News
Ex-CIA analyst indicted for spying for South Korea
A former analyst with the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Sue Mi Terry, has been indicted by a New York grand jury on charges of acting as a spy for the South Korean government in exchange for cash, luxury items, and expensive meals.
Terry, who also served as a senior official at the White House National Security Council, faces two counts of failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Federal officials allege that Terry, a noted US expert on North Korea, operated as an agent for South Korea for over a decade without registering with American authorities, as per court documents revealed on Tuesday in the Southern District of New York.
Currently a senior fellow on Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Terry has been placed on unpaid leave, and her biography has been removed from the CFR website. Terry, 54, denies the charges, with her attorney, Lee Wolosky, labeling the allegations as “unfounded.” Wolosky contends that the charges misrepresent Terry’s scholarly and independent work, emphasizing that she was a vocal critic of the South Korean government during the periods mentioned in the indictment.
Born in South Korea and having moved to the US at age 12, Terry earned her doctorate from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in 2001. She then served as a senior analyst for the CIA from 2001 to 2008, later holding various federal government positions, including Director for Korea, Japan, and Oceanic Affairs at the National Security Council under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Prosecutors allege that Terry began her espionage activities for the South Korean government in 2013, five years after leaving the CIA and the National Security Council. The 31-page indictment details that Terry admitted to FBI agents during a voluntary interview in 2023 that she was a “source” for South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. According to the indictment, the South Korean government provided Terry with lavish gifts, including a $2,845 Dolce & Gabbana coat, a $3,450 Louis Vuitton handbag, and upscale restaurant meals. Additionally, she allegedly received $37,000, which was funneled into a gift fund at the think tank where she worked to obscure the source of the funds.
This indictment comes on the heels of Democratic Senator Robert Menendez’s conviction for accepting luxury items from foreign governments in exchange for political favors.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings
Coldplay Set to Break Taylor Swift’s Wembley Record with 10-Night Run
Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work Following Misuse of Funds
-
Spotlight4 days agoTop Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports4 days agoBarcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
Sports4 days ago‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business5 days agoBritish Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
News4 days agoJapan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days agoDeadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports5 days agoStones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News15 hours agoIsraeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict