Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran is in a state of “total war” with the United States, Israel, and Europe, accusing Western powers of trying to bring the country “to its knees.” He claimed Iran’s military is stronger now than before Israel’s June strikes, which sparked a 12-day conflict involving US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Pezeshkian compared the current situation to the … Continue reading Iran declares ‘total war’ on America, Israel and Europe

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae inaugurated a new luxury resort in Samjiyon, a northern city near China. The resort features five hotels with amenities such as barbecue restaurants, hot tubs, and leisure spaces, which state media hailed as proof of citizens’ rising status. Kim personally inspected the facilities, including testing the firmness of the beds, while promoting the project … Continue reading North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, daughter open luxury resort

Nigerians saw the release of 130 children and teachers on Monday, a month after they were abducted from a Catholic school in Papiri, Niger state. Some of the children appeared malnourished or in shock as authorities prepared to reunite them with their families before Christmas. Initially, reports said 303 students and 12 teachers were seized, with 50 escaping, but officials later clarified that 230 had … Continue reading Nigerians welcome 130 schoolchildren and teachers released after mass abduction

Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have agreed to release 2,900 detainees in the largest prisoner swap of the 11-year civil war. The deal, brokered in Muscat with the UN Special Envoy and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), includes Yemenis as well as seven Saudi and 23 Sudanese nationals. Saudi Ambassador Mohamed AlJabir and Houthi officials praised the agreement for … Continue reading Yemen’s sides agree to release 2,900 detainees in war’s largest exchange

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was released on bail after being arrested in London during a pro-Palestinian protest. She was detained under the UK’s Terrorism Act for holding a sign supporting Palestine Action prisoners, a group proscribed as terrorist by the British government. Thunberg was bailed until March, while two others were also arrested for throwing red paint at a building linked to an insurance firm … Continue reading Greta Thunberg arrested for pro-Palestinian protest under UK terrorism law

Russell Brand has been charged by the U.K. Crown Prosecution Service with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to incidents in 2009, adding to five previous charges of rape and sexual assault from 1999 to 2005. The allegations arose from a joint investigation by Channel 4 and The Sunday Times, which reported anonymous complaints of sexual and emotional abuse. Brand … Continue reading Russell Brand faces two additional rape and sexual assault charges from UK prosecutors in court case

A private jet carrying Libya’s top military commander, Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, four other officers, and three crew members crashed near Ankara, Turkey, killing all on board. The delegation had been in Turkey for defense talks to strengthen military cooperation, and Turkish officials said the crash was caused by a technical malfunction. The aircraft, a Falcon 50 business jet, lost contact with air traffic … Continue reading Libya’s military chief and 7 others are killed in a plane crash

The U.S. has deployed a large number of special-operations aircraft, troops, and equipment to the Caribbean, increasing military options against Venezuela. President Trump has escalated pressure on Nicolás Maduro, imposing a blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers and leaving airstrikes on the table. Elite units, including CV-22 Ospreys, Army Rangers, and special-operations forces, have been prepositioned, signaling Washington may already have a course of action planned. … Continue reading U.S. Moves Troops, Additional Special-Operations Aircraft Into Caribbean

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing more than 650 drones and dozens of missiles that struck residential areas and energy infrastructure across 13 regions. At least three civilians were killed, including a 4-year-old child, just days before Christmas, as the attacks caused widespread power outages during freezing weather. Ukrainian officials said air defenses intercepted most of the drones and missiles, but significant … Continue reading Russia launches 650 kamikaze drones at Ukraine in pre-Christmas blitz

Clashes erupted in Aleppo between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), killing at least two civilians and injuring 11 others ahead of a deadline to integrate the SDF into state institutions. Heavy gunfire and mortar shelling forced dozens of families to flee, and two Syrian Civil Defence rescuers were injured during the violence. Syria’s Interior Ministry reported injuries to two security personnel … Continue reading At least two killed in Aleppo clashes between Syrian army, Kurdish-led SDF