On December 25, sirens sounded across central Israel as a missile, launched from Yemen, was intercepted. The Israeli military confirmed the missile was shot down before it reached Israeli land. Reuters footage from Tel Aviv showed the missile streaking through the sky followed by a loud explosion. The missile attack is believed to have been carried out by the Houthi rebels from Yemen, who have previously launched drones and missiles toward Israel. The Houthis claim these attacks are acts of solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Israel has asked its embassies in Europe to push for the Houthis to be declared a terrorist group, as they are backed by Iran.
25 December,2024 05:45 PM ISTAn Embraer EMBR3.SA passenger plane, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan on December 25 while en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia. The plane, carrying 67 passengers and five crew members, had been rerouted due to heavy fog in Grozny. Preliminary reports indicate that 12 people survived the crash. Kazakh authorities are investigating the incident and exploring various possible causes, including technical issues. Russian news agencies reported the plane had been traveling to Chechnya before the crash occurred. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full details of the tragic event. Further investigations are underway to clarify the cause of the crash.
25 December,2024 03:46 PM ISTSyria's new administration announced an agreement to merge all rebel factions under the Defense Ministry. This follows the rebels' capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing President Assad to flee after over 13 years of civil war. The agreement to integrate rebel forces into the Defense Ministry came after HTS leader Al-Golani took control of Syria. Last week, Prime Minister Md al-Bashir revealed plans to restructure the ministry with former rebel fighters and defected officers from Assad's army. Since assuming power, Al-Golani has engaged with international delegates and given interviews to Western media, meeting officials from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the US.
25 December,2024 01:09 PM ISTIsrael's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, recently claimed responsibility for the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran on July 30. Haniyeh, a key figure in Hamas and a major diplomatic face of the group, was in Tehran for the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president. His death was initially blamed on Israel by Iran, but Israel had not confirmed it until now. Haniyeh played a significant role in strengthening Hamas' military capabilities, especially through ties with Iran. Earlier, Israel airstrikes killed three of his sons in April. Israeli forces have targeted top leaders from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi groups during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
24 December,2024 04:03 PM ISTDonald Trump won the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, defeating Kamala Harris, and will be sworn in for his second term on January 20, 2025. During his campaign, Trump promised to end wars, impose tariffs, and address domestic issues. He pledged a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and warned BRICS nations, including India, with 100% tariffs if they create a new currency alternative to the U.S. dollar. Trump also vowed to declare a national emergency to deport migrants and claimed he could end Russia's war on Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. His return to power will shape U.S. policies in the coming months, with global attention on his promises.
24 December,2024 11:53 AM ISTOn December 22, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in Damascus. Al-Golani played a key role in efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. During the meeting, Fidan and al-Golani embraced and posed for photos. Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey would support Syria in forming a new government and writing a new constitution. For years, Turkey backed rebels against Assad and now wants to help rebuild Syria, especially as millions of Syrian refugees live in Turkey. Fidan's visit came amid ongoing fighting between Turkey-backed fighters and the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are struggling to maintain their power after Assad’s fall.
23 December,2024 03:01 PM ISTPresident-elect Donald Trump vowed to take back control of the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging too much in fees. He warned that if Panama didn’t follow moral and legal standards, the US would demand the canal’s return “quickly and without question.” Trump made these statements at the AmericaFest event, following a similar post on Truth Social. Panamanian President Jose Mulino said Panama’s sovereignty over the canal is non-negotiable. The US built and ran the canal until 1999, when it was fully handed over to Panama under agreements made in 1977. Trump also expressed concerns about the canal falling into the hands of countries like China. It’s unclear how he would try to regain control.
23 December,2024 01:30 PM ISTPeople in Magdeburg, Germany, are honoring the victims of the tragic Christmas market attack that happened on December 20. A vehicle drove into a crowd at the market, killing five people, including a nine-year-old child, and injuring over 200 others. The community is deeply saddened by the event, and many are paying emotional tributes to those who lost their lives and those who were hurt. The attack has left the city in shock, as locals and visitors alike come together to remember the victims. The authorities are investigating the incident, and support continues for those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
23 December,2024 11:09 AM ISTPrime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Kuwait, invited by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This visit marks the first time in 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Kuwait. During his trip, Modi met with Indian workers in Kuwait and praised their hard work. He highlighted how Indian workers abroad are improving the reputation of India. Modi emphasized that the trust people have in Indians worldwide is due to their genuine nature and dedication. He expressed pride in the contribution of Indian workers in enhancing the country’s image globally.
22 December,2024 04:22 PM ISTIn a tragic turn of events, a Saudi driver killed at least two people and injured 60 others after ramming into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Dec 20. One of the victims was a young child, according to Saxony-Anhalt premier Reiner Haseloff. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor with a permanent residence, was arrested by German Police. Police have not disclosed casualty details but confirmed a large-scale operation at the market.
21 December,2024 09:25 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT