Trump can keep National Guard in Washington, DC, for now: Appeals court

US military kills four in latest strike on boat in the Caribbean

Four people died in a fourth deadly attack by the US military on an alleged drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, according to the Pentagon.

The administration of US President Donald Trump is facing new scrutiny over the strikes after it was revealed that a targeted boat had been struck twice during a September 2 attack.

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According to experts, a similar attack might be a war crime.

The US Southern Command stated in a post on X that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, was responsible for the most recent strike.

According to the statement, the military “launched a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in a designated terrorist organization’s international waters.”

“The vessel was transiting along a well-known route for narcotics in the Eastern Pacific, according to information obtained from the intelligence team. The vessel’s four male narco-terrorists were killed, the statement read.

In the course of the campaign, the Trump administration has killed more than 80 alleged drug smugglers.

However, revelations made after the September 2 strike have prompted congressional bipartisan committees to conduct new investigations.

Following an initial strike, Hegseth did not order the second strike on the vessel, according to the White House. Instead, they claimed Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley was in charge of the second strike, which appeared to have killed two survivors of the first attack.

According to the White House, the second strike continued to be legal under the law of armed conflict. It is considered a war crime to target unarmed combatants, according to legal experts. It is prohibited to fire on shipwrecks, according to the military’s own manual.

Bradley gave a number of briefings held behind closed doors on Capitol Hill on Thursday. He denied having been given the order to murder every passenger on board.

The briefings were described in conflicting ways by legislators.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton, the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated in an interview with The Associated Press that “Bradley was very clear that he was given no such order, to give no quarter or to kill them all.”

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said, “The order was basically kill the 11 people on the boat.”

According to Smith, the survivors were “basically two shirtless people clinging to the bow of a capsized and inoperable boat, drifting in the water until the missiles come and kill them.”

Rights groups claimed that the strikes were equivalent to extrajudicial killings even before the September 2 double-strike attack was made public.

Alejandro Carranza’s family complained to a regional rights organization earlier this week that his right to life had been wrongfully killed in a US strike in September.

No use of force or declaration of war have been approved by Congress, despite the Trump administration’s description of the attack as part of a larger “war” against so-called “narco-terrorists.

The most recent attack comes as the US is bolstering its military forces close to Venezuela’s coast, with Trump repeatedly warning that land attacks could occur “very soon.”

Trump hails ‘great day for the world’ as DRC, Rwanda finalise peace deal

Rwanda’s and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) leaders have been meeting with US President Donald Trump to sign a peace agreement that could put an end to the conflict between the two nations.

Trump praised the US-brokered deal on Thursday as a new chapter for the area, despite the ongoing violence there.

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Trump remarked, “This is an amazing day: great day for Africa and great day for the world and these two nations.” They are “and they have a lot of pride.”

Initial discussions about the deal took place in June. In March, Felix Tshisekedi, president of the DRC, and Paul Kagame, his counterpart in Rwanda, met in Qatar to begin the discussions that led to the agreement.

The ceremony on Thursday brings the agreements to their conclusion.

The March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group supported by Rwanda, has been advancing further into the resource-rich east of the DRC, with the aid of the agreement raising hopes of putting an end to the conflict there.

Fears of a full-fledged conflict, similar to those experienced in the DRC in the late 1990s, when many African nations were involved and millions of people were killed, had increased as a result of the renewed violence.

The main issue Rwanda has with the DRC is allegations that it has been home to ethnic Hutu militias linked to the Tutsi population-focused ethnic Hutus militia’s 1994 genocide.

Rwanda agrees to end its support for M23 under the Trump-backed peace agreement, and the DRC will assist in “neutralizing” Hutu militias, notably the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.

Additionally, both nations must respect one another’s territorial integrity.

The DRC’s Tshisekedi claimed on Thursday that the terms of the agreement represent a “turning point” for the area.

To give the people of the region a new perspective, a new outlook, Tshisekedi said, “they bring together, under a coherent architecture, a declaration of the principles of a peace agreement and the regional economic integration framework.”

He added that the agreement would “emerge into a new era of friendship, cooperation, and prosperity.”

Kagame, a Rwandan, claimed that the two nations’ mutual success depends on one another.

“The road ahead will have ups and downs.” Kagame continued, “There is no doubt about it.” I can assure you that Rwanda won’t be found lacking.

According to Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, who was based in Washington, DC, the DRC and Rwanda leaders appeared to understand that the agreement will need more than just a signing ceremony.

According to Fisher, the conflict is “a lot more ingrained, significantly more developed, and significantly more aggressive than many people have assumed.”

So the United States, the African leaders, and, of course, the two countries are under a lot of pressure to ensure that what emerges from this can lead to a lasting peace.

In July, the DRC and M23 had reached a separate agreement. The fighting continues in the eastern regions of the nation.

Goma, a crucial city that M23 captured early this year, is home to Amani Chibalonza Edith, 32, who told The Associated Press. “We are still at war.

