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Addressing the major event, the libertarian leader echoed Donald Trump’s diatribes against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, calling him a narco-terrorist who heads “an atrocious and inhumane dictatorship that casts a dark shadow over our region.”

In this regard, he emphasized that his government “welcomes the pressure from the United States and Donald Trump” and hinted at his desire for the Bolivarian government to be overthrown, stating that “the time for a timid approach on this matter has run out,” and invited the other Mercosur members to support this position.

He reiterated his support for opposition leader Corina Machado, who has repeatedly called for military intervention in her country, and called for the release of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, who was detained a year ago by Venezuelan authorities as he attempted to cross from Colombia and was accused of participating in a subversive plot against the government.

He also asked that the bloc’s members provide permanent and unwavering support for “the sovereign rights of the Argentine Republic over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas illegally occupied by the United Kingdom since 1833.”

As he did at the meeting of the mechanism in Buenos Aires, Milei reiterated his criticism of the group, arguing that institutions must be evaluated on their results and recalling that Mercosur was created with the mission of “promoting trade, increasing prosperity, integrating markets, and raising the competitiveness of our societies.

And none of those central objectives have been met,” he asserted. He criticized the bloc for being held back by protectionism, bureaucracy, and complacency, saying they “have sunk us into stagnation,” and demanded a change in its rules to allow for greater flexibility, enabling its members to agree to bilateral trade pacts like the one it is negotiating with the United States outside the bloc.

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At the Mercosur summit 2025, Brazilian President Lula da Silva warns that military intervention in Venezuela would trigger a hemispheric humanitarian catastrophe.

Related: European Union Postpones Vote on MERCOSUR Trade Agreement

At the Mercosur summit 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a stark and urgent warning: any military intervention in Venezuela would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe with devastating ripple effects across the entire Western Hemisphere. Speaking on December 20, 2025, in Foz de Iguazú, Brazil—the host city of the 67th Mercosur Summit—Lula framed the issue not as a regional dispute, but as a fundamental test of sovereignty, peace, and South American unity in the face of rising imperial pressures.

“An armed intervention in Venezuela would be a catastrophe for the hemisphere,” Lula declared. “It would be a humanitarian catastrophe and a dangerous precedent for the world.”

His remarks come amid escalating U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, including naval deployments, surveillance flights, and public threats against the Venezuelan government—actions widely condemned by international legal experts as flagrant violations of the UN Charter and international law. From the perspective of the Global South, Lula’s statement is more than diplomacy; it is a defensive line drawn against neocolonial aggression.

Mercosur Summit 2025 Venezuela Warning: A Defense of Regional Sovereignty

In a passionate address that drew standing ovations from fellow South American leaders, Lula emphasized that Venezuela’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and deeply intertwined with the stability of the entire continent. “The Venezuelan people love their sovereignty,” he said. “To threaten it is to threaten us all.”

He pointed to the current geopolitical climate as the most tense in South America since the 1982 Falklands (Malvinas) War. “For over four decades, our continent had not been this tense,” Lula warned. “South America is now under strain due to the military presence of an extraregional power that is testing the limits of international law.”

This “extraregional power” is widely understood to be the United States, whose Southern Command has recently expanded operations near Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone under the guise of counter-narcotics missions—a justification rejected by UN agencies and regional governments alike.

Read the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on threats to Venezuelan sovereignty

Lula’s warning is grounded in historical memory and strategic realism. Latin America has long suffered from foreign interventions—from CIA-backed coups in the 20th century to economic blockades and regime-change campaigns in the 21st. Each time, the consequences spilled beyond borders: refugee crises, economic collapse, and prolonged violence. A military strike on Venezuela, home to 28 million people and vast oil reserves, would dwarf those outcomes.

Moreover, Lula linked the Venezuela issue to broader challenges facing Mercosur, particularly the stalled Mercosur–European Union trade agreement. He noted that external pressures—especially from European capitals echoing U.S. rhetoric on Venezuela—have deepened internal divisions and undermined genuine regional integration. “True economic unity cannot be built under the shadow of imperial agendas,” he implied.

Explore the European Parliament’s stance on Mercosur-EU negotiations and human rights clauses

The Brazilian president called instead for a vision of “a prosperous and peaceful South America” rooted in dialogue, mutual respect, and South-South cooperation. “Here, we want integration,” he said. “Renouncing sovereignty is renouncing ourselves.”

Geopolitical Context: The Global South’s Red Line

The Mercosur summit 2025 Venezuela warning carries profound implications far beyond Latin America. It reflects a growing assertion of autonomy by the Global South, which increasingly rejects unilateralism and demands a multipolar world order. In this context, Venezuela has become a litmus test: will powerful nations abide by international law, or will they impose their will through force?

The U.S. posture toward Venezuela—combining sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and military posturing—mirrors strategies used in Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Yet Latin America, having endured decades of such interventions, is now pushing back collectively. Mercosur, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter have all issued statements rejecting external interference.

Lula’s stance also signals Brazil’s return to a leadership role in regional diplomacy after years of right-wing isolationism under Jair Bolsonaro. Under his administration, Brazil is once again championing non-intervention, peaceful conflict resolution, and economic sovereignty—principles enshrined in the 2014 CELAC “Zone of Peace” declaration.

Critically, this position resonates across the Global South. From South Africa to Indonesia, nations are watching whether Latin America can resist coercion and uphold international law without Western approval. A successful defense of Venezuelan sovereignty would embolden similar resistance elsewhere—from the Sahel to Southeast Asia.

Review the CELAC Havana Declaration on Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace

For teleSUR, as a media voice of the peoples of the South, Lula’s message is a reminder that true peace is built from below—not imposed from the North. In an era of resurgent militarism, the unity of Mercosur—and its commitment to non-intervention—stands as a bulwark against empire.

As the summit concluded, leaders reaffirmed their support for dialogue between Venezuela’s government and opposition, but categorically rejected any external solution. The message was clear: the future of Venezuela must be decided by Venezuelans alone. Any other path, Lula warned, leads not to democracy—but to hemispheric disaster.

