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Ukraine's population has fallen by 10 million since Russia's invasion, UN says
Ukraine's population has declined by 10 million, or around a quarter, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion as a result of refugees leaving, collapsing fertility and war deaths, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a Geneva news conference, Florence Bauer, Eastern Europe head at the U.N. Population Fund, said the invasion in February 2022 had turned an already difficult demographic situation into something more severe.
LLOYD AUSTIN WARNS AGAINST ISOLATIONISM AND INSISTS UKRAINE ABSOLUTELY CAN WIN WAR AGAINST RUSSIA
"The birth rate plummeted and is currently at around one child per woman, which is one of the lowest in the world," she said. It takes a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman to maintain a stable population.
Ukraine, which had a population of over 50 million when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, has, like almost all its Eastern European and Central Asian neighbours, undergone severe population decline. In 2021, the last year before Russia's full-scale invasion it had a population of about 40 million.
Bauer said that a precise accounting for the impact of the war on Ukraine's population would have to wait until after the conflict ended when a full census could finally be carried out.
The immediate impact was on regions that were all-but depopulated, villages with only old people left, and couples unable to start families, she said.
Much-larger Russia, with a pre-war population of over 140 million, has also seen its already dire demographic situation deteriorate since it invaded Ukraine: it recorded its lowest birth rate since 1999 in the first six months of this year, a level even the Kremlin described as "catastrophic".
The largest chunk of Ukraine's population decline was accounted for by the 6.7 million refugees now living abroad, primarily in Europe. War deaths were also a factor.
"It's difficult to have exact numbers, but estimates range around tens of thousands of casualties," she said.
Situation in Haiti worsens amid ‘acute violence’ as UN support mission falters under gang violence
The security situation in Haiti has once again degraded despite months of support from United Nations-approved Kenyan-led forces sent in to aid the Haitian police as gang violence escalates.
In a Tuesday address to the Security Council, María Isabel Salvador, special representative of the secretary-general and head of the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti, told the 15-member body that despite efforts to restore calm to the nation, more than 700,000 Haitians are now internally displaced, and the Multinational Security Support Mission remains under resourced.
"The security situation remains extremely fragile, with renewed peaks of acute violence," Salvador told the U.N. body, adding that since her last briefing in July, "the situation in Haiti has regrettably worsened."
AMERICAN FAMILY IN HAITI DESCRIBES ‘WAR ZONE,’ BELIEVES IT WILL FALL TO GANGS IN A WEEK
In the last three months, the number of internally displaced people has jumped by 22%, Salvador said.
The U.N. official noted that this increase coincided with the June deployment of Kenyan forces in an attempt to aid Haitian police, which have also since been joined by forces from the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica.
But despite eventual plans to deploy some 3,000 security officials to counter the gangs, only 430 personnel are currently deployed.
"It is far from enough", Salvador said.
Gang violence, once primarily concentrated in Haiti’s capital city, has now expanded under an alliance of well-armed gangs known as Viv Ansanm beyond the parameters of Port-au-Prince, with "murders, kidnappings and sexual violence of unprecedented brutality" being reported across the country.
Salvador pointed to the horrific Oct. 3 attack on Port Sondé, where gangs took the town by surprise after approaching it by canoe and killed 115 people.
‘LAWLESS’ HAITI PLAGUED BY CORRUPTION AND DEADLY GANG VIOLENCE FUELS HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Among the victims found was a young mother, her newborn baby and a midwife, confirmed local official Bertide Harace, spokeswoman for the Commission for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Awareness, according to the Associated Press.
At least another 10 women and three infants were also found among those killed.
The town, some 60 miles north of Port-au-Prince, was reportedly targeted by the gangs after it was believed to have colluded with a defense group known as "The Coalition," which was formed in opposition to the gang activity.
Salvador told the Security Council that the Support Mission remains desperately under-resourced, which not only impacts its ability to carry out its coordinated work with the Haitian National Police, but could also impact future deployments.
The U.N. official urged the body to increase their support for the Haitian security apparatus and to better fund the Support Mission.
Funding has lagged and several U.N. representatives pointed to the persistence of arms smuggling schemes, frequently through Florida, that continue to aid the violent gang activity.
Political ineptitude and corruption remain major concerns as the nation looks to propel its new government, formed in June but which is losing public trust as divisions mount between the dual executive, headed by the prime minister and presidential council.
Alongside the extreme violence, an estimated 5 million people in Haiti are estimated to be going hungry, while thousands are facing famine.
Former Albanian president arrested on corruption charges, opposition claims charges are politically motivated
Former Albanian President Ilir Meta was arrested on Tuesday in the capital of Tirana on suspected money-laundering and corruption charges, as well as hiding personal income following a visit to Kosovo.
State police wearing black masks abruptly stopped his car and apprehended Meta, according to local media reports. The police claimed they had no choice but to use force, according to Reuters.
Albania's Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime said in a statement that Meta’s arrest came after a five-year investigation, according to The Associated Press.
"I am confident in the victory of our national and democratic causes! The enemies of our nation and democracy will have the smile wiped off their faces. My abduction today in the most bandit-like manner reveals the panic of the dictatorial regime when faced with the truth," Meta said in a statement on X shortly after his arrest.
The Balkans, a volatile region in Europe with longstanding ethnic divisions, has a history of political instability. There are fears that the arrest of a popular former leader could raise tensions ahead of elections in 2025.
Albania’s opposition accused Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama of politicizing the judiciary and law enforcement to target his political opponents.
Some longtime observers of the region also expressed concern regarding some of the recent developments.
"The arrest of the former president of Albania indicates that the rule of the current Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, has been taking an increasingly authoritarian bent. Without intending to prejudice the court ruling, the charges and the timing of the arrest are suspicious and may indicate that Rama is weaponizing law enforcement to go after his political opponents," a high-ranking diplomatic source with expert knowledge of the region told Fox News Digital.