“The front lines must remain active for there to be peace,” he said.

Trump, however, made an appearance optimistic about the chances for peace on Thursday in Washington, D.C.

The US president said, “We’ll see how it all works out, but I believe it will work out really well.”

Trump also made it known that the US would be negotiating with Rwanda and the DRC for purchases of rare earth minerals.

Trump continued, “We’ll be involved in importing some of our biggest and most successful businesses there.”

“And we’re going to pay for some of the assets, take some of the rare earth, and.” Everyone will earn a lot of money.

In developing technologies, energy production, and medical devices, rare earth minerals are used.

Trump has publicly endorsed the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming to have resolved eight world wars, despite the controversy over how many times that figure is raised.

He praised Rwanda and the DRC during the signing ceremony held on Thursday at the US Institute for Peace, a think-tank. His remarks toward another war-torn African nation, Somalia, stood in stark contrast to his embrace of the two leaders of the nations.

Trump yelled insults at Somalia two days before the ceremonial signing, calling it “hell” and saying it “stinks.”

New York Times sues Pentagon over rules limiting access for media

One of the largest newspapers in the world, the New York Times, is suing the Pentagon to overturn new guidelines for restricting media access.

The newspaper claimed in a filing on Thursday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s regulations violate both the First Amendment’s and Due Process Clause. They contend that Hegseth has the authority to decide on his own whether a reporter should be expelled under the rules.

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Instead of agreeing to the new regulations, several publications, including The New York Times, have relocated their headquarters inside the Pentagon, reshaping the press corps, which are mostly seen as sympathetic to US President Donald Trump’s administration.

After the case was submitted to the US District Court in Washington, DC, spokesman for the Times Charles Stadtlander said in a statement that “the policy is an attempt to exert control over reporting the government dislikes.”

The Pentagon did not respond to the lawsuit right away.

Since October, news outlets have covered the military from outside the facility, including a so-called double-tap strike on a Caribbean boat that some experts believe may constitute a war crime.

The Times contends in the lawsuit that the lack of access to reporters’ jobs will ultimately “deprive the public of vital information about the United States military and its leadership.”

The First Amendment’s protection of receiving or publishing sensitive information is stated in the policy enacted under Hegseth, but it also states that the decision to seek to obtain such information “may factor in the consideration of whether you pose a security or safety risk.”

According to the Times lawsuit, the wording effectively grants Pentagon officials the authority to fire reporters who disagree with a report they are researching.

The Pentagon claims that the policy “common sense” guidelines prevent the military from releasing information that could put them in danger. Kingsley Wilson, the press secretary for the Pentagon, stated at her briefing on Tuesday that the legacy media were not missed.

According to Wilson, “The American people don’t trust these propagandists because they stopped being truthful.” Therefore, we won’t beg these retired gatekeepers to return, and we won’t rebuild a model that isn’t working just to appease them.

The Times’ “effort to step up and defend press freedom,” the Pentagon Press Association, a group that represents journalists who cover the agency, said in a statement.

Real Betis vs Barcelona: La Liga preview – teams, start, lineups

Who: Barcelona vs. Real Betis
What: Spain’s La Liga
Where: Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain
When: Saturday, December 6 at 6:30pm (17:30 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 14:30 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.

Real Betis hosts defending champions Barcelona on Saturday, with the possibility of extending their lead to four points at the top of the La Liga table. Real Madrid will miss their Sunday game against Celta Vigo, who are currently defending champions.

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However, the Catalan giants have had a mixed start to the season, and Betis are a team that is still riding the wave from last year that saw them reach the Europa Conference final.

What could possibly be Hansi Flick’s Barca’s most recent stern test is examined by Al Jazeera Sport.

What is Barcelona’s current La Liga record?

With a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, Barca won their fifth straight league game.

Real Madrid’s four-point lead was widened by that result’s victory over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, only to reclaim one point after that result.

When Flick’s side lost three of their previous five games, losing in particular to Real Madrid in October, their worst performance came in that game. Prior to their five-game winning streak in La Liga, which had only five goals conceded in those two games, they only had the opportunity to score two league goals.

What is Real Betis’s current La Liga record?

In eight matches, Betis has won six, helping the Seville-based club move up to fifth place in La Liga. They are unbeaten in all eight of their matches. However, the gap between the top four and the Champions League qualifying spots is 11 points, making this game crucial for those above in terms of their goals for the season.

Their most recent defeat was against Atletico Madrid, who won 2-0 in Seville in October, immediately before them. That defeat leaves Betis with only 17 victories out of 17 matches played overall.

Following their participation in the Copa del Rey in midweek, which saw them advance with a 4-1 victory over Torrent in the Spanish third division, Betis now have a game in hand.

Real Betis have they ever won La Liga?

In 1934-1935, Real won the La Liga title once more. However, they have won the Copa del Rey three times, the last of which was in 2022.

In the Europa Conference last year, Chelsea finished second behind the seven-time champions of the Spanish second division.

Lamine Yamal, a forward for Barcelona, shoots during the Spanish league match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday [Josep Lago/AFP]

What transpired between Real Betis and Barcelona last time?

The last La Liga encounter between the teams was in Barcelona in April, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the fifth minute, Gavi gave the visitors the lead, and Natan’s goal, which Natan scored, was only 17 minutes later, sealed the deal.

The final game of the La Liga campaign is currently scheduled to be against Barcelona this year.

What transpired last season in the corresponding match?

On December 7, the La Liga game in Seville ended with a 2-2 draw.

With Betis levelling through Giovani Lo Celso’s penalty in the 68th minute and Assane Diao’s 90th-minute strike, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored twice to give the away side the lead.

When did Real Betis last last face Barcelona?

In Barcelona’s Copa del Rey game, the teams met between the two La Liga matches last year.

The home team won the match 5-1, going on to settle the tie before Vitor Roque’s consolation penalty in the 84th minute. Goals from Gavi, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal all came from the penalty spot.

Real Betis last defeated Barcelona at what point?

In a league game in the Catalan capital in 2021, Real Betis defeated Barcelona. In the 79th minute, Juanmi scored the only goal for Getafe.

Real Betis Stat Attack

This season, Betis only lost once, but both of those losses were at home. In their seven unbeaten league games on the road, they have won four games at home while recording two victories.

In their last four La Liga games, they have won two and are unbeaten.

Barcelona’s stat attack

This year, Barcelona have lost two league games on the road, both of which were losses.

In their seven away games, of which they have won four, Barca have found their travels more difficult with 16 goals scored and 12 conceded.

The Flick’s side have lost three of their last five away games and drawn one; in addition, they have conceded 14 goals in that road trip.

Real Betis and Barcelona square off in a contest.

Barcelona won 38 of the 71 meetings between the two teams, with Betis claiming the spoils from 10 of those victories.

Barcelona have won six of their previous nine meetings with Betis, continuing to win the title.

Real Betis team information

Antony, a former Manchester United player, returns to the side after being suspended. Hector Bellerin and Isco have both been confirmed absentees due to injury issues, while Sofyan Amrabat and Giovani Lo Celso have injury issues.

After making significant adjustments to the team for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey win at Torrent, former Barcelona attacker Abde Ezzalzouli is expected to make a full comeback.

news from the Barcelona team

Fermin Lopez and Dani OImo, who both suffered knocks in the previous match, are now listed on the injured list.

While Ronald Araujo rests, he is not a football player.

Due to illness, Frenkie de Jong missed the win against Atletico Madrid. He will now play in the middle.

Real Betis had a lineup in mind.

Valles, Ruibal, Natan, Bartra, Gomez, Altimira, Roca, Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli, Hernandez, and others

Barcelona’s lineup was anticipated.

Putin challenges US pressure on India over Russian oil during state visit

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has questioned Washington’s position regarding Moscow’s oil purchases, citing US imports of Russian nuclear fuel as he made his state visit and aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, welcomed Putin to a warm welcome at the Indian airport on Thursday evening, highlighting their close relationship.

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Donald Trump, the president of the United States, is under increasing pressure to impose punitive tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s purchases of discounted Russian crude.

Prior to his arrival, Putin questioned the logic behind Washington’s criticism in an interview with Indian broadcasters.

He continued, “India should still enjoy the same privilege if the US has the right to purchase Russian fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants,” adding that “the US still purchases nuclear fuel from us for our own nuclear power plants.”

Modi said on social media that their relationship “has been thoroughly tested and has had a significant impact on our people” and that he was “delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India.”

After getting engaged on the tarmac, the two drove back together to Modi’s house for a private dinner.

Neha Poonia, a journalist for Al Jazeera from New Delhi, claimed the reception delivered a message clearly.

Over Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine, she said, adding that Modi wanted to say that “he won’t give into pressure from Donald Trump,” and that the president’s warm reception [shows] that he is not a pariah, that there are countries that will accept him despite pressure from western nations.

Putin defended the energy relationship, telling Indian media that political unrest or the tragic events in Ukraine do not affect cooperation with India.

He claimed that unnamed actors were trying to “contrain India for political reasons” as a result of its expanding international presence.

The visit highlights India’s delicate balancing chess between Washington and Moscow. Russia’s oil imports increased from 2.5 percent of total crude purchases before 2022 to nearly 36 percent, making it the second-largest buyer of Russian crude in the world right now.

By purchasing discounted Russian crude, Indian refiners have saved about $12.20 per barrel.

Trump has, however, started imposing tariffs of 50% on Indian goods in retaliation, and recent US sanctions have started obstructing Indian refiners to reduce their purchases.

The largest private refiner in India, Reliance, has already announced that it will no longer export petroleum products made of Russian crude.

Putin and Modi are scheduled to announce agreements spanning defense cooperation, shipping, healthcare, and labor mobility at a formal summit on Friday.