VCHRYSANTZAS

SUBSCRIBE TO US!

The outskirts of the Russian city of Orenburg are rapidly going under the water. Residents are furious and threaten rallies already in the capital of the region, writes the Mozhem Obyasnit Telegram channel. According to the governor of the region Denis Pasler, the water level in the Ural River is approaching a record high of 11 m. The head of the region urged residents of flooded areas to evacuate. Hundreds of houses in the vicinity of Orenburg and several city districts with a population of half a million have already gone underwater. The Mozhem Obyasnit Telegram channel contacted the victims. "Everything is only getting worse, the house is sinking," says Yulia Selina, who lives in the village of Vesenny, a 30-minute drive from Orenburg. "Many are flooded and the leadership is inactive, everyone is silent." "The younger son was pulled out through the window, we were able to get out through the door," Julia continues. “My son was very scared. We just made repairs, bought furniture and all that stuff!". The situation is aggravated by the clove in the village, where meltwater flows, and which the authorities did not clean up before the flood, ignoring the requests of residents. The promised payments for recovery will not be enough. "No one takes into account the damage to the house. Not to mention furniture, repairs, equipment, things. We didn't take anything out. I'm not the only one. People will not be satisfied, so there will be a rally," she promises. Valeria, whose house was flooded in the village of Zarechny, works in the regional administration. On April 10, the water approached her house and the yard completely flooded in a few minutes. "As a resident of the region, of course, I believe that the payments are small and do not cover losses, but as a civil servant I assume that these are only primary payments," she says. Here is what the residents of Orenburg write in local publics and on the page of Governor Pasler: “The special water operation is going according to plan.” "Why are the payments to victims so ridiculous? People have lost everything because of the negligence of officials!” “People don't have houses, but you give 20,000? Do they have to live on it, feed the children?" "Thank you to the Orenburg City Hall for spending the budget on lanterns instead of engineering protection of the city."

President Joe Biden holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan.

Australian police say Sydney knife attacker may have targeted women

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has reported that Russia is sending personnel of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the 11th Air Force and Air Defence Army to the war in Ukraine to replenish sanitary and irrecoverable losses. "According to the decision of Viktor Liina, the Commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, rotations to Syria have been completely stopped, and all personnel are being sent to the combat zone on the territory of Ukraine. We are talking about 2,000 Russian servicemen from the Primorsky and Kamchatka Krais of the Russian Federation". Intelligence reports that about 400 more soldiers from the military units of the 11th Air Force and Air Defence Army, stationed in Russia's Khabarovsk Krai, will "patch up the holes" of the Russian 155th and 40th Marine Brigades, which are understaffed due to huge losses. Part of the personnel from the military formations of Russia's Far East will join the new motorised infantry brigade, which is being formed in Voronezh. Ukraine reported that these Russian military formations have not been directly involved in hostilities against Ukraine before. "According to the decision of the commander of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Federation, Viktor Liina, rotations to Syria have been completely suspended, and all personnel are being sent to the combat zone in Ukraine. This includes 2,000 Russian military personnel from the Primorsky and Kamchatka regions of the Russian Federation," the Main Intelligence Directorate reports. The agency also pointed out that about 400 soldiers from units of the 11th Army of the Air Force and Air Defense, stationed in the Khabarovsk Territory of the Russian Federation, will "patch holes" in the 155th and 40th brigades of the Russian Marine Corps, which are engaged in combat operations against Ukraine and are understaffed due to serious losses. "A portion of the personnel from the military units in the Russian Far East will join a new motorized rifle brigade of the aggressor state, which is being formed in Voronezh," the Main Intelligence Directorate stated. Russian forces suffer significant losses daily in the war against Ukraine. The Russian army loses dozens, if not hundreds, of units of military equipment daily. The count of combat losses of personnel of the aggressor country also reaches into the hundreds.

SUBSCRIBE TO US!

