Beirut (Lebanon) (AFP) – An Israeli strike hits Beirut’s Tayouneh area after the Israeli army issued an evacuation order in the Lebanese capital. Since September 23, Israel has ramped up its air campaign in Lebanon, later sending in ground troops following almost a year of limited, cross-border exchanges initiated by Hezbollah over the Gaza war.
Lima (AFP) – Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Peru for an Asia-Pacific summit where he will meet US counterpart Joe Biden under the shadow of a looming trade war with the incoming Donald Trump administration. IMAGES
Rome (AFP) – Rare frescoes dating back to the 17th century have been found by chance by an electrician working in Rome’s Villa Farnesina. The Renaissance works were discovered a year ago behind a false ceiling above the vaults of the palace during a routine maintenance check by the Accademia dei Lincei, which recently granted AFP a visit to film the paintings.
Moscow (AFP) – Moscow residents react after Russian authorities ordered the closure of the city’s award-winning Gulag History Museum, dedicated to the victims of Soviet-era repression. The closure was officially put down to alleged violations of fire safety regulations, but comes amid an intense Kremlin campaign against independent civil society and those who question the state’s interpretation of history.
Irving (United States) (AFP) – Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut and 19 years after being battered into retirement, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson will climb back into the ring for a Netflix-backed bout that has drawn widespread concern across the boxing world.
Namhkam (Myanmar) (AFP) – More than 1,000 recruits of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) receive military equipment during a ceremony marking the end of their special combat training. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military deposed head of state Aung San Suu Kyi and her government in 2021, and launched a crackdown that sparked an armed uprising.
London (AFP) – A jazz concert in the halls of London’s Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, features Spanish pianist Albert Marques and Keith LaMar, a death row prisoner joining from his cell via phone call at a maximum state prison in Ohio. Supporters of LaMar are calling for his release and an end to the death penalty in the United States.
Lima (AFP) – Peruvian President Dina Boluarte opens the APEC CEO summit in the capital, Lima. IMAGES
Grand Rapids (United States) (AFP) – Donald Trump is building his administration as he prepares to retake the White House. These are the key nominations so far, some requiring potentially difficult Senate confirmations — unless Trump can circumvent scrutiny through a process called recess appointments.
Lima (AFP) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lands in Lima ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. IMAGES
Lima (AFP) – Dozens of transport workers and merchants march against the government in Lima, which is currently hosting the APEC summit attended by, among others, the presidents of the United States and China. Escorted by police, the protesters march toward the APEC summit venue, which is under heavy police guard. IMAGES
Lima (AFP) – Thailand’s Prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives in Lima ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. IMAGES
