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The armed groups have reportedly killed at least about 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages. This is said to be 10 times who were the first 16 who were first reported being killed by the Army in a region that's long been riddled by religious and ethnic tensions.

Nigeria: Armed groups attacks, kill at least 160 in Central Nigeria

<p>The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants.</p>

<p>A US base in Iraq's Erbil that houses American forces came under attack from a one-way drone earlier on Monday (Dec 25), leaving one soldier in critical condition.</p>

<p>At President Joe Biden's direction, the US military carried out retaliatory precision air strikes at 1:45 GMT, likely killing "a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants" and destroying multiple facilities used by the group, General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command, said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>US fights back</strong></h2>

<p>"These strikes are intended to hold accountable those elements directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria and degrade their ability to continue attacks. We will always protect our forces," he added.</p>

<p>The Pentagon, however, did not reveal details about the identity of the injured personnel or offer more details on the injuries sustained in the attack.</p>

<p>Taking to social media X, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin described the strikes as "necessary" and "proportionate".</p>

<p>"Today, at @POTUS' direction, US military forces conducted necessary &amp; proportionate strikes on 3 facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah &amp; affiliated groups in Iraq.”</p>

<p>“These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against US personnel in Iraq &amp; Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today," Austin said in a statement that also shared on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Comes amidst spate of attacks&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The White House National Security Council said that the president Biden was briefed on the attack on Monday morning and ordered the Pentagon to prepare response options against those responsible.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-six-killed-after-attacks-on-kherson-horlivka-moscow-will-be-defeated-says-zelensky-673397">Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky</a></p>

<p>"The President places no higher priority than the protection of American personnel serving in harm’s way. The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue," NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-claims-to-have-seized-town-in-eastern-ukraine-673462">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims to have seized town in eastern Ukraine</a></p>

<p>Monday's attack comes in the backdrop of a surge of violence that began in mid-October, when Iran-aligned militias started targeting US assets in Iraq and Syria over Washington's backing of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants.

The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants. A US base in Iraq's Erbil that houses American forces came under attack from a one-way drone earlier on Monday (Dec 25), leaving one soldier in critical condition. At President Joe Biden's direction, the US military carried out retaliatory precision air strikes at 1:45 GMT, likely killing "a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants" and destroying multiple facilities used by the group, General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command, said in a statement. US fights back "These strikes are intended to hold accountable those elements directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria and degrade their ability to continue attacks. We will always protect our forces," he added. The Pentagon, however, did not reveal details about the identity of the injured personnel or offer more details on the injuries sustained in the attack. Taking to social media X, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin described the strikes as "necessary" and "proportionate". "Today, at @POTUS' direction, US military forces conducted necessary & proportionate strikes on 3 facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah & affiliated groups in Iraq.” “These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against US personnel in Iraq & Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today," Austin said in a statement that also shared on X. Comes amidst spate of attacks The White House National Security Council said that the president Biden was briefed on the attack on Monday morning and ordered the Pentagon to prepare response options against those responsible. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky "The President places no higher priority than the protection of American personnel serving in harm’s way. The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue," NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims to have seized town in eastern Ukraine Monday's attack comes in the backdrop of a surge of violence that began in mid-October, when Iran-aligned militias started targeting US assets in Iraq and Syria over Washington's backing of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after militants target military base leaving three injured

China's latest move to curb excessive spending on Gaming. The rules target in-game purchases and compulsive playing behaviour. Watch the video to know more!

