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Israel Begins Ground Offensive To Occupy Gaza City; China And Donald Trump Administration Agree On Framework For App In U.S.; Israel Begins Ground Offensive to Occupy Gaza City; Qatar Hosts Arab-Islamic Summit Over Israeli Strike on Doha; Trump Says U.S. Strike Kills Three Venezuelan NARCO Terrorists; Venezuela Says Secretary Marco Rubio Responsible for U.S. Military Escalation; Trump to Travel to U.K. For His Second State Visit; Poland Says NATO Should Impose No-fly Zone Over Ukraine; Russia and Belarus Conduct Joint Military Drills; Bad Bunny Wraps Up Historic Puerto Rico Residency; New World Champion for Black Pudding Throwing Named. Aired 2-3a ET

Aired September 16, 2025 - 02:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[02:00:28]

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: We begin with this breaking news out of Gaza. Israeli officials tell CNN that Israel has launched its ground incursion into Gaza City. They say it's going to be phased and gradual at the beginning. The ground incursion was supposed to proceed only after the Israeli military forced the complete evacuation of the densely populated urban area. But so far, only a fraction of that population has left the city.

Let's go to CNN's Paula Hancocks, she joins us live from Abu Dhabi. So, Paula, the ground offensive has begun. What can you tell us?

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rosemary, we're hearing that from two Israeli officials, as you say, one saying that it was going to be, "Phrased and gradual at the beginning."

But what we've been seeing in recent days is an acceleration of bombing of high rise buildings, of any significant buildings within Gaza City, ahead of this ground incursion.

Now, we have had confirmation from the Ministry of Health overnight that some 38 Palestinians have been killed in some of those strikes overnight, we have been seeing a stream of people, according to videos coming into us, heading to hospitals, being taken into hospitals. We have seen also images of bodies of bloody children.

So, once again, children being caught up in what is happening on the ground in Gaza City.

Now, in recent days we -- in particular, on Monday, we had been seeing a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza City. We had seen some -- the lucky ones who were able to get some kind of transport with their belongings piled high on the transport. Others leaving by foot. The Israeli military had called on the full evacuation of the city.

It is believed that up to a million people were in Gaza City when those evacuation orders came through about a week ago. It's hard to know for sure exactly how many people are still in Gaza City, but there are certainly at least tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of civilians still inside that area.

An Israeli security official on Monday estimated that some 320,000 Palestinian civilians had left the area. But that does leave a lot that are unaccounted for. They have been told by Israel to head south, to head to Khan Yunis, to Al-Mawasi, which it is called, a humanitarian zone.

But it's worth reminding ourselves that this is something that the U.N. that NGOs, that many countries around the world have called on Israel to halt this takeover of Gaza City because of the humanitarian situation on the ground, which will be worsened if up to a million people are displaced once again.

So, we are having these reports coming through to us, confirmation from two Israeli officials that this ground incursion has begun.

It is also very concerning for the families of the Israeli hostages. We saw overnight that some of those families set up a late-night protest and tents just outside the prime minister's residence calling on him to stop the bombardment of Gaza City, as they are concerned that this will risk the lives of the hostages that are still being held. There are some 48 hostages still being held by Hamas and other groups, 20 of them believed to still be alive.

In fact, we also heard from the U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on social media that he had read reports that Hamas was bringing some of the hostages to ground level, out of the tunnels to use them as human shields. He said they should not do that. If they do, then all bets are off. Which Hamas responded to by saying that Trump's statement is blatantly biased towards Zionist propaganda, saying that it is this Gaza City incursion that is risking the hostages.

Now, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted This is the fastest way to end the war. He has insisted that this is the way to be able to ultimately defeat Hamas, as I say, it is -- it is an idea that that has international condemnation, but also some within Israel itself. We have Israeli sources telling us that even the IDF Chief of Staff is questioning whether this is the correct way to do it. He is worried about the hostages' lives. He's worried about the risk to soldiers who will be carrying out this ground incursion, following the air strikes, and also concerned about the humanitarian situation.