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An Israeli attack on Gaza school sheltering displaced families killed at least six, including a child—denounced as a grave breach of international humanitarian law.

Related: US Weighs Port Restrictions on Spain Over Israel Arms Transit Ban

An Israeli attack on Gaza school sheltering displaced Palestinian families claimed the lives of at least six people—including a young child and a woman—during the night of Friday, December 19, 2025, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense agency. The strike targeted a school in the At-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, reducing part of the building to rubble and sending rescue teams scrambling through debris to recover bodies and wounded civilians.

The Civil Defense, coordinating with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), confirmed that six bodies were extracted from the ruins, while an undetermined number of injured were rushed to overwhelmed local hospitals. Many of the victims were children who had sought refuge in what was supposed to be a safe haven.

“Attacking schools and shelters providing refuge to displaced Palestinians constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” the Civil Defense stated, demanding immediate protection for civilians and humanitarian personnel from further bombardment.

The school in At-Tuffah had been designated as a temporary shelter for families displaced by Israel’s ongoing military offensive—now in its second year. Like hundreds of similar facilities across Gaza, it housed people who had already lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, only to face death once again under the cover of darkness.

Israeli Attack on Gaza School: A Pattern of Systematic Violence

This latest strike is not an isolated incident but part of a relentless pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 70,660 Palestinians have been killed, and over 171,165 injured, many suffering life-altering wounds such as amputations and spinal trauma. Among the wounded, nearly 44,500 are children, as reported by UNICEF.

Palestinian armed group Hamas condemned the bombing as a “brutal crime against innocent civilians” and a “flagrant, repeated violation” of the ceasefire agreement that officially took effect on October 10, 2025. Despite the truce, Israeli forces have continued daily killings in Gaza, with health authorities reporting 395 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began—a figure that underscores the fragility of the peace and the persistence of lethal operations.

View OCHA’s latest humanitarian report on Gaza (December 2025)

Footage shared by local journalist M. Shebrawy showed Israeli tanks continuing to fire toward the school and surrounding homes even after the initial strike. “The situation now in Al-Tuffah neighborhood… Israeli tanks are continuing to fire toward the school and nearby homes,” read the post, accompanied by harrowing images of smoke rising over shattered concrete.

International law is unequivocal: schools, hospitals, and shelters are protected civilian sites under the Geneva Conventions. Deliberate attacks on such facilities—especially when they house displaced persons—may constitute war crimes, as affirmed by the International Criminal Court and multiple UN human rights bodies.

Yet accountability remains elusive. Despite repeated condemnations from UN rapporteurs and global civil society, no meaningful consequences have been imposed on Israel for its systematic targeting of protected zones. Meanwhile, humanitarian access grows more restricted, and Gaza’s medical system—already decimated—struggles to treat the wounded without electricity, clean water, or surgical supplies.

Read UNICEF’s 2025 report on child casualties in Gaza

Geopolitical Context: Impunity and the Erosion of International Law

The Israeli attack on Gaza school must be understood within a broader context of institutionalized impunity and the erosion of the rules-based international order. For decades, Israel has operated with near-total immunity from legal consequences, shielded by powerful allies—primarily the United States—which consistently veto UN Security Council resolutions calling for ceasefires or accountability.

This dynamic has enabled a doctrine of collective punishment against 2.3 million Gazans, confined to one of the world’s most densely populated territories with no safe escape. The use of heavy weaponry in urban areas, the targeting of food and water infrastructure, and the repeated bombing of schools and hospitals reflect not tactical errors, but a deliberate strategy of dehumanization and displacement.

Regionally, the attack further destabilizes an already fragile ceasefire and risks reigniting full-scale hostilities. While Egypt and Qatar work to mediate, Israel’s continued violations undermine trust in the truce and fuel resentment among Palestinian factions. Globally, the incident highlights the hypocrisy of Western powers that champion “rules-based order” while tolerating, and often arming, one of its most flagrant violators.

Moreover, the timing is significant. As the International Court of Justice considers South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, and as the ICC investigates potential war crimes, such attacks serve as real-time evidence of ongoing violations. Yet diplomatic silence—particularly from European capitals—sends a clear message: civilian lives in Gaza are expendable.

Review the ICJ provisional measures order in the South Africa v. Israel case

For the Global South, this moment underscores the urgent need for alternative mechanisms of justice and protection outside Western-dominated institutions. From the African Union to the Non-Aligned Movement, calls are growing for stronger support of Palestinian statehood, arms embargoes on Israel, and recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.

Until then, schools in Gaza remain targets. Children remain casualties. And the world watches—again—as international law is trampled in real time.

Breaking | Israeli occupation artillery shells areas east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City. pic.twitter.com/aN7SITKc0t

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 19, 2025

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With an area of ​​140,000 square meters, the new terminal boasts modern passenger amenities and improved airport infrastructure, aiming to optimize the travel experience and operational efficiency.

With this expansion, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity has doubled from 6 million to 13.1 million passengers per year.

New Delhi expects this increased capacity to strengthen Guwahati’s role as the main aviation hub in Northeast India and support the region’s growing tourism, trade, and economic activity.

The project was developed under a 50-year lease agreement and, in addition to alleviating congestion and improving connectivity, will create jobs and help meet the growing demand for air traffic.

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, described the new terminal as a transformative project that will significantly improve regional connectivity and contribute to the state’s “Quality of Life” initiatives.

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According to the scientific body, the coldest temperature was recorded in the city of Pokrovsk, Yakutia, where the weather station registered -51.7 degrees Celsius.

The second coldest temperature was recorded at Sukhana weather station, also in Yakutia, with a reading of -49.4 degrees Celsius.

The third coldest place went to the Yakut village of Krest-Khaldzhai, where the temperature dropped to -48.7 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours, the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia stated.

