2 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Attempted attack on the American Embassy in Beirut

On Wednesday, the Lebanese military successfully thwarted a potential attack on the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy confirmed that a gunman fired shots near the embassy entrance, but swift and coordinated efforts by embassy security and the Lebanese military resulted in the immediate neutralization of the threat. Fortunately, no embassy staff members sustained injuries during the incident.

Due to security concerns, the embassy has temporarily suspended visitor access and advised against attending large gatherings or crowded areas. By order of the Lebanese Prime Minister, security has been beefed up at the embassy and the army has been deployed in the surrounding areas.

We took this video from Associated Press YouTube Channel.

In 1983, a powerful bomb explosion occurred on the grounds of the American embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people. At the time, the U.S. government attributed the attack to the Lebanese organization Hezbollah. It is noteworthy that prior to this foiled attack, in September 2023, an individual was apprehended for opening fire on the embassy.

New Houthi attack on cargo ship

On Sunday, it became known about a new attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels, as a result of which two ships were hit by missile strikes in the Gulf of Aden. The attack targeted two ships, including the Norderney cargo ship and a Liberian-flagged container ship owned and operated by Switzerland , causing a fire on the former. The second container ship was not seriously damaged as a result of the attack. General Yahya Sari, a Houthi military spokesman, confirmed the group's involvement in the attack through a video statement where he mentioned the use of missiles and drones.

Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships throughout the Red Sea corridor. According to the Houthis, by attacking the ship they are expressing support for the Palestinians and advocating for an end to the war.

Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting fire to 24 semi-trailers

In a recent court decision, Viorel Pricop, a 66-year-old truck driver, was found guilty of intentionally setting fire to multiple semi-trailers owned by Swift Transportation. As a result of his actions, Pricop has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $648,000 in restitution to the company.

In 2018, a man was convicted of transporting stolen cargo. The stolen cargo case stemmed from an investigation conducted by Swift. After this, the man began to take revenge on the company, eventually setting fire to at least 24 semi-trailers owned by Swift Transportation. According to the court, the man carried out fires in different states and often endangered truck drivers. During a search of Pricop's residence and personal vehicle, law enforcement officials discovered incriminating documents detailing the schedules and locations of Swift Transportation trucks. This evidence further substantiated Pricop's malicious intent and involvement in the criminal activity.