World
Turkish state-owned aerospace company was targeted in terrorist attack; authorities suspect the Kurdistan Workers' Party
On the 23rd, a shooting and bombing incident occurred at the headquarters of Turkey's state-owned aerospace company, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS/TAI), resulting in at least 5 deaths and 22 injuries. Two assailants were also shot dead. Turkish authorities believe the attack was a terrorist act orchestrated by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Located in the suburbs of Ankara, TAI is a key player in Turkey's aerospace industry, engaged in the design, development, and manufacturing of various commercial and military aircraft. It is also designated as an authorized manufacturer of the U.S.-designed F-16 fighter jet for NATO member countries. On the 23rd, a male and a female gunman entered the company building and opened fire, killing 4 TAI employees and injuring 22 others. Another victim was a taxi driver, who is suspected to have been killed during a robbery by the assailants.
Turkish authorities consider this incident to be a terrorist attack planned by the PKK, which has long been in conflict with the Turkish government. Within hours of the attack, the Turkish Ministry of Defense conducted airstrikes on several PKK targets located in northern Iraq and Syria, reportedly resulting in numerous PKK members being killed.
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Guyana’s President Rings FOWPAL’s Peace Bell
Guyana’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, left, is presented with the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, after ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love.
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The U.S. and Japan are conducting large-scale joint military exercises called " Keen Sword," involving approximately 45,000 participants
The Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military will conduct the 17th joint large-scale exercise, "Keen Sword," starting on October 23 for a duration of 10 days. This exercise will involve approximately 45,000 personnel and aims to strengthen the joint response and operational capabilities of the Japan-U.S. forces to ensure Japan's security, without targeting any specific country.
The "Keen Sword" exercises will take place from October 23 to November 1 around the "Nansei Islands," from Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture to Okinawa Prefecture. About 33,000 members of the Japan Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces will participate, alongside approximately 12,000 personnel from the U.S. Pacific Forces and U.S. forces stationed in Japan. The exercises are expected to involve 40 ships, 370 aircraft, 6 F-22 stealth fighters, and 6 F-35B jets, marking the first time civilian airports and ports will be utilized, with around 30 locations being requisitioned. Additionally, some troops from Australia and Canada will participate, and observers from Western and NATO member countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, the Philippines, India, and Lithuania, have been invited.
The exercise will include joint anti-ship combat, integrated air and missile defense, island defense, ensuring maritime transport security, protection of critical facilities, frontline weapons and fuel supply, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training. On the same day, Japan's Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Keisuke Yoshida, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Stephen Koehler held a joint press conference aboard the USS San Diego at the U.S. Navy base in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, emphasizing that unilateral changes to the status quo in the Indo-Pacific region through the use of force will not be tolerated. They highlighted the importance of Japan-U.S. cooperation in enhancing deterrence to protect Japan's security.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Visits Ukraine, Announces $400 Million in Military Aid
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Ukraine on the 21st and announced a new $400 million military aid package to further strengthen U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This visit underscores the partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine and reaffirms the commitment to continue providing essential military supplies and support.
Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior officials in the capital, Kyiv, to discuss the current situation and defense needs. The focus of this round of aid is to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities, improve logistical support and resupply, and further strengthen ground combat technical capabilities.
The $400 million military assistance will cover enhancements to air defense systems, replenishment of ammunition and equipment, and logistics and maintenance support. During the discussions, Austin stated that this aid package demonstrates the United States' steadfast support for the Ukrainian people. He also urged the international community to increase assistance to Ukraine, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in the current situation.
President Zelensky expressed gratitude for the aid, noting that such military support is crucial for Ukraine's defense against aggression and for maintaining national security. He reiterated Ukraine's determination to restore peace and stated that the Ukrainian military would continue to work tirelessly to defend its territorial integrity.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States has provided multiple rounds of aid to Ukraine, totaling billions of dollars. U.S. officials emphasize that this assistance is aimed at helping Ukraine protect its territory and sovereignty within the framework of international law.
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FOWPAL Fosters a Culture of Conscience in Peru
Dr. César Acuña, founder of César Vallejo University in Peru, left, is presented with the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, for making higher education more accessible to underprivileged communities.
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The Bell of World Peace and Love Rings in Suriname
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center, and FOWPAL delegates pose in front of the Ministry of Health of Suriname during their visit for cultural exchange and the promotion of conscience, love, and peace on October 11, 2024.
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Helicopter Collides with Radio Tower in Texas, Crashes Killing All 4 Onboard
A helicopter crashed and exploded after hitting a radio tower in Houston, Texas, on the night of the 20th, killing all four people onboard, including one child.
