Alice Cuddy

An investigation by BBC News traces former Syrian intelligence chief Hussam Luka through a phone book found in his abandoned Damascus apartment. Witnesses and rights groups accuse Luka of overseeing repression, torture and atrocities in Homs, including the 2015 Eid massacre that killed 28 people, among them 17 children. Interviews with former associates and a source in Lebanon led the BBC to a Russian telephone number, and a voice identified as Luka acknowledged being unable to speak openly because of his circumstances. The BBC subsequently located phone-linked activity in suburban Moscow, suggesting Luka is living in Russia after fleeing Syria when Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024. Syria's attorney general says the government has issued a domestic warrant and is seeking international circulation, but Russia has not responded and is unlikely to extradite a former Assad ally, leaving victims doubtful that justice will be achieved.

A two-year-old boy, Kleiber Moran, was rescued after six days under rubble following major earthquakes in Venezuela, and his aunt, Andreína Sarmiento, described her relief at being reunited with him while remaining hopeful that his missing parents will be found. Kleiber was pulled from debris in La Guaira by Jordanian rescuers and is recovering in a Caracas hospital with only minor injuries. Search efforts continue as thousands remain missing and the death toll climbs, with the United Nations preparing additional resources. Andreína expressed her determination to care for the boy until his parents are located.

A mother and her 18‑day‑old baby were rescued from the rubble of their collapsed home after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing more than 1,700 people. Dayana Patino described how her infant son gave her the strength to stay awake and hopeful while trapped for hours, unable to move as debris pinned her down. Her husband, Gerson, witnessed the destruction and feared they had died until rescue workers freed them. Both parents suffered injuries, though the baby survived with only minor harm, and the family now faces rebuilding after losing their home.

A mother and her 18‑day‑old baby were rescued from the rubble of their collapsed home in La Guaira after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, killing at least 1,450 people and leaving tens of thousands missing. Dayana Patino described staying conscious by checking her newborn’s breathing and conserving her strength until her brother found her. Both were freed in a delicate operation, with Dayana suffering leg injuries and the baby only minor ones. Her husband, Gerson, called their survival a miracle as the family prepares to rebuild after losing their home and possessions.

A mother trapped in the rubble of her collapsed home in La Guaira describes surviving alongside her newborn son after devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela that killed more than 1,450 people. She recounts staying conscious by checking her baby’s breathing and calling out only when she heard potential rescuers. Her brother located her, leading to a delicate rescue that freed both mother and child with only minor injuries for the baby. Her husband describes the moment of reunion as miraculous. The family’s home was destroyed and their pet remains missing, but they vow to rebuild their lives.