CNN’s Clarissa Ward initially reported a man as a prisoner under Assad’s regime, but he was later identified as Salama Mohammed Salama, an intelligence officer. Ward’s team visited a Syrian prison while searching for missing journalist Austin Tice. They found a man claiming to be Adel Ghurbal, who was later taken by the Red Crescent. However, Verify-Sy suggested the man was actually Salama, involved in a dispute over extorted funds. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 6:30 am
Ukraine’s HUR military spy agency reported North Korean units fighting for Russia suffered at least 30 casualties in the Kursk region. President Zelenskiy claimed Russia is using North Korean troops significantly for the first time. He posted a video alleging Russian soldiers burned the faces of dead North Koreans to conceal their identities. The HUR statement marks Kyiv’s first detailed claim of North Korean losses. The Pentagon noted indications of North Korean casualties, but figures remain unverified. Russia and North Korea have not confirmed these reports. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 6:30 am
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu, damaging buildings, including foreign embassies in Port Vila. The US Embassy reported significant damage and closure. Small tsunami waves were observed, but US warnings were lifted. New Zealand and Australia reported no tsunami threat. Authorities advised caution, and aftershocks followed, including a 5.5-magnitude tremor. Ava Sinclair 17/12/2024 6:30 am
Prince Andrew will not attend the Royal Family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham to avoid being a distraction amid controversy over his links to alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo. Instead, he will stay in Windsor. Yang, banned from the UK, denies being a spy. Despite not being a working royal, Andrew typically attends family events but will miss this year’s gathering. His absence follows concerns that his presence could overshadow the occasion. His ex-wife Sarah is also expected to be in Windsor for Christmas. Noah Prescott 17/12/2024 3:00 am
The Joint Investigation Headquarters, involving the prosecution, police, and CIO, has summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol over charges of being the “ringleader of a rebellion.” Following his impeachment on December 14, Yoon’s duties were suspended, prompting multiple summons for questioning. The prosecution issued a second summons for December 21, citing charges of rebellion and abuse of power. Yoon’s legal team previously refused a December 15 appearance. The prosecution warned of arrest if Yoon defies the summons. Key military figures have been arrested, intensifying the investigation. Penelope Kingsley 17/12/2024 3:00 am
Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad clarified he didn’t plan to leave Syria, but was evacuated by Russia after their base was attacked. His comments, posted on Facebook, are his first since being overthrown by Syrian rebels on December 8. Meanwhile, Israel has targeted Syrian military sites and seized a border zone, drawing criticism. In Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed optimism about a ceasefire with Hamas. The UK plans to send a delegation to meet Syria’s new rebel leaders, supporting a Syrian-led political transition. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell urges President-elect Donald Trump to reject isolationism and focus on military strength in foreign policy. In a Foreign Affairs essay, McConnell warns against retreating from global engagement, emphasizing the need to restore American hard power. He criticizes Trump’s past actions, including his relationship with Putin and inconsistent support for Ukraine. McConnell highlights his own efforts to secure aid for Ukraine despite opposition within the party. He acknowledges Trump’s past support for Ukraine but stresses the importance of consistent U.S. commitment against Russian aggression. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
Seven people, including an American, were hospitalized in Fiji after suspected poisoning from drinking pina coladas at the Warwick Fiji resort. The group included four Australians and two other foreign nationals. As of Monday, two remained hospitalized in stable condition. Fijian health officials are investigating the incident, which they describe as isolated, with no other cases reported. The resort denies altering drink quality. This follows a similar incident in Laos involving methanol poisoning. Penelope Kingsley 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote after his coalition collapsed, leading to snap elections on February 23. Scholz’s Social Democrats trail behind Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union in polls. President Steinmeier will soon dissolve the Bundestag, and Scholz’s government will act as a caretaker. The Christian Democrats, led by Merz, are expected to launch their party program, with Merz anticipated to become the next chancellor. Penelope Kingsley 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher met with Syria’s new leaders to discuss increasing humanitarian aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed commitments to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and maintain essential services. Meanwhile, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani announced the disbanding of rebel factions, integrating fighters into the army. Russia emphasized that Syrians should decide their future, advocating for an inclusive government. Fletcher highlighted the urgent need for substantial aid in Syria following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, as the situation rapidly evolves. Penelope Kingsley 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
