Bosnian prosecutors ordered the arrest of Serb separatist leader Milorad Dodik for ignoring a court summons, escalating tensions in the Balkans. Dodik, backed by Russia and Serbia, defied international rulings and initiated laws against state judiciary authority. He was sentenced to jail and banned from office, which he can appeal. Dodik plans to seek Russian support to veto the EU peacekeeping mission’s extension. EUFOR is deploying reserve forces to maintain stability. The State Investigation and Protection Agency is assisting in apprehending Dodik and his aides. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 3:30 pm
The Russian captain of the Solong cargo ship was arrested after it collided with the US-flagged Stena Immaculate tanker in the North Sea, causing fires on both vessels. The crash, which occurred while the Stena Immaculate was anchored and carrying jet fuel for the US military, led to a criminal investigation and the arrest of the captain for gross negligence manslaughter. Despite modern navigation technology, the collision remains puzzling. A missing Solong crew member is presumed dead, while other crew members were rescued. The Stena Immaculate is part of a US military fuel supply program. Penelope Kingsley 12/03/2025 3:30 pm
Russian troops raised flags in Sudzha, Kursk region, as shown in videos shared by Russian state media and pro-war bloggers. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed control of four settlements near Sudzha, following a reported withdrawal of Ukrainian forces. Analysts suggest the Ukrainian retreat was strategic, aiming to preserve personnel and equipment. Independent sources noted the lack of resistance and predicted Russian forces would soon regain full control of the region. The situation indicates a strategic withdrawal by Ukraine rather than active combat. Ava Sinclair 12/03/2025 3:30 pm
Pakistani security forces are in a standoff with the Baloch Liberation Army after militants seized a passenger train, holding over 400 hostages. The group demands the release of imprisoned members, threatening executions. By Wednesday, 150 hostages were rescued, but others remain captive. At least 27 militants have been killed. Hostages are held at three locations, with some taken to nearby mountains. The crisis highlights the ongoing separatist insurgency in Pakistan’s southwest. Penelope Kingsley 12/03/2025 3:30 pm
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and his center-right government were ousted in a 142-88 confidence vote after 11 months in office. The minority government, comprising the Social Democratic Party and CDS-People’s Party, faced controversy over potential conflicts of interest involving Montenegro’s family’s law firm. Despite denying wrongdoing, Montenegro will act as caretaker until early elections, likely due to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s expected dissolution of parliament. This marks the third election in three years, following a similar corruption-related collapse in 2024. Ava Sinclair 12/03/2025 12:00 pm
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared that any Israeli vessel in Mideast waters is a target, amid Israel’s blockade of Gaza aid. This warning threatens crucial maritime routes, including the Suez Canal, and could disrupt aid to war zones. The Houthis’ broad definition of Israeli ships raises risks for other vessels. Their statement emphasizes a religious and humanitarian duty to support Palestinians and pressures Israel to allow aid into Gaza. No attacks have been reported yet, and Israel’s military has not commented. The maritime security firm Ambrey noted the warning’s ambiguity, increasing risks for ships. Penelope Kingsley 12/03/2025 8:30 am
Lawyers for former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte have petitioned the supreme court to return him to Manila after he was flown to The Hague to face ICC charges of crimes against humanity related to his “war on drugs,” which activists claim killed up to 30,000 people. His arrest has been hailed as historic by victims and human rights groups, who have lost faith in the domestic justice system. Duterte’s daughter Veronica accuses the government of “kidnapping,” while his eldest daughter Sara travels to Amsterdam for legal support. The ICC confirmed the arrest warrant, with a trial timeline yet unclear. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 8:30 am
Pakistani security forces rescued 127 passengers from a hijacked train, the Jaffar Express, targeted by Balochistan Liberation Army separatists. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked near Sibi city. Officials reported 27 fighters and 10 passengers, including the train driver, were killed. The train carried over 400 passengers, leaving around 250 still unaccounted for. Some passengers reached safety at a smaller station, and efforts to resolve the situation continue amid the ongoing conflict between separatists and the Pakistani state in Balochistan. Ava Sinclair 12/03/2025 8:30 am
Victor Davis Hanson discusses President Trump’s issues with Canada, highlighting how Trump’s provocative comments have stirred Canadian nationalism. Justin Trudeau, set to step down, was facing defeat, but Trump’s remarks have shifted dynamics, potentially affecting Conservative Pierre Poilievre’s election chances. Canadians, angered by Trump’s rhetoric, may favor anti-American liberals over pro-American conservatives. Despite this, Trump raises valid concerns, such as Canada’s $50 billion trade surplus with the U.S. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 8:30 am
In Paris, 34 army chiefs from NATO, EU, Japan, and Australia met without U.S. counterparts to discuss Ukraine’s security amid Trump’s unpredictability and Moscow ties. The meeting aimed to explore options like European peacekeepers and maintaining Kyiv’s military strength. A European diplomat emphasized collaboration without the U.S., though acknowledging limitations. The U.S. was not invited, signaling allies’ readiness to assume more responsibility. Japan and Australia’s presence highlighted broader concerns about U.S. reliability. Trump pressures Ukraine for peace, endorsing some Russian demands. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 8:30 am