According to an Associated Press report, the accident occurred around 7:54 PM local time on the 20th. A private Robinson R44 helicopter that took off from Ellington Airport collided with a radio tower near Engelke Street and North Ennis Street in the Second Ward of Houston. Surveillance footage showed the helicopter exploding instantly upon impact with the tower, which collapsed in a burst of flames.
Authorities confirmed that all four passengers, including one child, were killed in the crash. The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been released. Fire officials told The New York Times that the fire spread across two blocks, but no homes or other structures were damaged apart from the radio tower. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident in collaboration with other agencies. Authorities have urged residents near the crash site to contact 911 if they find any items that may assist in the investigation.
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Netanyahu's Residence Attacked by Drone, Iran Claims Hezbollah Responsible
Israel stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea was attacked by a drone from Lebanon on the morning of the 19th, with no casualties reported. Iran claimed that the drone strike on Netanyahu's home was orchestrated by Hezbollah.
On the 19th, Netanyahu's office confirmed that a drone targeted his home in downtown Caesarea, north of Tel Aviv, while he and his wife were not present, leaving them unharmed. In a statement that day, Netanyahu said, "Iranian proxy Hezbollah attempted to assassinate me and my wife, and they have made a grave mistake." He reiterated his stance that anyone attempting to harm Israeli citizens would face severe consequences.
According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu posted videos in both English and Hebrew on social media. In the English video, he accused Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar of being the mastermind behind terrorist acts, stating, "His thugs beheaded our men, raped our women, and buried our babies alive. We killed him, and we will continue fighting Iran’s other terrorist proxies."
In the Hebrew video, he said, "Two days ago, we eliminated the Holocaust killer Sinwar (Hamas leader). As I’ve said before, we are in a war for survival, and we will fight to the end. I am proud of our soldiers, proud of our commanders, and proud of you, the citizens of Israel."
Since late September, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaging in continued hostilities with Israel. Iran asserted that the attack on Netanyahu’s residence was orchestrated by Hezbollah. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Tehran’s position on the incident was clarified by Iran’s delegation to the United Nations, stating, "This operation was planned by Lebanon’s Hezbollah." However, Hezbollah has not yet publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
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Molotov Cocktail Thrown at LDP HQ; Man Sets Fire and Crashes Car into PM's Residence
On October 19, 2024, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters was the target of a violent attack. A man threw a Molotov cocktail at the LDP building, set it on fire, and then sped towards the Prime Minister’s residence, attempting a further assault.
According to local media reports, the man appeared near the LDP headquarters in the afternoon, carrying a Molotov cocktail. He threw the incendiary device at the building, causing a small fire. Although the fire was quickly extinguished, the man then drove towards the Prime Minister’s residence in Tokyo, attempting to crash into the facility. Police promptly intervened as his vehicle approached the entrance and successfully apprehended the suspect.
The attack did not result in any casualties. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the incident and whether the man has any links to extremist groups.
A government spokesperson strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed the commitment to public safety. Security around the Prime Minister’s residence has been heightened, and citizens are urged to remain calm.
The investigation is ongoing, and police will conduct further questioning of the suspect to uncover the reasons behind the attack and any possible connections to external forces.
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Hamas confirms that leader Sinwar has been killed, raising hopes for an end to the Gaza war
On October 17, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas that orchestrated the attack on Israel last October, was killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that while Sinwar's death does not mean the end of the Gaza war, it signifies the beginning of its conclusion.
In footage released by the Israeli military, the 61-year-old Sinwar is seen sitting alone in a dusty chair, wearing a traditional headscarf, with severe injuries to his hands, throwing a stick at an approaching drone. The Israeli military confirmed his identity through forensic analysis, DNA testing, dental identification, and fingerprint comparison.
Hamas senior leader Osama Hamdan confirmed Sinwar's death on October 18. According to sources, Khaled Mashal, head of Hamas's overseas office, has taken over Sinwar's leadership role.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Hamas must be held accountable for the atrocities committed on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds of hostages. Sinwar's death creates an opportunity for the release of hostages and could pave the way for changing Gaza's fate.
U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned that now is the time to plan the next steps for Gaza, aiming for a political solution before Hamas regains power. He intends to discuss ways to bring back the hostages and end the war with Netanyahu and other relevant leaders. However, Hamas has stated that it will not release hostages held in Gaza until Israeli forces withdraw and cease their attacks.
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