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A Houthi missile struck the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, causing significant damage and injuring two crew members. The attack, the most serious in the region since 2023, follows a pattern of Houthi assaults linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and regional tensions. The crew was evacuated, and the ship is on fire and adrift.
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Over recent days, Iran-backed Houthis launched multiple drone and missile attacks against Israel, primarily targeting Eilat. Israeli defenses intercepted all threats, but the attacks have heightened tensions. The Houthis have increased attacks since October 2023, with Israel responding with strikes in Yemen. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.
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The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Chinese entities aiding Iran's oil exports, including a refinery and terminal, amid ongoing efforts to curb Iran's revenue. The move targets shadow fleet vessels and a Chinese petrochemical terminal, intensifying pressure on Iran's economy despite its continued oil exports.
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China advances its climate goals with a focus on resilience and renewable energy, while the US and Europe face criticism for insufficient action. Meanwhile, global efforts to address air pollution and hunger remain underfunded, highlighting disparities in climate and development priorities amid rising inequalities.
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UN staff in Yemen were detained inside a Sanaa compound by Houthi forces, including five Yemenis and 15 international personnel. Some staff were released after questioning. The UN is seeking to resolve the situation amid ongoing tensions and accusations of espionage by Houthis.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Maj. Gen. Muhammad Abdul Karim al-Ghamari, a senior Houthi military figure sanctioned by the UN, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The attack occurred amid ongoing Yemen conflict and Gaza ceasefire, with the Houthis vowing to continue their resistance against Israel and other enemies. The death was announced days into the Gaza ceasefire.
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A Cameroon-flagged tanker, the Falcon, was hit by an unknown projectile off Yemen, resulting in a fire and damage. The ship was abandoned at sea, with 24 crew evacuated and two fatalities. The incident follows recent attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, linked to regional tensions and ongoing conflicts.
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Houthi security forces entered a UN compound in Sanaa, Yemen, detaining staff and raising tensions. Despite assurances of safety, ongoing arrests and accusations of espionage threaten humanitarian efforts amid Yemen's decade-long civil war and regional instability. The UN calls for immediate release.
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As of October 19, 2025, Israel has received two more bodies of hostages from Hamas under a US-brokered ceasefire, bringing the total to 12 of 28. Israeli PM Netanyahu has linked reopening the Rafah crossing to the full return of hostage remains, while Hamas warns closure delays recovery efforts. The ceasefire's second phase, involving Hamas disarmament, remains unresolved amid ongoing tensions.
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As of October 26, 2025, a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains fragile amid ongoing tensions. Despite the truce starting on October 10, both sides accuse each other of violations, including Israeli airstrikes killing dozens of Palestinians and Hamas attacks killing Israeli soldiers. Aid deliveries have been intermittently halted and resumed. Negotiations continue involving US and regional mediators on disarmament and governance.
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Satellite images reveal a nearly 2,000-meter runway on Zuqar Island, Yemen, believed to be linked to UAE military expansion. The site enhances surveillance and logistical capabilities in the Red Sea region amid ongoing tensions involving Houthi rebels, regional powers, and international shipping routes. The purpose and potential use remain unclear.
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Yemen remains deeply affected by the Gaza war, with the Houthis continuing attacks on Israel and Israel targeting Yemen. Regional dynamics are shifting as Yemen's secessionist movements and alliances with Israel and the UAE complicate the conflict's landscape. Diplomatic efforts face significant hurdles.
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On October 30, 2025, the Trump administration set the US refugee admissions ceiling at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, a historic low compared to Biden's 125,000. Priority is given to white Afrikaners from South Africa, citing humanitarian concerns. The move has drawn criticism from South Africa's government and refugee advocates, who reject claims of 'white genocide' and warn of humanitarian consequences.
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Daylight saving time ends this weekend in many regions, with clocks set back an hour. New Stanford research supports adopting permanent standard time, citing health benefits linked to circadian rhythm alignment. The change impacts sleep, health, and international coordination, especially between Europe, North America, and Israel.
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The Houthi-controlled government in Yemen has detained at least 55 UN and aid workers, including recent arrests of staff from the World Food Programme. The group accuses some of espionage linked to Israel, while the UN condemns the detentions and calls for their immediate release. The situation escalated after a deadly Israeli strike in Sanaa killed senior Houthi officials.
