The United States carried out airstrikes in northwest Nigeria targeting groups it claims are affiliated with ISIL, as announced by President Donald Trump. This marks the first known direct U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, with President Trump citing concerns over attacks on Christians. Details about the specific targets and outcomes of the strikes remain unclear.
Key Facts
The U.S. launched airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on groups linked to ISIL.
President Donald Trump claims the strikes are in response to attacks on Christians.
The strikes took place on Christmas Day, which some analysts suggest is symbolic.
This is the first direct U.S. military action in Nigeria.
The U.S. Africa Command reported that multiple ISIL members were killed.
The Nigerian government denies claims of a "Christian genocide."
The strikes were conducted with international cooperation, according to Nigerian authorities.
Videos of the strikes were shared on social media by U.S. officials.
China has announced sanctions against 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 individuals following the U.S.'s approval of an $11.1 billion weapons sale to Taiwan. The sanctions are a response to U.S. support for Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. The measures include asset freezes and bans on business collaborations with the sanctioned parties in China.
Key Facts
China sanctioned 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 individuals.
The sanctions are in response to a U.S. weapons sale to Taiwan worth $11.1 billion.
The U.S. weapons package for Taiwan is one of the largest ever for the island.
Sanctioned companies include Boeing's St Louis branch and Northrop Grumman.
The sanctions freeze the companies' and individuals' assets in China and ban local entities from working with them.
The U.S. is required by law to help Taiwan defend itself, rejecting China's territorial claim.
The U.S. arms deal includes advanced rocket and missile systems similar to those provided to Ukraine.
An atmospheric river from Hawaii hit parts of California and Nevada, bringing up to a foot of snow, heavy rain, and strong winds. This has led to travel warnings, power outages, and mudslides. California's governor declared a state of emergency in several counties to manage the situation.
Key Facts
An atmospheric river is bringing heavy snow and rain to parts of California and Nevada.
Up to a foot of snow is expected in higher elevations, with strong winds up to 100 mph.
A winter storm warning is in effect for areas including Northeastern California and Greater Tahoe.
Waves near San Francisco could reach 25 feet.
Thousands of people in California are without power due to the storm.
At least two people have died as a result of the storm conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) classifies the storm as a "major" level 4 out of 5.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties to help manage the impacts.
Iran's currency has reached a new low value, leading to economic challenges reflected in a proposed budget for the next year that plans to decrease public spending. Inflation is high, and the government plans to increase taxes while keeping wage raises below the inflation rate. The budget will use "new rials" by removing four zeros from the currency as part of a broader economic strategy.
Key Facts
Iran's currency hit a record low against the US dollar, with 1.36 million rials per dollar.
Iran's new budget proposes a slight increase of 5%, but inflation is around 50%.
Minimum wages in Iran are set to rise by only 20%, less than the inflation rate.
Taxes are expected to rise by 62% next year in the proposed budget.
Iran plans to cut down on oil revenue dependency amid US sanctions.
A multi-tier exchange rate system continues, but the lower subsidized rate has been removed.
The budget is introduced in "new rials," eliminating four zeros from the currency value.
Brianna, concerned when her boyfriend didn't respond to her text, checked her pet camera to find him playfully wrestling with their dog, Koda. The video of this interaction became popular on Instagram, gathering millions of views and likes. Experts advise setting clear boundaries for such rough play with dogs to avoid confusion and potential aggression.
Key Facts
Brianna's boyfriend didn't reply to her text, so she checked the Furbo pet camera.
She found her boyfriend wrestling with their dog, Koda, a Cane Corso.
The video of their play was shared on Instagram and quickly went viral.
Experts advise that rough play with dogs should have clear start and stop signals.
The video received over 30.6 million views and 1.8 million likes.
Some commenters joked about the reason for the missed text reply being valid.
Suggestions for safer play include games like hide-and-seek or fetch.
A U.S. airstrike targeted an alleged Islamic State camp in Jabo, Nigeria, causing panic and confusion among local residents who were not used to such events. The Nigerian government confirmed the strike was a joint effort with the U.S., following intelligence sharing between the two countries. The airstrike was part of an ongoing conflict and cooperation against terrorist threats in the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. conducted an airstrike on an alleged Islamic State camp in Jabo, Nigeria.
President Donald Trump announced the strike as a powerful action against ISIS in northwest Nigeria.
The strike caused panic among Jabo residents who had never experienced such events before.
The Nigerian government confirmed the operation was done in partnership with the U.S.
Nigeria's foreign minister described the airstrike as a "new phase of an old conflict."
There were no reported casualties among the residents of Jabo.
There is a lack of detailed information from the government about the specifics of the strike.
Security experts believe the target might have been the Lakurawa group, known to consist mainly of foreigners from the Sahel region.
