Syrian and Russian airstrikes have intensified in northern Syria following a rebel offensive that seized Aleppo and key military sites, marking the most significant challenge to Assad in years. The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed factions, has captured vast territories, including Aleppo’s airport. Rebel gains threaten regime stability as Kurdish forces retain control of some areas. The conflict has reignited Syria’s … Continue reading Syrian and Russian jets step up strikes on rebels after opposition seizes much of Aleppo

The IDF intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen early Sunday, preventing it from entering Israeli territory. Sirens sounded across central Israel, and four people were injured while seeking shelter. Police are searching for missile remnants near Beit Shemesh. Yemen’s Houthi spokesperson vowed continued attacks until Israel ends its actions in Gaza and lifts the siege, the Jerusalem Post has reported. This marks the latest … Continue reading Israel intercepts ballistic missile from Yemen

Bethlehem faces another Christmas without celebration as the Gaza war deepens its struggles. The traditionally festive Manger Square is deserted, shops remain closed, and no Christmas tree will be erected. Residents, demoralized by economic hardship and violence, are increasingly emigrating, including local Christians whose numbers have dwindled to just 10% of the population. Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions, West Bank settlement expansion, and the threat of annexation … Continue reading Another Bleak Christmas in Bethlehem as Christian Families Quit West Bank

The Colombian navy intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying cocaine in the Pacific Ocean, marking the third such seizure in the region. The vessel, believed to be heading to Australia, had enough fuel for the journey, part of a new smuggling route. Cocaine trafficking to Australia is highly profitable, with a kilogram fetching up to $240,000 there, six times more than in the U.S. The operation, … Continue reading Colombian navy intercepts narco-subs taking new route to Australia

South Korea experienced its heaviest snowfall in over a century, with more than 40 cm (16 inches) in Seoul, causing over 140 flight cancellations and ferry suspensions. The storm, attributed to warm sea temperatures meeting cold air currents, resulted in four deaths, including two from structural collapses and two in traffic accidents. This marks the third heaviest snow recorded in Seoul since 1907, the DW … Continue reading South Korea: At least 4 dead in heavy snowfall

China has suspended Admiral Miao Hua, a key member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and close ally of Xi Jinping, for corruption, marking the latest development in Xi’s anti-corruption campaign targeting the military. Miao, 69, heads the CMC’s Political Work Department and is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline.” This follows recent purges of senior military leaders, including former defense ministers Li Shangfu … Continue reading China investigates a top military official as Xi broadens purge of PLA generals

Sam Benastick, 20, was found alive after surviving 50 days in British Columbia’s Redfern-Keily Provincial Park. Missing since October 17 during a planned 10-day hike, he endured freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Park workers discovered him struggling down a service road, wrapped in a makeshift coat made from a torn sleeping bag. Benastick, who had built camps near a creek and later in a dried-out … Continue reading Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in Canadian wilderness

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to target Ukraine’s “decision-making centers” using the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which Russia claims is impossible to intercept. Western officials remain skeptical of this claim. Putin cited Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles as justification for the strikes and stated that his forces are selecting targets, including military and industrial sites in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the … Continue reading Russia eyes ‘decision-making centers’ as targets for new missile

Israel conducted its first airstrike on Lebanon since a truce with Hezbollah was announced, targeting a rocket storage site in southern Lebanon. Sporadic clashes, including Israeli strikes and gunfire, wounded two people, whom Lebanon described as civilians and Israel as suspects violating the ceasefire. Despite these tensions, the ceasefire mostly held as Lebanese troops deployed in conflict areas, aiming to help 1.2 million displaced civilians … Continue reading Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire sees Israeli airstrike on Lebanon and scattered attacks