[02:05:35]

So, there are great concerns around the world about this operation for Israel to take over Gaza City. But as we have it at this point, two Israeli sources confirming that the ground incursion has begun. It is starting from the outskirts and working in, Rosemary.

CHURCH: All right. Our thanks to Paula Hancocks for bringing us that live update from Abu Dhabi. Appreciate it.

I do want to bring in retired Major General Mark MacCarley now. Thank you sir for joining us. So, as we just heard from Paula, two Israeli officials are saying this ground incursion is underway. It's just gotten underway, saying that this would be phased and gradual, which is interesting, because we know that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio just told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he had the full support of the United States. But as long as this was swift, as long as this happened very quickly.

So, how do you square that when you're talking about something that's phased and gradual?

MAJ. GEN. MARK MACCARLEY (RET.), U.S. ARMY: Certainly, those two words in the context of the conflict in Gaza and as we approach the eminent if not already in effect, Israeli incursion into Gaza City. Those two words really have no meaning, whether you do it concisely, which has a certain appeal to it, meaning it is often with an adjective called surgical conciseness, so that fewer people, fewer civilians, become the target or lose their lives as a consequence of this invasion, or what was disseminated by the Israeli, the IDF and its staff, that this was going to be slow, methodical, which, from my perspective, is probably the only way that the IDF, assuming that we're looking at the big picture of the IDF attempting to take over the entirety of Gaza City. There's no such thing as doing it concisely.

Slow, methodically, that has certain advantages. Some of those advantages are that you're a bit more careful with the civilians you come in contact with, but also you prepare yourself.

And something that I wanted to talk about, and that was the -- and that was the air attacks on the multi-story buildings that we saw over the last two days.

And that, to me, is a clear indication that IDF -- the IDF was going to move. And the reason for that is quite simple, no invading force wants to have 20 stories or 25 story buildings available in front of the movement of that column of Israeli soldiers. It's just too dangerous.

So, as the tacticians, not the strategists, the strategists do the big thinking, but the tacticians, the colonels on the ground, the majors on the ground, they're looking at those buildings, and they say, take them out, because it eliminates, not only a great opportunity for an enemy to scatter, attack and perhaps violently defend its particular area.

So, no tall buildings. The Gaza Palestinians do not have the ability to overlook meaning from this 23rd story. You're looking straight a couple of miles. So, that was really the beginning, not today. It was beginning two days ago.

CHURCH: And why do you think that Israel would launch the ground incursion and start all of this before all of the Palestinian population have actually been evacuated because, I mean, they started that process?

MACCARLEY: You've asked one of the most difficult questions, because you're really asking me to speculate as to the mind of the leadership in Jerusalem. And that is something even none of us can really do.

I suppose if you look at it from a military perspective, you're saying, well, time is of the essence that the ground was prepared, the big buildings were knocked down. We, the Israelis, I shouldn't use we, meaning us. That's just the Israelis themselves saying that they have taken all manner of measures to alert the population of Gaza to evacuate, and only 300,000 or so have evacuated. And the Israeli General Staff, then coming back and saying enough is enough, or really Netanyahu saying enough is enough, we're just going to start this thing.

[02:10:26]

And whether that's morally right or wrong, I leave that to people who have the expertise in that area. From my perspective, from a military decision point, OK, Netanyahu made that decision, maybe tactically, it's of some value from a humanitarian standpoint, of course, he's going to have to live with a huge number of Gazan civilians who will lose their lives. There's no way you can avoid that with the number of people that remain in that city now.

CHURCH: And so, with your military and extensive military background, what are you watching for with this ground incursion, and what do you see as the major challenges and the big risks ahead with this?

MACCARLEY: Yes, there are a lot of ways of answering that question, and certainly not in two or three minutes, but I'll attempt to do so.

One is the Israelis have to have we're not privy to their tactical plans, but most probably are looking based upon intelligence that has already been gathered for those locations that might be the prime locations for the hostages.

Now, the Israelis have accumulated a significant amount of Intel, intelligence data. So, if I were to look at their maps, most probably we would see objective circle.

The second is to eliminate one of the more difficult defensive positions in urban warfare. This is urban warfare, it's a city. Israel is attacking a city, and that again, not only are the tall buildings, but the subterranean, the tunnels that make it incredibly difficult to conduct any sort of operation as big as what Israel does, or even a smaller police incursion, because those tunnels provide superlative defense for the occupants of those tunnels.

So, I believe that the first order of business is to find the hostages, and of course, eliminate the remaining leadership of Hamas, whomever and whatever Hamas retains in Gaza City.

CHURCH: All right, sir. Thank you so much for talking with us. Mark MacCarley, it has been a pleasure discussing these processes with you. Thank you.

MACCARLEY: Thank you.

CHURCH: Just ahead, details on a possible deal to save TikTok in the U.S. and why it could lead to a meeting between the Chinese and American presidents, back with that and more in just a moment.

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[02:17:20]

CHURCH: We are continuing to follow the breaking news out of Gaza. Israeli officials telling CNN that Israel has launched its ground incursion into Gaza City. Hospital officials in Gaza say overnight strikes have killed at least 38 people. We will, as I say, continue to update this story and bring those details to you.

Another story we're covering, negotiators from China and the U.S. say they have reached a framework deal that would allow TikTok to keep operating in the United States. The Chinese social media giant was facing a Wednesday deadline to sell at least part of its U.S. business to an American backed owner.

Little information has been made public about the pending agreement or a possible buyer. Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are poised to seal the deal during a call on Friday that could pave the way for a face-to-face meeting in Asia next month.

Well, joining me now is William Lee, chief economist at the Milken Institute, and the former managing director of Citigroup. Good to have you with us.

WILLIAM LEE, CHIEF ECONOMIST, MILKEN INSTITUTE: Thanks for having me

CHURCH: So, it appears the U.S. and China have reached this framework deal that would allow TikTok to continue operating here in the U.S. just before Wednesday's deadline it comes. So, what do you think that means? And what do you think that framework might be?

LEE: Well, as much as both sides are touting the achievements of the Madrid deal, I'm a little disappointed, because it really doesn't further the main strategic objective United States, which is in trade to preserve its technological leadership with China.

So far, it has been on the cutting -- the U.S. has established the standards that are the cutting edge of every technological innovation that's happened. But right now, China is challenging us in the area of artificial intelligence and a lot of the high tech areas.

And so far out of Madrid, we hear, well, we have a deal for TikTok. And while I don't want to underestimate the importance of TikTok for a good chunk of the American population, including President Trump, it doesn't do much in furthering the U.S. position in establishing a leadership position in technology.

And also we have some increased flows of strategic minerals, which is a good thing, and possibly a meeting between the two leaders, which is optically great, but again, strategically, I think less important.

So, I think so far, I don't see much progress in the Madrid deals that further the U.S. position, whereas it does further China's position of containing and challenging us leadership in A.I.

[02:20:04]

CHURCH: But President Trump has very much supported TikTok, hasn't he? I mean, in the initial stages, he wasn't a great supporter, but he feels that users of TikTok helped him get re-elected. So, is this part of it, though, that that you give a little bit to get something in this whole effort to seal a deal?

LEE: Well, as far as the Chinese are concerned, they're giving a little bit, which is partial ownership and some mysterious arrangement with TikTok.

And yet, the algorithm that powers TikTok and makes it so important and so and so incredibly addictive is still under their control, as far as I understand.

So, in terms of the ebb and flow of negotiations and again, the Chinese are very famous for stretching out negotiations that take me a long time to move even a small step. All the steps that are being moved are the U.S. moving backwards, as far as I see.

CHURCH: Right. So, we know, of course, that President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping are set to close this TikTok deal in a call on Friday, which could pave the way for this face to face meeting in Asia next month. So, what might this signal big picture about where trade talks between the two countries stand right now as they continue in Madrid?