Agim Nesho, former Albanian ambassador to the U.S. and the United Nations, told Fox News Digital that the arrest of Meta by the authorities makes its intent clear.
"It was an act of political showmanship, with dozens of armed personnel arresting the former President forcefully in the middle of the day in a crowded street, while people were filming on their phones," Nesho said.
Nesho also said that the charges against the opposition leaders pale in scope and comparison to what he called the systematic theft being orchestrated by the current government.
"The current prime minister is the most corrupt leader in modern Albanian history. International media regularly reports that he directly threatens foreign journalists looking into his affairs, and leads a political party and government whose members are accused of billions of dollars in corruption."
PUTIN FUELING REGIONAL TENSIONS AS BLINKEN ARRIVES IN ALBANIA: 'BLEAK PICTURE'
Meta was president from 2017 to 2022, was allied with current Prime Minister Rama and his ruling Socialist Party, and now leads the opposition and centrist Freedom Party. Once allies, Meta and Rama are now bitter political rivals. Meta is a frequent critic of Rama and claims the current government is becoming increasingly corrupt and authoritarian.
Corruption, especially in the judiciary, is pervasive in Albania, and the courts are often under political pressure and influence, while due process is enforced inconsistently, according to Freedom House.
The weaponization of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, the diplomatic source from the Balkans said, is part of a broader pattern in the region. Authoritarian Balkan leaders, especially Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Rama, are sweet-talking the West with stories of a "commitment to a European future" and "regional economic integration" while acting like authoritarians at home and often acting directly against U.S. and European Union (EU) interests in the region, the diplomat said.
Rama is a co-leader of the "Open Balkans" initiative, a proposal that would facilitate a freer flow of people and goods across the Balkans. Many people in Albania and across the Balkans oppose the initiative over fears that it is a Serbian ploy to supplant the common regional market of Europe and would threaten Balkan countries' desire to join the EU.
ZELENSKYY WARNS RUSSIA WANTS TO CAUSE 'EXPLOSION' IN THE BALKANS
Fox News Digital spoke to Meta in May 2024, and he warned of the dangers of the "Open Balkans" initiative, calling it an "alternative against European integration." He feared it would strengthen hybrid regimes like Serbia that will undermine free and fair elections, eliminate political pluralism, and target the media and freedom of speech.
Meta is not the only political figure who was recently detained. Another former president and prime minister and political opponent of Rama, Sali Berisha, was also charged with corruption and put under house arrest.
"The Albanian Police (criminals in uniform), following the orders of Edi Rama, abducted and punched in the head, in public the former President, former Prime Minister, and former Speaker of Parliament, Ilir Meta. I strongly condemn their monstrous act!," Berisha said in a statement on X.
The State Department referred Fox News Digital to Albanian authorities for further details regarding the case. However, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "The United States supports Albania’s progress on rule of law, including the efforts of SPAK to prosecute high-level corruption and organized crime, in accordance with the law."
Repeated requests for comment went unanswered from spokespeople for the Albanian prime minister and the Albanian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Explosion at Turkish aerospace facility ruled a terror attack
Authorities in Turkey say have declared a deadly explosion at an aerospace facility on Wednesday was a terrorist attack.
Authorities say multiple people were killed and injured, but they have not specified a number of casualties. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the explosion was a "terrorist attack" in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. He added that the victims were both civilians and security personnel.
The Turkish outlet Habertürk TV reported that there was an ongoing "hostage situation" at the scene of the explosion, but did not offer details.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz condemned the attack in a statement on social media. He added that security forces responded to the explosion immediately.
TURKEY'S INVASION THREATS SHOULD BE TAKEN 'VERY SERIOUSLY': CYPRUS OFFICIAL
"The treacherous terrorist attack targeted Turkey's achievements in defence industry," he wrote, adding that the country's "fight against terrorism will continue."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also acknowledged the attack in a statement, condemning "terrorism in all its forms."
HAMAS LEADER ISMAIL HANIYEH WAS KILLED IN TEHRAN BY HIDDEN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE: REPORT
Turkey's defense sector is a major exporter for the country, focusing mainly on military drones built at facilities like the one attacked on Wednesday.
TURKEY'S ERDOGAN THREATENS TO INVADE ISRAEL OVER WAR IN GAZA AS REGIONAL TENSIONS GROW
No group has taken responsibility for the attack as of Wednesday afternoon.
Turkey has played a divisive role in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East throughout the year. While the country is a member of NATO, it has also expressed solidarity with terrorist groups like Hamas.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the nation's flag to half staff in after the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in August. Israeli officials condemned the move when the Turkish Embassy in Israel complied with Erdogan's order.
North Korea has sent troops to Russia, Pentagon confirms
North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-Un has sent troops to Russia, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the troop movement in a statement, saying it would be a "a very, very serious issue" if North Korean troops deploy to Ukraine. South Korean intelligence stated that some 3,000 troops were sent to Russia and are currently being trained on drones and other equipment.
"What exactly are they doing? Left to be seen. These are things that we need to sort out," Austin said.
Intelligence officials in both South Korea and Ukraine had previously stated that North Korean troops were being transferred to Russia.
NORTH KOREA BLOWS UP PARTS OF INTER-KOREAN ROAD AND RAIL LINKS IN SYMBOLIC DISPLAY OF ANGER
Russia and North Korea have denied the troop movements.
South Korean National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong told lawmakers that North Korea plans to deploy 10,000 troops to Russia by December, a number that lines up with claims from Ukrainian intelligence.
SOUTH KOREAN INTELLIGENCE SAYS NORTH HAS SENT TROOPS TO AID RUSSIA'S WAR IN UKRAINE
So far, 3,000 troops have made the trip, but none have reportedly been deployed to battle.