Explained: What China's stance on gaming means for investors

<p>Authorities have launched a probe as Republican US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene said that she was the target of a swatting attempt at her Georgia residence on Christmas morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The congresswoman and local police said that this has become the latest instance of someone calling in a fake emergency to draw armed officers or SWAT teams to her home, which is located about 113 kilometres northwest of Atlanta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the spokesperson Kelly Madden, the Rome Police Department quickly verified that the call was a hoax and did not send officers to the house.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Greene wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn't have to deal with this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Madden said that a man in New York called the Georgia suicide hotline just before 11 am (local time) Monday, claiming that he had shot his girlfriend at Greene's home and was going to kill himself next.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When suicide hotline responders recognised the Georgia congresswoman's address, the call was quickly transferred to police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The department contacted Greene's private security detail to assure her safety and that there was no emergency at her apartment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epileptic-boy-enjoys-first-seizure-free-christmas-in-13-years-after-doctors-remove-part-of-his-brain-673730">Epileptic boy enjoys first seizure-free Christmas in 13 years after doctors remove part of his brain</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Because the call was discovered to be a swatting attempt, the police response was cancelled when they were on the way, according to Madden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, "We determined before our personnel could get to her location that there was no emergency and there was no reason to respond. Her security detail had it all under control, and there actually was nothing going on."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Madden said that Greene's statement noted that she has been the target of around eight swatting attempts. Previously, calls have claimed that dead bodies had been found in the bathtub and in other areas of her home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police also responded last year to false reports of shootings outside her residence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Authorities have launched a probe as Republican US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene said that she was the target of a swatting attempt at her Georgia residence on Christmas morning.

Authorities have launched a probe as Republican US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene said that she was the target of a swatting attempt at her Georgia residence on Christmas morning. The congresswoman and local police said that this has become the latest instance of someone calling in a fake emergency to draw armed officers or SWAT teams to her home, which is located about 113 kilometres northwest of Atlanta. According to the spokesperson Kelly Madden, the Rome Police Department quickly verified that the call was a hoax and did not send officers to the house. Also read: Biden administration allows Apple watch import ban in US following tribunal ruling Greene wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn't have to deal with this." Madden said that a man in New York called the Georgia suicide hotline just before 11 am (local time) Monday, claiming that he had shot his girlfriend at Greene's home and was going to kill himself next. When suicide hotline responders recognised the Georgia congresswoman's address, the call was quickly transferred to police. The department contacted Greene's private security detail to assure her safety and that there was no emergency at her apartment. Also read: Epileptic boy enjoys first seizure-free Christmas in 13 years after doctors remove part of his brain Because the call was discovered to be a swatting attempt, the police response was cancelled when they were on the way, according to Madden. She said, "We determined before our personnel could get to her location that there was no emergency and there was no reason to respond. Her security detail had it all under control, and there actually was nothing going on." Madden said that Greene's statement noted that she has been the target of around eight swatting attempts. Previously, calls have claimed that dead bodies had been found in the bathtub and in other areas of her home. Police also responded last year to false reports of shootings outside her residence. (With inputs from agencies)

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she was targeted by failed swatting attempt on Christmas

"We have already reacted and taken action in six of these areas, and I say this clearly: Anyone who acts against us could be our next target; no one is immune." The fight in Gaza, according to Gallant, will be "a long, hard war."

Israel-Hamas war | Anyone who acts against Israel is a potential target: Gallant

The death toll in weekend attacks in the central Nigerian state of Plateau has risen to 113, a local official said on Monday, in a region where clashes between herders and farmers are common. It is the worst outbreak of violence in Plateau since May when more than 100 people were killed in farmer-herder attacks.

Nigeria: At least 113 killed in attacks in central Nigeria, says local official

<p>Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, his spokeswoman said Monday (Dec 25). Navalny's whereabouts were not known for over two weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that Navalny was tracked down to the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp in the Yamal-Nenets region, about 1,900 km northeast of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to social media, Yarmysh said: "We have found Alexei Navalny. He is now in IK-3 in the settlement of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. His lawyer visited him today. Alexei is doing well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny's lawyer also managed to see him on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, Navalny's allies claimed that his lawyers had not seen him since December 6. Although they had been preparing for his expected transfer to a "special regime" colony, which is said to be the harshest grade in Russia's prison system, Navalny's disappearance raised global concern about his fate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Many thanks to our supporters, activists, journalists and the media who are concerned about Alexei's fate and who do not get tired of writing about the situation," Navalny lawyer Ivan Zhdanov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zhdanov said his supporters sent 618 requests for information about the location of Navalny, who had been held at a penal colony 235 km east of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-six-killed-after-attacks-on-kherson-horlivka-moscow-will-be-defeated-says-zelensky-673397">Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report on Russia-Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Case against Navalny&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny was sentenced in August to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving. He denies all the charges.</p>

