Families in Syria are searching for answers about missing loved ones after President Assad was removed from power. Many mass graves have been found, particularly in areas that opposed Assad during Syria's long civil war. The new Syrian leadership, now under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has stated that finding the missing is a priority.
Key Facts
President Assad was ousted from power ten months ago.
Mass graves are being discovered, with more than 60 sites found so far.
One grave in al-Otaiba village possibly contains 175 bodies.
The Syrian civil war lasted 14 years, with over 181,000 people reported missing or detained.
The Assad regime is believed to have taken 90% of these missing persons.
Syria recently held a parliamentary election, though only some of the seats were directly chosen by people.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously a jihadi fighter, leads the new Syrian government.
Families of the missing are pushing for answers and justice.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump confirmed that he has approved the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela to address drug trafficking. The U.S. aims to tackle drug cartels and has also expressed a desire to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
Key Facts
President Trump authorized the CIA to conduct secret actions in Venezuela.
The U.S. military targets boats suspected of carrying drugs from Venezuela.
The Trump administration offered a $50 million reward for Nicolás Maduro's arrest.
A recent U.S. operation reportedly killed six individuals labeled as "narcoterrorists."
President Trump mentioned that attempts to smuggle drugs by sea are under control, but land strategies are also being considered.
There is ongoing tension between the U.S. and Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro.
Trump's comments suggest a focus on preventing unwanted immigrants and drug traffickers from entering the U.S.
The CIA and the White House have not publicly commented on these operations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina is set to become the transitional president of Madagascar after a coup removed President Andry Rajoelina. The African Union has suspended Madagascar following these events. The military takeover followed widespread protests demanding better governance and opportunities.
Key Facts
Colonel Michael Randrianirina will be sworn in as Madagascar's transitional president.
The African Union has suspended Madagascar due to the coup.
Former President Andry Rajoelina was impeached and fled abroad before Randrianirina took power.
The military takeover happened after protests led by youth groups and others.
Protesters demanded improvements in government services and opportunities.
Randrianirina led the rebellion against Rajoelina and gained support from many in the military.
Madagascar has experienced several coups and political crises since gaining independence in 1960.
Randrianirina has promised elections within two years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that his administration authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. Trump mentioned these operations were due to concerns about Venezuelan criminals entering the U.S. and drug trafficking. This development could increase tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Key Facts
President Trump confirmed authorization for CIA operations in Venezuela.
The reasons cited for these operations include criminal activities and drug trafficking from Venezuela.
Trump stated that the operations aim to stop the flow of drugs coming from Venezuela by both sea and land.
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated under President Trump's administration.
The New York Times reported that these operations are part of a larger strategy to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump avoided confirming any CIA authority to target Maduro directly.
Trump has previously claimed Venezuela is behind an "invasion" of migrants and criminals, although U.S. intelligence found no direct evidence.
Reports indicate Trump may have approved military actions against drug cartels and criminal networks in Latin America.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails under a Gaza ceasefire deal. Many of these prisoners faced harsh conditions during their detention, and some were forced to live in exile. They returned home to difficult living conditions in Gaza and faced the threat of re-arrest in the West Bank.
Key Facts
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners were released as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Many of these prisoners were held without formal charges.
Families experienced mixed emotions during reunions due to the conditions their loved ones faced in detention.
Hundreds of released prisoners were sent into exile by Israel.
Those returning to Gaza found their homes in ruins.
Released prisoners in the West Bank risk being arrested again.
Experts discussed the challenges these former prisoners face in integrating back into society.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The government released witness statements from a failed legal case against two people accused of spying for China, which they deny. The Prime Minister faced questions about the case and whether there was any cover-up. Additionally, the Climate Change Committee advised the UK government to prepare for possible future warming.
Key Facts
The government shared witness statements from a failed spy case related to China.
Two individuals were accused of spying for China but denied the charges.
The Prime Minister was questioned by Kemi Badenoch about a possible cover-up in this case.
Opposition leader Starmer pointed out that the ruling Conservative Party was in power at the time of the case.
The Climate Change Committee sent advice to the UK government about planning for a 2-degree Celsius global temperature rise by 2050.
The discussions and analysis of these topics were part of a Newscast episode by the BBC.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Gaza's Ministry of Health received 45 Palestinian bodies from Israeli custody as part of a ceasefire deal mediated by the United States, which aims to end a two-year conflict. Medical teams in Gaza are examining the bodies, some of which show signs of abuse, and are preparing them for return to families. Israel is expected to return more bodies, but the total number remains unclear.
Key Facts
Gaza's Ministry of Health received the remains of 45 Palestinians from Israeli custody.
This transfer is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
The deal involves Israel returning bodies for every deceased Israeli received.
Medical teams are checking the bodies and preparing them for families.
Some bodies showed signs of abuse, such as being blindfolded or handcuffed.
90 bodies have been returned so far under the ceasefire agreement.
Israel's military has exhumed bodies during its operations in Gaza.
Thousands of Palestinians have died during the conflict, with many still missing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to stop buying oil from Russia. This move is part of Trump's effort to cut Russia's energy income as the U.S. and the EU have imposed sanctions on Moscow. Trump also seeks to persuade China to end its Russian oil imports.
Key Facts
President Trump says Prime Minister Modi promised India will stop buying oil from Russia.
Russia's oil exports are under sanctions by the U.S. and EU due to its 2022 Ukraine invasion.
India and China are major buyers of Russian oil, benefiting from discounted prices.
Trump wants China to also stop buying Russian oil to cut off Russia's energy income.
Tariffs were imposed by Trump on Indian exports to discourage buying Russian crude.
India's switch from Russian oil would be a major change, as Russia is its top supplier.
Modi has previously resisted U.S. pressure, citing national energy needs.
Trump's strategy involves bilateral agreements rather than just multilateral sanctions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China recently arrested 30 Christians, including pastor Jin Mingri, marking one of the largest crackdowns on Christians in decades. This has led to concerns about a wider effort to control underground churches in China, which have been under growing pressure from the government in recent years.
Key Facts
China arrested 30 Christians linked to the Zion Church network last weekend.
Pastor Jin Mingri, a founder of the Zion Church, is among those detained.
The Zion Church is part of many unregistered or "house" churches affected by government regulations.
The Chinese government has passed laws in recent years to increase control over religious groups.
Official figures state there are about 38 million Protestants and nearly six million Catholics in China.
Underground churches in China often do not follow state-approved ideologies.
Recent government actions include tightening regulations and restricting online religious activities.
In September, China introduced a new online code of conduct that affects how religious groups can operate online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six candidates in the Caerphilly by-election participated in a debate aired on BBC Wales. The candidates discussed key issues like public services and the NHS in front of an audience. This election follows the unexpected death of the previous Labour Member of the Senedd, and the winner will serve until the next full Senedd election in May.
Key Facts
Six candidates from different parties debated ahead of the Caerphilly by-election.
The debate took place at Bedwas Workmen's Hall and Institute.
They discussed issues like immigration, public services, and NHS healthcare.
The by-election follows the death of the Labour Senedd member in August.
The winner will serve until May's Senedd election.
Plaid Cymru's Lindsay Whittle emphasized investing in local services.
Green Party's Gareth Hughes suggested increased taxes on the wealthy to fund services.
Conservative candidate Gareth Potter supported redirecting funds from Senedd expansion to public services.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Virginia Giuffre's book, set to release posthumously, accuses Prince Andrew of feeling "entitled" to have sex with her. In the memoir, she details three encounters with Prince Andrew linked to Jeffrey Epstein, where she claims sexual exploitation occurred. Prince Andrew has strongly denied these allegations.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre wrote a book titled "Nobody's Girl," accusing Prince Andrew of feeling entitled to sex with her.
The book is a posthumous release; Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year.
She describes three alleged meetings with Prince Andrew, including one in London in 2001.
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are central figures in her accounts.
In 2022, Prince Andrew settled financially with Giuffre but denies any wrongdoing.
The book details Andrew's alleged behavior and links it to Epstein's exploitation of young women.
It includes Giuffre's claims that Maxwell and Epstein set up these encounters.
This memoir pulls together previously reported allegations into one detailed personal account.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil soon. This is part of the U.S. effort to reduce Russia's income from oil sales due to its war in Ukraine. India's decision, however, will take some time to fully implement.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that India agreed to stop buying oil from Russia.
The U.S. aims to reduce Russia's funding from oil because of the Ukraine war.
India's purchase of Russian oil has been a point of tension between the U.S. and India.
The Indian embassy in the U.S. declined to comment on the matter.
India relies on discounted Russian oil to boost its economy.
The Trump administration has imposed high tariffs on Indian goods as part of the trade dispute.
President Trump seeks similar commitments from other countries like China.
President Trump praised Modi as a "great man" despite the challenge over oil purchases.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump's son-in-law, is playing a key role in shaping the future of Gaza. He is involved in discussions regarding a ceasefire deal and broader Middle East diplomatic efforts.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner is the son-in-law of President Donald Trump and a billionaire real-estate heir.
Kushner is actively involved in diplomacy in the Middle East.
He is central to discussions about a Gaza ceasefire deal.
His role influences the future of relations in the Middle East.
The focus is on bringing stability and peace to the Gaza region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The third episode of "The Celebrity Traitors" featured a humorous moment when actress Celia Imrie accidentally passed gas during a tense game. The episode also saw YouTube star Niko Omilana being voted off the show, and Olympic diver Tom Daley, along with actress Tameka Empson, leaving the show. The show's latest developments sparked reactions from fans online.
Key Facts
Celia Imrie, a British actress, passed gas during the third episode of "The Celebrity Traitors".
The incident happened during a tense moment in the game, catching viewers' attention.
Niko Omilana, a YouTuber, was voted off and revealed he was not a traitor.
His departure upset some fans who felt he was eliminated due to being an "outsider".
Olympic diver Tom Daley was "murdered" in the game by other participants.
Actress Tameka Empson was banished by the end of the episode.
The show airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela and mentioned the possibility of more actions against drug traffickers there. The U.S. military has been involved in strikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people. These activities are part of efforts to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom the U.S. does not recognize as the legitimate leader.
Key Facts
President Trump authorized the CIA for operations inside Venezuela.
U.S. forces conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean.
These strikes resulted in the deaths of 27 people.
Trump is increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, not recognized by the U.S.
The CIA operations might occur alone or with broader U.S. military activities.
U.S. accuses Venezuela of sending drugs and criminals into the U.S.
The most recent U.S. strike near Venezuela killed six people.
U.S. claims Venezuela's government is involved in drug trafficking, which Venezuela denies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hamas returned the bodies of two Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire deal but stated it cannot retrieve the remaining bodies without specialized equipment. The ceasefire, set by a U.S.-brokered agreement, includes the exchange of hostages and bodies. Both Hamas and Israel have been working on fulfilling their obligations under this agreement.
Key Facts
Hamas returned two bodies of Israeli hostages as agreed in a ceasefire deal.
Hamas claims it needs special tools to find and recover remaining bodies in Gaza.
President Trump indicated Israeli forces might restart fighting if Hamas doesn't follow the ceasefire terms.
Israel received the bodies via the Red Cross, and they are awaiting official identification.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed the return of the bodies, urging sensitivity pending identification.
Hamas has handed back 20 living hostages but still has 19 bodies to return.
Under the ceasefire plan, Israel returned 45 Palestinian bodies in exchange for deceased hostages.
The ceasefire requires Hamas to return all 28 dead hostages initially agreed upon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government released witness statements in a case against two men accused of spying for China. The case did not proceed because the government couldn't confirm China as a security threat at the time of the alleged spying. Charges against the men were dropped as a result.
Key Facts
The UK government released witness statements related to a spying case involving China.
Two men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, faced charges of spying for China but denied the allegations.
These charges were under the Official Secrets Act and related to actions between December 2021 and February 2023.
The case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service because there wasn't sufficient official evidence to label China a security threat then.
Documents were released after pressure from opposition parties like the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
The Labour government claimed the alleged activities happened during the Conservative administration.
The CPS originally hesitated to release the statements, but later allowed the government to publish them.
The case involved sensitive national security and international relations issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Germany has committed more than $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine to help fend off Russia's ongoing conflict. Ukraine is seeking a total of $120 billion for defense in 2026, with half expected from its own resources and the rest from international partners. The aid includes air defense systems and weapons to counteract Russian military actions.
Key Facts
Germany pledged over $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine plans to allocate $60 billion of its own resources for defense needs in 2026 and is asking partners for the remaining $60 billion.
Germany’s aid package includes air defense systems, Patriot interceptors, and various missiles.
The U.S., Canadian, and European partners are buying U.S. weapons for Ukraine under a financial arrangement known as the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
In recent months, foreign military aid to Ukraine has declined by 43%, according to Germany’s Kiel Institute.
The Trump administration has not yet donated military equipment to Ukraine but is considering sending Tomahawk missiles.
In the last month, Russia launched over 5,600 drones and 180 missiles at Ukrainian targets, particularly civilian infrastructure.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Supreme Court is considering a case that could reduce parts of the Voting Rights Act. This law helps protect minority groups' voting rights in the U.S. The court's decision might lead to new election district layouts, which could affect political representation.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is reviewing parts of the Voting Rights Act.
The case started with a dispute over a Louisiana voting district.
Originally, the district map had only one majority-Black district.
Black voters sued, arguing the map violated the Voting Rights Act.
Courts agreed with the Black voters, prompting a revised district map.
A new group of non-Black voters then challenged the revised map.
The Supreme Court could rule on whether using race in voting districts is constitutional.
A decision on the case is expected by summer.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations is urging Israel to open more crossings into Gaza to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid. The current amount of aid entering is not enough to address the severe needs caused by the ongoing conflict. Despite a ceasefire agreement, access and security issues are preventing adequate aid distribution.
Key Facts
The UN's humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, asked Israel to open more crossings into Gaza quickly.
Israel's conflict in Gaza has displaced nearly 2.2 million people and caused widespread destruction.
Over 68,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, according to Palestinian health officials.
A ceasefire deal was signed with involvement from President Trump, but aid is still not reaching all parts of Gaza.
Israel allows 600 trucks to enter under the truce, but the UN says this number is insufficient.
Thousands of trucks are needed weekly to prevent further humanitarian disaster.
Access to Gaza City remains difficult due to Israeli military control and damaged infrastructure.
The UN highlights the need for international NGOs to help in providing aid.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