South Korea said Tuesday that it may start sending weapons to Ukraine in reaction to the deployment. Officials said their response would come in phases linked to the depth of cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said it would be a "significant escalation" if North Korean troops fight alongside Russians in Ukraine.
North Korea and Russia, locked in separate confrontations with the West, have sharply boosted their cooperation in the past two years. The U.S., South Korea and their partners have accused North Korea of supplying artillery shells, missiles and other conventional arms to Russia to help fuel its war against Ukraine in return for economic and military assistance. In June, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pact stipulating mutual military assistance if either country is attacked.
Fox News' Greg Wehner and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Group of metal detectorists uncover hoard of coins in England
A little over a year ago, a group of metal detectorists found a hoard of 21 coins in a field near Okehamption Castle in Devon, England. The find was just recently brought to light due to laws regarding treasure discovery.
The group of treasure hunters behind the find, the Teignbridge History Finders, is led by Jim Luxton, according to DevonLive.com, who called the find "amazing," as one of the group's earliest.
The hoard comprised of 21 ancient coins, which were found over the course of a few weeks by Luxton, Paul May, Neil King, Pete Young and Clive Hammett, the BBC reported. They named their discovery the Okey Hoard, according to the outlet.
COLLEGE STUDENT IN DENMARK USES METAL DETECTOR TO DISCOVER ANCIENT JEWELRY
Even though the discovery was made at the end of 2023, the laws of treasure discovery prevented it from immediately being announced.
The age and the composition of the hoard caused it to be classified as a treasure under the Treasure Act of 1996, according to DevonLive.com.
Under the Treasure Act of 1996, finders of treasure must notify the Coroner of the area where the discovery was made, as well as report to the landowner the news of a find.
Luxton told DevonLive.com that just a few coins were found at first, and more were discovered upon further investigation.
VOLUNTEER DURING ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION FINDS ‘REMARKABLE’ PIECE OF JEWELRY IN SCOTLAND
"At first it was three coins. I then got a call to say I had better get over to the area as we had found another eight coins," Luxton told the outlet.
"A few weeks later, we had a revisit where I found the last coin to make it a staggering 21 coins," he went on to say.
The coins date back from 1282 A.D. to 1434 A.D., per the source.
While the coins will not bring significant monetary value to the group, they fall more into the category of a historical find, Luxton said, according to the BBC, and he hopes that soon, the group's finding will be displayed in a museum.
Metal detectorists have been able to count themselves lucky on many occasions throughout history. One of the most historic hoards ever found was discovered in England by a metal detectorist, called the Staffordshire Hoard.
ROMAN-ERA GRAVES FOUND BY HOMEOWNER DURING BASEMENT RENOVATION PROJECT
The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found, according to Birmingham Museum's website.
It was discovered in 2009, in a field near Lichfield, Staffordshire. The hoard consisted of 4,000 objects and broken fragments, including many war items such as swords and helmets.
The Hoxne Hoard is another one of England's great archaeological finds.
This particular hoard was found in Hoxne village, Suffolk, by a man originally scanning land with his metal detector in hopes of finding a lost hammer.
Eric Lawes ended up finding something far more significant when scouring land in 1992. He was the finder of the Hoxne Hoard, a collection of over 15,000 Roman gold and silver coins, plus other artifacts like tableware and jewelry.
Israel takes out another Hezbollah leader, as projectiles intercepted near US secretary of state's hotel
The Israeli military says it eliminated a Hezbollah commander who was widely expected to take control of the terrorist organization.
Israel said it killed Hashem Safieddine, a powerful cleric who was expected to succeed Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike earlier this month. The strike killed some 25 other senior Hezbollah members, the Israel Defense Forces said.
The news comes as Secretary of State Antony Blinken finishes up a visit to Israel this week. Blinken spent Tuesday meeting with Israeli officials, and multiple projectiles were intercepted over the hotel he was staying at.
Blinken encouraged Israeli officials to "capitalize" on the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to push for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages.
HEZBOLLAH HIDING MORE THAN $500M IN GOLD, CASH UNDER HOSPITAL IN LEBANON, IDF SAYS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called his meeting with Blinken, which lasted more than two hours, "friendly and productive."
Blinken will depart Israel later Wednesday for Saudi Arabia, where he will continue negotiations.
HEZBOLLAH GENERATES FUNDS FOR ACTIVITIES UNDER THE GUISE OF A NON-PROFIT: ISRAELI OFFICIALS
Israeli forces have continued to rain down airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, again striking the neighborhood where Safieddine was killed on Tuesday.
Hezbollah has also kept up its barrage of rockets into northern Israel. The terrorist group also claimed credit for a drone attack that damaged Netanyahu's home.
The strikes come as speculation grows over how Israel will retaliate for Tehran’s Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted Tehran’s neighbors would not allow their territory to be used for such an assault and that it would strike back just as hard.
"All the neighbors assured us that they will not allow their lands and air to be used against Iran," Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. "This is an expectation from all friendly and neighboring countries, and we consider this a sign of friendship."
Fox News' Stephen Sorace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Biden-Harris envoy accused of pressuring Israeli lawmakers to drop bill banning terror-linked UN agency
As the Israeli Knesset prepares to debate legislation aimed at severing ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), U.S. pressure on Israeli lawmakers is said to be mounting against the bill.
Fox News Digital has learned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leaders, including Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman, have received requests from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew to halt the proposed laws.
The current legislation seeks to end all relations between UNRWA and the Jewish state, including diplomatic visas granted to UNRWA workers and other services provided by the State of Israel.
"There is a difference between dialogue and pressure," Yulia Malinovsky said about the alleged interference from the ambassador. Malinovsky is a Knesset member from the Yisrael Beiteinu party and one of the authors of the legislation.
