By Kerrigan McVicker
Kenya to appeal court block on refugee camp
According to CNN, the Kenyan government is planning to appeal a court ruling to fight against the closing of Dadaab Refugee Camp. This refugee camp is one of the largest in the world, which is why the appeal is so crucial to the government of Kenya. CNN also said that Kenyan judge, John Mativo, stated in a ruling that the “closure of Dadaab violates the country’s constitution.” Dadaab is home to 260,000 people.
Trump signs three new executive orders
President Trump signed three new executive orders Feb. 9 regarding new plans for safety in the U.S., according to CNN. The first order is to “reduce crime and restore public safety.” The second order is aimed at fighting international drug cartels. Along with this order, Trump wants an “inter-agency” group to notify him when criminal investigations are explored, along with the actions taken to dismantle them. Finally, the third order directs the Justice Department to “use existing federal law to prosecute those who commit crimes against law enforcement officers,” CNN states.
Accidental Russian airstrike kills 3 Turkish fighters
According to the New York Times, on Feb. 9 a Russian airstrike killed three Turkish soldiers in northern Syria. Both parties were surprised at the attack, and it was described as an accident. The New York Times said, “The Russian President, Vladimir Putin apologized in a phone call to Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling the deaths a ‘tragic incident.’”
Police divert terrorist attack in Montpellier
The BBC reported that a 16-year-old girl and three men were found with home-made bomb materials similar to those used in the 2015 Paris attacks by an anti-terrorist police force. The exact target of the planned attack had not been established as of Feb. 10, a police source said. The female suspect had previously recorded a video pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, and had also stated on social networks that she wanted to plan an attack in France. French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux has called the thwarted terror attack “imminent.” Jihadist attacks have killed 230 people in France since the start of 2015.
Ukrainian separatist leader reported dead
According to rebel news agencies, Mikhail Tolstykh, an influential rebel commander was killed in an explosion in his office on Feb. 9 in eastern Ukraine, as reported by ABC. Russian television aired footage of firefighters extinguishing flames from the building where Tolstykh’s office is believed to be located. Tolstykh was one of the most prominent leaders in the ongoing battle between Ukrainian rebels, which are backed by Russia, and the Ukrainian government and its forces. Last year, Arsen Pavlov, a rebel leader who worked closely with Tolstykh, was assassinated
