South Korea: At least 4 dead in heavy snowfall

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 investigates a top military official as Xi broadens purge of PLA generals

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

Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in Canadian wilderness

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

Russia eyes ‘decision-making centers’ as targets for new missile

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-Hezbollah ceasefire sees Israeli airstrike on Lebanon and scattered attacks

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

DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania, killing 1, local officials say

A DHL cargo plane traveling from Leipzig, Germany, crashed near Vilnius, Lithuania, early Monday, killing one pilot and critically injuring the other. Two additional crew members survived with minor injuries, and 13 residents were evacuated safely from a nearby building. The Boeing 737-476, operated by Swiftair, crashed just half a mile from Vilnius Airport, causing a fireball but minimal disruption to airport operations. Experts suggest … Continue reading DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania, killing 1, local officials say

Egypt tour boat sinks on Red Sea diving trip, leaving 16 people missing

Egyptian authorities rescued 28 people after a tourist boat, Sea Story, sank off the Red Sea coast during a diving trip. Sixteen people, including 4 Egyptians and 12 foreigners, remain missing, with military aircraft and naval units continuing search efforts. The luxury yacht, carrying 44 people, capsized early Monday despite passing inspection in March. High seas, warned of by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, may have contributed … Continue reading Egypt tour boat sinks on Red Sea diving trip, leaving 16 people missing

Russia advances in Ukraine at fastest monthly pace since start of war, analysts say

Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at their fastest pace since early 2022, capturing 600 sq km in November and 235 sq km in the past week, according to analysts and independent reports. The advance has intensified in southeastern Ukraine, with fighting focused around Kurakhove and the key hub of Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Analysts attribute Russia’s gains to exploiting Ukrainian frontline vulnerabilities, while Ukraine faces … Continue reading Russia advances in Ukraine at fastest monthly pace since start of war, analysts say

Pakistani police fire tear gas as thousands supporting Imran Khan arrive near capital

Pakistani police fired tear gas to block supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from entering Islamabad during a protest demanding his release. Thousands of marchers defied a lockdown and a ban on rallies, clashing with police, leaving one officer dead and others injured. Protesters removed barricades to continue their march, led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. The government, citing security concerns, suspended mobile … Continue reading Pakistani police fire tear gas as thousands supporting Imran Khan arrive near capital

Stratofortress bombers from UK buzz Russia in show of force as NATO chief warns Europe

Two U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducted a mission near Russian airspace, signaling NATO’s readiness amid escalating tensions. The flights over the Baltic Sea and near Kaliningrad highlighted NATO’s deterrence capabilities. This comes as a NATO chief warns Europe to prepare for potential total war, urging economic resilience alongside military readiness. Germany unveiled a “bunker plan” to expand air raid shelters, while Nordic nations issued survival … Continue reading Stratofortress bombers from UK buzz Russia in show of force as NATO chief warns Europe

Russian plane catches fire after landing in Turkey, passengers and crew are safely evacuated

A Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Azimuth Airlines caught fire after landing in Antalya, Turkey, with 95 people onboard. All passengers and crew safely evacuated using emergency slides, with no injuries reported. The fire, which started on the plane’s left side, was quickly extinguished by airport crews. The cause remains unknown, The Hill has reported. The airport briefly suspended arrivals, using a military runway … Continue reading Russian plane catches fire after landing in Turkey, passengers and crew are safely evacuated

Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5

Gunmen opened fire at a bar in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, early Sunday, killing six and injuring at least five. Authorities say the attackers targeted a specific individual, with nearby patrons caught in the crossfire. No arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear. This attack adds to escalating violence in Mexico, where over 450,000 murders have occurred since 2006, often linked to drug cartels, … Continue reading Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5

UAE arrests 3 in death of missing Abu Dhabi rabbi, Israel decries ‘abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism’

The UAE arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, whose body was found after he went missing on November 21, 2024. The UAE Ministry of Interior stated legal procedures are underway and warned of severe action against threats to societal stability. Kogan, 28, a Moldovan-Israeli citizen and Chabad emissary, lived in Abu Dhabi, managing a kosher grocery that had faced … Continue reading UAE arrests 3 in death of missing Abu Dhabi rabbi, Israel decries ‘abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism’

Pope Skips Notre Dame Reopening

Pope Francis will visit Corsica on December 15 for a conference on Catholic faith in the Mediterranean, marking the first papal visit to the island. This comes days after declining an invitation to the reopening of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral on December 7, citing a desire not to overshadow the event. Instead, Francis will remain in the Vatican for a cardinal creation ceremony. The Corsica … Continue reading Pope Skips Notre Dame Reopening

NATO and Ukraine hold emergency talks after Russia’s hypersonic missile attack

NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks after a Russian Oreshnik missile strike in central Ukraine escalated the war, now 33 months long. Putin claimed the strike responded to Ukraine’s use of Western-provided missiles and warned of more attacks using advanced weaponry. The missile, which hit Dnipro at Mach 11, led to heightened security and calls from President Zelenskyy for global action to deter Russia. … Continue reading NATO and Ukraine hold emergency talks after Russia’s hypersonic missile attack

