CIA Discontinues Publication of World Factbook After Over 60 Years
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced Wednesday that it is ending the publication of its "World Factbook," a popular reference manual that has been in circulation for over six decades. The announcement, posted on the CIA's website, did not provide a specific reason for the decision.
First launched in 1962 as a classified printed reference for intelligence officers, the Factbook offered detailed information on foreign nations, including their economies, militaries, resources, and societies, according to ABC News. CIA Director John Ratcliffe had previously vowed to end programs that did not advance the agency's core missions.
Hamas Terrorist Eliminated in Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Wednesday that they had eliminated a Hamas terrorist who murdered IDF soldier Corporal Noa Marciano while she was held captive in Gaza. According to Fox News, the strike on a group of terrorists, including Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, followed a Hamas attack overnight that wounded IDF troops in northern Gaza, violating the ceasefire agreement.
The IDF stated that al-Habil, a key Hamas cell commander, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp. The IDF had previously released video alleging Hamas was moving weapons via ambulance.
Venezuelan Official Arrested in Joint US-Venezuelan Operation
Venezuelan official Alex Saab, a former businessman and close ally of captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was arrested in Venezuela on Wednesday as part of a joint operation between the U.S. and Venezuela, according to a U.S. law enforcement official. Fox News reported that Saab, 54, who had previously been held in the U.S., is expected to be extradited to the U.S. in the coming days. Luigi Giuliano, a lawyer for Saab, was cited in the Colombian newspaper El Espectador.
Detroit Tigers Legend Mickey Lolich Dies at 85
Mickey Lolich, the Detroit Tigers hero in the 1968 World Series, died at the age of 85, the Tigers announced. Lolich was the last MLB pitcher to win three games in the league’s championship series and was named World Series MVP that year, according to Fox News. The Tigers said Lolich’s wife informed the franchise that Lolich was recently in hospice care. The cause of death was not released.
Xi Jinping Urges Prudence in US Arms Supply to Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump to be "prudent" when supplying weapons to Taiwan during a phone call on Wednesday, according to BBC World. Xi reportedly called Taiwan "the most important issue" in China-US relations. State media reported that Xi "attaches great importance" to ties with Washington and hoped both sides would find ways to resolve their differences. Trump described the call as "excellent" and "long and thorough." The call followed a series of visits by Western leaders to China in recent months, hoping to reset relations.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment