★ SYRIA
Syria Ambush Kills 14 Security Personnel Under Rebel Rule
Fourteen interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 injured in an ambush by forces loyal to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the country’s new rebel-led authorities. The attack occurred Tuesday near the coastal city of Tartous. The ambush reportedly targeted security forces attempting to detain a former officer linked to abuses at Saydnaya prison near Damascus. The incident underscores continued resistance following the collapse of Assad’s regime over two weeks ago, led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The fallout signals persistent instability under the newly established rebel governance.
Israeli Forces Withdraw from Quneitra Village After Clashes
Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Dawayeh village in Quneitra countryside, southern Syria, on Wednesday, following clashes with local residents. Reports confirmed two injuries caused by gunfire from the Israeli forces during their incursion into the demilitarized zone. The withdrawal highlights ongoing tensions in Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and increased Israeli movements near the border.
Syria Warns Iran and Seeks $300 Billion in Compensation
Syrian Transitional Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani urged Iran to respect Syria’s sovereignty and avoid destabilizing interventions. Simultaneously, Syrian authorities announced plans to file an international lawsuit demanding $300 billion in compensation for damages caused by Iran’s military support to Assad’s regime during the 13-year conflict. This move follows Iranian warnings of a potential civil war, reflecting escalating tensions between the two nations.
Protests Erupt Across Syria Over Alawite Shrine Video
Thousands protested across Syrian cities on Wednesday after a video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine circulated online, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and witnesses. Syria’s new authorities dismissed the video as “old,” accusing “unknown groups” of trying to incite unrest. Demonstrations were concentrated in Tartous and Latakia, Alawite minority strongholds and the heartland of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, a day after protests in Damascus over the torching of a Christmas tree.
Asma al-Assad Reportedly Battling Severe Leukemia in Isolation
Asma al-Assad, wife of deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly critically ill with leukemia, with a 50-50 chance of survival, according to media reports. The Telegraph stated she is in isolation to prevent infection and cannot interact with others. The al-Assad family fled to Moscow earlier this month after a rapid rebel offensive overtook Damascus.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Summons Vatican Ambassador Over Pope’s Criticism
Israel summoned the Vatican’s ambassador to express displeasure over Pope Francis’ remarks accusing Israel of cruelty in Gaza. The Pope’s claims about machine gun attacks on children and bombing schools were strongly rejected by Israel. The Foreign Ministry emphasized the context of Israel’s defense against terrorism. Israeli officials criticized the Pope’s comments as damaging and inaccurate. Discussions are ongoing regarding Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s potential visit to the Vatican.
Israel Expands Rocket Alert Zones as Houthi Missile Attacks Persist
Israel expanded rocket alert zones after Houthi missile strikes triggered sirens in 169 localities, including Beit Shemesh and Ramat Hasharon. The new coverage followed a failed interception in Ramat Efal, where a missile hit a school. The IDF acknowledged issues with the previous system and implemented changes to improve warning zones. The updated policy aims to mitigate risks from falling missile debris, but frequent sirens continue disrupting daily life across Israel.
Houthi Leadership in Israel’s Sights as Some Push for Action on Iran
Houthi missile and drone strikes continue to threaten Israel, with frequent alarms signaling ongoing attacks. Mossad Director David Barnea suggested targeting Yemen to deter the Houthis, while an IDF official disagreed, citing limited Iranian control over the group. Israel’s Defense Minister emphasized focusing on Houthi leadership in Sanaa as a direct response. Despite the challenges, Israel remains committed to addressing the Houthi threat, even with intelligence gaps and operational complexities.
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★ LEBANON
IDF Unveils Hezbollah’s Massive Weapons Arsenal Seized Along Lebanon Border
The IDF displayed Hezbollah’s massive weapons arsenal, including over 85,000 items like missiles, explosives, and military vehicles. These were intended for a large-scale invasion of Israel, thwarted by IDF operations. Despite significant seizures, Hezbollah retains a large stockpile of rockets, missiles, and drones. The IDF continues targeting Hezbollah operatives along the border, while the Lebanese Army has deployed to enforce the cease-fire, marking ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Israeli Forces Demolish Homes in Yaron and Kfarkala in Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces demolished homes in Yaron and Kfarkala, southern Lebanon, on Wednesday, despite the ongoing cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel. This cease-fire, which started on November 27, has been repeatedly violated by Israel through airstrikes and ground operations, escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli Airstrike Targets East Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Agreement
Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, an Israeli airstrike hit Taria in the Bekaa Valley on Wednesday. The attack, which targeted a Hezbollah warehouse near the Litani River, caused no casualties. This airstrike occurred after both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations. Lebanon has called for increased pressure on Israel to halt these violations. The ceasefire agreement, signed on November 27, continues to face challenges in enforcement.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Hamas Claims Israel Imposes New Conditions on Cease-fire; Netanyahu Calls It a Lie
Hamas accused Israel of imposing new conditions on cease-fire talks, delaying the agreement, while Israel’s Prime Minister’s office rejected the claim as false. Israeli officials blamed Hamas for obstructing negotiations, particularly by not providing a full list of hostages. Israel’s negotiating team, including officials from Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF, returned from Doha for internal consultations, focusing on the next steps regarding hostages and the negotiations’ continuation.