The report also notes that, simultaneously in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia and South Africa recorded the top two spots on the list of the hottest places on the planet.

In Telfer, Western Australia, the air temperature reached 44.1 degrees Celsius yesterday, while the thermometer at Sydney Airport registered 42.6 degrees Celsius.

At the same time, the weather station in Upington, South Africa, recorded 39.2 degrees Celsius, according to Russian meteorologists.

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Analyst Bethy Arana, in a report published by Diario El Salvador, appealed to the masses in a population that polls point out that nothing is clearly defined on preference toward any political party (62 percent), despite the fact that the Nuevas Ideas party, currently in government, is supported by 29 percent, according to Cid Gallup.

“The call to these leaders is to listen to the people, to listen to the organizations. To Representative Claudia Ortiz, to “Chino” Flores,” Arana stated.

She described as very positive the proposal by the Secretary General of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) to broaden citizen participation in the party, which would allow non-affiliated members to run as candidates, as happened in 2008.

The race is still open with the likely participation of the FMLN, Vamos, and ARENA parties in the upcoming presidential elections on February 28, 2027.

Representative Claudia Ortiz, from the Vamos party, affirmed that “all options are on the table,” suggesting she might run as a candidate to challenge President Nayib Bukele in the elections, despite a Gallup poll showing the president with the support of nine out of ten Salvadorans.

The 2027 general elections will determine the president of the Republic, deputies, and municipal councils.

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According to the website wwe.giron.cu, the Matanzas-based theater group intends to recreate a concert featuring lesser-known works by the artist that deserve to be remembered.

The performance, entitled “Old Songs Always New,” will feature lesser-known works by the artist that do not deserve to be forgotten.

The director of Estaciones, Ruben Dario Salazar, noted that December is a month full of important dates for Cuban culture due to the birth of cultural icons such as Dora Alonso, Alicia Alonso, and Teresita Fernandez herself.

Old Songs Always New is part of Teresita Fernandez’s music, which is often overlooked, not popular, and didn’t achieve the fame of songs like “Vinagrito,” “Tintin la lluvia,” “Amiguitos vamos todos a cantar,” or “Dame la mano y danzaremos,” he explained.

The National Theater Award winner affirmed that the concert features a soloist like Olga Blanco, who has a beautiful voice and whose interpretive skill is among the best in the country.

She will be joined by actors from the play “Estaciones,” children from Gaby Sofi’s company, and professional dancers in a multidisciplinary performance, he pointed out.

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In his message, the president stated that he received the news with surprise and dismay, and highlighted the figure of “Nando,” as he was known, who distinguished himself as a fighter for independence and for his contributions to national politics.

“He always defended the best interests of the Angolan people with zeal and competence,” Lourenco remarked, and detailed the important positions he held in service to the Angolan state, such as Minister of the Interior, Prime Minister, Vice President of the Republic, and President of the National Assembly.

“His charisma, sense of justice, and good manners earned him the respect of both his peers and his adversaries, with whom he always maintained a cordial and respectful relationship despite their differing viewpoints,” the head of state emphasized.

He expressed his deepest condolences to his family, subordinates, and colleagues, as well as his many friends, wishing them strength and courage to overcome this difficult time.

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Luanda, 20 dic (Prensa Latina) El presidente de Angola, João Lourenço, expresó hoy condolencias a la familia del nacionalista Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, cuyo fallecimiento aconteció el pasado jueves en Luanda.

Cuerpo : El mandatario señaló en el mensaje que recibió la noticia con sorpresa y consternación, y resaltó la figura de “Nandó”, como era conocido, quien destacó como luchador por la independencia y por su desempeño en la vida política nacional.

“Siempre defendió los intereses superiores del pueblo angoleño con celo y competencia”, remarcó Lourenço y detalló los importantes cargos que ocupó al servicio del Estado angoleño, como los de ministro del Interior, primer ministro, vicepresidente de la República y presidente de la Asamblea Nacional.

“Su carisma, sentido de la justicia y buenas maneras le valieron la consideración tanto de sus pares como de sus adversarios, con quienes siempre mantuvo una relación cordial y respetuosa a pesar de sus diferentes puntos de vista”, enfatizó el jefe de Estado.

Significó que su pérdida deja un vacío en la vida pública angoleña que será difícil de llenar y dirigió a su familia, subordinados y compañeros; así como a sus numerosos amigos, su más sentido pésame y el deseo de que superen este difícil momento con valentía.

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A message published on the Ministry’s CubaMinrex website states that the date “reminds us of the importance of global cooperation in overcoming challenges.

For #Cuba, this has been a lifelong mission for more than 60 years. Solidarity will continue to be the best investment in our shared future.”

Every December 20, the international community commemorates International Human Solidarity Day, an event established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 through resolution 60/209, adopted on December 22 of that year. The date seeks to underscore the transformative power of cooperation and mutual support as fundamental pillars for building a more just, equitable, and humane world.

Beyond a simple symbolic recognition, the day constitutes an urgent call to collective action.

Faced with global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and humanitarian crises, solidarity stands not only as a universal value but also as an essential tool for ensuring the well-being of all peoples, according to the UN.

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The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo 2025 deepens ties in trade, security, and energy—challenging Western dominance and reshaping global South cooperation.

Related: Russia Open to Peace Talks if Security Conditions Are Met

The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum reached a new milestone in Cairo this week as foreign ministers, heads of state, and regional integration leaders from over 50 African nations gathered with Russian officials to advance a multifaceted strategic alliance spanning economics, security, and sustainable development. Concluding on December 20, 2025, the second ministerial conference of the forum marked a decisive step in institutionalizing Russia’s growing influence across the African continent.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov opened the proceedings with a clear message: this partnership is neither symbolic nor temporary. “Our leaders have high expectations for today’s meeting,” he stated. “They expect us to deliver constructive solutions and coordinated proposals to expand multifaceted cooperation between Russia and Africa.”

