Unrest over economic problems in Iran turned violent, leaving a 21-year-old Basij member dead after he confronted demonstrators in Kuhdasht, Lorestan province, with about a dozen security personnel injured. Protests, driven by high inflation and the rial’s sharp devaluation, have spread across the country, including attempts to storm government offices in Fasa, though authorities have so far taken a relatively conciliatory tone. Analysts warn that … Continue reading Iran Says Regime Loyalist Killed as Protests Turn Violent

In recent months, Venezuelan authorities have detained several Americans amid escalating U.S. military and economic pressure on the country, according to a U.S. official. Some detainees face legitimate criminal charges, while at least two may be designated as wrongfully held. These include three dual Venezuelan-American citizens and two Americans with no known ties to Venezuela. Past negotiations under the Trump administration had secured the release … Continue reading Venezuela Detains Americans Amid Growing Pressure

Dutch police reported facing an unprecedented level of violence on New Year’s Eve, with officers across the Netherlands pelted with fireworks and explosives. In Amsterdam, a 19th-century landmark, the Vondelkerk, caught fire in the early hours of New Year’s Day, causing the collapse of its 50-metre tower, though the cause remains unknown. Fireworks-related incidents elsewhere proved deadly, with a 17-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man … Continue reading Netherlands police face ‘unprecedented’ New Year’s violence

A roughly 150-year-old deconsecrated church in Amsterdam, the Vondelkerk, was severely damaged by a fire that broke out shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day, though no casualties were reported. Flames tore through the neo-Gothic spire, collapsing the tower and heavily damaging the roof as strong winds spread burning debris, prompting evacuations of nearby homes. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by late morning, and … Continue reading Monumental Church in Amsterdam Ravaged by Flames on New Year’s Day

About 40 people were killed and at least 115 seriously injured when a fire broke out during a New Year’s celebration at a crowded bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana shortly after midnight. The blaze transformed the Le Constellation bar from a festive venue into the site of one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies, prompting five days of national mourning. Authorities said the exact … Continue reading 40 dead and 115 injured in fire at Swiss Alpine bar during New Year’s celebration

The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is set to resume on 30 December, over a decade after it vanished with 239 people onboard. Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company, will conduct the search under a “no find, no fee” contract, exploring a new 5,800-square-mile area of the Indian Ocean. The plane disappeared in March 2014 during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, sparking … Continue reading Search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 expected to resume on Tuesday

An investigation into the Sydney Hanukkah festival shooting found no evidence that suspects Sajid and Naveed Akram were part of a broader terrorist cell. The father and son spent most of November in the Philippines, where police determined they did not receive training or logistical support for the attack. Authorities allege the pair acted alone and were inspired by the Islamic State, with Sajid killed … Continue reading Alleged Bondi gunmen did not train in the Philippines and acted alone, police say

Saudi Arabia declared its national security a “red line” after a coalition strike targeted vehicles and cargo in Yemen allegedly supplied by the UAE to southern separatists. The limited military operation at Mukalla port came after warnings to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) against military action in Hadramout province. Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council demanded all UAE forces leave within 24 hours, canceled a joint defense … Continue reading Saudi Arabia says its national security a ‘red line’ after Yemen strike

China launched rockets toward Taiwan on Tuesday as part of the second day of large-scale military drills, which included a simulated blockade of the island. The exercises, called “Justice Mission 2025,” involve navy destroyers, bombers, live-fire drills, and anti-submarine maneuvers in five maritime and airspace zones, some within 12 nautical miles of Taiwan’s coast. Taiwan reported tracking 130 Chinese air sorties, 14 naval ships, and … Continue reading China fires several rockets around Taiwan during live military drills

The United States pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid on Monday to assist tens of millions of people in over a dozen countries next year, part of a new UN-backed mechanism to improve efficiency and accountability following steep aid cuts under the Trump administration. The funding will prioritize life-saving assistance in 17 countries, including Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Sudan, while excluding … Continue reading US pledges $2bn in new UN model for delivery of humanitarian assistance