Yang Tengbo, a 50-year-old Chinese businessman, has been banned from the UK over national security concerns. Allegedly, he formed close ties with Prince Andrew and UK politicians, potentially for Chinese leverage. A tribunal upheld the ban, lifting his anonymity. Yang, who denies being a spy, founded Hampton Group International and has lived in the UK since 2002. He was stopped at the UK border in 2021, surrendering his devices. Yang calls the UK his “second home” and denies any wrongdoing. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated it’s premature to discuss a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine as Russia isn’t interested in peace. She emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for peacekeepers and highlighted Russia’s lack of positive signals, referencing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s comments about using any means to prevent a strategic defeat. Her remarks follow pressure from U.S. President-elect Trump’s team to quickly end the war. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 11:30 pm
The German parliament withdrew confidence in Chancellor Olaf Scholz, prompting an early election on February 23 due to his coalition’s collapse. Scholz’s government fell after the Free Democrats left over debt disputes, leaving the SPD and Greens without a majority amid an economic crisis. President Steinmeier can dissolve parliament only if the chancellor loses a confidence vote. Scholz and conservative challenger Friedrich Merz exchanged criticisms, with Scholz defending his crisis management and Merz criticizing his spending plans. Conservatives lead in polls, with the far-right AfD complicating coalition possibilities. Penelope Kingsley 16/12/2024 8:00 pm
Former Syrian President Bashar Assad, in his first statement since fleeing to Russia, said he left Syria at Moscow’s request after rebel forces infiltrated Damascus. Assad coordinated with Russian allies, moving to Latakia before evacuating from Khmeimim air base due to intensified attacks. He denied considering stepping down, emphasizing continued resistance against “terrorist” forces. Assad did not address allegations of human rights abuses during his 24-year rule. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group, leading the offensive, promised accountability for Assad’s regime’s abuses. Penelope Kingsley 16/12/2024 8:00 pm
Ukraine’s military and the Pentagon reported North Korean troop casualties in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first since North Korea sent 10,000-12,000 troops to aid Russia. Around 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded, with three missing. These troops, primarily in infantry roles, began combat operations a week ago. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supports Russia’s invasion under a defense pact. Kremlin referred questions to the Russian Defense Ministry, which hasn’t commented. Penelope Kingsley 16/12/2024 8:00 pm
More than 50 people, including children and a journalist, were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, according to local medics. The Israeli military targeted Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad sites. The Hamas-run health ministry reported over 45,000 Palestinian deaths in the 14-month conflict, with disputed figures. Many casualties occurred in a UN-run school in Khan Younis. The IDF claimed a precise strike on Hamas operatives within the school. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 8:00 pm
An hour from Damascus, in Hadar, Syrian villagers encounter Israeli forces at a checkpoint, marking Israel’s incursion into a UN-monitored buffer zone. Residents, like Riyad Zaidan, express uncertainty about Israel’s intentions. The village chief, Jawdat al-Tawil, highlights the proximity to the Golan Heights and recalls defending against militias during the civil war. Despite a sense of freedom after Assad’s regime fell, there’s a fatalistic view of Israel’s presence, acknowledging its power compared to past local threats. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 8:00 pm
In Delhi, a lawyer named Parag Maini rammed his Mercedes into a Kachori shop, injuring six people. The incident occurred in the Civil Lines area, and Maini, a Noida resident, was taken into custody. He faces charges under Sections 279 and 337 for rash driving and causing hurt. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 8:00 pm
Over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, with ceasefire talks showing renewed promise. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 45,028 deaths and 106,962 injuries, warning the actual toll is higher due to inaccessible areas. The conflict, the deadliest between Israel and Hamas, has killed roughly 2% of Gaza’s prewar population. Recent Israeli strikes killed 10, including a family of four. Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties, while rights groups criticize Israel’s precautions. The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 4:30 pm
Ukraine reported heavy losses for North Korean soldiers fighting with Russian troops in Kursk, with 30 casualties and three missing. North Korean units, involved in weekend assaults near Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka, faced significant resistance. Drone footage showed bodies of purported North Korean soldiers, though identities were unverified. Ukrainian forces noted North Korean infantry using outdated tactics. Ukraine estimates 12,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk, aiding Russian efforts to reclaim territory. Despite losses, North Korean troops, supported by Russian firepower, continued advancing. Ava Sinclair 16/12/2024 4:30 pm
