Multiple Terrorist Attacks

Hi Global Recap readers,

As fireworks light up the sky to ring in the New Year, multiple terrorist attacks have rocked communities.

Here’s how 2025 is shaping up so far:

• Trump Hotel/Tesla explosion

• ISIS truck attack in New Orleans

• Shootings in Montenegro

• Rumors of “soft-lockdowns” in China due to new virus outbreaks

The latter has been circulating in the rumor mills for days, but with no official announcements, it remains just that—rumors.

That being said, let’s start with a failed terrorist attack at a Trump Hotel. 👇️ 

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Cybertruck Terrorist Attack
at Trump Hotel

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.

The Incident

The explosion is under investigation as a possible terrorist act.

• The explosion occurred on Wednesday morning at around 8:40 am local time.

• The vehicle was a 2024 Cybertruck.

• Fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel were found in the truck.

• The driver is believed to have controlled the detonation system.

• One person was found dead inside the vehicle.

• Seven victims were injured but are in stable condition.

Investigation

Authorities are working to determine if this was a terrorist act.

• The FBI is leading the investigation.

• The incident is believed to be isolated with no further danger to the public.

• Surveillance video shows the truck driving up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before the explosion.

• The truck was rented in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas on the morning of the explosion.

Musk’s Statement

Elon Musk had something to say about the incident.

• Musk stated on X that the explosion was caused by “very large fireworks and/or a bomb” in the truck bed.

• He pointed out that the car was working perfectly, adding that the “evil knuckleheads” chose the wrong vehicle for their act of terror.

Response

• Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill praised the Cybertruck's design for limiting the damage.

• Elon Musk provided authorities with video from Tesla charging stations to help track the driver.

• Eric Trump expressed gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
ISIS Truck Attack
in New Orleans

A horrifying New Year's Day in New Orleans as a truck attack leaves 15 dead and dozens injured in the French Quarter.

The Suspect

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US citizen from Beaumont, Texas, was shot and killed by police after crashing into a crowd on Bourbon Street at 3:15 am.

• Jabbar was armed with a handgun and an AR-style rifle.

• An Islamic State group flag was found in his vehicle.

• Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in the vehicle and the French Quarter.

Explosives Found

The FBI is investigating the possibility of planted explosive devices.

• Guns and pipe bombs were found in Jabbar’s vehicle.

• The devices were concealed within coolers and wired for remote detonation.

• A remote control was also found in the vehicle.

Military Background

Jabbar had a military background, serving in both the Navy and the Army.

• He enlisted in the Navy in August 2004 but was discharged a month later.

• Served in the Army from March 2007 to January 2015 as a human resource specialist and IT specialist.

• Deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.

Financial Troubles

Jabbar faced financial difficulties while separating from his wife in 2022.

• He was $27,000 behind on house payments and had $16,000 in credit card debt.

• His businesses were struggling, with one losing about $28,000 over the previous year.

• Made about $10,000 a month working for Deloitte.

Investigation Ongoing

The FBI believes Jabbar didn’t act alone and is investigating further.

• Video footage shows three men and a woman allegedly placing explosives in New Orleans.

• The FBI is seeking anyone who had contact with Jabbar in the 24 hours leading up to the attack.

Community Response

• President Joe Biden condemned the attack as “despicable” and “heinous.”

• Local authorities and residents are grappling with the aftermath and mourning the victims.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Ukraine Halts
Russian Gas Supply

Ukraine has officially stopped the transport of Russian gas to Europe, causing significant damage to surrounding nations.

Historic Move

• The gas flow stopped after the transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired on January 1 amid their ongoing conflict.

• Ukraine's energy ministry cited national security as the reason.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it “one of Moscow's biggest defeats.”

Economic Impact

This move has financial repercussions for both Ukraine and Russia.

• Ukraine loses $800 million annually in transit fees.

• Gazprom, Russia's gas giant, faces a $5 billion loss in gas sales.

• Gazprom recorded a $6.9 billion loss last year due to reduced sales to Europe.

Europe's Response

This wasn’t sudden—Ukraine’s decision to stop Russian gas was expected and announced, giving European countries time to prepare.

• The deal represented about 5% of the EU's total gas imports.

• Alternative supply routes have been arranged by affected countries.

• The EU has increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and other countries.

Future Outlook

The end of the deal could affect gas prices and supply stability.

• Spot gas prices may jump when markets reopen.

• Europe has had a mild start to winter, reducing immediate impact.

• The EU aims to break its dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

🇲🇪 MONTENEGRO
Gunman’s Tragic Rampage Ends

A tragic shooting spree in Montenegro has left the nation in shock. The gunman, who killed at least ten people, died from self-inflicted injuries after attempting suicide.

The Incident

A horrifying event unfolded in Cetinje, a small town in Montenegro.

• On January 1, 2025, Aleksandar Martinovic, 45, opened fire at a restaurant.

• He killed four people at the restaurant and then moved to three other locations.

• The rampage resulted in at least ten deaths, including two children.

• Four other people suffered life-threatening injuries.

The Aftermath

The gunman’s attempt to escape ended in tragedy.

• Martinovic attempted suicide near his home after being cornered by police.

• He succumbed to his injuries during transport to the hospital.

• Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic confirmed the details to the state broadcaster, RTCG.

Background

Details about the gunman and the incident emerged.

• Martinovic had a history of illegal weapons possession.

• Police director Lazar Scepanovic mentioned that Martinovic had been drinking heavily before the shooting.

• Prime Minister Milojko Spajic noted a brawl had occurred before the shots were fired.

National Reaction

The incident has deeply affected Montenegro.

• Prime Minister Spajic called the rampage a “terrible tragedy” and declared three days of national mourning.

• President Jakov Milatovic expressed his horror at the attack.

Gun Culture

Despite strict gun laws, Montenegro has a deeply rooted gun culture.

• The Western Balkans, including Montenegro, remain awash with weapons from past conflicts.

• Authorities are considering tightening criteria for owning and carrying firearms, possibly implementing a complete ban on weapons.

🇰🇪 KENYA
Space Debris Crashes Down

A village in southern Kenya got an unexpected visitor from space— a massive chunk of space debris, weighing over 1,000 pounds.

Falling from the Sky

Imagine looking up and seeing space junk hurtling towards you!

• On December 30, around 3 pm, fragments of space debris fell in Makueni County.

• The object was a separation ring from a rocket, weighing over 1,000 pounds and eight feet in diameter.

Quick Response

Kenya's space officials were on it right away.

• By Tuesday morning, Kenya Space Agency officials, along with a multi-agency team, secured the area and recovered the debris.

• “We want to assure the public that the object poses no immediate threat to safety,” the Kenya Space Agency said in an official statement.

Investigation Underway

• The Kenya Space Agency is analyzing the object and working to identify its owner.

• This incident is considered isolated and will be investigated under international space law.

Not the First Time

Space junk falling to Earth is more common than you might think.

• Past examples include a SpaceX Dragon capsule part landing on an Australian sheep farm in 2022.

• Earlier this year, a piece of metal from space tore through a home in Florida.