<p>Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and&nbsp;gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin. He also alleged&nbsp;vast corruption.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few days back, Russia issued an arrest warrant for Maria Pevchikh, a longtime ally of Navalny.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Look, I am now on Russia's wanted list," Pevchikh said in a social media post featuring a smiling emoji with sunglasses.</p>

<p>"Not sure for what but who cares," she added, and also showed a screenshot of the interior ministry's announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pevchikh had already left Russia and is running the Anti-Corruption Foundation, an organisation founded by Navalny that highlights corruption among Russian elites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-on-russian-nuclear-powered-ship-673422">Fire breaks out on Russian nuclear-powered ship</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Boris Akunin, who is a renowned Russian writer, was declared a "terrorist" by Moscow and became the target of a criminal inquiry recently. He said that he fears the moves signal a new milestone in the country's history under Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin's regime has clearly decided to take a very important new step on its way from a police, autocratic state to a totalitarian state," Akunin, who lives in exile, told Agence France-Presse in a video interview.</p>

<p>"Extending repression to the sphere of literature in such a traditionally literature-centred country as Russia is a major step."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, his spokeswoman said Monday (Dec 25). Navalny's whereabouts were not known for over two weeks.

Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, his spokeswoman said Monday (Dec 25). Navalny's whereabouts were not known for over two weeks. Spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that Navalny was tracked down to the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp in the Yamal-Nenets region, about 1,900 km northeast of Moscow. Taking to social media, Yarmysh said: "We have found Alexei Navalny. He is now in IK-3 in the settlement of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. His lawyer visited him today. Alexei is doing well." Navalny's lawyer also managed to see him on Monday. Previously, Navalny's allies claimed that his lawyers had not seen him since December 6. Although they had been preparing for his expected transfer to a "special regime" colony, which is said to be the harshest grade in Russia's prison system, Navalny's disappearance raised global concern about his fate. "Many thanks to our supporters, activists, journalists and the media who are concerned about Alexei's fate and who do not get tired of writing about the situation," Navalny lawyer Ivan Zhdanov said. Zhdanov said his supporters sent 618 requests for information about the location of Navalny, who had been held at a penal colony 235 km east of Moscow. Also read: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky Watch this report on Russia-Ukraine war × Case against Navalny Navalny was sentenced in August to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving. He denies all the charges. Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin. He also alleged vast corruption. A few days back, Russia issued an arrest warrant for Maria Pevchikh, a longtime ally of Navalny. "Look, I am now on Russia's wanted list," Pevchikh said in a social media post featuring a smiling emoji with sunglasses. "Not sure for what but who cares," she added, and also showed a screenshot of the interior ministry's announcement. Pevchikh had already left Russia and is running the Anti-Corruption Foundation, an organisation founded by Navalny that highlights corruption among Russian elites. Also read: Fire breaks out on Russian nuclear-powered ship Boris Akunin, who is a renowned Russian writer, was declared a "terrorist" by Moscow and became the target of a criminal inquiry recently. He said that he fears the moves signal a new milestone in the country's history under Vladimir Putin. "Putin's regime has clearly decided to take a very important new step on its way from a police, autocratic state to a totalitarian state," Akunin, who lives in exile, told Agence France-Presse in a video interview. "Extending repression to the sphere of literature in such a traditionally literature-centred country as Russia is a major step." (With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny moved to Arctic penal colony

Rising threat of Whatsapp screen share scam, scammers access valuable info by viewing the victim's screen. The scam targets financial & social media data of users. Watch the video to get more insights!

Whatsapp Scam Alert: Scammers exploit users data by screen-sharing feature

Seven penguin babies, including a rare Gentoo penguin, were born at an ocean park in the Chinese city of Shanghai. The Gentoo penguin baby is the first to be born in the city. The newborns are expected to moult in order to gain waterproof feathers. They will be able to independently dive into the water before the 2024 Chinese new year.