She told Fox News Digital, "UNRWA is a terrorist organization, and Hamas is an integral part of it. Its existence perpetuates the conflict."
She expressed commitment to ensuring the legislation moves forward, claiming, "Around half of UNRWA employees are affiliated with Hamas, and the first weapons found in UNRWA were back in 2014. They were involved in the October 7 Massacre. This agency is part of the problem perpetuating the status of refugees to benefit its workers."
The Biden administration sent a letter to Israeli leaders last week demanding that Israel take steps within 30 days to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza or risk the supply of U.S. weapons to Israel, according to a copy of the letter published by Axios. In the letter, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed that passing the law against UNRWA would be devastating for the humanitarian effort in the Gaza Strip at a critical time and would prevent education and welfare services for tens of thousands of Palestinians in Jerusalem.
They emphasized this could also constitute a violation of U.S. laws.
"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on private diplomatic conversations," a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital regarding telephone calls said to have been made by the U.S. ambassador to Israeli politicians.
However, the spokesperson noted the involvement of UNRWA personnel on Oct. 7 was "reprehensible," leading the U.S. to halt funding and "calling for those involved to be held accountable and for UNRWA reforms to address serious concerns about its facilities and personnel being involved in terrorist activities.
"At the same time," they added, "UNRWA provides vital services in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Jordan — including humanitarian assistance, health benefits and sanitation. Pending legislation would make it impossible for UNRWA to operate and would leave a vacuum that Israel would then be responsible for filling. Adding to the humanitarian crisis that already exists would undermine stability and security for Israel and the region."
Earlier this month at the U.N. Security Council, U.S. Ambassador to the world body Linda Thomas-Greenfield made clear the Biden Administration's concerns over the pending legislation, telling council members that, "We are following with deep concern the Israeli legislative proposal that could alter UNRWA’s legal status, hindering its ability to communicate with Israeli officials, and removing privileges and immunities afforded to U.N. organizations and personnel around the globe."
These concerns follow mounting criticism from various countries and the United Nations, which has blamed Israel for a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 2 million people have been displaced since the war began.
Despite U.S. pressure, opposition leader Yair Lapid said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "UNRWA played an active role in the brutal massacre on October 7. From its institutions, terrorist attacks against Israel were launched, hostages were held, and young women were raped."
Lapid has supported the closure of UNRWA since 2013, maintaining his position amid diplomatic pressure.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT BACKS UN CLAIM RELIEF WORKERS ACCUSED OF AIDING HAMAS ARE IMMUNE
Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, also made his stance clear after the issue was brought up by the U.S. ambassador, telling Fox News Digital, "Messages were received, but I firmly refuse. This law is critical for Israel’s security, and it will be brought forward."
He expressed full support for his party member's initiative, reiterating that the law aims to disconnect Israel from an organization linked to terrorism.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office told Fox News Digital it was confirmed that "the proposed law has not been taken off the table and is being discussed in the Knesset."
The Israeli Shin Bet, Israel's security agency, stated in a discussion last week in the Knesset that "UNRWA is a threat to Israel's national security."
Jonathan Conricus, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a retired lieutenant colonel from the IDF, said, "As an Israeli, I fail to comprehend Israel's policy or lack thereof towards the organization. Legislators and diplomats raise concerns about why they donate money to UNRWA, allow personnel to be sent and grant diplomatic protection. This Israeli legislation is the bare minimum required.
"Eventually, for a better reality in the Middle East, UNRWA needs to be dismantled in its entirety from Gaza and all other places of activity."
The parents of Yonatan Samerano, whose son's body is being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists said in a statement, "In recent days, there has been pressure from the U.S. on members of the government to oppose the bill by Yulia Malinovsky, Dan Illouz and Yoav Bismuth to expel UNRWA from Israel."
The statement from Kobi and Eilat Samerano continued. "We call on all government members to urgently pass the law in the Knesset. Otherwise, you are complicit in the kidnapping of our son, Yonatan Samerano, who was abducted by a UNRWA employee. Over a hundred UNRWA employees participated in the massacre on that cursed day, and your surrender to diplomatic pressure makes you accomplices to the massacre."
Although supporters of the legislation are from different political parties, some members of the Israeli government have expressed hesitance about passing the legislation, labeling it "extreme" and suggesting it be delayed until after the upcoming U.S. elections.
Police bust restaurant serving ‘best-selling’ pizza with side of cocaine
Police said it was "one of the best-selling pizzas."
German police on Monday raided a popular pizzeria in Düsseldorf accused of serving cocaine as a side dish.
Local police launched an investigation into the restaurant after food inspectors tipped off authorities, BBC reported, citing criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke.
Police arrested the 36-year-old pizzeria manager at his apartment. Upon arrival, police said the manager threw a bag of drugs out the window which "fell right into the arms of the police officers" below.
GERMAN CUSTOMS SEIZE 4.5 TONS OF COCAINE DISGUISED AS SOYBEANS, WORTH $1.1 BILLION
Officers said they found more than 3 pounds of cocaine, around 400 grams of marijuana, and the equivalent of nearly $290,000.
GERMAN POLICE WARN OF ‘BLUE PUNISHER’ ECSTASY PILL FOLLOWING 2 TEEN DEATHS
Police said the manager was later released from custody and started selling his popular pizza again.
Further investigation of the restaurant led German authorities to bust a drug ring around the City of Düsseldorf. Officers uncovered two cannabis plantations where they seized around 360 plants. Weapons, money, and luxury watches were also seized.
AUSTRIA POLICE TO INCREASE BORDER CHECKS AFTER GERMANY LEGALIZES CANNABIS
The investigation also resulted in the homes and businesses of a dozen suspects being raided.
Three people were arrested, including a 22-year-old who was suspected of leading the operation.
Police rearrested the pizzeria manager while he was trying to flee the country. He remains in custody.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Düsseldorf police for updates.
Walmart employee found dead inside walk-in oven at Canada store: police
Authorities in Canada are investigating what led to the death of a 19-year-old Walmart employee who was found inside a walk-in oven in the store's bakery department.
The Halifax Police Department released a statement regarding the Oct. 19 incident inside the Canadian Walmart store.
Officers were called to the store, located at 6990 Mumford Road in Halifax, around 9:30 p.m. to investigate the sudden death of a 19-year-old woman whose body was found inside the large walk-in oven.
Officials said that they have not yet reached a point where the cause and manner of death have been confirmed.
MAN DIES IN FREAK ACCIDENT INVOLVING FROZEN HAMBURGERS: 'DIFFICULT TO HEAR'
"The investigation is complex and involves several partner agencies. An investigation of this nature may take a significant amount of time," the Halifax Police Department said in a statement.
The woman’s identity has not been released. However, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) first reported that the woman was a member of the local Sikh community.
IDENTITY OF 'BADLY DECOMPOSED' BODY FOUND IN OHIO CAR WASH RELEASED: REPORT
A spokesperson from Walmart sent a statement to the CBC stating that the store is "temporarily closed as we co-operate fully with the investigation."
The company added that it was also providing access to 24/7 virtual care to employees and providing on-site support, including grief counseling.
Balbir Singh, the secretary of the Maritime Sikh Society, told the CBC on Tuesday that the society has been in touch with the mother of the 19-year-old victim and learned that the woman and her mother are originally from India and came to Canada two to three years ago.
"It's a really tragic incident and everybody is deeply hurt by this, and we are waiting for the police investigation to come out," said Singh. "We would like to know what happened to this young woman."
Police are encouraging the public to be mindful of opinions circulating about the investigation.
"We urge the public to be mindful of sharing speculative information on social media. Please be aware of the impacts that speculation could have on family, colleagues and loved ones of the woman," police said.
Woman becomes stuck upside down between boulders for 7 hours while trying to retrieve dropped phone
A woman in Australia became stuck upside down between a pair of boulders for seven hours after falling into a crevice while trying to retrieve her dropped phone.
Photos released by New South Wales Ambulance show the woman’s feet sticking out between the rocks as first responders came to her rescue.
"In my 10 years as a rescue paramedic I had never encountered a job quite like this, it was challenging but incredibly rewarding," the agency quoted first responder Peter Watts as saying.
NSW Ambulance said the woman got herself trapped in the Hunter Valley "after slipping into a 3-meter [9-foot] crevice, wedged between two boulders while trying to retrieve her phone."
KING CHARLES HECKLED BY AUSTRALIAN LAWMAKER: ‘YOU ARE NOT MY KING’
Officials were called to the scene after the woman’s friends dialed an emergency telephone number following several failed attempts to save her themselves.
Crews that arrived managed to free the woman through a tight "S" bend over the span of an hour and moved an 1,100-pound boulder in the process, according to NSW Ambulance.
MAN STUMBLES ACROSS GEM WORTH THOUSANDS HIDDEN IN DIRT: ‘IT’S LIKE NOTHING ELSE’
"The patient was safely freed seven hours after her ordeal began with only minor scratches and bruises," NSW Ambulance said.
Watts said "we all worked incredibly well together to achieve a good outcome for the patient."
Ancient Roman statue discovered by construction workers in Bulgaria
Construction workers came across an "exceptionally preserved" marble statue during a job in the city of Varna in Bulgaria.
The Varna Regional Museum of History announced the find in a Facebook post on Oct. 15, 2024, which included photos of the discovery.
The statue, slightly taller than a human, according to the post, was found in Varna, the ancient city Odessa, and displayed a middle-aged man with a short beard, dressed in a Roman toga and holding a scroll.
IRISH FARMER FINDS NEAR 60-POUND SLAB OF ANCIENT BOG BUTTER ON HIS LAND BY ‘PURE LUCK’
An inscription on a pedestal read the name, G(ai) Marie Hermogen, according to the Varna Regional Museum of History.
The toga the man was clothed in was an indication that the individual had close ties to Roman authorities during his time, according to the Facebook post.
The marble statue from the Roman era had undergone very little damage, with just the right wrist missing, and slight damage to the face, the Varna Regional Museum of History reported.
ROMAN-ERA GRAVES FOUND BY HOMEOWNER DURING BASEMENT RENOVATION PROJECT
The statue was found outside the fortress walls. Upon finding the ancient piece, construction contractor Georgi Kraychev quickly reported the discovery to the museum, the Facebook post states.
This past summer, archaeologists discovered another statue in Bulgaria. This one was discovered close to Bulgaria's southeastern border with Greece.
The statue was discovered in July 2024. It was covered with dirt around 2,000 years ago, Fox News Digital previously reported. The statue of the ancient Greek god Hermes is 7 feet tall.
This particular find was discovered during excavation of an ancient Roman sewer in the city of Heraclea Sintica, Fox News Digital reported.
Ukraine blasts UN chief over potential meeting with Putin at BRICS, says stayed away from Kyiv's peace summit
Ukraine on Monday blasted United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for allegedly accepting an invitation to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week during the international BRICS summit.
Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the U.N. for comment on the meeting, but the Ukrainian foreign ministry took to X to voice their displeasure with the supposed meeting, which is set for Thursday and was first announced by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, according to multiple reports.
"The U.N. Secretary General declined Ukraine's invitation to the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. He did, however, accept the invitation to Kazan from war criminal Putin," the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.
"This is a wrong choice that does not advance the cause of peace," the ministry added. "It only damages the U.N.'s reputation."
The U.N. has not confirmed the meeting and in response to questions on Monday from reporters, deputy spokesman for the secretary-general Farhan Haq said, "Announcements on his future travels will be later on down the line."
CHINA-DOMINATED BLOC OFFERS IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA MEMBERSHIP IN MOVE THAT SEEKS TO UNDERMINE US
The meeting will be the first between Putin and Guterres in over two years amid the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine, and will occur on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, which is being hosted by Russia in its southwestern city of Kazan, some 500 miles east of Moscow.
BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is an intergovernmental body that was established in 2009 to counter Western influence and bolster economic partnerships. The bloc has expanded to include another five nations, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The 10 BRICS countries now make up over a quarter of the global economy and nearly half of the world’s population, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Delegates from another two dozen countries will also be in attendance this week, with many nations looking to join the bloc as well, including NATO ally Turkey, which petitioned for membership last month.
Leaders from 22 nations are set to attend the conference and Putin is reportedly scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, followed by Wednesday meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, confirmed Reuters.
AUSTIN WARNS 'NO SILVER BULLET' TO DEFEAT PUTIN AS US AID HANGS IN BALANCE AHEAD OF ELECTIONS
The meeting between Putin and Erdoğan is expected to be closely monitored by Western nations, which have grown increasingly weary of Turkey as its leader has looked to broaden ties with Moscow amid the war in Ukraine despite NATO’s fervent condemnation of the invasion.
Reports have suggested Turkey is looking to now join the BRICS partnership – which is increasingly dominated by top NATO adversaries like Russia, China and Iran, with a potential North Korea membership on the horizon – due to its frustration over the refusal by the European Union to grant Ankara membership.
Though not all world leaders attending the summit this week appear as ambivalent toward Western ties as some, including Modi who has attempted to toe the geopolitical line when it comes to India’s position over the controversial war in Ukraine.
Modi reportedly spoke with Putin ahead of the summit and reiterated that India was ready to see an end to the brutal war through "peaceful means."
Though New Delhi remains the world’s largest buyer of Russian arms, Modi traveled in August to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenksyy.
Not all BRICS leaders will attend the summit. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday canceled his trip to Kazan at the advice of medical officials following an injury at home that resulted in a minor brain hemorrhage, reported Reuters.
Lula da Silva is now expected to attend the summit by video conference.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also reportedly bowed out over medical reasons related to "serious energy levels."
Israel busts Iranian plot to assassinate mayor of a 'major Israeli city'
An Iranian plot to assassinate a "senior Israeli scientist and a mayor of a major Israeli city" has been busted, with seven suspects from Jerusalem being taken into custody, officials say.
The individuals from Jerusalem’s Beit Safafa neighborhood – who also were tasked with bombing a police car and throwing a grenade at a house -- were promised a $53,000 payment for their efforts, according to a joint statement from Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, and the Israeli Police.
"These individuals, under Iranian direction, planned to assassinate a senior Israeli scientist and a mayor of a major Israeli city," the statement said.
"An investigation revealed an Iranian intelligence network aiming to recruit Israeli citizens for missions in Israel," it added. "A 23-year-old suspect from Jerusalem was in contact with a foreign agent, recruiting others for tasks like graffiti spraying, vehicle arson in Ein Kerem, and intelligence gathering."
ISRAEL BREAKS UP IRANIAN SPY RING, ARRESTS 7 OF ITS OWN CITIZENS
Israeli officials say the suspects were arrested near the scientist’s home after photographing it in exchange for around $132, as part of the leadup to the assassination attempt.
"Searches revealed 50,000 shekels, a fake police license plate, and numerous credit cards," the officials added, noting that "charges for serious security offenses" are expected to be filed.
A senior Shin Bet official said "Scientists, mayors, security officials, and other prominent Israelis are targets for Iranian agents" and that the investigation "underscores Iran’s efforts to recruit Israeli citizens for terrorism."
The arrests come after Israeli security agencies on Monday said they had uncovered and stopped an Iranian spy ring operating out of northern Israel.
Those seven suspects, residents of Haifa and other areas across northern Israel, are suspected of gathering intelligence on Israeli military bases, including air force and naval installations, as well as Israel’s infamous Iron Dome defense system.
The accused are also suspected of relaying information to Iranian intelligence on Israel’s critical energy infrastructure, including its largest power station in Hadera – a tactic that could suggest Iran may look to utilize a strategy long held by its top ally Russia, which has frequently targeted Ukraine's energy systems.
According to Shin Bet, the spy network provided Iranian intelligence agents with critical information using sophisticated equipment to photograph sensitive locations in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars, some made using cryptocurrency, reported Israeli news agency TPS.
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
Blinken arrives in Israel as Biden-Harris admin faces scrutiny over compromising Jerusalem’s security
JERUSALEM — Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday amid a major security breach involving the publication of Jerusalem’s plans to launch a counterstrike against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The documents first appeared online Friday via a channel on Telegram, claiming they had been leaked by someone in the U.S. intelligence community, then later the U.S. Department of Defense. The information appeared entirely gathered through the use of satellite image analysis.
Blinken seeks to establish a cease-fire in Gaza and an end to the war against the U.S.-designated terrorist movement Hezbollah in Lebanon. His visit comes days after the Iranian-backed Hezbollah organization launched a drone strike to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his private residence in Caesarea.
ISRAEL’S UN AMBASSADOR: RESPONSE TO IRAN WILL BE ‘VERY PAINFUL'
Hezbollah joined Hamas a day after the Gaza-based terrorist organization invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Iran’s regime—the world’s worst state-sponsor of terrorism, according to the U.S. State Department—sponsors both Hamas and Hezbollah. Tehran launched a massive missile barrage on Oct. 1 into the Jewish state.
The leak of Israel’s plan against Iran has sparked national security alarm bells among leading Israeli and American analysts.
Amit Segal, chief political analyst of Israel's Channel 12, told Fox News Digital, "There is a reason why Israel avoided informing the U.S. in advance about the elimination of Nasrallah and the pagers operation. This reason is the systematic prior leaking of Israeli operations over the past year. There is real concern in Israel about the implications of its secrets being publicly revealed in a way that serves its enemies."
In September, Israel launched a targeted strike killing Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official during the Trump administration, told Fox News Digital, "The leak itself and the potential for more leaks yet to come is a national security crisis for the United States. We don’t yet have confirmation of who leaked this and why, but the event needs to force a systemic review of who has access to intelligence and how we protect against political and ideological radicalization among those with access to top secret information."
Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, added, "Clearly there is a top-down policy in place to constrain, cajole and sometimes threaten Israel via a range of tactics, but we need to be clear-eyed that pro-Hamas and pro-Iran propaganda amplified by President Biden, Vice President Harris and certain white nationalist influencers can have consequences in radicalizing elements of our society against Israel and Jews."
White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby said on Monday that President Biden was "deeply concerned" by the alleged possible leak of U.S. intelligence material regarding Israel’s war planning against the clerical regime in Tehran.
The leaked U.S. intelligence documents will likely be a topic on Netanyahu's agenda with Blinken as he makes his 11th trip to the Middle East since Hamas slaughtered nearly 1,200 people on Oct. 7, including more than 40 Americans.
Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Israel strikes Hezbollah naval base in Beirut as Iran rallies Gulf Arab nations
Hezbollah launched a missile attack on central Israel on Tuesday, sending residents fleeing to shelters but causing no apparent damage or injuries, the Israeli authorities said.
The terrorist group fired five projectiles from within Lebanon into Israel, the Israeli military said, adding that most were intercepted by Israel’s missile defense system while one landed in an open area. Israeli police said there were no reports of damage or injury following the rocket barrage.
Meanwhile, Israel targeted a Hezbollah naval base in Beirut overnight, the Israeli military said Tuesday, as Iran worked to rally Gulf Arab nations ahead of a potential retaliatory strike from the Jewish State.
The Hezbollah naval base held a training center, an area to conduct experiments and military speedboats that were intended to be used in attacks on Israeli navy vessels and targets within Israel’s territorial waters, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.
HEZBOLLAH HIDING MORE THAN $500M IN GOLD, CASH UNDER HOSPITAL IN LEBANON, IDF SAYS
Israel also conducted strikes on Hezbollah weapons storage facilities, command centers and additional terrorist targets in Beirut, some of which were located underground, the IDF said.
Israel took steps to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including issuing precise and advanced warnings to civilians in the area before launching the strikes, according to the IDF.
The strikes come as speculation grows over how Israel will retaliate for Tehran’s Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted Tehran’s neighbors wouldn’t allow their territory to be used for such an assault and that it would strike back just as hard.
HEZBOLLAH GENERATES FUNDS FOR ACTIVITIES UNDER THE GUISE OF A NON-PROFIT: ISRAELI OFFICIALS
"All the neighbors assured us that they will not allow their lands and air to be used against Iran," Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. "This is an expectation from all friendly and neighboring countries and we consider this a sign of friendship."
Gulf Arab nations have not made any public pledges like those described by Araghchi.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday just hours after Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into central Israel as the U.S. looks to revive cease-fire efforts after the killing of top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
China holds live-fire drills near Taiwan, in another show of force
China’s military is conducting live-fire drills near Taiwan and is warning ships to avoid the area Tuesday following a massive exercise last week that left the U.S. "seriously concerned."
The drills near the Pingtan islands off China’s southern Fujian province facing Taiwan are being tracked by the Taiwan Defense Ministry.
"It cannot be ruled out that it is one of the ways to expand the deterrent effect in line with the dynamics in the Taiwan Strait," the Ministry said in a statement, adding that China’s drills are part of an annual exercise.
Last week, China held a one-day military exercise aimed at practicing the "sealing off of key ports and key areas." Taiwan counted a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships.
China’s Defense Ministry said those drills were a response to the Taiwanese president’s refusal to accept Beijing’s demand that self-governed Taiwan acknowledge itself as a part of the People’s Republic of China under the rule of the Communist Party.
Taiwan's premier, Cho Jung-tai, then called on China to stop its exercises.
"Like all democratic countries in the world, we believe that China’s military exercises are a threat to regional peace and stability. Regardless of the scale of the exercise, China’s military exercises should not frequently approach Taiwan to make meaningless declarations," he said.
CHINA SURROUNDS TAIWAN IN MILITARY EXERCISE AGAINST INDEPENDENCE
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller also said "The United States is seriously concerned by the People’s Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan."
"We call on the PRC to act with restraint and to avoid any further actions that may undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the broader region, which is essential to regional peace and prosperity and a matter of international concern," Miller added. "We continue to monitor PRC activities and coordinate with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Missing student in Spain was likely crushed, incinerated after passing out in trash while partying: cops
A student partying in Majorca, Spain, was likely crushed to death in a garbage truck and then incinerated at a waste disposal plant after falling into a garbage bin, according to police.
Agostina Rubini Medina, 24, was missing for nearly three weeks after she disappeared during a night out with her friends in Palma, the capital city of the island of Majorca, according to The U.S. Sun.
Spain's National Police have a theory that Medina fell into a garbage bin while attempting to retrieve an item such as her cellphone and passed out before she and the garbage were dumped into a garbage truck, crushed in the truck's garbage compactor and eventually dropped into an incinerator.
ITALIAN SURFER DIES IN FREAK ACCIDENT AFTER SWORDFISH IMPALES HER WHILE SURFING IN INDONESIA
A worker at a shop near a bus stop on Medina's route home said the girl was visibly drunk and had purchased a bag of chips from the shop shortly before midnight.
A short time later, a witness told police they saw Medina's handbag and blouse sitting by a large garbage bin about 15 minutes before workers arrived to empty it.
