Survivors of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan reported hearing thuds and explosions during the flight. The crash near Aktau Airport killed 38 of 67 onboard. A crew member heard three thuds over Grozny, Russia, and was injured shortly after. The plane, unable to land in Grozny due to fog, was rerouted to Aktau. Passengers described hearing bangs, seeing oxygen masks drop, and feeling the plane was damaged. The cause remains under investigation. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 5:00 am
North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region face heavy losses and minimal protection, with both Russian and North Korean generals viewing them as expendable, according to Ukraine and the US. President Zelenskyy reported significant North Korean casualties, while the US noted suicides among troops to avoid capture. The Biden administration plans new military aid for Ukraine, including air defense systems. Meanwhile, Slovakia is open to hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, despite concerns from Kyiv. Ukraine also received its first US liquefied natural gas shipment, enhancing energy security. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 5:00 am
A woman mistakenly emailed Berlin Borough police in New Jersey, instead of Berlin, Germany, warning about Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen’s plans over a year ago. Al-Abdulmohsen is accused of killing five people and injuring over 200 by driving into a Christmas market crowd in Magdeburg, Germany. The email, which warned of his intent to “kill random German citizens,” likely went to spam, according to Berlin Borough Police Chief Michael Scheer. The error was highlighted by Die Welt after the attack. Penelope Kingsley 28/12/2024 5:00 am
The Israeli military evacuated patients and staff from Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, citing it as a Hamas stronghold amid ongoing conflict. The Gaza health ministry expressed concern over relocating patients to a nearby hospital lacking essential supplies. Kamal Adwan has been crucial for medical care in the region, despite shortages. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 5:00 am
Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the Bundestag, setting an early election for February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote. The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, leads the SPD in polls, challenging Scholz’s reelection. The far-right AfD, with Alice Weidel as its candidate, is polling well but lacks coalition partners. Key issues include immigration, economic recovery, and support for Ukraine. Steinmeier emphasized maintaining a respectful campaign, warning against hatred and violence, and highlighted the economic challenges ahead. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 1:30 am
The U.S. THAAD anti-missile system was used in Israel to intercept a projectile from Yemen, marking its first use since being deployed by President Biden in October. The system, part of the U.S. military’s air defense, was placed in Israel with 100 U.S. soldiers to bolster defenses. The Houthis have targeted Israel with drones and missiles in support of Palestinians. The Pentagon has not commented on the interception’s success. U.N. aid official Julien Harneis warned that disabling Sanaa airport would hinder humanitarian efforts in Yemen. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 1:30 am
Azerbaijan Airlines’ jet crash in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day is under investigation for “physical and technical external interference.” At least 38 of 67 onboard died, including two pilots. Reports suggest a Russian anti-aircraft system may have mistakenly downed the plane, misidentifying it as a Ukrainian drone. Russia claims the jet was diverted due to Ukrainian drone activity and fog. Ukraine accuses Russia of forcing the jet to cross the sea to hide evidence. Calls for a fair investigation are ongoing. Ava Sinclair 27/12/2024 10:00 pm
A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces has died from his injuries, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. This marks the first reported case of a North Korean combatant being taken alive in the Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to hide North Korean losses, claiming Russia attempts to conceal the deaths of North Korean troops fighting for them. North Korea reportedly began sending troops to Russia in October, with up to 11,000 in the Kursk region. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 10:00 pm
NATO plans to increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea after Russia was accused of sabotaging Estonia’s Estlink 2 power cable. Estonia deployed a patrol ship to protect its remaining cable, with Finland expected to join. The EU identified the ship Eagle S as part of “Russia’s shadow fleet,” linked to recent infrastructure attacks. Estonia and Finland, both NATO members, may invoke Article 4 for consultations. Estonia’s power supply is severely impacted, with repairs expected to last until July 2025. This incident follows other cable damages in the Baltic Sea. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 6:30 pm
China’s leader Xi Jinping has ordered local governments to prevent mass killings, following a surge in attacks where drivers or knife-wielding assailants target civilians. These incidents, labeled “Revenge on Society Crimes,” often stem from personal grievances like marital issues or financial losses. Recent attacks include a man injuring 30 at a Hunan school, a student killing eight in Yixing, and a driver killing 35 in Zhuhai. Experts suggest these acts reflect a broader sense of societal injustice and pressure in China, raising concerns about increased state intervention in private lives. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 6:30 pm
