Finland has seized an oil tanker, the Eagle S, suspected of cutting undersea power and internet cables between Finland and Estonia, with authorities believing the vessel may belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade Western sanctions. The incident, which occurred amid heightened tensions from the war in Ukraine, has prompted NATO to bolster its military presence in the Baltic Sea. Finland and Estonia are … Continue reading Finland seizes Russia-linked tanker suspected of cutting vital undersea cables

Mexican authorities discovered 12 bodies in 11 clandestine graves in Chihuahua state, near the U.S. border, during searches conducted from December 18 to 20. The remains were sent to forensic labs in Ciudad Juarez for identification and cause-of-death analysis. Such graves are commonly used by drug cartels and kidnapping gangs to dispose of victims. Chihuahua, plagued by organized crime violence, has recorded nearly 4,000 missing … Continue reading Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border

A 51-year-old man went overboard from a Norwegian cruise ship on Thursday while traveling from Jamaica to the Bahamas. Despite an extensive search led by the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center, he was not found, and the ship continued its journey. The circumstances of the fall remain unclear, and it’s uncertain if the search will resume, NBC News has reported. The man was traveling with relatives, … Continue reading 51-year-old man missing after going overboard during Caribbean cruise

A Chinese court sentenced Fan Weiqiu to death for killing 35 people and injuring 43 by driving into a crowd at a sports center in Zhuhai. Fan, angered by his divorce settlement, pleaded guilty to endangering public safety. The court described his actions as cruel and causing severe social harm. The attack, part of a recent surge in mass killings, prompted Chinese leader Xi Jinping … Continue reading Chinese man sentenced to death for killing 35 people after driving into a crowd

An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of 67 passengers. Survivors reported hearing thuds and explosions from outside the aircraft before the crash. The plane, rerouted from Grozny due to heavy fog, showed signs of external damage, with bullet holes observed in the wreckage. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are investigating, with early indications suggesting possible Russian air defense involvement. U.S. officials noted … Continue reading Survivors of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash report hearing bangs, explosions during flight

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting for Russia in the Kursk region since Ukraine’s cross-border incursion began in August. Ukrainian special forces reported inflicting over 100 casualties on North Korean troops in recent days and claimed Russia is issuing fake identity documents to conceal their presence. U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials estimate up … Continue reading Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says 3,000 North Koreans killed or wounded in the war

At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, on Christmas Day amid ongoing post-election riots. The rebellion, sparked by protests after the ruling Frelimo party’s election victory was confirmed, resulted in 33 prisoner deaths and 15 injuries during clashes with security forces. Inmates seized weapons, freed others—including 29 convicted terrorists—and breached a prison wall. Police Commander Bernardino Rafael urged fugitives to … Continue reading At least 6,000 inmates escape Mozambique jail amid post-election riots

Pope Francis visited Italy’s Rebibbia prison, becoming the first pope to open a “holy door” in a jail as part of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee. Addressing inmates, he emphasized hope as an anchor and urged them not to lose faith in difficult times. The door, one of five for the “jubilee of hope,” symbolizes forgiveness and reintegration. The pope previously opened the first holy door at St. Peter’s … Continue reading Pope Francis opens sacred portal, ‘holy door’ at one of largest prisons in Italy

Two sailors died in separate incidents during Australia’s annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by a boom. The fatalities occurred on the Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, with both crews attempting life-saving measures unsuccessfully. The race, which began Thursday, continues despite challenging weather causing several boats to withdraw. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences, calling the losses heartbreaking, the BBC has reported. The event, … Continue reading Two die in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including Sanaa’s airport and multiple ports, after Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel. The strikes damaged airport infrastructure near WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as he prepared to depart, injuring a UN crew member and killing at least three people. Tedros and his team are safe but unable to leave until repairs are made. Israel claimed the … Continue reading Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen while the WHO chief says he was meters away