambush near Tartous. The incident occurred as security forces attempted to arrest a former officer connected to the Saydnaya prison, marking the first major challenge to new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa's authority. The state news agency Sana reports that security forces have launched operations to "restore security" in Tartous province, claiming to have "neutralized" some pro-Assad militants while pursuing others. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed three additional casualties among unidentified armed men during the clash. Tensions are particularly high in Alawite-majority regions, including Tartous, Latakia, and Assad's hometown Qardaha. The Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam to which many former regime officials belonged, fears retribution for alleged war crimes committed under Assad's rule. Some former officers […]

Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a facility in Maputo, Mozambique, during political unrest following disputed election results. Police Chief Bernardino Rafael reported that 33 people died and 15 were injured during confrontations with guards, with approximately 150 escapees subsequently recaptured. The incident occurred Wednesday when anti-government protesters approached the prison. According to Rafael, inmates took advantage of the situation to breach a wall and escape. The unrest began after Mozambique's constitutional court confirmed the ruling Frelimo party's victory in October's presidential elections, though with revised figures showing Daniel Chapo winning 65% of the vote compared to opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane's 24%. The capital city Maputo has experienced significant disruption, with businesses closed and residents staying home during what observers describe as the worst unrest since Frelimo came to power in 1975. Violence has spread across the country, with Frelimo offices, […]