Thailand, Syria, Nigeria.

Today's three stories you should know.

Oct 06, 2022

Thailand

The most horrible news out of Thailand. An ex-policeman has attacked a school and killed at least 37 people, including 22 children. Panya Khamrab, 34, was armed with a shotgun, pistol and a knife and mostly stabbed his victims to death. He was reported to have killed some young children as they slept. Khamrab fled the scene before killing himself, his wife and child. Police spokesperson Paisan Luesomboon told Thai TV that Khamrab, who was fired from the police force for drug use, had gone to the school to pick up his own son but became frustrated when he couldn’t find him.

Syria

The US army has carried out what is believed to be its first operation in Syrian government-held territory. Special forces travelling in helicopters raided a village in the northeast of the country, killing one senior ISIS leader and capturing others, according to a US Central Command statement. One resident told the media that three helicopters landed in the village of Muluk Saray after midnight and residents were ordered by loudspeaker to stay indoors and keep their lights off. The US has previously only conducted operations in parts of Syria outside of government control.

Nigeria

At least 18 women and children have drowned in Nigeria's north-western Zamfara state as they tried to escape a gang of kidnappers by boat. The 18 were reported to be among dozens of people trying to get away from an armed gang who had raided a village, shooting dead six people and kidnapping at least seven. The gunmen then opened fire on the fleeing boat causing those on board to panic and the boat to capsize. Northern Nigeria is plagued by gangs kidnapping people for ransom.