African regional bodies and several countries have condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. The African Union, IGAD, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation all rejected the move, warning it could destabilize the region and contravene international law. Somalia’s federal government strongly denounced Israel’s recognition, reiterating that Somaliland remains an integral … Continue reading African regional bodies reject Somaliland’s recognition as independent nation by Israel

Ukraine and Russia agreed to a rare temporary ceasefire around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to allow repairs and reduce the risk of a nuclear accident. Despite this, Russia launched 48 drones overnight across Ukraine, killing a man in Sloviansk and injuring five others in the Kherson region. Drone strikes also caused fires and infrastructure damage in Odesa and Sumy, though no additional casualties … Continue reading Russian overnight attacks on Ukraine leave one dead and five injured

China has launched live-fire military drills around Taiwan, describing them as a warning to “Taiwan independence” forces and foreign interference. The People’s Liberation Army deployed naval, air, missile, and coast guard forces to encircle the island in an exercise called Justice Mission 2025. Taiwan condemned the drills as an escalation that threatens regional stability and said it had responded with its own combat-readiness measures. Analysts … Continue reading China launches live-fire drills encircling Taiwan

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