Al-Qassam and Saraya al-Quds Target Israeli Forces and Drones in Gaza
Both Al-Qassam Brigades and Saraya al-Quds have released footage showcasing their successful operations against Israeli forces and drones in Gaza. Al-Qassam’s video from Nuseirat camp shows a direct hit on an Israeli Merkava tank with a “Yassin 105” anti-tank missile, followed by chants. They also seized an “EVO Max” Israeli drone. Meanwhile, Saraya al-Quds captured Israeli drones over Khan Yunis, with the drones marked with “There is no God but Allah” and “Saraya al-Quds.” Both operations are responses to ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Dozens Killed and Injured in Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza early Thursday resulted in at least 10 deaths and 20 injuries. Five people died and 20 were injured in an attack on a house in Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood. The death toll could rise as many are trapped under debris. In a separate attack, five journalists working for Al-Quds Today TV were killed when their vehicle was hit near Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdogan Warns Kurdish Militants in Syria to Surrender or Die
President Erdogan warned Kurdish militants in Syria to surrender their weapons or be buried in Syrian land with them. His statement came during clashes between Turkish-backed factions and Kurdish YPG forces in northeastern Syria. Erdogan also announced Turkey’s plans to open a consulate in Aleppo and temporarily allow Syrian refugees’ movement during the summer. Turkey continues its military operations in the region against Kurdish militants, whom it classifies as terrorists.
Turkey’s Military Kills 21 Kurdish Militants in Northern Syria, Iraq
Turkey’s Ministry of Defense reported the killing of 21 Kurdish militants in northern Syria and Iraq, including 20 PKK and YPG fighters. The militants were targeted while preparing attacks in Syria, with one killed in Iraq. Turkey vows to continue military operations against the PKK and YPG, which are considered terrorist organizations. The operations are part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Kurdish militant groups from the region, ensuring continued security along Turkey’s borders.
Turkey Plans Extensive Support to Rebuild Syria After Regime Change
Following the fall of Syria’s Baath regime, all Turkish ministries will assist in reconstruction. The Interior Ministry will establish migration bureaus in Syria for refugee documentation exchanges. The Transport Ministry will restore key infrastructure, including the M4/M5 highways and Damascus International Airport. The Health and Education Ministries will focus on rebuilding healthcare and education systems. Additionally, Turkey will help re-establish Syria’s currency system and provide military and vocational training.
Turkish Foreign Minister Meets UAE President in Abu Dhabi
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi during his visit. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the meeting, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and regional issues. Fidan also met UAE National Security Council Secretary-General Ali Mohammed Hamad Al Shamsi. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Turkey and the UAE, focusing on Syria and regional security.
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★ IRAN
Iran Prepares for Massive Drills Due to Tensions with Israel
The Iranian General Staff announced plans for comprehensive “offensive-defensive” military drills, including land, air, and sea operations, in the coming days. The exercises aim to address potential threats, including those posed by Israel. Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, commander of the “Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters,” overseeing the Iranian armed forces’ joint operations room, stated that both army and “Revolutionary Guard” units would conduct extensive offensive and defensive drills. He emphasized that the maneuvers will be “strong and intense.”
Iran Retracts Statements About Opening Tehran Embassy in Syria
After the Iranian government confirmed ongoing diplomatic talks to reopen embassies in Damascus and Tehran, Iran has retracted these statements. On Wednesday, Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatima Mohajerani, retracted her remarks about the potential reopening of Tehran’s embassy in Syria. She clarified that her comments regarding the possible reopening of the Iranian embassy in Syria during her weekly press conference had been misinterpreted.
Trump’s Pending Sanctions Could Remove 1.5 Million Barrels of Iranian Oil Daily
Rapidan Energy forecasts that with Donald Trump entering the White House and his intention to impose sanctions on Iran’s oil exports via the shadow fleet, approximately 1 to 1.5 million barrels of Iranian crude will be removed from global markets by next summer, according to the company’s CEO, Bob McNally. McNally explained in an interview with the “East-West” program on “Al Sharq” TV today that Trump will adopt a “maximum pressure” policy against Iran.
