unconditional

Sunday, January 5th, 2025 

The U.S. State Department proposes to Congress a planned $8 billion weapons package sale consisting of air-to-air and Hellfire missiles, artillery shells and other ammunitions to Israel. (BBC News) 

The Syrian government arrests Aws Salloum, known as the “Angel of Death” of Sednaya Prison, accused of committing numerous acts of murder and torture against prisoners, including Mazen al-Hamada, who had previously spoken about this same jailer. (Monte Carlo Doualiya) 

Resurfaced videos show Syrian Justice Minister Shadi al-Waisi overseeing the execution of two women in 2015 on prostitution charges according to Islamic Sharia law. (The New Arab) 

Egypt bans the entry of Syrians from all countries worldwide, except for those holding temporary residency permits for non-tourism purposes. The ban also includes Syrians married to Egyptians unless they obtain a security clearance. (The New Arab) 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that the country will not hold presidential elections as long as the country is under martial law, even if Russia puts it as a pre-condition for negotations. (Kyiv Independent) 

The Ukrainian Army launches a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. (BBC News) 

The National Weather Service issues winter storm alerts for areas covering nearly 70 million people from the Great Plains to the East Coast of the United States, of which nearly 4 million are placed under blizzard warnings. (CNN) 

The ruling Austrian People’s Party chooses Christian Stocker as its acting chairman to succeed Karl Nehammer, who resigned as party leader and Chancellor of Austria on the eve. Stocker says he is open to negotiate with the Freedom Party of Austria to form the new post-election coalition government. (DNYUZ) 

In tennis, the United States wins its second United Cup title after defeating Poland 2–0 in the final. (Reuters) 

Saturday, January 4th, 2025 

A war correspondent for the Russian newspaper Izvestia is killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Reuters) 

Four teenagers are arrested in Yekaterinburg, Russia, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in the city. Two of the suspects are also accused of being involved in an arson attack on a Ministry of Internal Affairs vehicle in December. (DW) 

The Russian government claims to have shot down eight American ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine and vows retaliation. (CNN) 

Syrian authorities announce that international flights will resume at Damascus International Airport on January 7 for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime. (The Guardian) 

At least 70 Palestinians are killed and 14 others are missing in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City and Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. (Middle East Monitor)  

75 Guatemalan Army troops arrive in Haiti, joining 75 that arrived yesterday, to fight escalating gang violence. (BBC News) 

M23 rebels capture the strategic town of Katale in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Chimp Reports) 

Gunmen from Nigeria kill at least five Cameroonian soldiers and injure several others in Bakinjaw, Southwest Region, Cameroon. (Reuters) 

At least eight people are killed and 15 others are injured in a fire at a market in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China. (Al Jazeera) 

The Taiwanese Coast Guard intercepts the Cameroon-registered container ship Shunxin39 after it was suspected of damaging an undersea cable north of Taiwan yesterday. (Taiwan News) 

Myanmar state media reports that the ruling military junta will release 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, under an amnesty marking the country’s national independence day. (Reuters) 

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service and police announce an investigation into sightings of unknown drones reportedly flying over Køge, Region Zealand. (DW) 

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs announces the expulsion of 91 foreign citizens, including 25 who participated in anti-Georgian Dream and pro-EU protests. (TVP World) 

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announces his resignation after talks on forming the new post-election coalition government between his Austrian People’s Party, the Social Democratic Party and NEOS collapsed. (Euronews) 

Friday,  January 3rd, 2025 

Qatar Airways announces the resumption of flights to Damascus International Airport in Syria beginning on January 7, becoming the first major international airline to resume scheduled service to Syria since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. (Aviation Week) 

Deputy U.S. Defense Press Secretary Sabrina Singh says that, despite local reports, the U.S. Army has “no plans” to build a military base in Kobani, Aleppo Governorate, which is currently under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces. (Rudaw) 

Clashes between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army escalate near the Tishrin Dam in Aleppo Governorate, Syria. The Turkish Air Force also conducts airstrikes on SDF positions. (SOHR)  

Israeli warplanes carry out airstrikes on defense factories and a research center in Al-Safira, Aleppo Governorate, Syria. (Xinhua) 