The forum—launched in 2019 in Sochi, elevated at the 2023 St. Petersburg summit, and now deepened through ministerial dialogue—reflects a long-term recalibration of Africa’s international relations. No longer content with post-colonial dependencies or conditional Western aid, many African nations are turning to partners like Russia for sovereign, non-interference-based collaboration.

Russia-Africa Partnership Forum: Building a New Architecture of South-South Cooperation

At the heart of the Cairo gathering were three strategic pillars: economic and investment cooperation, peace and security support, and sustainable development. Unlike traditional donor-recipient models, the forum emphasized mutual benefit and technological sovereignty—highlighting joint ventures in energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and defense.

Lavrov underscored that cooperation is advancing “steadily across all domains,” noting concrete progress since the first ministerial meeting in November 2024. Russia has pledged to double trade with African nations by 2030, a target already gaining traction through expanded grain exports, nuclear energy partnerships, and localized pharmaceutical production.

One of the most significant bilateral outcomes came from Lavrov’s meeting with Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe, Foreign Minister of Equatorial Guinea. The two reaffirmed commitments made during presidential talks between Vladimir Putin and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Moscow (November 2023) and September 2024. They agreed to deepen political trust, align positions in the UN, and accelerate cooperation in hydrocarbons, power generation, healthcare, and human capital development.

Read the African Union’s official statement on strategic partnerships with global powers

Esono Angüe later posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We will work in areas that contribute to mutual development, based on respect, trust, and mutual understanding.” Both nations also confirmed that the next session of their Joint Cooperation Commission will take place in Moscow in 2026—a key mechanism for coordinating political, economic, scientific, and technical collaboration.

This bilateral momentum mirrors a broader continental trend. From Mali and Burkina Faso to Sudan and the Central African Republic, African governments are increasingly partnering with Russia on security training, infrastructure, and natural resource management—often in response to perceived Western abandonment or neocolonial conditionality.

Explore UNCTAD data on Africa’s trade diversification and emerging partnerships

Geopolitical Context: A Multipolar World in the Making

The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum cannot be viewed in isolation. It is a direct response to—and driver of—the global shift toward multipolarity. As the U.S. and EU double down on sanctions, military alliances, and ideological framing of global conflicts, the Global South is forging alternative networks of cooperation rooted in sovereignty and development.

Africa, home to 1.4 billion people and vast untapped resources, is central to this realignment. Western powers have long treated the continent as a zone of influence, but rising frustration with empty promises, unilateral interventions, and exploitative trade terms has opened space for new actors. Russia—alongside China, Turkey, and Gulf states—offers non-conditional engagement, often with faster implementation and fewer governance strings attached.

Critically, this shift is not merely about economics. It is political and civilizational. The forum in Cairo emphasized anti-colonial solidarity, mutual respect, and the right of nations to choose their own development paths—principles that resonate deeply across post-independence Africa.

Moreover, Russia’s role in stabilizing fragile states—through military-technical assistance, anti-terrorism cooperation, and logistical support—has earned it credibility where Western interventions have failed or withdrawn. While Western media often frames Russian involvement as “neocolonial,” many African leaders see it as pragmatic sovereignty—a chance to build state capacity without ideological dictates.

Review the Valdai Discussion Club’s analysis on Russia’s Africa strategy

The forum also challenges the monopoly of Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank. By promoting local currency trade, bilateral credit lines, and South-South technology transfer, Russia and its African partners are constructing parallel financial and knowledge ecosystems—a quiet but powerful decoupling from the Washington Consensus.

For the West, this represents a strategic loss. For Africa, it is an opportunity: greater agency in global affairs, diversified partnerships, and the chance to leverage competition among powers for national development.

As the final Cairo communiqué noted, the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum is not against anyone—it is for Africa’s future. And in a world increasingly defined by blocs and binaries, that future is being shaped not in Brussels or Washington, but in joint commissions from Moscow to Malabo, and in ministerial halls from Cairo to Addis Ababa.

✈️🌍 En el marco del primer día de la 2ª Conferencia Ministerial del Foro de Asociación #RusiaÁfrica, el Canciller Serguéi #Lavrov mantuvo una serie de reuniones con los socios africanos 🇹🇿🇳🇦🇬🇶🇨🇬🇧🇮🇧🇼🇬🇲

📍 El Cairo, 19 de diciembre

Visita continúa 🔜

👉 https://t.co/NvJAJeAeJQ pic.twitter.com/rbyKwChMlD

— Cancillería de Rusia 🇷🇺 (@mae_rusia) December 19, 2025

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According to reports from Syria TV, two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle opened fire on passersby and several businesses in the area, killing two civilians and wounding four others, including a 15-year-old.

The source pointed out that security forces were deployed to the area to pursue those responsible for the attack, although no official statement has yet been issued detailing the circumstances of the incident or confirming any arrests.

This attack comes a day after two brothers were murdered inside a jewelry store in the city of Aleppo, where a robbery was also reported.

In recent weeks, several Syrian provinces have been the scene of violent incidents, including killings and armed attacks, in a context marked by the proliferation of weapons in the hands of civilians and unidentified groups.

Local sources state that many of these incidents are linked to robberies, personal disputes, or acts of revenge, while investigations to determine responsibility continue.

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Authorities stated in a bulletin that they are maintaining active epidemiological surveillance systems and continuous monitoring of respiratory viruses nationwide.

“The case was identified promptly, and the patient is under medical supervision, following the established protocols for this type of respiratory infection,” the Ministry affirmed.

Given the presence of this and other viruses, they reiterated to the public the importance of maintaining preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a mask if experiencing respiratory symptoms, and seeking timely medical attention at health centers if any warning signs appear.

Currently, the Ministry is promoting a free influenza vaccination campaign at health centers, especially for priority groups.

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The attack is being carried out in response to the deaths of two US soldiers in a recent attack near the city of Palmyra in central Syria.

A US official stated that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery participated in the bombing of multiple Daesh targets in various areas of central Syria, including weapons depots and facilities used to support the extremist group’s operations.