AMERICAN REPORTEDLY KIDNAPPED IN PHILIPPINE COASTAL TOWN; POLICE INVESTIGATING
Tracking data showed Medina's phone was at that location for around a half hour before it moved to the incineration plant and died, which matches travel records from the garbage truck, according to the New York Post.
Authorities say she was likely killed in the truck before it arrived at the plant.
Police later discovered human skeletal remains at the incinerator plant and have sent them off for DNA testing to determine if they belong to Medina.
Medina was a thin woman with a low tolerance for alcohol and was on medication, police said, adding that this may have caused her to pass out.
Italian surfer dies in freak accident after swordfish impales her while surfing in Indonesia
An Italian woman surfing an island break off the west coast of Sumatra died in a freak accident when a swordfish impaled her, according to reports.
The Antara News Agency in Indonesia reported that 36-year-old Giulia Manfrini was surfing in the waters of Masokut Island in the Mentawai Islands, just off the west coast of Sumatra, when she was stabbed by the bill of a swordfish.
Acting head of the Mentawai Islands' Disaster Management Agency, Lahmudin Siregar, told the news outlet that his agency was notified about the accident involving an Italian citizen who was surfing.
He said Manfrini was hunting waves in the waters of Ombak Bengbeng, Masokut Island in the Southwest Siberut District.
CALIFORNIA MAN SURVIVES SHARK ATTACK BY REPORTEDLY PUNCHING PREDATOR 'INSIDE ITS MOUTH'
"Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped toward Manfrini and stuck it right in the chest of the female tourist," Siregar added.
Information obtained by Antara from Siberut Police suggests Manfrini asked for help by waving to two witnesses who were also foreign nationals, named Alexandre Ribas and Massimo Ferro.
HAWAII LIFEGUARD KILLED IN SHARK ATTACK AFTER SURFING: ‘A TRAGIC LOSS’
The two witnesses rushed to assist Manfrini and provided first aid before taking her to a nearby clinic, where she was pronounced dead.
A medical examination conducted by the medical team at Pei Pei Puskesmas found Manfrini suffered a stab wound in the upper chest, about 5 centimeters deep. The report also said the victim’s nose emitted foam, suggesting a lack of oxygen due to drowning.
Manfrini’s body is currently in Pei Pei Puskesmas and is expected to be taken to the city of Padang before being sent back to Italy.
Manfrini reportedly grew up in Venaria Reale, Italy, a community just outside the city of Turin.
The mayor of Venaria Reale, Fabio Giulivi, spoke about Manfrini’s sudden death on Saturday.
SEE IT: MYSTERY SURFER CAUGHT ON VIDEO SAVING BIRD DROWNING IN THE WAVES: ‘A HERO’
"The entire Venarian community is gathering around Giulia Manfrini’s family," Giulivi said in a translated post. "The news of her death has left us shocked and makes us feel powerless in front of the tragedy that took her life so prematurely."
He continued, saying Manfrini dreamed of surfing and opening a travel agency for sports vacations.
"To mum Chiara, dad Giorgio and all the people who loved her, a touching hug from me and the whole city," Giulivi said.
BRAZILIAN SURFER HOVERS ABOVE OCEAN IN VIRAL PHOTO, BREAKS OLYMPIC SURFING RECORD
Tributes poured in after news broke about Manfrini’s death.
One person who said she spent Manfrini’s last evening with her picking pomegranates and talking about making fig jam, wrote about her friend, saying, "We can only say how much she got out of her short life, and she filled it completely."
Another person wrote, "We are a huge heartbroken community that loved Giulia with all our hearts. She was the most lighthearted friend we had, always bringing joy and love to our group."
The Mentawai Islands Regency is a popular international tourist destination, especially for surfing.
Hezbollah generates funds for activities under the guise of a non-profit: Israeli officials
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed new intelligence about Hezbollah's financial network on Monday, as the military continues eliminating threats from Hamas and other terrorist groups.
In a Monday briefing that was posted on X, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari revealed new information about the institution Hezbollah uses to fund attacks.
"Tonight, we're exposing Hezbollah's financial network and how Hezbollah uses it to fund its terrorist activities," Hagari said. "In recent years, the state of Lebanon has experienced a deep financial crisis which was exploited by Hezbollah."
Hagari said that Hezbollah's financial arm is Al-Qard Al-Hasan, which "provides financial services to Lebanese civilians and pays the salaries of Hezbollah's operatives," Hagari said.
Al-Qard Al-Hasan is a loan provider that is registered as a charitable non-profit in Lebanon, according to Reuters. Hagari said that the Iranian-linked financial network violates international law.
"Hezbollah's financial network is based on two main sources of income: money from the Iranian regime, and money from the Lebanese people," the military spokesman said. "Iran's Quds Force is transferring money to Hezbollah from Iranian oil sold in Syria."
"Iran also sends suitcases of cash and gold by planes to the Iranian embassy in Beirut, and then directly it goes to Hezbollah."
ISRAEL HAMMERS HEZBOLLAH FINANCES WITH CRUSHING AIRSTRIKES
Hagari also noted that Hezbollah built factories in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Turkey to generate cash to support terrorist activities.
The Israeli official argued that Hezbollah's financial arm threatens the Lebanese economy, as bringing Iranian money into circulation devalues the Lebanese pound.
"I want to emphasize, we are not at war with the people of Lebanon," Hagari concluded. "We are at war with Hezbollah, and we will continue to operate against Hezbollah so that the residents of northern Israel will be able to return to their homes in safety and security."
The update comes three weeks after the IDF began their ground operations in Lebanon. On Sunday, the military conducted airstrikes targetting Al-Qard Al-Hasan buildings in Lebanon.
Fox News Digital's Trey Yingst and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
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