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Entisar Hammadi, a Yemeni model and actress, was detained in Sanaa in February 2021 and sentenced to five years on charges widely regarded as false. She was released this weekend after nearly five years in prison, highlighting ongoing repression of women under Houthi rule amid Yemen's civil war.
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Amnesty International reports that a US-led airstrike on a detention facility in Yemen's Saada province on April 28, 2025, killed at least 61 civilians, mostly Ethiopian migrants. The attack, part of Operation Rough Rider, is criticized for violating international humanitarian law and targeting a known civilian site.
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On November 6, 2025, Somali pirates attacked and seized the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite in the Indian Ocean, over 1,000 km off Somalia’s coast. The 24 crew members locked themselves safely in the ship’s citadel. The pirates, armed with machine guns and RPGs, reportedly operate from a hijacked Iranian fishing boat. EU naval forces are responding amid rising piracy linked to regional instability.
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Yemen's Houthis have indicated a pause in their attacks on shipping and Israel, aligning with the Gaza ceasefire. However, they have not officially declared an end to their campaign, warning of resumption if Gaza is attacked again. The group’s actions have impacted Red Sea shipping and detained UN staff.
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An 18-year-old IDF soldier, Cpl. Ermias Bahata, collapsed and died during training in southern Israel. Suspected to be an allergic reaction, his death is under investigation. This rare incident follows a previous IDF allergy-related death in 2015.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with former President Trump, highlighting enduring strategic interests despite past controversies. The meeting signals continued close ties, with MBS positioning himself as a regional peacemaker and reformer, amid ongoing regional conflicts and economic challenges.
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Former US spy Jonathan Pollard met with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee in July at the US Embassy in Jerusalem. The meeting, kept off official schedules, was confirmed by Pollard and has sparked controversy, with US officials alarmed by the breach and questions about approval. Pollard criticized US officials' handling of Middle East peace efforts and accused some of working against Israeli interests.
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The Houthi-controlled court in Sanaa sentenced 17 individuals to death for espionage linked to US, Israeli, and Saudi intelligence. The verdict follows accusations of spying that allegedly led to attacks killing dozens. The sentences are appealable, amid ongoing tensions over Yemen's security and regional conflicts.
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Israel has targeted and killed Hezbollah's chief of staff, Haytham Tabatabai, in Beirut, escalating tensions amid ongoing Israeli strikes and Lebanese calls for disarmament. The attack follows a year of ceasefire violations, with fears of further escalation as regional tensions rise, especially with Pope Leo XIV's upcoming Lebanon visit.
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The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending ash clouds across Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan. No casualties reported, but villages are covered in ash, affecting livestock and travel. The eruption is the first in 12,000 years, with ongoing regional impacts.
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Turkish authorities arrested three defence company executives on suspicion of spying for foreign powers, initially linking them to the UAE, but later removing that detail. The suspects are accused of attempting to share employee biographical data. Turkey's defence exports increased significantly in 2024, driven by military drone sales.
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Recent eruptions from unmonitored, dormant volcanoes highlight the risk of overlooked threats. Experts warn these hidden volcanoes, often in remote regions like Ethiopia and Mexico, can cause widespread climate and societal disruptions, yet remain poorly monitored compared to famous volcanoes like Yellowstone.
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Recent articles highlight worsening climate impacts and conflict-driven crises across Africa. A new UN-backed initiative aims to improve data on climate-health links, while ongoing droughts, food shortages, and conflict in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia threaten millions. Humanitarian efforts are increasing but face significant challenges.
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Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated the group retains the right to respond to Israel's killing of top commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai, warning of potential renewed conflict. Qassem called for Lebanon to prepare a defense plan amid ongoing tensions and Israeli strikes, while expressing hope for peace during Pope Leo's visit.
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As of December 2025, 67 journalists were killed worldwide, with Israeli forces responsible for 43%, primarily in Gaza where over 220 journalists have died since October 2023 amid ongoing conflict. Israel continues to bar international journalists from Gaza, despite calls for access and legal challenges. U.S. lawmakers criticize Israel's lack of transparent investigations into attacks on journalists.
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Houthi rebels announced the release of 10 mariners, including Filipinos and Indians, after claiming Oman took custody of them. The ships targeted in recent attacks, which have sunk vessels and killed mariners, saw a temporary ceasefire during the Gaza conflict. The situation remains tense with ongoing maritime threats.