The official pointed out that the air and artillery strikes lasted for several hours and described them as a large-scale operation.

For his part, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagseth clarified that the action does not mark the beginning of a war, but rather a reprisal, and assured that Washington will not hesitate to defend its personnel.

In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that more than 100 precision-guided munitions were used to attack more than 70 ISIS sites in central Syria, using artillery, aircraft, and helicopters.

The statement specified that the Jordanian Air Force provided support for the operation.

Syrian state media reported, citing local sources, that the international coalition airstrikes targeted positions of the extremist group in the Maadan Desert, in Raqqa province, the Hamad Desert, in Deir Ezzor, and in the Jabal al-Amour area.

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Speaking at the opening of the plenary session of the 67th Mercosur Summit of Heads of State in this southern city, Lula affirmed that the union is an example of how to take care of both the economy and the population.

“At this time of great global turbulence, Mercosur sets an example of how we can continue to practice multilateralism, safeguarding the growth of our economies and improving the lives of the people we represent,” he stated.

The meeting marks the end of Brazil’s rotating presidency of the mechanism, which will pass to Paraguay. “I hope we have six months of a good harvest, good fruits, and good international agreements. I can assure you that the world is eager to reach agreements with Mercosur,” he affirmed.

And without a doubt, he emphasized, “we will be able to achieve, during this period, the agreements that were not achieved during my presidency.”

The agreement has been under discussion for 26 years and seeks to create a broad free trade zone between the countries of both blocs.

The negotiations concluded in December 2024, but the formalization of the treaty is facing resistance from some European nations, and specially farmers that occupied the streets of Brussels to protest the agreement.

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The president—who is attending the 67th Summit of Heads of State of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil—sent a message to the nation from his X account, in which he also expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families of that unjustified attack.

“Today Panama mourns. We remember the victims of December 20 and stand with their families, whose absence continues to mark our collective memory,” he remarked.

The head of State emphasized that, more than three decades after the events, the country must keep alive the memory of what happened as an act of respect and historical responsibility.

In his statement, he called for not repeating the mistakes of the past and for strengthening democratic institutions as a guarantee of peace and freedom.

Mulino concluded his message with a reflection on the value of memory as a tool for nation-building: “To remember is to honor, and to honor is to protect our freedoms.”

The misnamed Just Cause, whose stated objectives were to end the supposed dictatorship and capture former General Manuel Antonio Noriega, restore democracy, and bring well-being to the Panamanian people, actually brought death, especially in poor neighborhoods like El Chorrillo in the capital.

In addition to the loss of life, this aggression caused the destruction of much of the isthmus’s infrastructure, leaving thousands of people homeless.

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“On December 21, 2025, in St. Petersburg, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, will participate in the meeting of the Eurasian Supreme Economic Council,” the Kremlin statement released to the press.

During the summit, key issues on the agenda of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and further deepening of integration processes are scheduled to be discussed, as well as the adoption of several documents, including the possible signing of a free trade agreement between the EAEU and Indonesia.

The following day, December 22, at the initiative of the Russian president, St. Petersburg will host an informal meeting of the heads of state of the member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the press service indicated.

Furthermore, during his stay in the city, Putin will hold a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of several countries, the Kremlin statement noted.

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Albin is the leader of the family clan known as Los Albin, accused of crimes including organizing drug trafficking activities, smuggling, and money laundering.

Albin will be held in pretrial detention for 120 days while the Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation.

The drug trafficking charge stems from the seizure of 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, which were confiscated in August on the outskirts of the capital.

The shipment is linked to fugitive Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastian Marset, wanted by the justice systems of several countries.

Authorities believe that Los Albin traffic drugs sent by the criminal group headed by Marset.

Fernandez Albin is also linked to the attacks on the headquarters of the National Rehabilitation Institute and the home of Attorney General Monica Ferrero.

He is also connected to acts of violence between gangs vying for control of the drug trade in the area.

jdt/jav/jha/ool

The post The capture of a drug trafficker marked the week in Uruguay. first appeared on Prensa Latina.

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At a massive rally in front of Venezuela’s national oil company PDVSA headquarters in La Campiña, Caracas, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the ongoing US aggressions against the country.

In her speech on Friday, December 19, Rodríguez, who is also the minister of hydrocarbons, emphasized that Venezuela has a firm stance of dignity and resistance. She underscored that the country has no outstanding debts with the Trump administration. Rather, Washington owes the Venezuelan people compensation for stealing Venezuelan state assets.

In this regard, she referred to the looting of the CITGO Refineries. Coupled with the unlawful seizure of CITGO’s dividends accumulated since 2019, the theft represents a loss of assets exceeding $35 billion. These resources were seized through mechanisms of “economic piracy” that undermine the economic stability of Venezuelan citizens.

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Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela’s energy resources will not be subject to negotiation under external threats or foreign extortion schemes. She explained that any international buyer interested in acquiring a molecule of gas or a barrel of oil must do so in accordance with legal protocols and pay the corresponding prices. On this premise, she ruled out any possibility of giving in to Washington’s pressure, calling its encirclement strategy an “absolute historic mistake.”

In a call for international justice, the vice president demanded a public apology from the United States and appropriate reparations for the effects of the economic blockade. She also emphasized that Venezuela not only defends its oil but also its right to self-determination and regional peace. According to Rodríguez, the petrochemical and energy industry constitutes a sacred heritage supported by a conscious and mobilized working class throughout the country.

Interior Minister Cabello: Venezuela Will Remain a Territory Of Peace; US Extrajudicial Killings Surpass 100

Thus, Rodríguez highlighted the strength of the Venezuelan people in overcoming the US unilateral coercive measures that have tried so hard to suffocate the national economy. She stated that national unity is the primary shield against attempts to seize the energy resources that have historically belonged to the nation.

In her words, it is this fighting spirit that helps the country to combat the US attempts to seize Venezuela’s resources.

