Terrorists Killed in Turkey

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yet again, today refused to go by quietly.

The air was filled with the sounds of gunfire and explosions. But this wasn’t happening in Israel, Gaza, or Lebanon… No.

It was in Turkey.

🇹🇷 TURKEY
Terrorist Attack on Aerospace Facility

A tragic terrorist attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries near Ankara left five dead and 22 injured.

The Attack

The attack targeted a state-owned defense manufacturer TUSAS.

• Initially, loud explosions and gunshots were heard coming from the aerospace facility.

• The attackers, a man and a woman, were killed by security forces.

Government Response

Turkish officials condemned the attack and vowed to continue their fight against terrorism.

• Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler blamed the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

• The Turkish Defense Ministry conducted airstrikes on 32 PKK targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation.

Ongoing Conflict

The violence is part of a long-standing conflict between Turkey and the PKK.

• The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and some Western allies.

• It is a separatist group, founded in 1978, which seeks autonomy and greater rights for Kurds within Turkey. Ultimately, it wants to create a Kurdish state.

• The conflict has seen numerous attacks and retaliations over the years.

International Reactions

Global leaders expressed their condolences and support for Turkey.

• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and White House spokesman John Kirby condemned the attack.

• Both emphasized solidarity with Turkey and condemned terrorism.

🇵🇰 PAKISTAN
Model’s Bikini Walk Sparks Outrage

A Pakistani model, Roma Michael, faced backlash after she uploaded a video of her bikini ramp walk at Miss Grand International 2024.

And… it went viral.

What’s the Big Deal

Well, in Pakistan, conservative Islamic social norms often dictate women’s clothing and public appearances. So, this video stirred quite the pot.

• Roma removed the video from her Instagram, but it continued to circulate online, fueling debates on women’s rights and representation in Pakistan.

• Naturally, people online had a blast with this news, labeling Pakistani men as “weak” and “premature,” if you catch my drift. 😏

Isn’t it ironic how something meant to showcase beauty and confidence can spark such controversy?

Who is Roma Michael?

Roma Michael is a Pakistani model and actress based in Lahore.

• She has a Bachelor’s degree in BTech.

• She worked with renowned fashion designers and brands both domestically and internationally.

Roma’s Career Highlights

Roma has achieved significant success in the entertainment industry.

• She has acted in films like “Delhi Gate” and "Kahey Dil Jidher."

• She also represented Pakistan at international events such as Cannes Fashion Week and Dubai Fashion Show.

🇱🇰 SRI LANKA
Troops Deployed to Surf Town

Sri Lanka has ramped up security around a Jewish community center in Arugam Bay following a rare US warning about an “imminent threat” of an attack targeting popular tourist spots.

Security Measures

Sri Lanka has deployed troops and increased police patrols.

• The US’ warning came after social media posts called for a boycott of Israeli-owned businesses.

Tensions and Protests

Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa reported an apparent rise in tensions between Jewish tourists at Chabad House and the predominantly Muslim population in the bay.

• Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon have gained support.

• The area is popular with Israeli tourists, despite them making up less than 1.5% of visitors.

Travel Warnings

Several countries have issued travel warnings for Sri Lanka.

• The US embassy imposed travel restrictions on its personnel.

• Britain, Canada, and Russia shared similar warnings.

• Israel raised its travel alert level, urging citizens to avoid certain areas.

Historical Context

Sri Lanka has not seen attacks since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

• The 2019 bombings killed 279 people, including 45 foreign nationals.

• Tourism numbers dropped but have been recovering after the IMF bailed out Sri Lanka in 2023.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Putin Calls for Payment Shift

At this year’s BRICS summit in Russia, Vladimir Putin called for an alternative international payment system to reduce reliance on the US dollar.

But why?

Putin’s Proposal

Russia has been aiming to create a system that bypasses the Swift payment network, which was blocked by the West to sanction Russia.

• He argues that the dollar is being weaponized politically.

• Nearly 95% of trade between Russia and China is now in rubles and yuan.

Summit Dynamics

The proposal has mixed reactions among BRICS members.

• Brazil and India are wary of turning BRICS into a pro-China, anti-Western bloc.

• The summit saw participation from nine BRICS members, including leaders from India, China, and South Africa.

Expansion Controversy

The future of BRICS is also under debate.

• Putin supports expanding Brics to include more global south countries.

• However, Brazil and India are pushing back against efforts to turn BRICS into an anti-Western bloc.

• That being said, BRICS is expected to welcome new member states such as Cuba, Bolivia, Thailand, and Turkey, among others.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Iranian Hackers Target US Election

As the US presidential election approaches, an Iranian hacking group known as Cotton Sandstorm is ramping up its efforts to interfere, according to Microsoft.

Election Interference

Iranian hackers are supposedly targeting US election websites and media.

• Cotton Sandstorm, linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is behind the attacks.

• They’ve been scouting election-related websites in battleground states.

• In May, they probed a US news outlet for vulnerabilities.

Past Activities

This isn’t their first rodeo.

• In 2020, they posed as the right-wing “Proud Boys” to send threatening emails to Florida residents.

• They released a video showing them probing an election system to cause chaos and confusion.

Official Responses

US officials are on high alert.

• The Office of the Director of National Intelligence warns of foreign actors trying to undermine US democracy.

• Iran denies any intent to interfere, calling the allegations unfounded.

Election Context

The stakes are high in the upcoming election.

• Vice President Kamala Harris faces off against Donald Trump on November 5.

• Polls suggest it’s an extremely tight race.

So, what do you think? Are these hackers just trying to stir the pot, or is there something more sinister at play?