U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Claim Lives of 12
In a recent escalation of U.S. military actions, airstrikes in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, have reportedly killed 12 individuals and injured 30 others, according to the Houthi rebels. This incident marked an intensification of America's campaign against the Houthis, with the military's Central Command remaining tight-lipped on the specifics of the strike and the civilian casualties involved.
The airstrikes hit the Farwa neighborhood market located in the Shuub district of Sanaa, an area that has previously been targeted. Houthi-controlled media, particularly their al-Masirah satellite news channel, broadcast footage displaying the devastation inflicted on vehicles and buildings, with scenes of distraught individuals, including a child who appeared to be deceased. Victims were seen being carried on stretchers into hospitals amid the chaos.
In addition to the strikes in Sanaa, other regions such as Amran, Hodeida, Marib, and Saada experienced similar military actions during the same timeframe.
Israeli Investigation Confirms Failures Leading to Deaths of Palestinian Medics
In a separate incident, an Israeli military probe into the killings of 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza last month unveiled a series of "professional failures," leading to the dismissal of a deputy commander. The investigation was prompted by international outrage, with many labeling the killings as a potential war crime, given the special protections medical staff are entitled to under international humanitarian law.
Initially, Israeli forces claimed that the medics' vehicles lacked emergency indicators, but evidence from cellphone footage contradicted this narrative. The military documented that the deputy commander acted under incorrect assumptions, believing the ambulances were affiliated with Hamas militants during a tense confrontation marked by poor visibility. Following the incident, gunfire continued for over five minutes, striking both medics and a U.N. vehicle responding to the scene.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Continuing Attacks Amid Declared Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed claims of a ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that Russia is still launching attacks despite claims of a temporary truce for Easter. Zelenskyy reported over 59 instances of Russian artillery fire and five assaults along the front lines following Putin's announcement and noted an uptick in the use of heavy weaponry.
In a reported ambush in the Donetsk region, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian troops had been killed, vowing that the responsible Russian soldiers would face retribution.
Severe Weather in the U.S. Causes Fatalities and Destruction
A fierce storm system has swept through parts of Texas and Oklahoma, leading to three deaths due to tornadoes and severe flooding over Easter weekend. This weather event, which included confirmed tornadoes in Oklahoma and extensive damage, triggered multiple high-water incidents, with local authorities reporting that some vehicles had been swept away in floodwaters. The National Weather Service noted that the storm had caused significant rainfall accumulation in the affected areas.
New Developments in Military Communications
In Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under scrutiny after it was reported that he created a second Signal messaging group that included family members, in which sensitive information about military operations in Yemen was shared. This has raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of using commercially available messaging apps for discussing national defense matters.
Salvadoran President Proposes Prisoner Swap with Venezuela
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has proposed a prisoner exchange with Venezuela, suggesting that he would swap Venezuelan deportees held in El Salvador for political prisoners detained in Venezuela. Bukele called for a humanitarian agreement via social media, naming specific political prisoners and highlighting their detentions as a form of electoral repression by the Venezuelan government.
Haitian Soldiers Killed Amid Gang Violence
In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at least three soldiers were ambushed and killed in a conflict involving gangs. The attacks in the area, known for its heavy gang presence, underscore the ongoing violence plaguing the nation as law enforcement aims to combat gang warfare.
Pope Francis Makes Easter Appearance Following Recovery
Pope Francis made a surprising return to public duties on Easter Sunday, emerging from a period of recovery from pneumonia to bless the crowd in St. Peter's Square. The Pope's health had been a concern following a five-week hospitalization, and his appearance was met with cheers from the more than 35,000 attendees, marking a significant moment of resilience for the 88-year-old pontiff.
Theatrical Tour Highlights Climate Change in Nigeria
In Nigeria, a theatrical tour featuring giant puppet animals aimed at raising awareness about climate change is making waves. Stopping in the floating slum of Makoko, the tour emphasizes the impact of global warming on wildlife and habitats, seeking to renew connections with nature through performance art.