The vice president reaffirmed the unconditional commitment of oil and gas sector workers to President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. At the conclusion of her remarks, she stated that the country will continue on the path of economic recovery and will not surrender to imperialist blackmail.

She concluded by stating that Venezuela will remain free from tutelage, where sovereignty over its natural resources should be respected by any foreign government wishing to establish trade relations.

(Telesur)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/SF

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The Pope Leo XIV consistory on January 7–8, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Church communion, prayer, and global Catholic leadership after the Jubilee of Hope.

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El papa León XIV, hoy desde la Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano. EFE/EPA/Vatican Media

The Pope Leo XIV consistory, set for January 7 and 8, 2026, in Vatican City, will be the first extraordinary gathering of cardinals under the new pontiff’s leadership—a moment charged with spiritual significance and institutional weight. Announced by the Holy See on Saturday, the two-day assembly aims to deepen communion between the Pope and the College of Cardinals while fostering collective discernment on the Church’s mission in a rapidly changing world.

This historic consistory follows immediately after the closing of the Jubilee of Hope, a year-long holy celebration that concludes on January 6 with the symbolic shutting of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. The timing is deliberate: as one sacred chapter ends, another begins—not with spectacle, but with fraternal dialogue, shared reflection, and prayer.

According to the Vatican press office, the consistory will be “characterized by moments of communion and fraternity, as well as times dedicated to reflection, sharing, and prayer.” These elements, the statement adds, are intended to “favor common discernment and offer support and counsel” to Pope Leo XIV as he exercises his role as shepherd of the universal Church.

Pope Leo XIV Consistory: A Return to Synodal Fraternity

Unlike ordinary consistories—typically convened to approve canonizations or create new cardinals—this extraordinary consistory serves a more pastoral and strategic purpose. It echoes Pope Francis’s 2022 extraordinary meeting, which focused on reforming the Roman Curia and strengthening collegial governance. Yet under Leo XIV, the emphasis appears to shift toward spiritual cohesion and unity amid global challenges.

“The consistory is situated within the life and mission of the Church,” the Vatican clarified, “and its purpose is to reinforce communion between the Bishop of Rome and the cardinals, who are called to collaborate in care for the good of the universal Church.”

This framing reflects a broader trend in recent papal leadership: moving away from centralized authority toward synodal discernment—a process where bishops, clergy, and even laity contribute to Church direction through listening and dialogue. Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy in late 2025 following the death of his predecessor, has signaled continuity with this vision while placing renewed emphasis on doctrinal clarity and global solidarity.

Notably, this will be Leo XIV’s second consistory overall, after presiding over an ordinary session on June 13, 2025, focused on canonization causes. But the upcoming extraordinary gathering carries greater symbolic weight, as it gathers the Church’s highest-ranking advisors not to decide procedural matters, but to pray, reflect, and walk together in service of a world grappling with war, inequality, ecological crisis, and spiritual disorientation.

Read the Vatican’s official statement on the consistory (Holy See Press Office)

The event also underscores the evolving role of cardinals in the modern Church. Once primarily princes of the Church with political influence, today’s cardinals are increasingly expected to be pastoral leaders, bridge-builders, and voices for the marginalized—from Africa and Asia to Latin America and conflict zones in Eastern Europe. Their counsel during this consistory could shape Leo XIV’s priorities for the next phase of his pontificate, including potential reforms to Church governance, missionary strategy, and engagement with secular societies.

Geopolitical Context: The Catholic Church as a Global Moral Actor

The Pope Leo XIV consistory arrives at a time when religious institutions are being called upon to mediate escalating global tensions. With wars raging in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, democratic backsliding in multiple regions, and rising xenophobia, the Catholic Church remains one of the few global entities with moral authority, transnational infrastructure, and diplomatic reach.

The Vatican’s network of nuncios (ambassadors) in over 180 countries allows it to function as a discreet but influential peacemaker—recently facilitating prisoner exchanges and humanitarian corridors. A unified College of Cardinals, aligned with the Pope’s vision, strengthens this capacity.

Moreover, as secularism advances in the West and religious nationalism surges elsewhere, the Church faces internal pressures. In Europe and North America, debates over liturgy, gender, and doctrine have deepened divides. In the Global South, meanwhile, Catholicism is growing rapidly—yet often with demands for greater autonomy and cultural relevance.

The consistory offers Leo XIV a chance to balance these dynamics—affirming universal teachings while empowering local Churches to respond to their unique contexts. It also signals to the world that the Vatican remains committed to dialogue over division, even as other global institutions fracture.

Explore the role of the Holy See in international diplomacy via the United Nations

Critically, the meeting occurs just months before the 2026 Synod on Synodality’s final assembly, a landmark process launched under Pope Francis to reimagine Church governance. The January consistory may serve as a strategic preview, allowing cardinals to align on key themes—such as lay participation, ecological justice, and digital evangelization—before broader consultations conclude.

For observers beyond Catholicism, the event is a reminder that spiritual leadership still shapes geopolitics. When the Pope and his cardinals speak with one voice on issues like climate action, migration, or nuclear disarmament, their words carry weight far beyond the pews.

In this light, the Pope Leo XIV consistory is not merely an internal Church affair. It is a global moral gathering—one that could influence the ethical direction of international discourse in the years ahead.

Review historical context of papal consistories from the Vatican Secret Archives

A Pontificate Defined by Communion

Pope Leo XIV, whose chosen name evokes both the reforming spirit of Leo XIII and the ecumenical legacy of John XXIII, has made “communion” a cornerstone of his early papacy. In his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi message, he spoke of the Church as “a house of open doors, not closed borders,” and called for “a revolution of tenderness” in response to global indifference.

The January consistory embodies this vision. By inviting cardinals not just to advise, but to pray and discern together, Leo XIV reaffirms that leadership in the Church flows not from power, but from shared spiritual journeying.

As the bells of St. Peter’s echo on January 7, the world will be watching—not for declarations or decrees, but for a quieter, more profound signal: that even in an age of fragmentation, unity remains possible when rooted in faith, humility, and mutual care.

Si terrà nei giorni 7 e 8 gennaio 2026. A riferirlo @HolySeePress. Si tratterà di due giornate all’insegna della preghiera, della riflessione e della condivisione per offrire sostegno e consiglio al Pontefice#VaticanNewsIT

Leggi qui ⬇️https://t.co/M0uoXryqvM

— Vatican News (@vaticannews_it) December 20, 2025

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Cuba is participating in CITM 2025 with a delegation headed by the First Deputy Minister of Tourism, Jorge Alberto Garcia. More than a thousand tour operators and representatives from 101 countries and regions have gathered in Hainan province for Asia’s largest and most influential tourism trade show.

This is the first time the event has been held on Hainan Island since its inception in 2001, having previously taken place alternately in the cities of Shanghai and Kunming, according to the Xinhua news agency.

The organizers specified that this year’s edition has the theme “Hello China” and the exhibition covers an area of ​​65,000 square meters and features five thematic areas.

The event includes national and international pavilions, the Hainan Sun area, the inbound tourism consumption zone, and the culture-tourism integration area.

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The presentation will take place at 11:00 a.m. local time on Calle de Madera, on one side of Plaza de Armas, across from the City Museum in Old Havana.

This work is a collection of “short stories in which poetry, absurdity, and strangeness combine with a surprising economy of means to showcase the craft of a storyteller,” according to the ICL.

The author began writing this book in the 1980s—it took him about thirteen years to complete—and “in a way, he sets it up as a small tribute to Franz Kafka and Julio Cortazar, his two cult writers,” the press release states.

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The post A work by writer Pedro Juan Gutierrez on Saturday of the Book first appeared on Prensa Latina.

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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) released approximately 3,900 documents on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, marking the first disclosure under a new law signed by former President Donald Trump. The legislation requires the DOJ to make Epstein-related records public.

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Most of the files are photographs and are available through the DOJ’s official website in the “Epstein Library.” Categories include Judicial Records; DOJ Disclosures under the Epstein Records Transparency Act (H.R. 4405); Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; and releases from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

While some images depict prominent figures and trips associated with Epstein, many files are heavily redacted. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the DOJ for the extensive censorship.

Missing from the #Epstein files: a 60-count indictment and an 82-page evidence memo.#US https://t.co/7RIDfF1EFt

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 20, 2025

“Simply releasing a mountain of pages with blacked-out sections violates the spirit of transparency and the letter of the law. For example, 119 pages of a single document were entirely redacted. We need answers as to why,” Schumer said. He added that lawmakers are reviewing the materials “to determine what steps must be taken to hold the Trump administration accountable” and warned, “We will pursue all options to ensure the truth is known.”

The December 19 deadline for the DOJ to release the files followed Epstein’s death by apparent suicide in 2019, while he awaited trial for sex trafficking minors in Manhattan. His death has fueled multiple conspiracy theories, given his extensive connections in political, business, and entertainment circles.

⚖️ Several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein express distress over the piecemeal release of Epstein-related documents by House Oversight Committee Democrats, saying the selective disclosures are upsetting

⏳ Justice Department is due to release all Epstein files with redactions, as… pic.twitter.com/EEjo9fymcb

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) December 19, 2025

Trump initially resisted disclosing the records but later supported congressional approval of the bill, which he signed into law last month. Trump and Epstein were reportedly close from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. In recent statements, Trump denied any involvement with Epstein, saying he expelled him from Mar-a-Lago, his Florida club, and asserting, “We have nothing to hide,” noting that “all his friends were Democrats.”

Previously published emails include Epstein claiming that Trump “knew about the girls” and that he was “the only one who could end it.”

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The United States is considering restrictive measures against Spanish-flagged vessels following Spain’s decision to block the transit of US military cargo bound for Israel through its territory, prompting a formal investigation by US maritime authorities.

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In late September this year, the Spanish government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez prohibited the transit of US aircraft and ships carrying weapons, ammunition, or military equipment destined for Israel through the military bases of Rota, in Cádiz, and Morón de la Frontera, in Seville. The measure was adopted in protest against Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip.

The Joint Spanish–US Committee confirmed the decision, clarifying that the ban applies both to aircraft and vessels heading directly to Israel and to those bound for the country after intermediate stopovers.

Restrictive Port Practices of the Government of Spain: Update – https://t.co/j1mpoQEk8t

— FMC (@FMC_gov) December 19, 2025

Washington responded on Friday through the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which said it is considering closing US ports to Spanish ships while it investigates Spain’s refusal to allow US cargo vessels carrying arms to Israel to dock at the port of Algeciras, in southern Spain.

In a statement, the FMC said it is examining options that include cargo limitations, denial of entry to vessels operating under the Spanish flag, or fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage for Spanish-flagged ships.

Spain has prohibited the transfer of US weapons to Israel through the military bases of Rota and Morón, facilities located on Spanish territory but used by the United States under bilateral defense agreements.

#PedroSanchez reaffirmed #Spain's long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian people, saying, "Spain and #Palestine will always walk hand in hand."https://t.co/AUtJUobewG

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 10, 2025

US authorities view Spain’s stance as a challenge. The FMC said it is gathering information on “the current policy of Spain of denying or rejecting port access to certain vessels carrying cargo to or from Israel,” which, according to the commission, may be creating “unfavorable general or special conditions for maritime transport in US foreign trade.” The FMC, which is independent of the US government, stressed the urgency of completing its investigation to determine what “corrective measures may be appropriate to address such conditions.”

According to sources from Spain’s Ministry of Defense cited by Europa Press in September, the Defense Cooperation Agreement governing military collaboration between the two countries will not be amended. As a result, US-operated military bases in Spain remain excluded from arms embargoes.

