Violence spikes in Lebanon as ransom kidnappings rise
Lebanese pharmacist Wissam Khatib endured nearly three weeks in captivity with threats to his family after a ransom demand. Officials say wealthy kidnapping rose sevenfold as crime shifts from smuggling to extortion amid Syria’s war, with sectarian tensions and refugee pressures heightening instability in Zahleh and beyond.
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Beirut
Wissam Khatib
Khatib
Zahleh
Lebanon
Associated Press
Syria
Syria-Lebanon
Bashar Assad
Explosion at Johannesburg jewelry store kills and injures
A deadly blast hit the Moneypoint store near Eastgate Mall in Bedfordview Johannesburg on Tuesday. Police say at least two people died and three were injured while investigators consider criminal activity. The explosion occurred about 5 30 p m and targeted a shop handling diamonds and other jewelry. Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago said the attack remains under investigation.
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Johannesburg
Eastgate
Bedfordview
Ekurhuleni
Wilfred Kgasago
South Africa
Explosion near shop leaves two dead three injured
Brig. Neville Malila said no arrests have been made and investigators do not know exact numbers inside the shop. The blast injured three and killed two while forensic teams, bomb disposal experts and sniffer dogs search the scene. Police kept the public away as residents like Clyde Alley described the loud blast.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Neville Malila
Clyde Alley
Diamond set to fetch up to 60 million at Geneva auction
In Geneva Christie's plans a 14.82 carat rare gem expected up to 20 million. The Pink Star headline auction on Wednesday features the vivid orange diamond and another stone valued at more than 60 million, underscoring the market for ultra rare gems.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Geneva
Christie’s
Sotheby’s
Christie’s Displays World’s Largest Fancy Vivid Orange Diamond
Christie’s showcases a flawless 59.60 carat fancy vivid orange diamond during a Geneva press preview. The gem is valued at more than $60 million, highlighting its rarity and spectacular color.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christie’s
Geneva
Switzerland
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