LEE: I think President Trump being negotiated that he is, his next step is to get China to open up its markets for U.S. goods and services and the sharp point of the spear right now is being headed by Jensen Huang and his attempt to try to re establish the sale of Nvidia chips, the advanced A.I. chips into China. I think that would be a sign of progress for United States, and a sign the U.S. is trying to achieve its -- you know, its leadership in this area.

And unless we see progress in that area. And by the way, China is throwing up even more roadblocks that are preventing us from doing just that. They're saying that, oh, Nvidia is violating monopoly laws. It's not being fair and how it sells its chips and all sorts of regulatory hurdles that are new roadblocks in the U.S. attempt to try to again, establish its ability to set the standards for artificial intelligence research and artificial intelligence standards in China.

CHURCH: We'll be watching to see where all of this goes. William Lee, thank you so much for talking with us. Appreciate it.

LEE: Thanks for having me.

CHURCH: Much more ahead on our breaking news, Israel begins its ground offensive to occupy Gaza City. We'll have details on the other side of the break. Stay with us.

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[02:27:30]

CHURCH: We are following breaking news this hour, two Israeli officials telling CNN, the IDF has launched its long-anticipated ground incursion into Gaza City. And we've been hearing explosions and seeing smoke from camera positions in southern Israel throughout the morning. Hospital officials tell CNN, Israeli strikes have killed at least 38 people in overnight attacks.

The Israeli military has accelerated its attacks on high rise buildings in Gaza City over the past week, claiming Hamas is using them to monitor the movements of Israeli troops. The incursion was supposed to proceed only after the Israeli military forced the evacuation of the densely populated urban area, but only a fraction of the population has left so far.

Joining me now is Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He's also the author of What Really Went Wrong: The West and the Failure of Democracy in the Middle East. Appreciate you being with us.

FAWAZ GERGES, PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS: My pleasure.

CHURCH: So, Israel's ground incursion into Gaza City has. Gun with the goal to take control of that city. Us, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as we know, offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu full U.S. support for this offensive. What are your greatest concerns about this ground incursion? What do you worry about?

GERGES: Well, you know, what I worry about is that the unbearable and indescribable suffering of the Palestinian people. This new face and the war which was declared by the Israeli Defense Minister Katz. He said, Gaza is burning. Gaza City, you have one million people who basically have sheltered in Gaza. Multiple times they have been displaced. Only about 300,000 Palestinians have left Gaza City in the past few days as a result of the warnings by the Israeli army.

So, you have about 600 to 700,000 Palestinians in Gaza City. And yet, the Israeli Defense Minister says Gaza is burning, and it is literally burning.

And the past four days, according to the United Nations, seven of the tallest buildings in Gaza City have been destroyed. Israel says they are Hamas bases, the United Nations has seven schools and four clinics basically were based in these buildings.

[02:30:00]

And you really cannot understand. We cannot understand this strategic escalation of the Israeli war in Gaza City without the unwavering support by the Trump administration to the Israeli government. Yesterday, in the press conference in Israel, the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio has made it very clear that the Trump administration fully supports Israeli plans for Gaza. And what's Israeli plans? Total victory, absolute victory. The return not only of the 48 Israeli hostages, but the surrender of Hamas, the destruction of Hamas, and Israel's basically freedom of action over all of Gaza. So, the reason why we're seeing this particular war today, this particular escalation, there is an organic relationship between this strategic escalation and the Trump administration, President Trump doubling down on his green light to Benjamin Netanyahu.

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR OF "CNN NEWSROOM": So what do you think this ultimately means for any diplomatic solution? Does this essentially mark the end of any hope for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement?

