News from February 5, 2025 at 2 AM

A shooting at an adult education campus in Orebro, Sweden, resulted in approximately 10 deaths, marking the worst school shooting in the country's history. Police believe the gunman is among the deceased. The incident occurred at 12:33 local time on Tuesday, prompting teachers and students to flee or hide. Authorities locked down six schools and a restaurant in the area, advising people to stay away or remain indoors. The police are still working to identify the victims and investigate the details of the attack.

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Syria seeks to develop strategic partnership relations with Turkey in all spheres, including security. He emphasized that the two countries currently enjoy special brotherly relations and aim to transform them into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Al-Sharaa also mentioned that they discussed existing security threats, particularly in Syria's eastern and northern regions, and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation in cultural, economic, and commercial sectors. The talks were held at the presidential compound in Ankara, with delegations from both countries including foreign ministers and intelligence chiefs. Al-Sharaa was accompanied by his wife, Latifa al-Daroubi.

Thousands of residents are fleeing the Greek island of Santorini due to a wave of seismic activity, with around 6,000 people leaving by ferry since Sunday. Authorities have closed schools and warned against large indoor gatherings, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged calm. More than 300 earthquakes have been recorded in the past 48 hours, including a magnitude 4.7 tremor northeast of the island early Tuesday. Despite no major damage reported, emergency measures are in place. Aegean Airlines added three emergency flights, expecting 2,500 to 2,700 passengers to fly to Athens on Monday and Tuesday. Local tour guide Kostas Sakavaras, who left with his family, plans to return once schools reopen.

On February 4, a politician from Italy's Veneto region, Andrea Zanoni, reported Donald Trump Jr to authorities for allegedly killing a protected species of duck while hunting in the Venice lagoon. Zanoni cited an online video from Field Ethos, which showed Trump Jr and others killing various ducks, including a rare Ruddy Shelduck, protected under the EU Birds Directive and Italian wildlife laws. Zanoni stated that killing the protected bird is a crime and has filed a query with regional authorities regarding potential sanctions. The video was filmed in the Pierimpie’ valley south of Venice, a special conservation area protected by European regulations. The regional council indicated it would respond to the query in due course.

On the evening of February 3, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, following Elon Musk's public accusation of anti-white racism by the South African government and US President Donald Trump's threat to cut over $400 million in aid, contacted Musk's father, Errol, through an advisor to arrange a talk with Elon Musk. Errol Musk confirmed the conversation but declined to disclose its content. Trump's remarks led to a decline in South Africa's rand and an increase in bond costs. Ramaphosa responded that no land had been confiscated and hoped to communicate with Trump. Elon Musk supported Trump's stance, questioning the use of US aid.

Uganda has initiated a vaccine trial against the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus following an outbreak that has resulted in one death and two infections. The first patient, a 32-year-old male nurse, died last week. On Monday, the first trial participant received a dose of the vaccine developed by the International Aids Vaccine Initiative. There is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain of Ebola. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the Sudan Ebola virus has a fatality rate of at least 40%. Uganda is experiencing its sixth outbreak, with 40 contacts of the first victim to be vaccinated in this phase. The Ugandan health ministry has identified 234 contacts for monitoring. The WHO is collaborating with Uganda's health ministry, the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and the Makerere University Lung Institute for the trial. If effective, the vaccine will enhance measures to protect communities from future outbreaks.

The alliance of rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, has declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting on Tuesday, citing 'humanitarian reasons.' The UN reports that at least 900 people have been killed and 2,880 injured in recent fighting in and around Goma, the largest eastern city. The G7 nations and the EU have condemned the offensive as a blatant violation of DR Congo's sovereignty. The rebel alliance, known as the Congo River Alliance, accuses the Congolese military of bombing areas it controls and states it will not seize further territory. Over the past three years, regional fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands, with over 400,000 people forced from their homes since the start of 2025. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, also commander-in-chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, expressed uncertainty about Rwandan troops in DR Congo. Human rights groups are calling for increased pressure on Rwanda. DR Congo's communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, urges international sanctions on Rwanda. The presidents of both countries are set to attend a regional peace summit in Tanzania on Friday, with negotiations expected to last for months.

Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal stated that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will attend the Victory Day parade on Moscow's Red Square on May 9, celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov earlier mentioned that invitations were sent to many countries, anticipating broad international representation. Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov revealed that military units from 19 friendly nations were invited to participate in the parade in the heart of Moscow.

On July 30, 2024, a Waffle House restaurant in Miami Gardens, Florida, began imposing a 50 cent per egg surcharge due to the largest bird flu outbreak in a decade. The resulting egg shortage has dramatically increased costs. U.S. egg prices have more than doubled since summer 2023, with the national average reaching $4.15 per dozen in December, and are expected to rise another 20% this year. Waffle House, a popular affordable breakfast spot, said the surcharge is effective this week across all menus. The company is monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow. Last month, the first U.S. human fatality linked to bird flu was reported in Louisiana, with 67 confirmed human infections since 2024. The H5N1 bird flu is spreading widely among wild birds, poultry, and other animals, increasing exposure risks. Health officials urge precautions for those handling sick or dead birds.