The fire takes place during the peak of what is considered the dry season in South Florida, which extends until the end of May. Meteorologists said the conditions have been drier than usual across the region, and no rain is expected during the early part of this week. Firefighters in Boca Raton are working to extinguish a brushfire of north of Clint Moore Road. Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services Department leaders say the brushfire that began last Thursday morning was under control. Crews are currently conducting the controlled burns in the area of the brushfire to use up nearby fuel to prevent a possible rekindling from spreading the flames. Fire crews with multiple agencies are also working to put out any remaining hot spots. The fire has caused large flames and smoke to billow into the air. Smoke can be smelled for miles depending on the location. "There’s no need to be worried," said Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services Department Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Smith. Multiple agencies, including Highlands County Fire Rescue, worked a large brush fire, causing residents to evacuate their homes. People were asked to avoid the area in Sun 'n Lake from Granada to Schumacher Road while crews were on scene. The brush fire is estimated to be 55 acres in size, according to officials. All homes on Granada Boulevard between Edgewater Drive and Ortego Street were evacuated, which were about 20 structures in total, mainly duplexes.

France has shifted its naval posture from intercepting drug traffickers and poachers to training for a conventional war, Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard has told Politico. Mallard commands France’s only carrier battle group, built around the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle. He spoke about the changes in an interview with the EU edition of Politico. “We’re moving from a world where we were pretty free to do as we pleased to one where we feel threatened on a more regular basis,” Mallard said. “We now train for other missions, in particular what we call high-intensity warfare.” “Naval combat is becoming increasingly likely,” he said, and the French sailors now practice fighting against “someone who wants to destroy us. Not someone who wants to do illegal trafficking, not someone who wants to steal fish.” With the Russian navy engaged in the Black Sea and the Houthis of Yemen interdicting vessels linked to Israel, the US and the UK in the Red Sea, Western navies need to deal with “increasingly uninhibited competitors,” Mallard said. “That’s where we become a little more aggressive, or at least, we prepare to be,” added the admiral. According to Mallard, the French and Italian navies will engage in a joint exercise later this spring, based on the “Polaris” program that simulates a naval battle. Introduced in 2021, the combat simulation works to “disinhibit tactical thinking,” which Mallard described as “a bit more risky but very useful.” While the admiral did not name the expected enemy, he made it clear it was not the People’s Liberation Army Navy. “As long as the Chinese haven’t invaded the island of La Réunion or decided to kick us off the island of Mayotte,” he said, naming two French territories in the Indian Ocean, “there’s no reason to single out the Chinese as our main adversary.” Mallard’s comments come after weeks of French President Emmanuel Macron floating the idea of potentially having NATO boots on the ground in Ukraine. The possibility was outright rejected by most – though not all – members of the US-led bloc.

SUBSCRIBE TO US!

The first bulk of kamikaze drones directed by Iran towards Israel has already entered the territory of Israel. The relevant images were distributed on Telegram channels. Hundreds of drones are seen hovering over Israel’s coastal city of Ashkelon. According to the report, about 500 drones from Iran were directed towards Israel. Some of them were struck over Iraq, Jordan and Syria. The drones entered the Israeli territory an hour earlier than planned. Israel's air defense system was activated, and fighter jets took off to target the drones.

Footage has been released showing missiles fired from Lebanon and Iran into Israel. Iranian drones have been spotted in Iraq. According to reports, Iran has launched new ballistic missiles to Israel, Iran’s Tasnim agency reported. According to the report, Israeli military facilities are targeted. The first drones directed from Iran to Israel will reportedly arrive an hour earlier than scheduled.

A total or 400 to 500 missiles and drones will be fired at Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria, southern Lebanon and the Houthis, ABC News outlet reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official. The source said that the bulk of missiles will be launched form the territory of Iran. The drones are the same kind used in Ukraine, according to the source. Meanwhile, US media also report that President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office today. According to the latest reports, Biden has already arrived in the Oval Office. Israeli Defence Forces reported on Saturday night that Iran launched drones and cruise missiles at Israel. Amid the escalation of the tension in the region, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq closed their airpaces. Meanwhile, US Air Force fighter jets have been scrambled over Iraq and Jordan to combat Iranian drones, the Al-Qahira Al-Ikhbariya TV channel reported.

Israel has launched a missile attack on Lebanon, Israeli media reported. Israel targeted Lebanese military facilities and Iran-linked Hezbollah military group’s positions. The attack was in response to Hezbollah’s attacks on Israeli territory earlier. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Forces said Iran has fired drones at cruise missiles on its territory. Forces from Iran, Yemen, Syria, Hezbollah and Hashd al-Shaabi militant groups are currently reportedly carrying out massive attacks on Israel using missiles and drones. There are now more than 200 different attack drones and missiles over the air according to the reports. Israel is on high alert and has closed schools and cancelled activities due to possible Iranian attack. Meanwhile, US Air Force’s fighter jets have been reportedly scrambled over Iraq and Jordan to combat Iranian drones, Al-Qahera Al-Ikhbariya TV channel reported.

Iran launched over 300 drones and a range of missiles, most of which were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and allied forces in the region.

Iranian navy commandos on Saturday seized a container ship affiliated with Israel near the Strait of Hormuz, state news agency IRNA reported. IRNA identified the ship as MCS Aries and claimed it is managed by a company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. The Portuguese-fagged ship was taken under the control of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ navy with the help of a helicopter. The ship was on its way from the UAE to India, when the landing party disembarked. The ship had turned off its tracking data, which has been common for Israeli-affiliated ships moving through the region. After that, the ship was diverted to the territorial waters of Iran. A video circulated on media showed commandos raiding the alleged ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter. The incident comes amid heightened tension in the region. Israel on Friday reported intercepting around forty missiles fired from the territory of Lebanon where Iran-affiliated Hezbollah is stationed. The attack raised fears of possible Iranian attack on Israel. US President Joe Biden made a statement on Friday, warning Iran not to attack Israel.

A man stabbed six people to death at a busy Sydney shopping center Saturday before he was fatally shot, police said, with hundreds fleeing the chaotic scene, many weeping as they carried their children. Eight people, including a 9-month-old, were injured.

Rico Wade, a member of the pioneering Atlanta-based production trio Organized Noize and a key early Outkast collaborator, has died, according to an Instagram post by his close friend Killer Mike and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. No cause of death was cited; he was 52.

In a helicopter raid, navy special forces from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps boarded and seized the MSC Aries, the IRNA news agency reported.

Up to 50 missiles have been fired at Israel from Lebanon amid speculations of possible Iranian attack on Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome defence system intercepted around over 40 missiles that were apparently fired from Lebanon. Footage circulated on social media showed the missiles exploding in mid-air as they are caught by Israel’s air defence system. The Israel Defence Forces, IDF, spokesman announced that a number of rockets, shells and drones had been fired from Lebanon where Iran’s proxy group Hezbollah is based. He said: “The launching of about 40 rocket shells from Lebanese territory towards Israel was monitored, some of which were intercepted while the rest fell in open areas without causing any casualties,” the spokesperson said, adding that “IDF forces opened fire to eliminate the threat in several areas of southern Lebanon.” The IDF has also intercepted two Hezbollah bomb drones that infiltrated from Lebanon.

SUBSCRIBE TO US!

Australian police said they had received reports that “multiple people” were stabbed at a busy shopping center in Sydney. The incidents occurred at the sprawling Westfield Bondi Junction mall complex, which was packed with Saturday afternoon shoppers. Waverley Council said on X: "A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of male at Bondi Junction. Just before emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction following reports of multiple people stabbed. People are urged to avoid the area." One shopper reported hearing "gunshots" before the evacuation was ordered, adding people were running and shop shutters were going down. A man was shot at a mall in Sydney following reports of multiple people stabbed, police in the city said. The Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center is located in a known Jewish area of the Australian city. "People are urged to avoid the area," the statement said. "Inquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details." Images apparently from the scene appear to show multiple casualties as well as a man carrying a large knife. New South Wales Ambulance told news agency AFP one man, believed to be an attacker, was shot dead by police. Eyewitnesses said there was panic at the scene, with shoppers running to safety and police trying to secure the area. “Many more” are in a critical condition, a police source not authorised to speak publicly said. Multiple posts on social media show crowds fleeing as emergency services swarmed the centre. There are reports of up to six people dead in a stabbing spree at Bondi Junction shopping centre.