GERGES: Well, I think this is it. I mean, yesterday there was a major conference in Doha by most of the states and the Islamic sects (ph). Last week, Israel attacked basically Qatar. Qatar which hosted the political leadership of Hamas and was playing a leading role in the talks between Israel and Hamas. And the Emir of Qatar, Tamim said, well, look, how do you basically, if you really want a peaceful settlement, if you really want your hostages back, why would you attack the country that is mediating between you and Hamas? And why would you kill the negotiators with whom you are negotiating to free the hostages?

What we are seeing today is the end of any light at the end of the tunnel. My fear is that permanent war, all-out war serves Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic goal, which is basically preventing, postponing the inevitable, the end of his political career. And basically, he has legal cases because of accusation of criminality inside Israel itself. The reality is, I mean, most of what we're seeing today in Gaza, in the West Bank, Israel attacks in Syria, in Lebanon, in Qatar. The reality is that the United States has forfeited its leadership role in the world, and President Trump has been outmaneuvered and outplayed by Benjamin Netanyahu.

What we're really seeing today is, here is the irony is that while Rubio says that what will happen in Gaza is a concise military operation. He used the term concise. The top Israeli military leader, the chief of staff, has basically expressed misgivings about the political leadership decision to escalate the war because he realizes you cannot defeat a movement like Hamas. You cannot kill all of them. And the Israeli -- the families of the Israeli hostages, the one -- their beloved (ph) one accused Benjamin Netanyahu of "being the biggest obstacle to returning their beloved ones back home."

So what we're seeing is that not only indescribable and tragic conditions of the 2.2 million Palestinian people, but probably, possibly the death said of the 20 Israeli hostages that are still alive in Gaza.

CHURCH: And what do you think happens once Israel takes control, full control of Gaza City, which is the goal here? GERGES: Well, you know, for your own viewers, Israel, this is not the first time that Israel has taken control over Gaza City. This is the second and third time. In 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu declared all-out victory over Gaza City. So, this is the second and the third time that he sent his army to Gaza City. What we're seeing in Gaza today is Guerilla warfare. Even though Hamas has been degraded, even though Israel has killed 8,000, almost 8,000 Hamas fighters. But Hamas now has moved into a guerrilla force and Israel really, and according to Israeli military strategists, not American military strategists, that basically, Gaza could become, I mean, the Vietnam, Israel's Vietnam. The reality is even the Americans could not really win in Iraq and Afghanistan, a gorilla war.

[02:35:00]

And so, many Israeli generals are warning the political leadership that to have an extremist government, an extremist government whose vision of total victory, absolute victory, a greater Israel -- they want to create greater Israel. We want to have military forces in Syria, in Lebanon, again, changing the face of the West Bank, trying to steal Palestinian land. I mean, this is quite so irrational that the United States has forfeited its role to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu. The entire world, literally, the entire world wants this war to end except the United States. And President Trump yesterday, sent his secretary of state to reinforce and reiterate America's full support for Israel's irrational and criminal war in Gaza.

CHURCH: Fawaz Gerges, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your perspective on this issue. Appreciate it.

GERGES: Thanks.

CHURCH: President Trump says the U.S. has conducted another strike on alleged Venezuela drug traffickers, the latest on the attack, and rising tensions with Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, when we come back.

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[02:40:55]

CHURCH: President Trump says the U.S. Military killed three people in international waters near South America. He shared this video of the strike on Truth Social. He claimed those on board were "confirmed NARCO terrorists transporting illegal drugs from Venezuela." Stefano Pozzebon has the latest on the growing feud between the two nations.

STEFANO POZZEBON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: The Trump administration's announcement that he conducted a new kinetic strike against an alleged drug trafficking speed boat in the Caribbean Sea on Monday marks a new escalation in the military strategy to put pressure on the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom the White House accuses of personally being the leader of a drug cartel. Maduro has been indicted since at least 2019. However, he has repeatedly denied this allegation.