Sudan's army launched air strikes on a key location for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala, South Darfur. The strikes targeted areas such as the fuel market, causing fires and casualties among civilians and RSF members. The conflict in Sudan continues with no negotiations between the opposing sides.
Key Facts
Sudan's army targeted a fuel market in Nyala, a stronghold for the RSF.
The air strikes lasted three days and hit sites including an airport and training facilities.
The RSF accused the army of intentionally targeting civilians.
No official statement has been made by the Sudanese military about the strikes.
Casualties were reported among both civilians and RSF members.
RSF intelligence arrested civilians and military personnel near the site.
Nyala is important as it hosts the RSF's alternative government, called TASIS.
Fighting across Darfur has been ongoing since April 2023, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and displacing nearly 14 million people.
Two people died in northern Israel after an attacker, suspected to be a Palestinian, ran over one person and then stabbed another. The suspect was injured by a civilian during the incident.
Key Facts
In northern Israel, two people were killed in what police called a "rolling terror attack."
The attacker drove into a pedestrian in Beit Shean, killing a 68-year-old man.
The attacker then traveled to Ein Harod, about 8 miles away, and stabbed an 18-year-old woman.
A civilian bystander wounded the attacker with a gunshot.
The attacker is reported to be a resident of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Magen David Adom, an Israeli emergency service, provided details about the victims.
In Syria, Christians in Aleppo marked Christmas with heightened security. Armed soldiers were present at churches due to fears of violence and nearby clashes.
Key Facts
Christians in Aleppo, Syria celebrated Christmas with increased security.
Armed soldiers were stationed outside churches.
Religious services were held earlier than usual.
Increased security measures were due to fears of nearby violence and clashes.
The situation was reported by Al Jazeera’s Ayman Oghanna.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump is ready to move forward and may be put to a vote by the Ukrainian public. This plan involves making a deal with Russia, potentially requiring Ukraine to make territorial concessions if a truce is accepted.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelensky said the peace plan from President Trump might go to a public vote in Ukraine.
He discussed this plan in an interview with Axios.
Zelensky will meet with President Trump to talk about the plan.
The plan includes a possible ceasefire with Russia lasting at least 60 days.
Ukraine might have to give up some eastern areas as part of the deal.
Zelensky wants to improve the terms of the deal but may need public approval if he can't get better terms.
The outcome could depend on Russia agreeing to the ceasefire.
Joe Rogan, on his podcast, suggested that right-wing figure Nick Fuentes might become a U.S. president in the future. Fuentes, labeled as a "white nationalist" by the Southern Poverty Law Center, has drawn criticism for his controversial comments about race and his admiration for fascism.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan discussed the potential for Nick Fuentes to win a presidential election on his podcast.
Nick Fuentes is described as a "white nationalist" by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Fuentes made controversial comments calling Vice President JD Vance a "race traitor."
Fuentes is affiliated with the far-right Groyper movement and criticized by both Democrats and Republicans.
Fuentes has been described by the Anti-Defamation League as a "white supremacist and rabid misogynist."
Conservative figures like Ben Shapiro have criticized Fuentes, calling him a "Hitler apologist."
Fuentes, at 27 years old, currently cannot run for president as he does not meet the age requirement.
Fighting occurred at the Thai-Cambodia border despite ongoing talks between the two nations. The conflict has led to many people being forced out of their homes and an increasing number of people have died.
Key Facts
Fighting happened at the border between Thailand and Cambodia.
Talks were happening between Thailand and Cambodia while the fighting continued.
Many people, in the hundreds of thousands, had to leave their homes because of the violence.
The number of deaths from the conflict is increasing.
A reporter from Al Jazeera, Assed Baig, was at the scene witnessing the events.
China has imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 top executives. This move comes after the U.S. announced a major arms sale to Taiwan. The sanctions freeze the companies' assets in China and restrict dealings with them.
Key Facts
China announced sanctions against 20 U.S. defense companies.
The sanctions also target 10 executives from these companies.
This action follows a large arms sale by the U.S. to Taiwan.
Affected companies include Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and Boeing.
Sanctions involve freezing assets and banning business interactions in China.
Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, is among the sanctioned executives.
The named executives cannot enter China or conduct business there.
Thailand carried out air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia as both countries continued ceasefire talks. The conflict has killed at least 41 people and displaced nearly a million since it restarted earlier this month. Both nations blame each other for breaking a previous ceasefire.
Key Facts
Thailand bombed a disputed border area with Cambodia on Friday.
The Thai Air Force targeted a Cambodian military position after civilians moved out.
Cambodia claims the attacks hurt civilians and damaged homes.
Fighting resumed this month after a brief ceasefire in July.
Over 41 people have died, and nearly one million are displaced due to the conflict.
The border clashes have spread across the 500-mile border between the two countries.
Thai and Cambodian officials are holding talks, with defense ministers joining soon.
The US and China are helping mediate new ceasefire talks.
Guinea is holding elections four years after a military coup led by General Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya is expected to win, as key opposition figures cannot participate. The elections will focus on the country's mining resources and future economic growth.
Key Facts
General Mamady Doumbouya led a coup in Guinea four years ago.
Guinea will hold elections on December 28.
Doumbouya is expected to win, with major opposition figures barred from the election.
Guinea has large resources of iron ore and bauxite, important for the economy.
About 6.7 million Guineans are eligible to vote in this election.
The president will be elected through an absolute majority vote system for a seven-year term.
The 2021 coup led to Guinea's suspension from the African Union and ECOWAS sanctions.
Nine candidates are competing in the election, with none having strong opposition credentials.
A major snowstorm is affecting the Northeast U.S., with parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut expecting up to 9 inches of snow. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for many U.S. states, and heavy snowfall is also expected on the West Coast. In Canada, a severe cold wave has caused record-low temperatures, while parts of the U.S. have experienced unusually warm weather.
Key Facts
The Northeast U.S. is under winter storm warnings with up to 9 inches of snow expected.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for multiple states, including California, Nevada, and New York.
The West Coast may see heavy snowfall, particularly in higher elevations of Mono County and the Lake Tahoe area.
Canada is experiencing extreme cold, with temperatures as low as -55.7°C (-68.3°F) in Yukon.
The U.S. recorded its warmest Christmas, with Oklahoma City reaching 25°C (77°F).
Southern California faces flood risks due to continued rainfall, with some areas under evacuation orders.
President Donald Trump authorized U.S. military action in Nigeria, citing the persecution of Christians as the reason. The action follows reports from a Christian advocacy group, Open Doors, which lists Nigeria among countries where Christians face severe challenges. The Nigerian government disagrees with the U.S. assessment, stating that terrorism affects all citizens regardless of their faith.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced U.S. military action in Nigeria on Christmas to address the persecution of Christians.
Open Doors' World Watch List includes Nigeria as a place where Christians face high levels of threats.
The Nigerian government says terrorism affects people of all faiths, not only Christians.
Nearly one in seven Christians globally face high levels of persecution, according to Open Doors.
The persecution situation is especially severe in Africa, where one in five Christians experiences discrimination or violence.
Open Doors ranks countries based on the severity of persecution, with Nigeria being one of the top places.
The Nigerian government emphasizes that their anti-terrorism efforts protect all civilians, regardless of their religion.
Israeli media reports indicate that President Trump plans to announce a new peace initiative for Gaza, including a technocratic government and a multinational peace council. The initiative aims to progress the Gaza ceasefire process, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown resistance, particularly regarding disarmament of Hamas. The U.S. seeks to push forward these plans despite ongoing tensions and disagreements with Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to announce a peace council and technocratic government for Gaza to advance the ceasefire process.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes parts of the U.S.-backed plan, especially Hamas's disarmament.
The U.S. wants to establish a multinational peace council to oversee the technocratic government's work.
Israel has continued attacks on Gaza, violating the ceasefire, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The ceasefire plan calls for Israel's eventual full withdrawal from Gaza.
The U.S. is frustrated with Israel's perceived delay tactics and lack of commitment to ceasefire provisions.
A senior White House official says Hamas is expected to start disarmament under the new government.
A cat named Pesto, living with her owner Meg Valenti in Chicago, has gained viral fame for pretending to limp to gain attention. Pesto's fake leg injury routine sparked amusement online, receiving over 925,100 views on TikTok. The video resonated with many cat owners who commented on similar experiences with their own pets.
Key Facts
Pesto is a rescue cat, estimated to be around five years old.
The video of Pesto faking a leg injury has gone viral with over 925,100 views and 203,200 likes on TikTok.
Pesto's owner, Meg Valenti, first noticed the limping and initially worried about an injury.
A veterinary consultation revealed that Pesto was pretending and not actually injured.
Pesto uses the fake injury to get more attention and treats from her owners.
Many social media users and fellow cat owners have commented on the video, sharing similar behaviors from their pets.
Pakistan sold a majority stake in its national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), for $482 million to a consortium led by Arif Habib Limited. The sale was part of a plan to privatize the airline, following pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to financial losses.
Key Facts
Pakistan sold a 75% stake in PIA for $482 million in a public auction.
The winning group is led by Karachi-based Arif Habib Limited.
The consortium includes companies from various sectors such as real estate and education.
The sale occurred after a previous privatization attempt failed in October 2024.
The IMF encouraged the privatization to reduce losses from state-owned enterprises.
The government will reinvest most of the sale money back into PIA.
The consortium plans to relaunch the airline by April next year.
Pakistan is currently under a $7 billion loan program with the IMF.