The clashes, prolonged since the fall of the Assad regime, between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) escalate in the south-east of Manbij District and the frontline of Tishrin Dam, increasing the death toll of both combatants and civilians. (SOHR) 

A contingent of peacekeeping troops from Guatemala and El Salvador arrive in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to enforce a United Nations-backed multinational security mission to restore order to Port-au-Prince amid an increase in gang violence. (Reuters) 

The Israeli Defense Forces report the interception of a ballistic missile and a drone launched from Yemen. (France 24) 

U.S. President Joe Biden blocks a buyout bid by Japanese Nippon Steel for U.S. Steel. (BBC News) 

The National Weather Service issues winter storm warnings across the central Great Plains and an ice storm warning in Missouri, in anticipation of severe freezing rain and icing events. The winter storm begins impacting the northwestern continental United States with heavy snowfall. (The Weather Channel) 

Corruption investigators and prosecutors raid the central Seoul residence of recently impeached President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol to arrest him for refusing to show to three court summons. The raid is unsuccessful due to the Presidential Security Service blocking further entrance, leading to a multi-hour standoff. (The Guardian) 

Evacuations are ordered in central Ethiopia due to increasing volcanic tremor and other unrest at the Mount Fentale stratovolcano, which last erupted in the 19th century. (Reuters) 

At least twelve people are killed and 30 others are injured after a bus carrying tourists falls into a ravine near the Pan-American Highway between Pasto and Rumichaca in Nariño Department, Colombia. (EFE) 

Air quality technology company IQAir reports that Hanoi, Vietnam, has the worst air pollution of any city on Earth, with levels of hazardous small particles, known as PM2.5, measured at 266 micrograms per cubic metre. (Reuters) 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot become the first European Union foreign ministers to travel to Damascus, Syria, after the fall of the Assad regime to discuss new diplomatic relations with the Syrian Transitional Government and Syrian civil society. (France 24) 

A district court in Helsinki, Finland, denies a request to release the impounded oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 submarine power cable and carrying sanctioned Russian oil. (Al Jazeera) 

A suspect is arrested in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for shooting and killing three men between December 21 and January 2. The victims were selected at random. (The Sun) 

The United States House of Representatives, composed of 219 Republicans and 215 Democrats, re-elects Mike Johnson as House Speaker over incumbent House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. (CBS News) 

Luke Littler defeats Michael van Gerwen 7–3 in the final at Alexandra Palace in London, England, to claim his first World Darts Championship title, becoming the youngest player to win a world title at the age of 17 years. (BBC News) 

The Israeli Defense Forces report the interception of a missile and a drone launched from Yemen. (France 24) 

SpaceX successfully launches the United Arab Emirates Space Agency‘s communications satellite Thuraya 4-NGS via a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, United States. (Space News) 

The End

January 1st, 2025 

A Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas in Paradise, Nevada, United States, killing the driver and inflicting minor injuries on seven bystanders. The police investigate whether it’s load of fireworks was an element of a terrorist plot. (ABC News) 

FBI agents announce the seizure of over 150 homemade pipe bombs and other explosive devices from a home in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. (AP) 

An Islamic State-allegiant Texas man kills ten people and injures 36 others, including two police officers, in a vehicle-ramming and shooting attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, before being shot dead. (New York Post) 

Cuba releases Salvadoran national Raúl Ernesto Cruz León after he completes a 30-year prison sentence for his involvement in the 1997 hotel bombings. (BSS) 

Russia‘s gas firm Gazprom halts exports of Russian natural gas through Ukrainian pipelines after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement. Hungary will continue receiving Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline. (Reuters) 

Mexico’s Tax Administration Service implements new tariffs, including a 19% duty on goods from countries without international trade agreements with Mexico and a 17% duty on items from Canada and the United States under certain value thresholds. (Reuters) 

Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip kill at least 26 Palestinians, including four children. At least ten others are missing and believed to be under the rubble. (Al Jazeera) 

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM) replaces the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) as the African Union‘s new peacekeeping mission in Somalia. (Voice of Nigeria) 

Moldova declares a 60-day energy emergency after Gazprom halts the transport of gas to the country, citing frequent non-payment by their breakaway region Transnistria. Moldova does not recognize Transnistria’s debt. (Ukrayinska Pravda via Yahoo! News) 