CNN has asked for a reaction to Caracas about this new incident and we're waiting to hear back. However, earlier on Monday, Maduro has this to say about the U.S. Secretary, Marco Rubio, whom he accuses of being personally behind these military escalation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NICOLAS MADURO, VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Jim? Who? Marco Rubio. They now call him the "Lord of Death and War." Wherever he goes, there is death, there are bombs. There are murdered children. Marco Rubio, the Lord of Death, War and Hatred.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

POZZEBON: The Secretary of State is yet to respond to this latest attack from the Venezuelan leader. Caracas has repeatedly accused the Rubio in particular of trying to build a case for an open confrontation, an open warfare between Washington and Venezuela. In recent weeks, Maduro has given signals to the White House that he's ready for negotiations with Trump, perhaps even considering a meeting in person with the U.S. President, while at the same time singling out Rubio and Rubio is worth noting that he comes from a constituency in South Florida where a lot of -- several Venezuelan conservatives expatriates have moved in recent weeks.

So, that's the reason why there is the singling out against the Secretary of State. It's yet to be seen whether the strategy from Caracas will be successful in trying to reduce this tension. But it's definitely interesting noting that at the same time, Trump has not ruled out an even further escalation and actions directly on Venezuelan soil in the weeks to come.

For CNN, this is Stefano Pozzebon, Bogota.

CHURCH: Donald Trump is expected to leave Washington in the day ahead for the U.K. King Charles, Prince William and other members of the royal family will welcome the U.S. President and First Lady to Windsor Castle. A state dinner is planned for Wednesday evening. On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Trump at his country house, Chequers Court. They are expected to sign an agreement making it easier to build nuclear power plants in both countries, and the U.S. president could face pressure to impose tighter sanctions on Russia.

Poland's foreign minister is suggesting NATO institute a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying it could protect alliance members from Russian drone incursions. NATO is already flying patrols over its eastern flank after up to 21 Russian drones were detected in Polish airspace last week. And just days later, Romania scrambled jets against a Russian drone on its airspace. The UK's Royal Air Force has announced it will join that NATO operation, posting on social media that its Typhoon Fighter Jets will fly defense missions over Poland as part of Eastern Sentry.

[02:45:00]

Well, meanwhile, Russia and Belarus are holding major military exercises right along NATO's eastern border. Today is the last day of the Zapad 2025 drills with Russian and Belarusian forces showing off their latest military hardware to a global audience. CNN's Fred Pleitgen brings us the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): A massive show of force right on NATO's doorstep, Russia and its ally, Belarus, in live fire drills.

PLEITGEN: They come as tensions between NATO and Russia are extremely high. In fact, the Russians have placed nuclear weapons here in Belarus over the past couple of months, and as part of these drills, they've showcased some of their most modern nuclear capable weapons, missiles that are fired from boats, from submarines, but also of course from aircraft and from land as well.

PLEITGEN (voice-over): Extremely concerning for the U.S.' allies with Belarus bordering several Eastern European NATO member states. And coming just days after Russian combat drones breached NATO member, Poland's airspace, even though the Russians claim they didn't fly them there intentionally.

The U.S.' allies are on edge, Poland sending additional troops to the border with Belarus. As President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine have stalled. The U.S.' NATO allies are waiting for a more forceful response from the White House.

President Trump saying he's still considering tougher sanctions against Moscow. The Kremlin blaming the U.S.' allies for holding up the process.

DMITRY PESKOV, KREMLIN SPOKESMAN (through translator): The Europeans are obstructing progress, the Kremlin spokesman says. They refuse to acknowledge the fundamental origins of this crisis, thereby blocking any path to addressing the very causes. Nonetheless, Russia remains open and prepared for dialog.

PLEITGEN (voice-over): Prepared for dialog, but showing off their military muscle. The Russians showcasing their modern nuclear capable weapons like the Zircon hypersonic missile and Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles which can carry nuclear warheads.

VIKTOR KHRENIN, BELARUSIAN DEFENCE MINISTER: We managed to systematically plan the issues of using weapons of more powerful destruction in this exercise, Belarus' Defence Minister says.

