Israeli Warplanes Pound Syria Amid Strategic Advances

AP News,

Israeli warplanes conducted over 350 airstrikes in Syria within 48 hours, targeting strategic military facilities, including missile depots and airfields, to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. The strikes followed the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, with Israeli forces establishing a buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. Syrian civilians celebrated Assad’s ousting, while concerns over looted humanitarian aid and regional condemnation over Israel’s actions persist. Despite accusations of advancing towards Damascus, Israel denied any such moves, citing border protection.

Why Israel is Intensifying Strikes on Syria

Al Jazeera,

Israel has launched over 400 attacks in Syria since Assad fled to Russia, citing efforts to dismantle military infrastructure and prevent weapons from reaching extremists. Despite UN protests, Israeli forces entered a buffer zone along the Golan Heights, claiming defensive actions. Critics, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s turmoil. Israeli officials emphasize targeting chemical and rocket sites, while speculation grows about potential Israeli collaborations with Syrian factions like the Druze and Kurds to influence post-Assad Syria.

South Korea’s Yoon Faces Impeachment as Martial Law Probe Deepens

Reuters,

South Korean police attempted to raid President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office amid an escalating probe into his brief declaration of martial law. Investigations reveal allegations of insurrection against Yoon, who is barred from leaving the country. Key officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, have been arrested, with Kim attempting suicide while in custody. Calls for Yoon’s impeachment gain traction, with opposition parties preparing for a vote. Public protests and worker strikes further destabilize Yoon’s leadership, as his People Power Party considers his resignation.

SpaceX Launch Lights Up Holiday Sky at Vandenberg Base

Space.com,

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites illuminated the holiday lighting ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The event featured festive activities and a speech by Col. Mark Shoemaker. The launch marked a milestone, completing Starlink’s direct-to-cell phone satellite constellation for remote connectivity. The rocket’s first stage landed successfully on a droneship in the Pacific, marking its 12th mission. The deployment highlights SpaceX’s growing role in global communication infrastructure.

Pyramid Discovery in Mexico Unveils Ancient Civilization

HeritageDaily,

Mexican archaeologists uncovered a pyramid during road construction in Hidalgo, attributed to a pre-Hispanic settlement linked to the Metzca lordship. The excavation revealed over 155 artifacts, including ceramics and shells. Stabilized with masonry, the pyramid has been reburied for conservation. The findings enrich understanding of human occupation in the region, with educational outreach to promote archaeological heritage awareness.

Bitcoin Dips Below $100K Amid Market Volatility

Yahoo Finance,

Bitcoin’s value plunged to $94,000, triggering $3 billion in liquidations. Despite volatility, analysts remain optimistic due to institutional interest and the rise of Bitcoin ETFs, which logged significant inflows. The broader crypto market, including altcoins, faced a 5% drop, bringing global market capitalization to $3.45 trillion. Experts predict long-term growth, citing corporate investments and pro-crypto appointments in the upcoming U.S. administration.

Zelenskyy Praises Trump’s Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

Al Jazeera,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded Donald Trump for his decisive leadership in peace talks, claiming Putin fears him. Discussions with Trump and Macron in Paris emphasized global unity to end the war. Zelenskyy signaled openness to deploying Western troops in Ukraine under clear EU and NATO integration timelines. However, concerns remain over potential cuts in U.S. military aid under Trump’s administration, sparking fears of territorial concessions to Russia.

Kamala Harris Criticized for Campaign Spending on Celebrities

The Times of India,

Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign faced scrutiny for high-profile expenditures, including $165,000 to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Media and $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions. Despite substantial fundraising, Harris lost to Donald Trump, raising questions about the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements. Financial disclosures reveal over $277 million spent in the final campaign month, with criticism mounting over misallocation of resources.

Bangkok Police Bust Drug-Fueled Party

South China Morning Post,

Thai police arrested 124 individuals at a drug party in central Bangkok, finding narcotics like methamphetamine and ketamine. Over half tested positive for drug use. The raid underscores Thailand’s position as a hub for narcotics trafficking. Authorities continue to detain suspects for further investigation.