Liechtenstein becomes the 39th country to legalize same-sex marriage. (GCN) 

Seven people are killed in a mass shooting after a brawl in Cetinje, Montenegro. At least two other people are also killed at another location. The perpetrator is on the run. (CNN) 

Five people are killed, several are injured, and at least 330 are arrested due to mishandling of pyrotechnics during New Year’s celebrations in Germany. (RNZ)

A police officer is killed and four other people are injured in a vehicle-ramming attack during a patrol in Nelson, New Zealand. A 32-year-old suspect is arrested. (AP) 

The Palestinian Authority suspended Al Jazeera‘s broadcast and froze its operations in Palestine, accusing it of interfering in internal affairs and spreading incitement and misinformation. (Reuters) 

Bulgaria and Romania finalize the process of joining the Schengen Area, lifting land border controls. (AP) 

Karin Keller-Sutter is sworn in as President of Switzerland. (Le News) 

Tuesday,  December 31st, 2024 

A Serbian court sentences the parents of a boy who killed 10 people in a Belgrade primary school in 2023 to over 14 years and three years in prison, respectively, for child neglect and abuse, and also sentences a shooting range instructor to 1 and a half years for perjury. (Reuters) 

The French Air Force conducts airstrikes against several Islamic State targets in Syria. (Le Parisien) 

Ten Islamic State militants are killed by Puntland forces while repulsing an attempted attack involving suicide bombers on a military base in Dharjaale, Bari, Puntland, Somalia. This comes after the semi-autonomous region of Puntland announced a military offensive against the Islamic State and Al-Shabaab. (Reuters)

The United States Air Force launches at least 12 airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen. (Al Jazeera) 

One crew member is killed and two others are missing after a Philippine-flagged cargo ship sinks in the San Bernardino Strait near Samar, Philippines. (News Central) 

Puerto Rico experiences a power outage, impacting 1.3 million people. (NBC News) 

In his New Year’s speech, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara announces that the French military base in Abidjan will be handed over to the Ivorian Government in January. (France 24) 

In his New Year’s speech, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announces the closure of French military facilities and the withdrawal of all foreign military forces from Senegal beginning in 2025. (Le Figaro) 

An Ecuadorian judge issues arrest warrants for 16 soldiers accused of the disappearance and murder of four children in Guayaquil after genetic tests confirm the charred remains found near a military base belong to the missing victims. (AP) 

The Seoul Western District Court issues an arrest warrant for impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol. (The Japan Times) 

A South Korean court in Seoul issues an arrest warrant for impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol. (The Japan Times) 

The United States launches at least 12 airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen. (Al Jazeera) 

Zimbabwe approves a law abolishing the death penalty in the country, effective immediately. (BBC News) 

A military tribunal in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, sentences 13 soldiers to death for charges including murder, looting, and cowardice, following territorial losses attributed to desertion during the conflict. (Reuters) 

Five people are wounded during a random mass stabbing amid New Year’s Eve celebrations in Verucchio, Province of Rimini, Italy. The perpetrator is shot dead by a soldier. (Il Resto del Carlino) 

A man steals an excavator in Grünsfeld, Germany, and rams the excavator against vehicles, injuring four police officers, before being shot dead. (DW) 

Two people are wounded in a knife attack in western Berlin, Germany, the police arrest the perpetrator. (DW) 

Six are injured in a shooting at a bodega in White Plains, The Bronx, New York. (New York Post) 

Monday,  December 30th, 2024 

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launches its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket carrying the Space Docking Experiment twin satellite mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh, with the satellites expected to perform a docking maneuver on January 7, 2025. (DW)

Syria says that it hopes to form a “strategic partnership” with Ukraine following a high-level meeting in Damascus, Syria, between Syria’s de-facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, where the two countries re-established diplomatic relations. Ukraine also vowed to send additional food aid to Syria. (Reuters) 

The Syrian transitional government appoints Maysaa Sabreen as the first female governor of the Central Bank of Syria. (Reuters) 

Israel Defense Forces operating in the Syrian side of the 1974 buffer zone, in Quneitra Governorate, advance into the Syrian town of Madinat al-Baath. (The Times of Israel) 

Russia and Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Ukraine says that many of those released by Russia are soldiers captured during the Siege of Mariupol in 2022. (BBC News) 