Record Collapse of Iranian Currency in Tehran Market
The price of the dollar reached 80,000 tomans at the close of trading on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, while the British pound hit 100,000 tomans. Studies indicate that other currencies in the Tehran market saw an increase ranging from 27% to 77% over the past year. At the end of Tuesday’s trading, the U.S. dollar was exchanged at 80,000 tomans in cash exchanges, while currency transfers traded at 82,000 tomans. The British pound was also traded at 100,000 tomans.
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★ IRAQ
Iraqi Airstrike Eliminates Three ISIS Fighters in Hamrin Mountains
An Iraqi F-16 airstrike killed three ISIS militants hiding in a cave in the Hamrin Mountains, within Kirkuk Operations Command’s jurisdiction. Colonel Osama Al-Sahlani of the Military Intelligence Directorate confirmed the strike, coordinated by intelligence teams and the Joint Operations Command’s targeting cell. The operation followed meticulous surveillance of ISIS movements in the area, reflecting Iraq’s ongoing efforts to combat remaining militant threats.
Turkish Intelligence Neutralizes PKK Arsenal Leader in Iraq
Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) neutralized Fırat Serihan, alias “Hogir Batman,” a PKK leader in Iraq’s Gara region, listed in Türkiye’s “gray category” of most-wanted terrorists. Serihan supplied weapons for attacks on Turkish forces in the Claw-Lock operation zone and was linked to 2016 assaults in Syria. Several terrorists accompanying him were also eliminated during the operation, according to security sources.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Claim Successful Drone Strikes on Israel
The Houthi group announced targeting two Israeli locations with drones on Wednesday, hitting a “sensitive site” in Jaffa and an industrial zone in Ashkelon. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree declared both strikes successful. The Israeli military confirmed a drone from Yemen crashed in the south without causing damage, while Israeli media reported it landed near Zikim, close to a military base. No casualties or significant damage were reported.
Houthis Claim Arrest of Mossad and CIA Spies in Yemen
The Houthi group announced Wednesday the arrest of several spies allegedly working for Israel’s Mossad and the U.S. CIA. According to a statement reported by Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, the arrests followed operations targeting agents recruited through fugitive Hamid Hussein Fayed Majli. The group claimed the detainees were tasked with gathering intelligence on missile systems, drone launch sites, naval forces, military camps, and weapon depots targeting Israel. The number of individuals arrested was not disclosed.
Houthis Prepare for Israeli Retaliation with Maximum Readiness
The Houthis elevated combat readiness, evacuated areas near Hodeidah’s port, and deployed forces to frontlines in anticipation of expected Israeli retaliation. Reports indicate recruits were sent to fight government troops, while experienced units were positioned in cities to prevent uprisings. This follows Israeli threats to treat the Houthis like Hezbollah.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Kuwait and Bahrain Engage with Syria on Latest Developments
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani held separate calls with Syrian Transitional Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani on Wednesday. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation, and coordinating mutual interests. Al-Zayani also praised the Syrian people’s “great victory” and commended the efforts of the new Syrian leadership.
Saudi Non-Oil Exports Rise 12.7% in October
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, grew 12.7% year-on-year in October, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics. Non-oil national exports, excluding re-exports, increased by 5.1%, while re-exported goods surged 47.1% in value. However, overall merchandise exports fell 10.7% compared to October 2023, driven by a 17.2% decline in oil exports.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Prime Minister Reveals Egypt Paid $38.7 Billion in Debt in 2024
Egypt’s Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, announced that the Egyptian government paid approximately $7 billion in debts during November and December. He added that the total amount paid in 2024 reached $38.7 billion, noting that this represented a significant challenge for the country. Madbouly emphasized Egypt’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations, assuring that the country has never defaulted on its debt payments. He also indicated that the amount due next year will be lower than what was paid this year.
IMF Approves $1.2 Billion Loan Installment for Egypt
The Egyptian government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement at the expert level following the completion of the fourth review of Egypt’s economic reform program. This agreement allows Egypt to receive a $1.2 billion installment from the total $8 billion loan associated with the program. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated in a meeting on Wednesday evening that the IMF had completed the fourth review under the extended fund facility, enabling Egypt to receive the $1.2 billion installment, according to a government statement.
Libya’s Oil Production in 2024 Exceeds 1.4 Million Barrels Daily
The National Oil Corporation of Libya announced that this year’s average crude oil production surpassed the target, reaching around 1.4 million barrels per day. Farhat Ben Qadara, Chairman of the National Oil Corporation, stated that the corporation plans to announce a new round of oil and gas exploration tenders before the end of the year. This will be the first tender round for the OPEC member country since the NATO-supported protests in 2011, which led to the ousting of President Muammar Gaddafi.
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