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A Pentagon investigation concluded that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, did not improperly declassify information but violated policy by using personal devices for official communication. The report also highlighted concerns over sharing sensitive military details via unsecured apps, prompting calls for improved security training.
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On December 4-5, 2025, a Pentagon Inspector General report cleared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of wrongdoing after he used the Signal app on his personal device to share sensitive information about planned strikes on Yemen's Houthi militants. While Hegseth had authority to declassify the material, the report found his actions violated Pentagon policy and risked operational security. The case is considered closed amid bipartisan scrutiny.
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The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has expanded control across southern Yemen, including key oil facilities and border regions, amid ongoing clashes with the internationally recognized government. This escalation risks reigniting Yemen's civil war and regional instability.
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Since December 2025, the UN reports that the Houthis in Yemen have detained 59 UN personnel, all Yemeni nationals, with some held incommunicado for years. Several have been referred to a criminal court on fabricated espionage charges, raising concerns over violations of international law and human rights.
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In late 2025, the US under President Trump declared Europe an adversary in its National Security Strategy, citing immigration policies and demographic shifts as threats to Western civilization. The US supports far-right European parties, opposes EU digital regulations, and urges Europe to reduce reliance on adversarial powers. Germany and Europe are called to assume greater self-defense amid waning US commitment, straining transatlantic relations.
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The US State Department has notified at least 29 ambassadors, mostly appointed during Biden's administration, that their postings will end in January. The move affects key countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as part of a broader effort to align diplomacy with the current administration's priorities.
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As 2026 approaches, Israel confronts multiple crises: Netanyahu's legal and political troubles, regional conflicts, and shifting international support. The country faces tough decisions on security, diplomacy, and domestic policy amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, with internal divisions intensifying.
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Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified, with air strikes, shelling, and demolitions continuing despite a ceasefire. Civilians face ongoing danger, and cross-border incidents persist, as the conflict remains highly volatile with significant casualties reported since October 2023.
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On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent country, signing a joint declaration with Somaliland's president. The move, framed as part of the Abraham Accords, has sparked widespread condemnation from Somalia, the African Union, and regional powers, who view it as a threat to Somalia's sovereignty and regional stability. Somaliland hailed the recognition as historic and a step toward strategic partnership.
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Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, marking a historic shift that has sparked regional tensions. The move aims to strengthen Israel's strategic position near key shipping lanes and counter Iran-backed threats, but it faces strong opposition from Somalia and regional actors. The story is unfolding today, Jan 6, 2026.
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Recent clashes in Yemen's Hadramout and Mahra provinces involve Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeting UAE-backed separatist forces. The conflict stems from territorial seizures by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, which has led to a regional rift and military escalation. No casualties reported today.
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On December 30, 2025, Saudi-led coalition forces struck weapons and vehicles unloaded from two UAE ships at Mukalla port, Yemen, targeting arms allegedly destined for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). The Yemeni government canceled its defense pact with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to withdraw within 24 hours, escalating tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi amid the ongoing Yemeni conflict.
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Saudi-led coalition attacked Mukalla port in Yemen, claiming weapons for separatists. The UAE announced its forces are withdrawing from Yemen after the strike, amid rising tensions with Saudi Arabia over regional influence and internal conflicts. US officials discussed Yemen's instability with Gulf partners today.
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Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen have increased, following recent clashes and conflicting interests. Saudi airstrikes targeted southern separatist camps, while the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council seized oilfields, highlighting a deepening rift in their decade-long alliance over Yemen's future.
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The UAE announced a withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen following a Saudi demand and escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia. The move follows a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on a UAE-linked weapons shipment, highlighting a rare public dispute between the Gulf allies over Yemen's conflict and regional influence.
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Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support regional stability amid Yemen conflict tensions. Pakistan expressed concern over violence in Yemen, reaffirmed support for Saudi security, and highlighted regional diplomatic efforts following recent Saudi-led strikes in Mukalla.
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Iran's ongoing protests, driven by economic hardship, have resulted in over 1,200 arrests and multiple casualties, including the first confirmed death of a Basij volunteer. Demonstrations have spread across 27 provinces, prompting warnings of a potential crackdown and international concern.