PLEITGEN (voice-over): Despite the fire power on display here, a senior Belarusian General accuses NATO of panicking when I asked him about Western concerns.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): It's a big mistake from NATO, he says. Look at the numbers. 6,800 people compared to 40,000 on the territory of Poland. Where do you think there are more personnel? Probably there.

PLEITGEN (voice-over): Several U.S. Military observers were on hand to witness the drills Russia and Belarus put on. Seeing a military force that says it's ready for major combat against any foe at any time.

Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Borisov, Belarus.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: And we'll be right back with much more news.

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[02:52:57]

CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone. Bad Bunny is giving his hometown fans one more show before he heads off on his world tour. And this one everyone can watch. The Puerto Rican superstar just announced a bonus concert for September 20th to close out his summer run in San Juan. The show will be streamed live on platforms like Amazon Prime, Twitch, and Amazon Music. Bad Bunny's recent concert Residency hasn't just filled stadium seats, it's filled Puerto Rico with cultural pride and millions of tourism dollars. CNN's Isabel Rosales has more from San Juan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ISABEL ROSALES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has closed out his sold out 30-show Residency. A run unlike anything his home island has ever seen.

Lucia Coto may be his oldest fan. At 101-years-old, she was born six decades before Reggaeton even existed. She once wanted to be a nun. Today, Lucia is proof Reggaeton and bad Bunny has no age limit (ph).

LUCIA COTO, 101-YEAR-OLD BAD BUNNY FAN (through translator): I like reggaeton, it gives you joy. And then suddenly you feet start moving

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): That's what you're going to do at the show? Show me again.

(LAUGH)

COTO (through translator): Everyone starts shouting and it's contagious.

(LAUGH)

ROSALES (voice-over): It's clear this isn't just a concert, it's a cultural moment. Tourism agency, Discover Puerto Rico says around 600,000 visitors have flocked to the island in just two months and more than $200 million pumped into the local economy.

Lucia is on her way to see her favorite artist, live for the first time.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Where are we going, grandma?

COTO (through translator): To see Bad Bunny. [02:55:00]

ROSALES (voice-over): For fans, it's a cultural homecoming.

ROSALES: This house just a little bit famous.

JORGE PEREZ, JOSE MIGUEL AGRELOT COLISEUM OF PUERTO RICO: Famous? [Foreign Language].

ROSALES: [Foreign Language].

PEREZ: Very typical in our culture. This is where family, friends meet, have a good time. People are here for three hours and they have a great time. But they're out and about for days exploring our island.

ROSALES (voice-over): So we went to see it for ourselves. Deep in the mountains of Ciales, we joined the Cafe con Ron tour. Foreigners coming from near and far and staying to immerse themselves in the culture, music, and heritage of the island. Here, they're discovering Plena, Puerto's so-called Sung Newspaper. Born from African roots, it tells the story of everyday people. Bad Bunny giving the traditional music new life. And touring with him, Jenith Rivera's three Plenero (ph) children

JENITH RIVERA, CAFE CON RON TOUR ORGANIZER (through translator): And for Benito or Bad Bunny to recognize their work and bring them into the residency is very gratifying and beautiful.

ROSALES (voice-over): These tourists will leave the island, but the spirit of Puerto Rico goes with them.

RIVERA (through translator): The residency transitions into a new chapter but it has left us a legacy that we will continue to build on and I think this is the start of something bigger that we will be able to do collectively as cultural ambassadors of Puerto Rico

ROSALES (voice-over): Isabel Rosales, CNN, San Juan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: A new world champion has been named after rigorous competition at the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships. The U.K.'s Ged Flanagan beat out competitors for the top spot after years of near misses. The game is played by tossing black puddings, a British sausage made mostly from animal blood, at stacks of Yorkshire puddings on top of a tall pole. Each competitor has three chances to knock off as many as they can. Clearly, one of the only times it is OK to play with your food. There you go.

Thanks so much for your company this hour. I'm Rosemary Church. I will be back with more "CNN Newsroom" in just a moment. Do stay with us.

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[02:57:52]