Germany arrests three Ukrainians over alleged Russian parcel bomb plot
German prosecutors stated on Wednesday that three Ukrainian nationals had been arrested in connection with a suspected sabotage plot aimed against Russian-linked transit networks. The arrests took place in Cologne and Konstanz, Germany, as well as in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland.
The suspects are accused of planning arson and explosive assaults in Germany on behalf of others suspected of working for Russian state officials. Authorities also claim the organization intended to send explosive devices from Germany to Ukraine, designed to detonate during transit, as reported by Firstpost.
The case is being investigated as a foreign intelligence operation designed to disrupt German infrastructure. The suspect apprehended in Switzerland is expected to be extradited to Germany for additional legal proceedings.
Twenty states sue over Trump's push to link grants to immigration enforcement
Twenty US states, including California, New York, and Rhode Island, have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, contesting federal policy linking money to immigration enforcement. The lawsuits, filed in the District of Rhode Island, target the Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, Xinhua reported.
The states claim that the federal government is improperly forcing them to enforce immigration rules by threatening to withhold emergency and transportation funds, which violates constitutional restrictions and state autonomy.
The lawsuits mention a letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy dated April 24 and an executive order issued by President Trump on April 28. Duffy stated that no funds had been withheld and accused the states of violating federal laws, according to Xinhua.
Yemen's Houthis target Israel's main airport
Yemen's Houthi troops fired a ballistic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport early Wednesday, marking the second such attempt in 24 hours. According to Xinhua, the missile was intercepted at 7:41 a.m., triggering alerts and sirens in central Israel and Jerusalem.
A similar missile was intercepted on Tuesday night. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated that the bombings are intended to put pressure on Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza, and threatened to continue the strikes.
Separately, three rockets were launched from Gaza into southern Israel Tuesday night. Two were intercepted, and one landed in open ground. A woman was injured while traveling to a shelter, Xinhua reported.
Despite a May 6 cease-fire agreement with the United States, the Houthis have shot approximately 30 missiles and dozens of drones at Israel since March 18, according to Israeli media.
Syrians celebrate US decision to lift sanctions
Syrians took to the streets to celebrate after US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria during a speech in Riyadh.
The Syrian foreign ministry welcomed the decision as a "pivotal turning point," describing it as an opportunity for national recovery and reconstruction following years of conflict, as stated by Al Jazeera.
In Damascus, people gathered in Umayyad Square, waving flags and playing music.
Mazloum Abdi, the chairman of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, expressed hope that the decision will promote stability and a better future for all Syrians, Al Jazeera reported.