Russia launched an unsuccessful attack on the town of Robotyne, in the south of Ukraine which was blown to pieces by artillery and FPV drones. Russian footage of the assault shows troops of the 42nd Motor Rifle Division charging into battle on top of their BMP fighting vehicles, as they quickly come under attack by Ukrainian troop concealed in the rubble of houses. First-person footage taken from the Ukrainian side shows territorial defence troops bringing up rocket launchers from the basement of a wrecked home and firing at the incoming vehicles, scoring several hits on them

At least one person was seriously injured on Wednesday in an explosion followed by a fire at a plant in the port city of Sete in south of France. Some 200 people were evacuated after the explosion. Authorities are conducting tests for eventual toxicity in the surrounding air and soil. The explosion occurred in a warehouse used for producing fuel from grains. The factory was not in operation when the explosion occurred, the prefecture for the surrounding Herault region said. The fire was brought under control at 1610 GMT, Saipol company that owns the factory said in a statement. Dozens of fire engines have been brought to the scene of the incident. Saipol, part of oilseed group Avril, is France's largest biodiesel producer.

Moscow is purportedly neglecting to alert family members after a soldier dies in the war with Ukraine to avoid compensating the servicemen's loved ones, according to a phone call intercepted by Ukraine's Military Intelligence. In a telephone conversation posted to Telegram by Ukraine's Military Intelligence, a Russian soldier can be heard saying that the Kremlin has been listing deceased fighters as "missing" rather than dead to avoid paying compensation. "I say, it's beneficial for you to tell me he is not missing, so you don't have to pay for him ... You know, we haven't heard from him for a month and a half," the soldier says during the phone call, according to a translation of the call provided by the Kyiv Post. The Ukraine's Military Intelligence added in its post: "There will be just retribution for every war crime committed against Ukraine." According to Newsweek, reports have previously surfaced that Russia was finding ways to avoid delivering on its promise to compensate families of its soldiers killed in war. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in January 2023, promising to pay beneficiaries of deceased servicemen 5 million rubles, or $53,800. Troops who are injured on the battlefield qualify for a payment of 3 million rubles or $32,280. In June 2023, the mother of Russian soldier Mikhail Cherkasov told Radio Liberty that she had been told by Cherkasov's comrades that her son had been killed at war earlier that month. However, Russia's military reportedly ordered to leave Cherkasov's body on the battlefield because it would not be "profitable" to bring him home. Independent Russian investigative outlet Mozhem Obyasnit said in a report published in December that another Russian soldier who had been severely injured along the front lines had only received two buckets of carrots and a bag of onions from the government instead of the money promised.

The Russian Serpukhov missile ship, which was put out of action in the Baltic Sea, was considered for transfer to the Black Sea because of the loss of part of the Black Sea Fleet. This was stated by the representative of the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence Andriy Yusov, reports Radio Liberty. "Given the loss of the Black Sea Fleet, such compensation scenarios are being considered by the enemy. But the transfer of vessels is quite difficult. It is clear that Turkey does not let warships through. Other ways logistically exist, but they are complicated and long," he said. According to him, the fact that the ship burned out means that the vessel remains afloat, but the modern technological equipment is out of order, damaged, and it takes a long time to repair the ship. There are no safe places for military facilities on Russian territory, the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence spokesman added. "In any case, the expansion of the actual war theatre for the Russian fleets is good news," said Yusov. Recall, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported that the Russian Serpukhov missile ship was put out of action as a result of a fire on April 7. The intelligence specified that the fire completely destroyed the ship's communication and automation equipment. The incident took place at the Baltiysk naval base in Russia's Kaliningrad Region. This ship is only more than 10 years old, but during this time it was part of first the Black Sea Fleet, then the Baltic Fleet. And also participated in various military exercises. According to preliminary data, the fire occurred on the ship while it was at the Baltiysk naval base in Russia's Kaliningrad region. The causes of the fire on the Serpukhov have not yet been disclosed. However, sources noted that the fire on the ship was a successful operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry. Later, the Defence Ministry's intelligence confirmed the successful operation, noting that as a result of the fire inside the missile ship, its communication and automation equipment was completely destroyed.