Wed Sep 18 07:56:38 UTC 2024: ## Suspected Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Arms Depot in Russia, Casualties Reported in Lebanon

**Moscow, Tver, Lebanon** – A suspected Ukrainian drone strike hit an arms depot in the Tver region of Russia, northwest of Moscow, overnight, sparking a large fire and leading to evacuations of nearby residents. Videos circulating on social media show massive explosions and flames illuminating the night sky near the town of Toropets, which is home to two Russian military units. Reports indicate one of these units has been targeted by drone strikes twice in the past six months.

Governor Igor Rudenya confirmed the fire, attributing it to a Ukrainian drone strike but offering no further details. Meanwhile, Russian air defense units were reportedly working to repel a massive drone attack.

In a separate incident, Lebanon reported at least nine people killed and 2,750 injured after pagers exploded simultaneously across the country. Iran’s ambassador to Beirut was among those injured, with Iranian media suggesting it was an Israeli cyberattack. Hizbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, said two of its members and a girl were among the dead and blamed Israel for the explosions. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry called it an Israeli cyberattack and is preparing to submit a complaint to the UN Security Council.

While Israel has not directly commented on the explosions, a military spokesman said the chief of staff was assessing the situation. The United States, however, denied any prior knowledge or involvement in the incidents.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Russian opposition figure, returned to the United States after being released from a Russian prison following a 25-year sentence for criticizing President Putin and the invasion of Ukraine. Speaking in Washington, he highlighted the plight of other political prisoners still detained in Russia, vowing to work for their release.

Other international news includes:

* **Kosovo-Serbia Tensions:** Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti dismissed demands from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for the return of Serbs to Kosovar institutions, calling them part of an aggressive campaign for new conflicts.
* **EU Commission Lineup:** European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her new commission lineup, featuring a focus on collective security and a more balanced gender representation.
* **Russia Sentences Anti-War Critic:** A Moscow court sentenced Yury Kokhovets, who criticized the invasion of Ukraine in an interview with RFE/RL, to five years in prison for distributing false information about the Russian military.
* **Georgia Approves Anti-LGBT Laws:** Georgia’s parliament passed restrictive new laws curbing LGBT rights and allowing for bans on Pride marches, sparking protests and concerns from international partners.
* **Iran’s Morality Police:** Newly inaugurated Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian promised to limit the power of the morality police, but faces challenges under the authority of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
* **Taliban Denies Polio Vaccination Suspension:** Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Health Ministry denied reports suggesting the group has suspended or delayed a major polio vaccination drive.
* **India Condemns Khamenei’s Remarks:** India condemned comments by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei regarding the treatment of Muslims in India, calling them misinformed and unacceptable.
* **Moldova Receives Support:** German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock praised Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid attacks and pledged continued support.
* **Kazakhstan Calls for Peace in Ukraine:** Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev urged support for peace plans proposed by China and Brazil, a suggestion rejected by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

These developments highlight ongoing tensions in the region, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continuing to reverberate across the globe. The situation in Lebanon underscores the dangers of escalating conflict, while the crackdown on dissent in Russia and the curtailing of LGBT rights in Georgia raise concerns about human rights violations and democratic backsliding.

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