The Supreme Court of Venezuela fines social media platform TikTok $10 million for “not implementing measures” to prevent viral challenges that allegedly led to the death of three children. (AP) 

The Sudanese government says at least nine people have been killed and 121 others injured in shelling by the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum. (Sudan Tribune) 

Trinidad and Tobago declares a state of emergency as gang violence escalates in the country. Five people were shot dead at a shop in Laventille, Port of Spain, the day prior. (BBC News)

Moldovan prime minister Dorin Recean states his country envisages the possible nationalisation of Moldovagaz company, which is 50%-owned by Russia’s Gazprom, following the announcement by Gazprom that the current gas supply deal, to expire on December 31, will not be renewed. (Reuters) 

In Pakistan, ten people are killed and seven injured in a bus crash on a highway in Fateh Jang, Punjab. Separately, eight people are killed during a van–truck collision in Naushahro Feroze, Sindh. (AP) 

Three tourists are killed and seven others are injured in a fire at a hotel on Khaosan Road in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP) 

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials formally requests an arrest warrant for impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law. (Reuters) 

Venezuelan prosecutor general Tarek William Saab announces the release of 413 protesters from prison. (Reuters) 

An Argentine judge issues arrest warrants for Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and several others for alleged crimes against humanity, invoking universal jurisdiction. (Arab News) 

The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a jury verdict finding Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump. (USA Today) 

Germany’s federal prosecutor charges an Iraqi couple, allegedly members of the Islamic State, with enslavement, torture, and war crimes, after they allegedly kept two Yazidi girls as slaves and sexually and physically abused them. (DW) 

U.S. president Joe Biden orders a state funeral for former president Jimmy Carter to be held in Washington, D.C. on January 9. Biden also orders flags to be lowered to half-staff for thirty days in accordance with federal law. (BBC News) 

The Taliban government of Afghanistan announces it will close all national and foreign nongovernmental organizations in the country that currently employ women. (AP) 

Kenya Police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Nairobi protesting against alleged government extrajudicial abductions in the past few months. (Al Jazeera) 

Sunday, December 29th, 2024 

A Bangkok-departed Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 with 181 people on board crashes during landing at the Muan International Airport, in South Korea, killing 179 people and wounding two crew members. (Yna) (Euronews) 

A tourist is killed and another is injured in a shark attack at a resort in Marsa Alam, Egypt. (Al Arabiya) 

Three mass graves associated with the Assad regime are discovered in Al-Qabou, Homs Governorate. (SOHR) 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that a humanitarian crisis has developed in Manbij District following its capture by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces and Turkish artillery fire, leading to continuous water scarcity, power outages, and basic needs shortages. (SOHR) 

Seven civilians are killed and several others are injured in a Sudanese Armed Forces strike on residential areas in the southern part of Khartoum, Sudan. (Sudan Tribune) 

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says that Russia accidentally shot down the Azerbaijan Airlines plane, accusing Russia of trying to “hush up” the crash, and demanding from Russia a full admission of guilt, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the victims. (AP) 

Three migrants die attempting to cross the English Channel, with 45 rescued and treated for hypothermia and four hospitalized. (BBC News) 

At least 71 people are killed and four injured when a passenger-carrying truck drives off a bridge into a river in Bona Zuria, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. (The Guardian)

Three police officers are killed and two others are injured in a gas explosion at the police academy in Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters) 

Two pilots are killed when their light aircraft crashes into the sea near Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, shortly after takeoff from Al Jazeirah Airport. (Inquirer.net) 

Cambodia pardons and repatriates 13 Filipino women who were convicted of human trafficking for participating in a surrogacy scheme prohibited under Cambodian law. (ABC News) 

Voters in Chad elect the 188 members of the National Assembly. (Al Jazeera) 

Croatians vote to elect the President between incumbent Zoran Milanović and seven other candidates. (Reuters) 

Mikheil Kavelashvili is inaugurated as the 6th President of Georgia, with outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili announcing that she would vacate her residence at the Orbeliani Palace in Tbilisi. Zourabichvili continues to claim that the new presidency is illegitimate and calls for continued protests. (Politico) (AP) 

The End

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter dies at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, United States. (BBC News)