Norwegian guard at US Embassy in Oslo arrested over allegations of spying for Russia and Iran

A Norwegian man in his 20s, employed as a security guard at the US Embassy in Oslo, was arrested for allegedly spying for Russia and Iran. He is accused of collecting and sharing sensitive information with foreign authorities, though he denies being a spy. Norway’s intelligence service confirmed the arrest, citing charges of attempted aggravated intelligence activities involving state secrets. The investigation is ongoing, and … Continue reading Norwegian guard at US Embassy in Oslo arrested over allegations of spying for Russia and Iran

More than 100 suspected gang members have been killed as vigilantism grows in Haiti

At least 108 suspected gang members were killed over three days in Haiti as violence surged, with residents and police clashing with armed gangs attempting to seize neighborhoods like Pétion-Ville. Many deaths occurred during a single day, with victims killed by police or machete-wielding residents who often burned the bodies. The violence reflects Haiti’s collapsing justice system, weak governance, and rising vigilantism, known as the … Continue reading More than 100 suspected gang members have been killed as vigilantism grows in Haiti

A police chief in Mexico kills himself as troops try to arrest him in a corruption probe

In central Mexico, a police chief in Texcaltitlán took his own life as troops moved to arrest him during “Operation Swarm,” a large-scale anti-corruption raid targeting officials linked to criminal groups. Federal authorities arrested seven individuals, including mayors and police chiefs from towns such as Amanalco and Tejupilco, as well as suburban areas near Mexico City. Charges include extortion, kidnapping, and homicide, with links to … Continue reading A police chief in Mexico kills himself as troops try to arrest him in a corruption probe

Hostel owner detained over deaths of 6 backpackers

Authorities in Laos have detained the owner and staff of a backpacker hostel after six tourists, including British lawyer Simone White and Australian teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, died from suspected methanol poisoning. The victims reportedly consumed free shots laced with methanol at a bar. Methanol poisoning, often linked to counterfeit alcohol, caused severe illness in at least 12 others, including two Danish women … Continue reading Hostel owner detained over deaths of 6 backpackers

Five settlers arrested after attempted attack on IDF Central Command chief

During the “Life of Sarah” Shabbat in Hebron, dozens of right-wing settlers harassed Central Command chief Major-General Avi Bluth, chasing him and other officers, blocking roads, and shouting insults as they attempted to disrupt his operational activities. Police arrested five rioters, and the crowd was dispersed shortly after. The IDF strongly condemned the incident, stating it takes violence against its service members seriously and denounces … Continue reading Five settlers arrested after attempted attack on IDF Central Command chief

US will send Ukraine at least $275 million in new weapons in push to bolster Kyiv

The Pentagon announced a $275 million aid package for Ukraine, including antipersonnel land mines and air defense systems, as the Biden administration rushes to deliver military support before President-elect Trump takes office. Ukraine recently used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian targets, escalating tensions. The aid package includes artillery rounds, HIMARS munitions, drones, and more, using funds approved by Congress. Biden’s administration is also expediting … Continue reading US will send Ukraine at least $275 million in new weapons in push to bolster Kyiv

Russia Confirms Ukraine Used U.K.-Made Storm Shadow Missiles in Cross-Border Strikes

Russia’s military confirmed Ukraine used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time on Wednesday, reportedly targeting a command center in Kursk. Local forces claimed 12 missiles were launched, hitting a 19th-century estate used as a communications hub. The missiles, capable of reaching 250 km, were initially restricted to Ukrainian territory when delivered by the U.K. in 2023, The Moscow Times … Continue reading Russia Confirms Ukraine Used U.K.-Made Storm Shadow Missiles in Cross-Border Strikes

Icelandic volcano erupts for seventh time in a year

A volcano near Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, erupted late Wednesday for the seventh time in a year, creating a fissure nearly two miles long and spewing lava and smoke. The eruption, smaller than previous ones, caused no disruption to air traffic or major infrastructure. Authorities evacuated some areas near the Reykjanes peninsula, but Grindavik, a nearby fishing town, remains safe for now, NBC News has reported. … Continue reading Icelandic volcano erupts for seventh time in a year

Britain ‘directly involved’ in Ukraine war, Russian ambassador says

Russia’s ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, accused Britain of being “directly involved” in the Ukraine war after British Storm Shadow missiles were used to strike targets inside Russia. The claim follows Western allies approving Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, with the U.S. and Britain leading the policy shift. In response, President Putin tested a new intermediate-range missile in a strike on Dnipro and warned … Continue reading Britain ‘directly involved’ in Ukraine war, Russian ambassador says

Russia tested new hypersonic missile in Ukraine strike

Vladimir Putin tested Russia’s new hypersonic missile, the “Oreshnik,” by firing it at Ukraine, citing retaliation for British and American long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv. In a televised address, Putin labeled Britain a legitimate military target and lowered Russia’s nuclear response threshold. The missile was part of a larger strike on Ukraine’s military facilities, with Dnipro being hit, injuring two people. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned … Continue reading Russia tested new hypersonic missile in Ukraine strike