Under Article 32 of the agreement, the United States must obtain authorization from the Permanent Committee, which operates under Spain’s Ministry of Defense, for operations involving the loading or unloading of munitions and explosives, as well as their transport by land, sea, or air within Spanish territory. However, the United States is not required to disclose the final destination of such cargo when stopovers are involved.

🗣️ 'It is deeply concerning that Spain, a NATO member, has chosen to potentially limit U.S. operations and to turn its back on Israel'

US expresses concern about Spain’s port restrictions on Israel https://t.co/dukha60hxR pic.twitter.com/jtqmAPuHxs

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) September 10, 2025

Spain reaffirmed in September its decision to halt arms sales to Israel, a move that has been questioned by some reports. The country has also taken broader diplomatic steps critical of Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In late May 2024, Madrid formally recognized the State of Palestine and later joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.

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The death toll from the fire that devastated the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has increased to 161, following new forensic identifications that clarified the number of victims recovered from the site, authorities confirmed.

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Police Commissioner Joe Chow said the revision came after genetic tests established that remains previously counted as a single victim in fact belonged to a married couple. He stressed that forensic work is still ongoing and that the final number of fatalities may change as examinations continue. According to Chow, the identification process remains particularly challenging due to the condition of some of the recovered remains.

Chow also reported that the removal of protective netting and bamboo scaffolding from building facades began on Friday. For safety reasons, these operations are currently limited to four of the seven buildings affected by the fire. The collection of material evidence is still underway, and officials have not set a deadline for completing the process.

Hong Kongers offered flowers and bowed outside a funeral parlor to pay tribute to a firefighter who was among the 160 people killed by the city's deadliest fire in decades. https://t.co/YvVG2MlI9D

— The Associated Press (@AP) December 19, 2025

The fire erupted on November 26, when netting covering bamboo scaffolding between the ground floor and first floor of Wang Cheong House caught fire. The blaze spread with unusual speed across the complex, eventually reaching six additional towers.

In response to the scale of the tragedy, the Hong Kong government established an Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired by a magistrate, to determine the causes of both the ignition and the rapid spread of the fire. The commission’s mandate includes reviewing procedures used in building renovation contracts, assessing the adequacy of existing regulations, examining potential criminal responsibility, and issuing recommendations to the government. The final report is expected within nine months.

In parallel, the Independent Commission Against Corruption arrested the current chairman of the owners’ corporation and his predecessor on Wednesday as part of a broader investigation linked to the disaster.

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 under a public affordable housing program and consists of eight 31-story towers with nearly 2,000 apartments. According to the 2021 census, the complex was home to 4,643 residents.

In a moving funeral service on Friday, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region bid a final farewell to Ho Wai-ho, the firefighter who lost his life while combating last month's #TaiPo fire, which has so far claimed the lives of 160 residents of #HongKong. #大埔 #大埔火災… pic.twitter.com/bRXyHLt11f

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) December 20, 2025

At the time of the fire, the buildings were undergoing renovation works valued at 330 million Hong Kong dollars and were fully covered with bamboo scaffolding and safety netting. Subsequent investigations found that some of the netting used did not meet required fire-resistance standards and that highly flammable expanded polystyrene panels had been installed. These findings contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and raised suspicions of improper cost-cutting and failures in procurement processes.

In September, the leadership of the owners’ corporation was renewed, and the Labour Department carried out inspections that resulted in sanctions. The most recent official inspection took place one week before the fire.

More than twenty people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and offenses related to public administration, including individuals connected to contracting companies.

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The United States has launched what it described as a “large-scale attack” against Islamic State (IS) targets in central Syria, following an ambush last week that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American interpreter near the city of Palmyra.

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In a brief statement released on Friday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that American forces had initiated “a large-scale attack against IS infrastructure and weapons storage facilities in Syria.” The command stated that the operation was carried out in response to the attack against U.S. forces and their allies on December 13.

Shortly after the announcement, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation on social media, saying it had been named Operation Hawk Eye Attack. “This is not the beginning of a war, it is a statement of vengeance,” Hegseth wrote.

Tonight, U.S. and Jordanian forces struck 70+ ISIS targets in Syria with 100+ precision munitions. Peace through strength. pic.twitter.com/XWWvfqBBFT

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 20, 2025

He added: “As we said immediately after the brutal attack (of December 13), if you attack Americans anywhere in the world, you will spend the rest of your short and anguished life knowing that the United States will pursue you, find you, and eliminate you mercilessly.”

According to an anonymous U.S. official cited by The New York Times, dozens of suspected IS positions across several areas of central Syria were targeted using fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery barrages. The official said the bombardment was expected to last several hours.

Night strikes in Syria⚔️🚨

U.S. and Jordanian forces carried out strikes on over 70 ISIS targets, using more than 100 precision-guided munitions. pic.twitter.com/5tyvH256yK

— China pulse | 中国脉搏 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) December 20, 2025

The December 13 ambush, carried out by a lone gunman, took place near Palmyra and resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and an interpreter. They were the first Americans to die in Syria since the fall of the government of Bashar al-Assad last year.

In a separate statement posted on the social media platform X, CENTCOM described the operation as the most extensive U.S. military action in Syria since the collapse of the Syrian government. The statement confirmed that the overnight strikes were directly linked to the deaths of three Americans, including two military personnel, in the Palmyra attack.

The attacks come a week after three Americans, including two US soldiers, were killed in Syria’s Palmyra. https://t.co/BdDzaLeHla

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 20, 2025

Sources cited in regional reporting said that U.S. troops stationed at the Al-Shaddadi base, located south of the northeastern city of Al-Hasaka, also participated in the operation. The attacks reportedly included airstrikes and missile launches and were supported by fighter aircraft from the Jordanian Armed Forces.

U.S. authorities have repeatedly justified their military presence in Syria on security grounds, arguing that it has prevented Islamic State from regaining strength in the country.

The latest strikes highlight the continuation of U.S. military operations in Syria following last year’s political shift, as Washington maintains actions it says are aimed at targeting Islamic State infrastructure and responding to attacks on its personnel.

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