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Truck Attack in New Orleans Kills 10, Injures 30 During New Year’s Celebrations
A pickup truck plowed through a crowded New Year’s celebration in New Orleans early Wednesday morning, killing 10 people and injuring 30 others, according to local authorities.
The incident unfolded on Bourbon Street, a globally renowned destination for festive gatherings, as revelers celebrated the start of 2025. The area was bustling with activity, with many preparing to attend the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome later in the day.
Chaos and Carnage
“He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” said Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick, describing the driver’s actions.
The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly killed during a firefight with police. Law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the details to the Associated Press.
NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, reported that the injured were taken to five local hospitals for treatment. Among the wounded was a police officer, though their condition was not immediately disclosed.
Conflicting Reports on Motive
New Orleans Mayor referred to the attack as a “terrorist” act during an initial briefing, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation later stated that the incident was “not a terrorist event.”
Despite this, FBI officials acknowledged that they were investigating a possible explosive device found at the scene. No further information on the suspected motive was immediately available, and authorities have not clarified if there is an ongoing threat to public safety.
Community Reeling
The attack shocked a city known for its vibrant culture and celebratory spirit. Bourbon Street, a historic hub for nightlife and tourism, was packed with locals and visitors alike when the truck barreled through the crowd.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people scrambled to avoid the vehicle. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, but the scope of the injuries underscored the devastating impact of the incident.
Investigation Ongoing
As law enforcement continues to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, questions remain about the driver’s intent and any potential warning signs.
The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over what was meant to be a joyous celebration. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
The city’s residents and visitors are now grappling with the aftermath of a violent act that has left many mourning and a community seeking answers.
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Russia Demands SWIFT Reconnection as Condition to Revive Black Sea Initiative
Russia has set forth a key demand for the restoration of the Black Sea Initiative—reconnecting its Agricultural Bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT financial system. This request, which falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union (EU), comes amid ongoing negotiations between global powers on the war in Ukraine.
Partial Ceasefire and Black Sea Security Agreement
Following recent talks in Saudi Arabia, the United States announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a partial ceasefire specifically covering energy facilities. While this fell short of the broader ceasefire pushed by former President Donald Trump, the parties also agreed on measures to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels in the Black Sea and to prevent their use for military purposes.
However, the Kremlin quickly detailed additional conditions, demanding the lifting of sanctions on food exports, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and cargo insurance. Most notably, Russia is insisting that Rosselkhozbank and other financial institutions involved in agricultural trade be reinstated on SWIFT, a global messaging system that facilitates secure financial transactions.
EU’s Role and Sanctions History
SWIFT, headquartered in Belgium, falls under EU regulations. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU removed several Russian banks from SWIFT in 2022, including Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Rosselkhozbank. The exclusion was a significant blow to Russia’s financial system, as it restricted the country’s ability to conduct international transactions.
Rosselkhozbank, a state-owned institution, plays a critical role in facilitating payments for Russia’s agricultural exports, a major revenue source through the global sale of wheat, barley, and corn. While the EU has not directly sanctioned Russian agricultural exports, the banking restrictions have complicated payments for these transactions, leading to the collapse of the initial Black Sea Initiative brokered by Turkey and the United Nations.
Diplomatic Tensions and Uncertain Outcomes
The demand to reinstate Rosselkhozbank puts the EU in a difficult position. Granting this request could signal a willingness to make concessions, potentially encouraging Russia to seek further sanctions relief. However, refusing it could provoke tensions with the Trump administration, which is eager to secure a ceasefire.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently opposed easing sanctions, arguing that they must remain in place until Russia ends its military aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this stance, stating that sanctions would only be lifted after Russia takes concrete steps toward peace.
As EU sanctions require unanimous renewal every six months, any member state could disrupt the process. Hungary, which has previously expressed opposition to sanctions, could leverage this situation to push for changes when restrictions are up for review on July 31.
Future of SWIFT and Global Financial Pressures
While the EU holds the power to reinstate Rosselkhozbank’s SWIFT access, the U.S. could signal leniency by ensuring that those engaging with the bank avoid legal repercussions. Analysts suggest that Russia’s demand may be a strategic move to test both Washington and Brussels, pressuring the EU to reconsider its stance on financial restrictions.
For now, the EU remains firm in its approach. France has indicated that sanctions should remain unless Russia agrees to a full ceasefire, reparations, and security guarantees for Ukraine. However, with negotiations ongoing and international pressure mounting, the debate over SWIFT and broader sanctions relief is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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