Rare Gentoo penguin among baby penguins born at Shanghai's ocean park

<p>Denmark's Maersk is preparing to resume shipping operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the company said on Sunday, citing the deployment of a US-led military operation designed to ensure the safety of commerce in the area.</p>

<p>The shipping giant paused sending vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb strait earlier in December due to attacks against its ships that rendered the Suez Canal, which is key to global commerce, unusable for most routes.</p>

<p>The United States said on Tuesday it was launching a multinational operation to protect commerce in the Red Sea from Iran-backed Yemeni militants, who have been firing drones and missiles at international vessels since last month in what they say is a response to Israel's war in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Egypt outlines proposal to free hostages &amp; end Israel-Hamas war</strong></p>

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<p>"As of Sunday 24 December 2023, we have received confirmation that the previously announced multi-national security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) has now been set up and deployed to allow maritime commerce to pass through the Red Sea / Gulf of Aden and once again return to using the Suez Canal as a gateway between Asia and Europe," Masersk said in a statement on Sunday.</p>

<p>"With the OPG initiative in operation, we are preparing to allow for vessels to resume transit through the Red Sea both eastbound and westbound."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-six-killed-after-attacks-on-kherson-horlivka-moscow-will-be-defeated-says-zelensky-673397">Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Maersk said it would release more details in coming days. But it said it could again resort to diverting ship traffic depending on how safety conditions evolved.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-six-killed-after-attacks-on-kherson-horlivka-moscow-will-be-defeated-says-zelensky-673397">Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, Maersk said it was rerouting ships around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. It said it would impose container surcharges for shipments from Asia to cover the extra costs associated with the longer journey.</p>

<p>Several other firms have stopped transiting the Red Sea on safety concerns in recent weeks, as has oil major BP.</p>


Denmark's Maersk is preparing to resume shipping operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the company said on Sunday, citing the deployment of a US-led military operation designed to ensure the safety of commerce in the area.

Denmark's Maersk is preparing to resume shipping operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the company said on Sunday, citing the deployment of a US-led military operation designed to ensure the safety of commerce in the area. The shipping giant paused sending vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb strait earlier in December due to attacks against its ships that rendered the Suez Canal, which is key to global commerce, unusable for most routes. The United States said on Tuesday it was launching a multinational operation to protect commerce in the Red Sea from Iran-backed Yemeni militants, who have been firing drones and missiles at international vessels since last month in what they say is a response to Israel's war in Gaza. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Egypt outlines proposal to free hostages & end Israel-Hamas war × "As of Sunday 24 December 2023, we have received confirmation that the previously announced multi-national security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) has now been set up and deployed to allow maritime commerce to pass through the Red Sea / Gulf of Aden and once again return to using the Suez Canal as a gateway between Asia and Europe," Masersk said in a statement on Sunday. "With the OPG initiative in operation, we are preparing to allow for vessels to resume transit through the Red Sea both eastbound and westbound." Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky Maersk said it would release more details in coming days. But it said it could again resort to diverting ship traffic depending on how safety conditions evolved. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky On Tuesday, Maersk said it was rerouting ships around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. It said it would impose container surcharges for shipments from Asia to cover the extra costs associated with the longer journey. Several other firms have stopped transiting the Red Sea on safety concerns in recent weeks, as has oil major BP.

After attacks by Yemeni militants, Maersk says will resume shipping in the Red Sea

<p>The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants. In other news,&nbsp;Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-carries-out-retaliatory-attacks-in-iraq-after-militants-target-military-base-leaving-three-injured-673548">US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after militants target military base leaving three injured<br />
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<p>The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-power-firm-denies-cyberattack-claims-after-reports-of-major-blackout-673557">Israeli power firm denies cyberattack claims after reports of major blackout<br />
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<p>Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-at-least-two-killed-110000-homes-without-power-as-storms-hit-east-coast-673562">Australia: At least two killed, 110,000 homes without power as storm hits east coast<br />
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<p>At least two people have been killed and more than 110,000 homes have been left without power as thunderstorms and strong winds hit eastern Australia, said officials on Tuesday (Dec 26).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-investigating-reports-of-violent-threats-to-colorado-judges-who-ruled-against-trump-673541">FBI investigating reports of violent threats to Colorado judges who ruled against Trump<br />
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<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Monday (Dec 25) said it was investigating threats being made against the state Supreme Court justices who ruled last week that ex-President Donald Trump was ineligible to become a presidential candidate.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;First visuals of passengers of plane grounded in France; returns with 276 indian passengers</strong></p>

