Following Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syria remains a conflict zone with various actors vying for control. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leads, but infighting persists. Turkey targets Kurdish militants, fearing PKK links, and escalates tensions with the Syrian National Army. Israel strikes former Assad military assets, claiming significant destruction. The U.S. targets ISIS and increases military presence. Concerns grow over a potential Turkish incursion near Kobani, as regional powers exploit the power vacuum for strategic gains. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 9:00 pm
The U.S., with Arab mediators, is working to finalize a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the 14-month Gaza conflict. Recent Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 Palestinians. Talks in Cairo suggest a potential agreement involving a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. However, Israel’s new conditions have been rejected by Hamas. CIA Director William Burns is in Doha for further negotiations. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and international isolation for Israel. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 5:30 pm
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, will not attend the Royal Family’s pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace or the Christmas gathering at Sandringham. This decision follows revelations about his links to Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who was barred from the UK over national security concerns. Prince Andrew has ceased contact with Yang. Advised by his ex-wife, the Duchess of York, and supported by the King, Andrew aims to maintain a low profile during Christmas. He will spend the festive season privately at Royal Lodge in Windsor. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 5:30 pm
Mary Jane Veloso, previously sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking, returned to the Philippines after extensive negotiations. Arrested in 2010 with heroin, she claimed to be an unwitting mule. Her return follows the repatriation of the “Bali Nine” members to Australia. Veloso, now in a Manila prison, was reunited with her family. She expressed happiness and appealed for clemency. Her transfer was part of a deal respecting her sentence, with any clemency decision resting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Penelope Kingsley 18/12/2024 2:00 pm
Russia’s security service detained a 29-year-old Uzbek man for allegedly killing Lt Gen Igor Kirillov in Moscow. Kirillov, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces, was killed by an explosive device hidden in a scooter. The suspect reportedly confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, who claimed responsibility, citing Kirillov as a “legitimate target” for alleged war crimes. The suspect was promised $100,000 and EU relocation for the act. Russia denies Ukraine’s allegations against Kirillov. President Putin expressed condolences over the general’s death. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 2:00 pm
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Vanuatu’s coast, causing widespread destruction and unconfirmed casualties. A tsunami warning was lifted shortly after. Communication issues hindered official updates, but social media and calls reported damage. The quake’s epicenter was near Port Vila, followed by a 5.5 aftershock. Power outages affected monitoring systems. Residents were advised to avoid coastlines for 24 hours. Journalist Dan McGarry reported one death and observed injured individuals at a hospital, highlighting the nation’s limited capacity for mass casualties. Ava Sinclair 18/12/2024 2:00 pm
Several hundred North Korean troops have been killed or injured fighting for Russia against Ukraine, according to a senior US military official. North Korea sent around 10,000 soldiers to support Russia, receiving oil in return. Stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, they assist in efforts to reclaim territory lost to Ukraine. The North Korean forces primarily serve in infantry roles alongside Russian units. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the presence of North Korean troops, questioning their involvement. Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine face significant casualties. Uncertainty looms as US President-elect Donald Trump promises to end the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 18/12/2024 2:00 pm
Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who spent nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has returned home. Convicted in 2010 for carrying heroin, Veloso claimed she was tricked. A deal between the Philippines and Indonesia allowed her return, though she remains a prisoner. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos might grant her a reprieve. Veloso was initially spared execution in 2015 after being named a witness in a human trafficking case. She hopes to start anew and reunite with her family. Penelope Kingsley 18/12/2024 10:30 am
Gisèle Pelicot, an ordinary woman, became a symbol of courage and feminism in France as she faced her rapists in court. Each morning, women gathered outside Avignon’s courthouse to support her, some bringing flowers and others offering words of encouragement. Many stayed to watch the trial proceedings, inspired by Pelicot’s bravery. Her case resonated deeply, with supporters like Isabelle Munier and Sadjia Djimli seeing her as a figurehead for feminism and a reflection of their own experiences. Pelicot’s actions challenged societal attitudes towards rape in France. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 10:30 am
In rural Nigeria, escalating conflict led to the deaths of a young man and two toddlers. United Methodist bishops condemned the violence and urged peace between The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the Global Methodist Church. Clashes in Munga Dosso, Taraba State, resulted in three United Methodists’ deaths. The violence followed a gathering despite church closures. Bishops called for justice and support for affected communities, emphasizing unity among Christians. Noah Prescott 18/12/2024 10:30 am