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The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants. In other news, Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed. Click on the headlines to read more: US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after militants target military base leaving three injured The US military carried out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants. Israeli power firm denies cyberattack claims after reports of major blackout Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed. Australia: At least two killed, 110,000 homes without power as storm hits east coast At least two people have been killed and more than 110,000 homes have been left without power as thunderstorms and strong winds hit eastern Australia, said officials on Tuesday (Dec 26). FBI investigating reports of violent threats to Colorado judges who ruled against Trump The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Monday (Dec 25) said it was investigating threats being made against the state Supreme Court justices who ruled last week that ex-President Donald Trump was ineligible to become a presidential candidate. WATCH | First visuals of passengers of plane grounded in France; returns with 276 indian passengers

Morning news brief: US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq, Israel faces major blackout, and more

Fans try their hands in harmless version of brutal games in Los Angeles. The immersive experience will provides an in-person interactive competition experience that last for 70 minutes. Visitors can try in the 'red light, green light' game.

'Squid Game' comes to life in harmless version in Los Angeles

The Alps make up the most popular ski destination in the world. but the industry now faces an existential threat as it battles the looming danger of climate change. The region's warmest autumn on record forced many ski resorts in the Alps to delay their opening times this year.

Ski resorts in the Alps battle effects of climate change

At least 700 fall sick after Airbus Staff Christmas dinner. French health authorities investigate mass gastroenteritis outbreak after company restaurant served foie gras and lobster.

France: Over 700 Airbus employees take ill after Christmas party, dinner organised for 2,600 people

<p>Russia has officially acknowledged the damage inflicted on one of its warships during a Ukrainian airstrike on a Black Sea port.</p>

<p>The attack occurred in Feodosiya, located in Russian-occupied Crimea, in the early hours of Tuesday (Dec 26). The Ministry of Defence in Russia confirmed that Ukrainian aircraft equipped with guided missiles targeted the Novocherkassk, a landing warship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sadly, one person was killed and two others were wounded in an enemy attack on Feodosia," Russia-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, said on Telegram.</p>

<p>The strike targeted the port town of Feodosia. According to Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of Ukraine's air force, the attack destroyed the Russian Navy’s Novocherkask ship.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION&nbsp;cannot independently&nbsp;verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Russia confirms 'damage' to warship in Black Sea"🤔<br />
"DAMAGE"👇🤦🙃 <a href="https://t.co/ENZsPss2ke">https://t.co/ENZsPss2ke</a></p>
— Putin is the Virus!🇮🇪 (@Ordinar23421152) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ordinar23421152/status/1739596174871433442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION was not able to verify these claims independently.</p>

<p>Taking to the Telegram messaging app, Oleshchuk said, “And the fleet in Russia is getting smaller and smaller!”</p>

<p>"Thanks to the Air Force pilots and everyone involved for the filigree work," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Reaction from Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Governor Aksyonov&nbsp;confirmed the attack and reported a fire incident in the town’s port area.</p>

<p>However, he didn’t mention about the loss to any military asset.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-claims-to-have-seized-town-in-eastern-ukraine-673462"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims to have seized town in eastern Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<p>Several Russian media outlets also reported the fire incident, showing powerful explosions.</p>

<p>"All relevant emergency services are on site," Aksyonov said on the Telegram, adding, "Residents of several houses will be evacuated."</p>

<p>He also claimed that fires were put out immediately.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong></h2>

<p>Both Russia and Ukraine have made exaggerated claims about the losses to the other side during the 22-month conflict, while&nbsp;downplaying own losses and causalities.</p>

<p>Crimea is a highly significant, strategically located territory captured by Russia in 2014 by force. Ukraine has made clear it won’t strike any peace deal until Russia recedes its control over the Crimean region.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian strikes kill at least 4 in Kherson</strong></p>

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<p>Over the past two years, Ukraine has sporadically launched attacks on Crimea. In April last year, Ukraine attacked and sank the cruiser Moskva, the Soviet-era flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.</p>

<p>Moscow had said “a detonation of ammunition” triggered a fire and forced the crew to evacuate, and the ship sank as it was being towed to port.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia has officially acknowledged the damage inflicted on one of its warships during a Ukrainian airstrike on a Black Sea port. The attack occurred in Feodosiya, located in Russian-occupied Crimea, in the early hours of Tuesday (Dec 26).

Russia has officially acknowledged the damage inflicted on one of its warships during a Ukrainian airstrike on a Black Sea port. The attack occurred in Feodosiya, located in Russian-occupied Crimea, in the early hours of Tuesday (Dec 26). The Ministry of Defence in Russia confirmed that Ukrainian aircraft equipped with guided missiles targeted the Novocherkassk, a landing warship. "Sadly, one person was killed and two others were wounded in an enemy attack on Feodosia," Russia-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, said on Telegram. The strike targeted the port town of Feodosia. According to Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of Ukraine's air force, the attack destroyed the Russian Navy’s Novocherkask ship. Watch the video here: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos shared on social media. "Russia confirms 'damage' to warship in Black Sea"🤔 "DAMAGE"👇🤦🙃 https://t.co/ENZsPss2ke — Putin is the Virus!🇮🇪 (@Ordinar23421152) December 26, 2023 × WION was not able to verify these claims independently. Taking to the Telegram messaging app, Oleshchuk said, “And the fleet in Russia is getting smaller and smaller!” "Thanks to the Air Force pilots and everyone involved for the filigree work," he added. Reaction from Russia Governor Aksyonov confirmed the attack and reported a fire incident in the town’s port area. However, he didn’t mention about the loss to any military asset. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims to have seized town in eastern Ukraine Several Russian media outlets also reported the fire incident, showing powerful explosions. "All relevant emergency services are on site," Aksyonov said on the Telegram, adding, "Residents of several houses will be evacuated." He also claimed that fires were put out immediately. Russia-Ukraine conflict Both Russia and Ukraine have made exaggerated claims about the losses to the other side during the 22-month conflict, while downplaying own losses and causalities. Crimea is a highly significant, strategically located territory captured by Russia in 2014 by force. Ukraine has made clear it won’t strike any peace deal until Russia recedes its control over the Crimean region. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian strikes kill at least 4 in Kherson × Over the past two years, Ukraine has sporadically launched attacks on Crimea. In April last year, Ukraine attacked and sank the cruiser Moskva, the Soviet-era flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Moscow had said “a detonation of ammunition” triggered a fire and forced the crew to evacuate, and the ship sank as it was being towed to port. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia acknowledges damage to warship in Black Sea by Ukraine

Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad militant group have reportedly rejected the Egyptian proposal to renounce power in the Gaza strip in return of a ceasefire.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Egypt's proposal to renounce power in Gaza for ceasefire: Reports | WION

A good number of central leaders of the Awami League, members of the cabinet, lawmakers of the 11th parliament, and even candidates from other parties are facing challenges from independent candidates in almost 90 constituencies across the country, according to insiders of the ruling party.

18 Awami League MPs to contest Bangladesh Parliamentary polls as independents

Massive anti-government protests have gripped Serbia's capital Belgrade. The protests come as the opposition alleges fraud and malpractice in the elections held last week. Some opposition politicians have also gone on a hunger strike.

Thousands protest in Serbia demanding elections must be annulled

Israel's main ally the US has kept up its support while expressing concerns over the growing casualty toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Netanyahu visited Gaza strip on Monday. He has vowed to fight until Israel reaches its goals. Netanyahu promised to ramp up Israeli onslaught in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu heckled inside Parliament by families of hostages

<p>Israel's finance ministry is apparently planning to increase defence spending by at least 30 billion shekels ($8.3 billion) next year amid the ongoing war against Hamas, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a document presented to parliament on Monday (Dec 25), the ministry said the overall budget for 2024 will probably have to total 562 billion shekels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mentioned amount is more as compared to the 513 billion shekels spending plan, that was first approved last May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry said an additional 10 billion shekels will be needed to cover the evacuation of around 1,20,000 people from Israel's northern and southern border areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said that it needs higher budgets for police and other security services, and the reconstruction of settlements destroyed during Hamas's attack on October 7 in addition to the military spending.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-comes-out-with-peace-proposal-plant-to-end-israel-hamas-war-report-673593">Egypt comes out with peace plan to end war, as Israel's Netanyahu hell-bent on destroying Hamas</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A report by the news agency Reuters, citing Israel's finance ministry, mentioned that the war will likely cost it at least another 50 billion shekels ($14 billion) in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While briefing lawmakers, the ministry's deputy budget commissioner Itai Temkin said the war was expected to stretch at least two months into 2024, which means until February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He informed the Knesset Finance Committee that this would increase total defence spending by more than 48 billion shekels above what had been budgeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Total budgetary spending in 2024 would rise to 562.1 billion shekels from a planned 513.7 billion and lead to a budget deficit of 5.9% of gross domestic product, up from a target of 2.25%.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-visited-gaza-vows-to-intensify-fighting-673432">Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says visited Gaza, vows to 'intensify' fighting</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He also it was not currently possible to plan for the possibility that the war against Gaza's Palestinian Hamas Islamists would stretch into March or beyond.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Reuters, he said: "It is possible that later in the year we will have to come and update it and we will have to come with updates as the war drags on."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parliament approved a special war budget of over 30 billion shekels for 2023 to assist support the war and compensate families affected by the October 7 cross-border Hamas strikes that triggered the war, as well as missiles launched from Gaza and Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu bars Gallant from holding talks with Mossad Chief: Reports&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Financial burden on citizens</strong></h2>

<p>Moshe Gafni, who is chairman of the finance committee, said he was opposed to raising income taxes. However, he also supported taxes on excess bank profits and measures to promote economic growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich later told reporters that he will work to avoid increasing the financial burden on citizens during the war and his main priority for 2024 is to assist reservists and their families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smotrich said: "They left everything and risked their lives for all of us and we should do everything to reward them in the best possible way."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smotrich added that the finance and defence ministries were working on a "very large plan for the benefit of the reservists and their families".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Israel's finance ministry is apparently planning to increase defence spending by at least 30 billion shekels ($8.3 billion) next year amid the ongoing war against Hamas, Bloomberg reported.

Israel's finance ministry is apparently planning to increase defence spending by at least 30 billion shekels ($8.3 billion) next year amid the ongoing war against Hamas, Bloomberg reported. In a document presented to parliament on Monday (Dec 25), the ministry said the overall budget for 2024 will probably have to total 562 billion shekels. The mentioned amount is more as compared to the 513 billion shekels spending plan, that was first approved last May. The ministry said an additional 10 billion shekels will be needed to cover the evacuation of around 1,20,000 people from Israel's northern and southern border areas. It said that it needs higher budgets for police and other security services, and the reconstruction of settlements destroyed during Hamas's attack on October 7 in addition to the military spending. Also read: Egypt comes out with peace plan to end war, as Israel's Netanyahu hell-bent on destroying Hamas A report by the news agency Reuters, citing Israel's finance ministry, mentioned that the war will likely cost it at least another 50 billion shekels ($14 billion) in 2024. While briefing lawmakers, the ministry's deputy budget commissioner Itai Temkin said the war was expected to stretch at least two months into 2024, which means until February. He informed the Knesset Finance Committee that this would increase total defence spending by more than 48 billion shekels above what had been budgeted. Total budgetary spending in 2024 would rise to 562.1 billion shekels from a planned 513.7 billion and lead to a budget deficit of 5.9% of gross domestic product, up from a target of 2.25%. Also read: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says visited Gaza, vows to 'intensify' fighting He also it was not currently possible to plan for the possibility that the war against Gaza's Palestinian Hamas Islamists would stretch into March or beyond. As quoted by Reuters, he said: "It is possible that later in the year we will have to come and update it and we will have to come with updates as the war drags on." Parliament approved a special war budget of over 30 billion shekels for 2023 to assist support the war and compensate families affected by the October 7 cross-border Hamas strikes that triggered the war, as well as missiles launched from Gaza and Lebanon. Watch: Netanyahu bars Gallant from holding talks with Mossad Chief: Reports × Financial burden on citizens Moshe Gafni, who is chairman of the finance committee, said he was opposed to raising income taxes. However, he also supported taxes on excess bank profits and measures to promote economic growth. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich later told reporters that he will work to avoid increasing the financial burden on citizens during the war and his main priority for 2024 is to assist reservists and their families. Smotrich said: "They left everything and risked their lives for all of us and we should do everything to reward them in the best possible way." Smotrich added that the finance and defence ministries were working on a "very large plan for the benefit of the reservists and their families". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel mulling over increasing defence spending by US$8 billion in 2024

Just a couple of weeks ahead of the January 13 election in Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to prevent anyone from splitting the island from China. His comments assume significance given how Beijing has been ramping up military and political pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over Taipei.

Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China: Xi Jinping

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country.

First visuals of passengers of plane grounded in France; returns with 276 indian passengers

<p>Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed.</p>

<p>The blackout fueled speculations that it might have something to do with the ongoing war in Gaza and a potential cyberattack by Iran.</p>

<p>However, Meir Spiegler, the CEO of Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) rubbished these claims, without providing any cause for the collapse of the units.</p>

<p>Spiegler instead said the cause of the blackout is not known yet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Power outages in Israel.<br />
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Some are suggesting this maybe the result of an Iranian cyber attack in retaliation for killing a general. <a href="https://t.co/ArloGc0c5Z">pic.twitter.com/ArloGc0c5Z</a></p>
— Zagonel (@Zagonel85) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zagonel85/status/1739400744174756116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Israel’s Channel 11 reported that the initial outage hit 150,000 people throughout the country; however, most of them were reconnected with power grids within hours, with just 34,000 people remaining disconnected.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused the blackout?</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, the IEC said that alternative units were put into operation as soon as the two units collapsed.</p>

<p>"This break caused loadshedding that caused power outages in a number of locations across the country. Alternative production units went into operation and electricity returned to most of the outages," the IEC stated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-hacking-group-disrupts-70-of-irans-petrol-pumps-670865"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps</strong></a></p>

<p>"The faults reported by consumers across the country are not the result of a cyber attack , but a fault in a production unit that supplies 250 megawatts. The system carried out 'load shedding’ and now new production units are being brought into operation in order to overcome the fault. In some places the electricity has already," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation launched</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli authorities are now on high alert, and an investigation has already been launched to detect the causes of the blackout.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel says five Gaza hostages found dead in tunnel</strong></p>

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<p>However, if a cyberattack link is confirmed by the authorities, it could mark a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict which has already involved Iran and its proxies.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous reports of cyberattack in Iran</strong></h2>

<p>The power outage in Israel comes a week&nbsp;after Iran experienced a nationwide shutdown of fuel distribution services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A hacking group that Iran accuses of having links to Israel claimed it carried out the attack which disrupted services at petrol stations across the country on Dec 18, Iranian state TV and Israeli local media reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed.

Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed. The blackout fueled speculations that it might have something to do with the ongoing war in Gaza and a potential cyberattack by Iran. However, Meir Spiegler, the CEO of Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) rubbished these claims, without providing any cause for the collapse of the units. Spiegler instead said the cause of the blackout is not known yet. Power outages in Israel. Some are suggesting this maybe the result of an Iranian cyber attack in retaliation for killing a general. pic.twitter.com/ArloGc0c5Z — Zagonel (@Zagonel85) December 25, 2023 × Israel’s Channel 11 reported that the initial outage hit 150,000 people throughout the country; however, most of them were reconnected with power grids within hours, with just 34,000 people remaining disconnected. What caused the blackout? According to local media reports, the IEC said that alternative units were put into operation as soon as the two units collapsed. "This break caused loadshedding that caused power outages in a number of locations across the country. Alternative production units went into operation and electricity returned to most of the outages," the IEC stated. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps "The faults reported by consumers across the country are not the result of a cyber attack , but a fault in a production unit that supplies 250 megawatts. The system carried out 'load shedding’ and now new production units are being brought into operation in order to overcome the fault. In some places the electricity has already," it added. Investigation launched Israeli authorities are now on high alert, and an investigation has already been launched to detect the causes of the blackout. Watch: Israel says five Gaza hostages found dead in tunnel × However, if a cyberattack link is confirmed by the authorities, it could mark a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict which has already involved Iran and its proxies. Previous reports of cyberattack in Iran The power outage in Israel comes a week after Iran experienced a nationwide shutdown of fuel distribution services. A hacking group that Iran accuses of having links to Israel claimed it carried out the attack which disrupted services at petrol stations across the country on Dec 18, Iranian state TV and Israeli local media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli power firm denies cyberattack claims after reports of major blackout

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) declaration of the PTI’s intra-party polls as unconstitutional and the revocation of the party’s ‘bat’ election symbol.

Peshawar High Court restores PTI's bat election symbol

Plane grounded in France with several Indians lands in Mumbai

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